Explore Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a landlocked state in the South Central region of the United States. It borders Texas to the south and west, Kansas to the north, Missouri to the northeast, Arkansas to the southeast, New Mexico to the west, and Colorado to the northwest. Wikipedia

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

  • Spring (March–May): Wildflowers bloom, tornado season starts, but it’s a great time for hiking and festivals.

  • Fall (September–November): Cooler weather, colorful foliage, and fewer storms—ideal for outdoor events.

  • Summer (June–August): Hot and humid but great for lake trips and fairs.

  • Winter (December–February): Mild with occasional snow in the north.

✈️ How to Get There:

  • By Air:

    • Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) – Oklahoma City’s main airport.

    • Tulsa International Airport (TUL) – Serves northeastern Oklahoma.

    • Smaller regional airports in Lawton, Stillwater, and others.

  • By Car:

    • Interstates I-35, I-40, and I-44 cross the state.

    • Route 66 runs through Oklahoma with nostalgic stops.

  • By Train:

    • Amtrak Heartland Flyer connects Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas.

🌟 Top Attractions:

  • Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: Powerful tribute to the 1995 bombing victims.

  • Route 66: Classic Americana—museums, diners, and quirky roadside stops.

  • National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (OKC): Art, history, and Western culture.

  • Philbrook Museum of Art (Tulsa): Housed in an Italian-style villa with beautiful gardens.

  • Gathering Place (Tulsa): One of the best urban parks in the U.S.

  • Turner Falls Park: Waterfalls, swimming, and caves in the Arbuckle Mountains.

  • Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: Bison, longhorns, rock climbing, and hiking trails.

  • Chickasaw Cultural Center: Learn about Native American history and culture.

🚴 Activities to Do:

  • Hiking & camping: Wichita Mountains, Robbers Cave, and Beavers Bend State Park.

  • Boating & fishing: Lake Texoma, Grand Lake, and Lake Eufaula.

  • Cultural experiences: Powwows, tribal museums, and historical reenactments.

  • Sports: Attend a Thunder (NBA) game in OKC or OU/OSU college football.

  • Music: Explore the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee or catch live country, jazz, or red dirt music.

🏨 Accommodation:

  • Luxury:

    • Ambassador Hotel (Tulsa & OKC): Historic, upscale hotels.

    • 21c Museum Hotel (OKC): Modern boutique hotel with contemporary art.

  • Mid-range:

    • National hotel chains in all cities.

    • Charming inns and lodges near state parks and lakes.

  • Budget:

    • Affordable motels and campgrounds.

    • Cabins in state parks for scenic and simple stays.

  • Unique:

    • Route 66-themed motels

    • Tipis or yurts in nature parks and glamping sites.

    • Casino resorts (Choctaw, WinStar) with entertainment and spas.

🍽️ Food and Restaurants:

  • Must-Try Oklahoma Foods:

    • Chicken-fried steak

    • Fried okra & cornbread

    • Barbecue – especially brisket and ribs

    • Indian tacos made on frybread

    • Onion burgers (a regional favorite)

    • Pecan pie and fried pies

  • Top Restaurants:

    • Cattlemen’s Steakhouse (OKC): Historic and classic.

    • Burn Co. BBQ (Tulsa): Famous for ribs and burnt ends.

    • Cheever’s Café (OKC): Upscale comfort food.

    • Elote Café & Catering (Tulsa): Tasty tacos with a twist.

    • Charleston’s: Popular local chain for hearty American meals.

🧑‍🌾 Local Culture:

  • Western heritage: Rodeos, cowboy culture, and frontier history are big parts of identity.

  • Native American traditions: Oklahoma has 39 federally recognized tribes; Native culture is visible in museums, festivals, and art.

  • Route 66 nostalgia: Classic diners, neon signs, and kitschy attractions.

  • Agriculture & oil history: Learn about both at museums and historic sites.

  • Friendly hospitality: Expect warm welcomes and “yes ma’ams” across the state.