Renowned for its Native American heritage and booming energy industry, Oklahoma lies landlocked in the south-central region of the United States. It encompasses ancient mountains, rolling prairies and flat-topped mesa, and takes its name from the Choctaw words meaning “people” and “red”.
Things to do in Oklahoma
Whether you want to get cultured in Oklahoma City and Tulsa or escape to the wild landscapes of the Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma is sure to impress.
Sightsee in Oklahoma City. Famed for its cowboy culture, Oklahoma City lies along the North Canadian River in the heart of the state. Learn about the city’s tragic 1995 bombing at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, then walk down the streets of a turn-of-the-century town at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Explore the art museums of Tulsa. Clustered with Art Deco buildings, Tulsa is a bustling city that flourished during the 20th-century oil boom. See one of the American West’s most outstanding collections of art at the Gilcrease Museum or get up close to Native American handicrafts in the Philbrook Museum of Art’s Italianate villa.
Spot bison in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Nestled in the south-west region of Oklahoma is one of the oldest managed wildlife facilities in the United States and an important refuge for white-tailed deer, Texas longhorn cattle and American bison. In addition to hiking and wildlife spotting, the refuge is popular with rock climbers tackling the summit of Mount Scott.
Follow the Talimena Scenic Drive. Connecting Talihina in Oklahoma with Mena in Arkansas, this 87-kilometre-long route traverses the old-growth wilderness of the Ouachita National Forest. There are plenty of turnouts where you can stop to soak up the views and hike trails that ascend the slopes of the Winding Stair Mountains.
Getting around Oklahoma
Will Rogers World Airport is the main aviation gateway to Oklahoma and has flights to destinations across the United States. The Heartland Flyer train connects from Fort Worth to Oklahoma City while regional buses serve towns throughout the state. Renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring Oklahoma.