Oklahoma

"The Sooner State"

Once known as Indian Territory, Oklahoma is home to more American Indian Tribes than any other state, with 39 tribal headquarters and members of at least 67 tribes. Visitors will find a blend of traditional and contemporary culture at art galleries, museums, historic sites, powwows and festivals. The old west also lives on at working ranches, rodeos and in the cattle trade. Today visitors can follow the Chisholm Trail along Highway 81 where cattle are still driven along the route in semi-trucks headed for the largest United States cattle auction, which begins every Monday morning in Stockyard City/ Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City is also home to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, a treasure of Western and Native American art and artifacts. Tulsa is home to the world's most comprehensive collection of art of the American West at the Gilcrease Museum. And yes, you can get your kicks on Route 66 here because travellers will find nearly 400 miles of Route 66 in Oklahoma, more than any other state, where they will enjoy nostalgic motor lodges, diners, and two Route 66 museums. Outdoors in Oklahoma can be enjoyed at over 50 state parks, offering cabins and boat rentals at pristine forested lakes, and hiking and cycling along refreshing rivers. Experience all that's best about America in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma takes you on a journey through time filled with Native American, western and contemporary experiences. Discover rich history and breath-taking forests, food fairs and festivals.

Vibrant Native American and Cowboy culture statewide and at June’s Red Earth Festival, Oklahoma City, the biggest in the world. Also, drive Route 66, the 'Mother Road'.

Land Area: 69,903 square miles

Population: 3,450,652

State Capital: Oklahoma City

Largest City: Oklahoma City

Local Time: CST – 6 hrs behind the UK, and MST – 7 hrs behind the UK.

Generally dry and breezy, with little humidity. Winter months (Dec- Mar) bring temperatures of between 25°F (-4°C) and 50°F (10°C), while summer months (May-Sept) are warm with temperatures from 80-100°F. (27-38°C). The primary travel season is mid-April/early November.

50 Parks

Oklahoma lies at a unique crossroads – not just because it’s practically in the middle of the USA, but also because of its fascinating mixture of Western history, Native American culture and genuine Southern charm. With powwows and rodeos, Western museums and country music, Southern comfort food and Route 66 relics, Oklahoma’s cultural medley is genuine Americana. It doesn’t hurt that it’s wrapped up in a pretty package, too, with 33 state parks, rugged mountains, abundant wildlife and those famously expansive plains. Thriving Oklahoma City and Tulsa add city vibes to country life, and the friendly locals will make sure you have a great time exploring it all.

Oklahoma has the largest Native American population in the USA, serving as headquarters for 39 tribes. Discover rich heritage by attending a powwow or visiting the Chickasaw Cultural Centre, First Americans Museum, Five Civilized Tribes Museum, Standing Bear Monument and Red Earth Art Centre, home to the well-attended Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival every June. Pioneer history and cowboy culture is on display at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City and Chisholm Trail Heritage Centre in Duncan, two can’t-miss attractions for Western art and culture. Other ways to get a little bit country: Stay at an authentic working cattle ranch, see a rodeo and listen to live country music in just about every town, every night of the week. 

No other road in the USA has the mystique of Route 66, and Oklahoma has more of it than anywhere else – including the last remaining “ribbon road,” a 2.7-meter-wide section of pavement laid in 1922. Quirky roadside landmarks include a big blue whale, big round barn, large milk bottle on a small building, a totem pole park, the Vaudeville-era Coleman Theatre and the 23-meter-tall Golden Driller statue in Tulsa, a figure so iconic that it was adopted as the state monument in 1979. View the extensive collections of Mother Road memorabilia at the Route 66 Interpretive Centre, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum or the National Route 66 Museum. When it’s time to eat, stop at Pops 66 Soda Ranch for a burger and choose from among 700 flavoured sodas. 

While much of Oklahoma is characterized by small towns and open landscapes, it’s not all country. In Oklahoma City, check out Bricktown, a warehouse-district-turned-entertainment-mecca with bars, clubs, boutiques and eateries as well as the Paycom Center, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and a water taxi tour that cruises through the heart of Bricktown. Visit family-friendly attractions such as the Oklahoma City Zoo and Science Museum Oklahoma in the Adventure District. Get a photo of Skydance Bridge, a remarkable pedestrian bridge topped with a 60-meter star-like sculpture. Oklahoma City also has a booming culinary scene; just ask the locals for recommendations on their favourite barbecue, chicken-fried steak and fried onion burgers. Tulsa, Oklahoma’s second-largest city, rocks with concerts at the BOK Centre, Cain’s Ballroom and The Joint at Hard Rock Casino. Nature enthusiasts can find outdoor activities right in the city. Hike at Turkey Mountain Urban Park, pedal the Tulsa River Parks or fish below the dam in the Arkansas River.