Oklahoma, a Southern Central state with a population of three million, is nicknamed the Sooner State. Originally settled by Native American tribes as early as the year 850 AD, Oklahoma has a rich history and strong cultural influences, and maintains its All-American spirit. Oklahoma is a geographically diverse state, with its landscape consisting of Great Plains, the Ouachita, Arbuckle, Wichita and Ozark Mountains, and the Red and Arkansas Rivers. Bordered mainly by Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas, Oklahoma is the perfect destination for a road trip through the country. The state is traversed by Interstate 35, Interstate 40, and Interstate 44, as well as a section of the historic Route 6 .
Northwest/Panhandle - Red Carpet Count
Guymon is a city of ten thousand on the Panhandle of Oklahoma along US Highway 64. Guymon is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, especially hunters and fishermen, who will enjoy the nearby Optima Lake and Optima National Wildlife Refuge. Guymon is reputed for having a large number of pheasant and is known as the Saddle Bronc Capital of the Worl .
Cherokee is a small city consisting of less than two thousand residents. Cherokee is located on US Highway 6 .
Ponca City lies just south of the Oklahoma-Kansas border, along US Highway 77 and US Highway 60. Ponca City is steeped in the tradition of the Cherokee Outlet as well as the oil and petroleum industry, and was named for the Ponca Tribe. Kaw Lake and Ponca Lake are popular places for outdoor recreation. Also visit the Pioneer Woman Museum, Standing Bear Memorial, and Cann Memorial Botanical Gardens in Ponca City.
Southwest - Great Plains Count
Lawton lies on Interstate 44 in southwestern Oklahoma, near the Wichita Mountains. It is home to the Fort Sill Army base and has a population of nearly one hundred thousand. The Fort Sill Museum is an interesting place to visit, with the Geronimo burial site, Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and more located in the museum. Another popular attraction is the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. The famous Medicine Park resort town is also located nearby, at the entrance to the Wichita Mountains.
Elk City is a city of ten thousand at the head of Elk Creek in southwestern Oklahoma, on Interstate 40. To learn about the interesting history of Elk City, visit one of the numerous museums such as the Farm and Ranch Museum, Old Town Museum, and National Transportation Museum. The National Route 66 Museum is located nearby, as well as the historic Storm House and the authentic Whited Grist Mill .
Clinton is located in the Washita River Valley, at the intersection of Interstate 40 and Route 183. Its most popular attraction is the Route 66 Museum. The Mohawk Lodge and Cheyenne Cultural Center are two more unique Clinton attractions. Also visit four historic places in Clinton, including the Crawford House and McLain Rogers Park. The nearby Washita National Wildlife Refuge and Foss State Park offer camping areas as well as hunting and fishing .
Duncan is an old-fashioned city on US Highway 81, nintey miles south of Oklahoma City. The Historic Chisholm passed through the city and is comemmorated at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center. Duncan is also noted as the birthplace of the Halliburton Corporation, for it has a history based on the oil industry .
Weatherford is located one hour west of Oklahoma City on Interstate 40, also known as historic Route 66, which runs through the center of town. This All-American community features a golf course and twelve parks, but the real draw is the General Thomas P. Stafford Air and Space Museum.
Northeast - Green Count
Tulsa is the second-largest city in Oklahoma, with over nine hundred thousand residents in its metropolitan area. Tulsa is located along Interstate 40, on the Arkansas River and at the base of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Tulsa was originally settled by the Creek Tribe in 1836, and also owes part of its heritage to its location along the historic Route 66. Tulsa features many eclectic styles of architecture and unique neighborhoods which inlude the Brady Arts District and the Greenwood Historical District. Some of the many exciting places to visit in Tulsa are the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, Woodward Park, and Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum.
Miami is located along historic Route 66 in the upper northeastern corner of Oklahoma. The city is strongly influenced by its native American heritage; named after the Miami tribe, it is the current home of the Miami Nation as well as nine other tribes including the Ottawa and Shawnee. Local casinos and outdoor recreation are a popular pastime in Miami. Another famous attraction is the historic Coleman Theatre Beautiful, built in 1929. Other interesting historic places, such as the Peopria Trial Cemetary, are located throughout Miami.
Sallisaw is located on Interstate 40 near the Arkansas-Oklahoma border. Sallisaw is strongly influenced by the Cherokee Tribe, and is mentioned in the book The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Visitors flock to modern-day Sallisaw to see historic landmarks and the Blue Ribbon Downs racetrack, and also for camping and recreation in the nearby lakes.
Muskogee is located southeast of Tulsa in northeastern Oklahoma. The Muskogee area is known as the Three Forks, where the Grand, Arkansas, and Verdigris Rivers meet. Fort Gibson, the first military establishment in Oklahoma, is a part of the Muskogee area. The world-famous Honor Heights Park WWI Memorial is an important attractions, as well as famous museums including the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, USS Batfish War Memorial. Outdoor recreation three area lakes is a popular pastime, with fishing, camping, and boating facilities available.
Bartlesville is located fifty miles north of Tulsa on Route 75. Bartlesville is noted for the Price Tower, a skyscraper designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The city also hosts several well-known annual festivals, including the OK MOZART International Festival and Sunfest. A must-see when visiting Bartlesville is the Wollaroc Estate and Ranch, which features a large collection of fine art, a mausoleum, and a wildlife preserve.
Southeast - Arbuckle Count
Ardmore is a tourism city located near the Arbuckle Mountains and the Healdton Basin. There are an abundance of cultural attractions, including the Charles B. Goddard Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, Military Memorial Museum, and Greater Southwest Historical Museum. Lake Murray provides opportunities for camping, fishing and boating, hiking, and golf. Also visit the nearby Turner Falls, Tucker Tower Nature Center, and Arbuckle Wilderness.
Central - Frontier Count
Oklahoma City is the capital of Oklahoma, as well as its largest city, with well over one million residents in its metropolitan area. Oklahoma City lies in the heart of the state, at the intersection of major thouroghfares Interstate 35, Interstate 44, and Interstate 40. Oklahoma City is a mix of cosmopolitan and country living, with cultural attractions and entertainment as well as a scenic landscape which includes Lake Hefner and the North Canadian River, and a strong and diverse economy. There are plenty of museums to visit, such as the Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City National Memorial, and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Numerous parks include the Oklahoma City Zoological Park, Frontier City amusement park, and the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Many of these attractions are located in the Oklahoma City Adventure District.
Shawnee is located just thirty minutes east of Oklahoma City on Interstate 40. Shawnee, like much of Oklahoma, has a rich Native American history, as well as influences from its sister city of Nikaho, Japan. The Shawnee Twin Lakes and Wes Watkins Reservoir are popular spots for fishing and boating, as well as camping.
Stillwater can be found about halfway between Oklahoma City and and Ponca City. Stillwater is a college town that is the home of Oklahoma State University.
Perry is a city of ten thousand located one hour north of Oklahoma City on Interstate 35. Perry is a beautiful city where outdoor recreational opportunities are everywhere, such as at Perry Lake, Sooner Lake, and the Perry Country Club and Golf Course.
Edmond is a suburb of seventy thousand that is part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Edmond is located on US Route 77 and Interstate 35. Close to all the attractions of Oklahoma city, Edmond is near Arcadia Lake, Remington Park Racetrack, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and more.
Norman , twenty minutes south of Oklahoma City on Interstate 35, has a population of over one hundred thousand. Norman is a college town that is home to the University of Oklahoma. The campus is home to notable buildings such as the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and the Jones Museum of Art. Outside of the college campus, Norman is an eclectic mix of culture, entertainment, and recreational opportunities. Brookhaven Village is a trendy area for shopping and dining, and the Sooner Mall is another popular spot. Visit the nearby Lake Thunderbird State Park, Little River Zoo, and Jacobson House Native Arts Center.
Chandler is a small city of less than three thousand located between Oklahoma City and Shawnee on Interstate 44 and the famed US Route 66. Chandler is considered part of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area. Visit the Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History, Meramec Caverns, and Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame. Recreation in Chandler Lake and the Chandler Golf Course is a popular pastime.
Unique sights abound in Oklahoma where else can you see herds of American Bison roaming the plains or a Native American pow-wow ceremony? Farms, ranches, and vineyards; rivers, lakes, and mountains; cities, towns, and country; this state has it all. Oklahoma residents, known as some of the friendliest in the United States, welcome you back time and time again.