Oklahoma

Welcome to Oklahoma, where you’ll find hospitality around every corner, especially in our Centennial year. One of our most renowned natives, cowboy humorist Will Rogers, described his home state as the heart of America’s existence. More recently, “Good Morning America” informed millions of viewers that “Oklahoma epitomizes America.” Settled by heart-stopping land runs, competitive land lotteries and even a land auction, we’re the only state who added territory thanks to a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

We banished the Dust Bowl decades ago by building more man-made lakes than any other state. Fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, sailing, rowing, wind-surfing, jet-skiing, and even scuba diving – you can do it all in Oklahoma. When it comes to fishing, we’re an anglers’ paradise every month of the year, so it’s no wonder our waters are ranked as one of the top three for freshwater fishing in the nation.

We’ve got the most diverse terrain mile-for-mile than any other state, from gently rolling hills to expansive, fertile plains. Ancient mountains, ever-changing sand dunes, salt flats, pine forests, cypress swamps and caves of alabaster all make for a vacation paradise, no matter what kind of getaway you’re seeking.

The Mother Road of the nation, Historic Route 66 traverses the Sooner State, revealing a wealth of unique and fascinating destinations as it leads visitors through the metropolitan areas of Oklahoma City and Tulsa as well as weaving through our diverse landscape, where small-town charm awaits each visitor. Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66 features more drivable miles than any other state.

Much of the Sooner State was forged by American Indian tribes that persevered through forced marches, and skirmishes on the frontier to become sovereign nations that today make significant contributions to not only our cultural identity, but to our flourishing economy as well. Across the state, the 39 tribal headquarters operate tourism destinations, lodging, racetracks, golf courses, casinos and even a chocolate factory.

Our cowboy roots were firmly planted by the rugged Buffalo Soldiers who constructed forts and outposts as they patrolled the territory following the Civil War. Trail bosses and drovers moved massive herds of cattle up the famed Chisholm Trail and other cattle routes including the Great Western Trail and two branches of the Shawnee Trail. Today, ranches dot the Oklahoma landscape, rodeos take place every month of the year, western wear and tack stores are numerous, and you’ll find one horse for every 12 people (more per capita than any other state).

Thanks to the largesse of Oklahoma’s early 20th century oil barons and other far-seeing philanthropic residents, we’ve amassed world-class art and artifacts that are proudly displayed in museums and historic homes across the state – collections that continue to grow. Our musical and artistic heritage thrives in festivals, dance companies, theatrical troupes, and performing arts centers year-round.