Six of the Best Reasons to Visit Oklahoma Right Now

Explore Cities with Endless Outdoor Spaces

Experience the diversity and beauty of Oklahoma by visiting the wonderful cities all over the state. Each city is unique and filled with culture, history, and incredible food that you just have to experience for yourself. For the true Oklahoma experience, spend your days appreciating the nature and outdoor spaces that exist right within the city, which make Oklahoma’s cities so enjoyable to explore. First visit OKC’s Bricktown, with wonderful events, festivals and nightlife, this lively district really reflects the fun and vibrancy of Oklahoma. Take a tour along the Bricktown Canal, soaking in the Oklahoma sun and learning all about the history and culture of the city as you travel from downtown Bricktown all along to the northern edge of the Oklahoma River. Head to Tulsa to visit the 66 acres of parks at The Gathering Place. This unique area is a riverfront park filled with incredible events, sports facilities and great restaurants, it’s the perfect place to explore the river ways and trails that loop through the park, without even leaving Tulsa. Take your time bird watching, visiting the different gardens or stroll along the routes that wind through The Gathering Place, all with excellent views and flourishing wildlife – you may forget you are even in such a bustling city!

Learn and Experience Native American Culture and History

Visit The Choctaw Cultural Center, in Durant, a fascinating and awe inspiring museum dedicated to the Choctaw Nation. The Choctaw Nation is the third largest Native American tribe in the United States with more than 200,000 tribal members. The museum complex offers two large exhibition halls, an art gallery, an auditorium, a children's area, a shop and a café on almost 9,300 square metres. The permanent exhibition is divided into four parts, covering the history of the Choctaw nation from the early days - around 1250 - to the present day. This reflection on the past and culture of Oklahoma is an incredible and interactive experience which you will not soon forget. In autumn of 2021 the First Americans Museum opened in Oklahoma City. This museum is a landmark monument, dedicated to the history and culture of the 39 American Indian Nations now headquartered in Oklahoma. Covering more than 16,000 square metres, the First Americans Museum (FAM) reviews the diverse history, cultures and traditions, art and handicrafts of all 39 indigenous nations, in several modern sections, with the help of the latest multimedia technology. Visitors can enrich the experience with guided tours and multiple programmes and events. 



Head out onto the Mother Road - Route 66



The nation’s longest unbroken, drivable stretch of iconic Route 66 - more than 400 miles - crosses Oklahoma, from Miami (pronounced ‘Miamah’ by Okies) in the east of the state, through the conurbations of Tulsa and Oklahoma City, and wends its way through welcoming towns, down-home diners and motels, and quirky attractions. Along the Mother Road, you’ll encounter the friendliest of people and enjoy a host of diverse shopping and eating places. Nearly 100 years ago, when Tulsa businessman Cyrus Avery had the vision of a futuristic new highway connecting the burgeoning East and West coasts, little did he know the legendary status that would grow up around ‘Route 66’. Now, it’s a must-do road trip for US fans of all ages. Ask your Discover North America travel specialist for more information!

Immerse Yourself in Western & Civil Rights History

In order to truly experience Oklahoma, you simply must experience the Western history and culture of the state. Learn about the homesteaders from the East, at the Oklahoma Land Run Monument in Oklahoma City, which marks the rush for land at the opening of the Unassigned Land in Oklahoma Territory in 1889, allowing the homesteaders to claim their plot and set up home – creating what we now know as Oklahoma City. Visit the Greenwood Rising History Center, opened in 2021 which commemorates the life and loss of the ‘Black Wall Street’ that once thrived in Tulsa, but was destroyed in a race riot in 1921. The Greenwood Museum explores the legendary ‘Black Wall Street’ and the thriving community that lived there and the victims of the ‘Tulsa Race Massacre’. Exploring the history and stories of Oklahoma is a fascinating and essential part of any trip. 



Explore the very Best Food, Music and Nightlife

Don't underestimate the food and nightlife in Oklahoma- Oklahoma City offers the very best of Oklahoma, with delicious cuisine of all cultures, whether it be a restaurant or a food truck you are looking for; Oklahoma City is full of perfect dining experiences. Visit Flint in downtown Oklahoma City for that relaxed but upscale dinner on their open air patio, or try some iconic Southern barbeque at Back Door Barbecue. Head to Tulsa for an unforgettable night-time atmosphere, filled with live music, nonstop entertainment and plenty of venues to choose from – no matter what kind of night you are looking for. Keep an eye out for incredible tickets for events at the BOK Centre in Tulsa or head on down to Cherry Street for an endless amount of bars and jazz clubs.