Oklahoma
The Sooner State
Oklahoma sits at the heart of the American experience - where Native American heritage, Western legacy, and classic Americana meet under big skies and open roads. Nicknamed The Sooner State, Oklahoma offers a rich mix of tradition and adventure, with a unique identity shaped by its history as former Indian Territory.
Native American Culture at the Forefront
Home to 39 federally recognised tribal nations, Oklahoma has more Native American tribes than any other U.S. state. Visitors can explore this cultural depth through museums, powwows, heritage centres, and festivals. At places like the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City or the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, ancient stories are preserved and retold in modern, immersive ways. Oklahoma’s strong Native American presence reflects the many tribal nations based there, offering travellers cultural centres and festivals that complement the heritage experiences available in neighbouring states such as Arkansas.
Western Roots and Cowboy Traditions
Oklahoma’s Western roots are equally strong. From working ranches and summer rodeos to cattle auctions and cowboy history, the spirit of the frontier is alive and well. Travellers can follow the historic Chisholm Trail along Highway 81, where the old cattle drive route now sees herds rolling by in semi-trucks on route to the Stockyard City auction - America’s largest, still held every Monday in Oklahoma City.
Here, you’ll also find the world-renowned National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, featuring Western art, rodeo memorabilia, and Native American artifacts. In Tulsa, the Gilcrease Museum houses the most comprehensive collection of American West art in the world. Oklahoma’s cowboy and ranching traditions sit alongside its Native history, creating a distinctive mix that differs in style from the Western heritage celebrated in Texas.
Route 66 and Classic Road Trip Culture
Oklahoma is also a key stop for fans of classic Americana. With nearly 400 miles of Route 66, more than any other state, this is a dream destination for nostalgic road-trippers. Vintage motor lodges, neon-lit diners, roadside museums, and restored gas stations line the route from Miami to Texola, offering a living snapshot of mid-century travel culture.
Outdoor Landscapes and Scenic Variety
For lovers of the outdoors, Oklahoma surprises many. The state boasts over 50 scenic state parks, with options for hiking, boating, and relaxing at forested lakes. From the Ouachita Mountains in the east to the Gloss Mountains in the west, the terrain shifts from rolling hills to wide-open prairie, providing a different regional character to the forested mountains of Arkansas, of the wide-open lake regions found in parts of Texas.
Whether you’re exploring Native heritage, kicking up dust at a rodeo, or getting your kicks on Route 66, Oklahoma travel offers a diverse and deeply American experience. Authentic, welcoming, and often overlooked—Oklahoma is the kind of place that invites you to stay a little longer and see a little deeper.
Last Updated: 12/01/2026