Oklahoma: Nature, Culture and Route 66

Oklahoma combines vast prairies, impressive natural areas, Indigenous culture and legendary road routes. Those planning a trip with varied focuses can choose between hiking, water-based activities, museums, culinary discoveries and long sections of Route 66. A vacation apartment or vacation home in Oklahoma can be selected to suit the desired experiences and personal travel plans.

Prairie, Granite Mountains and Paths through the Forest

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge protects approximately 60,000 acres of prairie with mixed-grass vegetation, ancient granite mountains, and freshwater lakes and streams. The refuge is also known for roaming herds of bison, Longhorn cattle and Rocky Mountain elk. Fifteen miles of designated hiking trails are available for active days. Those who want to combine scenery and wildlife observation will find a distinctive natural area here, away from classic city sightseeing.

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area offers a different landscape. It is a transition zone where eastern deciduous forest and mixed-grass prairie meet. Many trails in the Platt National Park Historic District lead through the forest, along streams, past rushing waterfalls and near freshwater or mineral springs. Canoeing, kayaking and the use of motorboats without wakes are permitted on Veterans Lake. There are boat ramps at Lake of the Arbuckles; permits to launch boats are required for their use.

Experience Oklahoma’s Culture and History

The Oklahoma History Center is an 18-acre learning center with 215,000 square feet of space. It presents history from different perspectives, including Indigenous culture, pioneers, aviation and commerce. The audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French and German. This makes it possible to plan a museum visit specifically even when the travel group includes speakers of different languages.

OKLA HOMMA tells the stories of all 39 tribes in present-day Oklahoma. Artwork, interactive media and films shape the presentation. At the First Americans Museum, 39 Restaurant honors Indigenous foodways and explores the culinary innovation and artistry of the 39 tribal nations in present-day Oklahoma. This creates a connection between history, the present day, visual impressions and regional cuisine for travel planning.

The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum also offers a personal journey through the history of the nation’s most revered highway. Changing special exhibitions are dedicated to the Route 66 experience. More than 400 miles of Route 66 run through Oklahoma, making the state an important section for a journey with changing stages and cultural stops along the way. The Battlefield Overlook also offers a view of the Washita River valley, where Black Kettle’s village was located.

Routes, Water and Regional Discoveries

Those planning a scenic drive can consider the Talimena National Scenic Byway. Thirty-six of its 54 drivable miles lie in Oklahoma. There are no gas stations along the scenic route, so provisions should be factored into your own planning. For arrival by train, the Heartland Flyer is currently the only passenger rail service available in Oklahoma.

Culinary impressions are also part of the region’s diversity. At farmers’ markets in Oklahoma, numerous vendors offer fresh fruit and vegetables as well as handmade gifts from Oklahoma. Many wineries offer free tours explaining the winemaking process. Those who want to plan such visits can include them as a separate focus of their trip.

Choose the Right Accommodation Region

When choosing a vacation rental in Oklahoma, the first consideration is whether you want to explore individual destinations in greater depth or plan a road trip with changing stages. When selecting your accommodation, check which region suits your own pace, the activities you have planned and the intended length of your stay.

More Destinations in Oklahoma

For further guidance, you can also explore these destinations: Cherokee, Choctaw, Stephens, Le Flore, Oklahoma, Kingfisher, Dewey, Tulsa, Ottawa, Custer, Muskogee, Cleveland, Jackson, Texas, Payne, Major County, Coal County, Canadian County, Rogers County, Woodward County, Pittsburg County, Garvin County, Logan County, Washington County, Craig County, Carter County, Mcintosh County, Bryan County, Sequoyah County, Beckham County, Mccurtain County, Mcclain County, Mayes County, Pottawatomie County, Kay County, Caddo County, Grady County, Comanche County, Okmulgee County, Tillman County, Kiowa County, Marshall County, Oklahoma City, Delaware County, Cimarron County, Pushmataha County, Pontotoc, Love, Woods, Garfield County, Pawnee County, Lincoln County, Johnston County, Noble County, Latimer County, Creek County, Adair County, Jefferson County, Murray County, Okfuskee County, Wagoner County, Cotton County, Atoka County, Washita County and Seminole County.

For the higher-level travel overview: USA.