Oklahoma: More Than an OK Place to Visit

 

With 50 options for domestic and international tourists to choose from when traveling the United States, competition can be tough. A handful net the majority of sightseeing attention and the rest seem to struggle for out-of-state visitors. Oklahoma is one of the many falling in the latter category. Situated in the Midwest – flyover country they like to call it – and lacking a pop culture-ingrained visual hallmark like the Gateway Arch or Rocky Mountains, it’s easy to forget about little ol’ Oklahoma down there. But be advised, anyone choosing to go their whole lives never paying the Sooner State a visit are missing out.

Don’t believe it? Here are four Oklahoman opportunities which make it one of the country’s must-see destinations:

Authentic American culture and heritage you’ve likely never experienced: Oklahoma is home to 39 Native American tribes operating under limited but nonetheless independent government authority. Some such as Chickasaw Nation provide visitors with an array of fun activities and adventures meant to offer a glimpse into America’s ancient past. When choosing what to do in Oklahoma, consider that visiting one of these tribal nations connects outsiders with the state’s long and important history as government-sanctioned territory for native peoples. It’s definitely something you won’t find in any other state of the union.

Affordable and clean urban areas and hot-spots for long runs of fun: Oklahoma’s two big towns, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, are the classic example of idyllic Midwestern city-living. High-rises, nightlife, professional sports, mass transit, museums, universities, and zoos abound without the blight, high-cost, and rat races synonymous with life in the big city. For visitors this basically means more bang for your buck without sacrificing on the excitement factor or worrying about which neighborhoods are safe, a rarity among America’s urban cores.

Unique opportunities to reflect on some of America’s darker chapters: Sometimes learning opportunities in exotic places are as much about the bad side of humanity as the good. Oklahoma City of course was the site of the 1995 bombing which still ranks as the worst act of domestic terrorism on U.S. soil. A somber memorial now stands in the former location of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Additionally, it should be noted that the previously mentioned tribal nations do not exist on the historic lands of these people, but instead operate on land their ancestors were forced to move to by the US government. Oklahoma makes visitors confront chapters of history which tend to go unmentioned and misunderstood elsewhere.

Wide range of beautiful landscapes: Due to bad weather infamy Oklahoma tends to be visualized as an endless plain and little more besides a few cities. It’s indeed a Great Plains state, but Oklahoma is host to a surprising amount of geographic variety. A quarter of the land is covered with forests home to bobcats, coyotes, deer, elk, and foxes. Mesas bubble the topography throughout southern sections of the state and jagged canyons can be found in the Wichita Mountains. Over 50 state parks and several more federally and privately operated sanctuaries cover these underrated national treasures.

When asked to compile the United States in order of ones you want to visit it’s not surprising if Oklahoma would wind up toward the bottom of the pile. But this white star isn’t as vanilla as you might think. On closer inspection Oklahoma is a rich source of true American culture, affordable fun, honest history, and natural beauty. More than OK, Oklahoma can be incredible.