Oklahoma is full of surprises - and we invite you to explore them all! Red Carpet Country offers majestic visas above and below ground, while Frontier Country showcases the state’s largest city. Sparkling lakes lead to glorious mountains, and the tallest peak to the deepest cave. This is your guide to Oklahoma.  

Red Carpet Country 

Rising from the prairie floor, Red Carpet Country is a land of impressive contrasts, majestic vistas and expansive, high-plains grandeur. Once known as No Man’s Land, with its rugged beauty and diverse attractions, this region is a paradise for outdoor lovers of all stripes. A land where the ancient past rises up to meet you at every turn and friendly locals roll out the red carpet for visitors, Red Carpet Country is a grand place for making remarkable memories. 

 

An increasingly popular family destination, Alva is a northwest Oklahoma city located in the middle of the Great Salt Plains State Park, Alabaster Caverns State Park, and Little Sahara State Park tourism triangle. Visit Bradt’s Menagerie, where you’ll come face-to-face with farm and exotic animals, including miniature donkeys, zebras and even a camel! Alva also offers museums. Established in 1902, the NWOSU Museum of Natural History is the second oldest in Oklahoma. After learning about unearthing fossils, look to the skies at the Alva Regional Airport Museum for a dose of local aviation history. 

 

The county of Woodward is full of surprises. In Freedom, Alabaster Caverns State Park is home to the largest gypsum deposit in the world and open to the public. Watch over one million migrating Mexican free-tailed bats during the summer sunsets at Selman Bat Cave Wildlife Management. Enjoy a tranquil night star gazing during a stay at the Selman Guest Ranch, a historic 1920s ranch home.  

Learn More: 
bradtsmenagerie.com 
nwosu.edu  
alvaok.org/ara 
wildlifedepartment.com  
selmanguestranch.com  

Choctaw Country 

Sparkling lakes, glorious mountains, cypress-lined bayous and picturesque towns make Choctaw Country the ideal spot for weekend getaways. Abundant wilderness areas with pristine lakes, rivers and streams connect you to nature in a profound way. With 9 state parks and close to a million acres of wildlife, it’s little wonder the area is a destination for all kinds of eco-explorers, fishing, hunting and some of the most spectacular fall foliage tours in the Midwest. 

 

If it’s outdoor recreation you’re after, head to Hodgen in southeast Oklahoma. This small community in Le Flore County is home to the gorgeous Ouachita National Forest, which offers a wealth of camping, hiking and horseback riding opportunities. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails at the renowned Ouachita National Recreation Trail System offering nearly 50 miles of trails for a variety of skill levels. The Beech Creek National Scenic & Botanical Area Trail System also offers 32 miles of hiking opportunities on 7,500 acres. 

 

Want another view of the Ouachita National Forest? Take to a higher elevation in Poteau, on Oklahoma’s Cavanal Hill, dubbed “the world’s highest hill” at just one foot shy of mountain designation. Climb down and take a drive on the breathtaking Talimena National Scenic Byway. Visit the LeFlore County Museum at Hotel Lowrey, or stroll through the Kiamichi Mountains. Check out the annual Poteau Balloon Fest and watch as a fleet of hot air balloons take to the sky. Stick around until after the sun goes down to witness the sky light up with magnificent balloon glows. As of now, the fest will be held in the fall of 2021.  

Learn More: 
fs.usda.gov/ouachita  
leflorecountymuseum.org  
thelowryhotel.com  
poteauchamber.com/poteauballoonfest  

 

Frontier Country 

Wooded hill country gradually transitions to rolling short-grass prairie in the heart of Oklahoma; This region was once part of the wild-and-rowdy Great American Frontier. Although Oklahoma’s territorial frontier days have ended, the remarkable spirit of this thriving crossroads region embodies the feisty independence of bygone days. Today, new frontiers are emerging in a renaissance rooted in the best of the past and the bright horizons of the future, as Oklahoma embarks on its second century of statehood. 

 

No trip to Oklahoma is complete without a visit to Oklahoma City. The city offers plenty of interesting things to do and boasts big-league attractions, including the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA basketball team. Guests can also explore the revitalized downtown area, starring the Bricktown Entertainment District, Chesapeake Energy Arena and top-notch museums, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. 

 

As Oklahoma’s territorial capital, Guthrie’s ongoing restoration efforts make the town’s downtown area the largest Historic Preservation District in the nation. Take a trolley tour through downtown to find fascinating history, one-of-a-kind stores and more than a dozen bed and breakfasts housed in charming Victorian-era buildings, or hear the history behind local hauntings on a spooky Guthrie Ghost Walk. Discover the diverse collections of Guthrie’s many museums, including the Oklahoma Territorial Museum & Carnegie Library. 

Learn More: 
bricktownokc.com  
chesapeakearena.com  
memorialmuseum.com  
okcmoa.com  
historicguthrieok.com  
guthrieghostwalk.com  
okterritorialmuseum.org  

 

Chickasaw Country  

A land of flowing water, Chickasaw Country also offers a host of comfort-filled amenities, from relaxing spas to peaceful lakeside cabins and distinctive shopping. And when you’re ready to head inside for a mind adventure, be sure to check out the region’s captivating one-of-a-kind museums. 

 

Known as the headquarters of the Chickasaw Nation and birthplace of country music star Blake Shelton, the city of Ada offers a thriving Main Street with countless coffee shops and the McSwain Theatre, built in the 1920s. Visit the tasting room of Ada’s Waddell Vineyards for Oklahoma-made wines and some of the most scenic views around, test your luck at the Ada Gaming Center casino, and don’t leave without a sampling of Bedré chocolates - gourmet sweets produced locally by the Chickasaw Nation.  

 

Get lost in the history and beauty of Tishomingo, the Chickasaw Nation’s historic capital and heart of Blue River. Explore the Chickasaw influence by visiting the Chickasaw Council House Museum, which features artifacts tracing the history and culture of the Chickasaw people and contemporary Chickasaw artwork.  

 

Home to Oklahoma’s second largest lake and one of the premier striped bass hot spots in the southwest, Kingston has long been a popular vacation destination for fishing. Pack your rod and reel for a trip to Lake Texoma State Park, and enjoy all that the area has to offer. If your luck at fishing is as good as your luck at the slots, then hit up the Texoma Casino, which is home to over 370 electronic gaming machines. The Harbor Inn Bed & Breakfast is a place of pure tranquility, where you can choose from luxurious suites or single rooms with twin, full, queen, or king sized beds, take a dip in the pool, sit on the porch, or enjoy a home cooked breakfast.  

Learn More: 
waddellvineyards.com  
adagaming.com  
bedrechocolates.com  
chickasaw.net  
laketexoma.com  
mytexomacasino.com 
harbor-inn.net  

 

Great Plains Country  

Golden short-grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, Indian legends and dramatic sunsets weave an alluring travel tapestry of the Great Plains Country. Get ready to be romanced by the West!  

 

Nestled next to the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, Black Kettle National Grassland and Red Hills Country, the picturesque town of Cheyenne offers a profoundly poignant and meaningful American Indian experience. The battlefield’s impressive visitor center with its jutting rock exterior is a sight to behold. At the Grasslands, Walk the path of Spanish explorers, Plains Indians and Western settlers at the Antelope Hills. Immerse yourself in the romantic West at Croton Creek Guest Ranch, offering 5,000 acres of well-managed private land with options for hunters and horse lovers. After a long day of adventuring, head back to the ranch’s 20-room, old Western-style hotel for some well-deserved relaxation. Mosey over to the social barn for a hearty meal and good conversation, try your hand at a game of pool or just sit on the wrap-around porch and enjoy the fresh air.  

Learn More: 
nps.gov/waba  
crotoncreekoutfitters.com 

 

Green Country  

Tumbling rivers, expansive lakes, tallgrass prairie and rolling green hills are the hallmarks of this lush region, rich in culture and verdant grandeur. Tulsa’s sophisticated city lights offer the ultimate in metro exploring, while trekking Route 66 takes you into the heart of the definitive road trip experience. 

 

Hometown charm and suburban amenities abound in Broken Arrow, where you can choose between pampering day spas, golf courses, and fascinating attractions. Shop local boutiques found in the Rose District, and savor the rich aroma of handmade chocolates and gourmet coffee at Nouveau – Atelier de Chocolat on Main Street. The Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the art performance facility that brings the best in Broadway, popular music and specialty shows to northeastern Oklahoma.  

 

An important destination when visiting Oklahoma is the city of Tulsa, where Southern comfort and cosmopolitan style converge. A town enriched by its oil heritage, Tulsa boasts world-class cultural attractions, including the Philbrook Museum of Art and Gilcrease Museum. The city stands tall with its magnificent art deco treasures, Route 66 gems and the Cesar Pelli-designed BOK Center — a state-of-the-art venue for national concerts and sporting events. A family favorite attraction is the highly-rated Tulsa Zoo, an 84-acre world where giants roam and small creatures call home. There are dozens of accommodations to enjoy here, like the Hotel Indigo Tulsa Downtown, where you can experience the best of what the downtown has to offer while also enjoying guest suites that feature local art.  

Learn More:  
rosedistrict.com  
nouveauchocolate.com  
brokenarrowpac.com  
philbrook.org  
gilcrease.org  
bokcenter.com  
tulsazoo.org  
hotelindigo.com  

More of Oklahoma to Explore