Introduction
Although often overlooked by visitors to the US, Oklahoma is a very pleasant and picturesque place to visit that has a surprising amount for you to see and do. As well as umpteen nature sights and the Historic Route 66, the former frontier state has a rich and recent Native American and pioneer past to delve into with lovely countryside towns and small cities scattered here and there.
Part of the Great Plains, it is set in the South Central United States surrounded by Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. One of the most geographically diverse states in the country, it contains not only wetlands and forests, but mountains, canyons, and mesas and, of course, lots of plains and farmland. Impressively enough, it boasts more than fifty state and national parks; all of which offer up all kinds of outstanding outdoor activities.
Of these, the most popular are the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge because of its awe-inspiring animals and landscapes and the scenic Beavers Bend State Park due to its exciting water sports and recreation activities. The Great Salt Plains are also a treat to visit thanks to the striking salt scenery on show, while driving along Route 66 enables you to enjoy some of the Sooner State’s rural beauty and quintessential American scenes.
Along the way you can stop off at lively college towns like Norman and Stillwater, or the large city of Lawton which is home to the historic Fort Sill and terrific Comanche National Museum. Also not to be missed is Tulsa – the self-billed ‘Oil Capital of the World’ – due to all its exquisite art deco buildings, and Oklahoma City as the state capital is packed with happening neighborhoods, hip art galleries, and important historic sites.