With its Western heritage, the Wichita Mountains, Tornado Alley, and regional cuisine, Oklahoma is known for many things. From its small towns and lakefront communities to big cities and mountain villages, there are many reasons to call Oklahoma home.
If you’re moving to the state, buying a home in Tulsa or renting an apartment in Oklahoma City, there are plenty of famous facts and things to know about Oklahoma. Read on to find out what Oklahoma is known for.
Thriving economy and job opportunities
Key job industries in Oklahoma include energy, particularly in oil and natural gas, aerospace, and healthcare. Some of the major corporations that contribute to the state’s economy are OU Health, Devon Energy, and American Airlines.
Oklahoma’s top five employers
- OU Health
- Tinker Air Force Base (civilian employees)
- Devon Energy
- American Airlines (maintenance and engineering base)
- Integris Health
Range of tourist attractions
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: This Oklahoma City museum honors the history and culture of the American West. The museum’s collection includes artifacts, works by renowned Western artists, and exhibits on cowboy life, Native American culture, and frontier history.
- Oklahoma City Zoo: With over 1,900 animal species, the Oklahoma City Zoo has countless exhibits to explore, botanical gardens, and events.
- Philbrook Museum of Art: Located in a historic villa in Tulsa, this museum is surrounded by formal gardens. Inside, their collection includes European, American, and Native American art, as well as decorative arts and contemporary exhibitions.
- Chickasaw National Recreation Area: This scenic spot has mineral springs, lakes, and scenic landscapes. You can swim in Little Niagara or Lake of the Arbuckles, hike through the Arbuckle Mountains, and explore the Platt Historic District.
- The Route 66 Museum: In Clinton, this museum celebrates the iconic Mother Road and its role in American culture and history.
Unique regional cuisine
Oklahoma’s cuisine is a blend of Southern, Native American, and cowboy influences, known for its hearty and flavorful dishes. Chicken fried steak, a breaded and fried beef steak served with cream gravy, is a quintessential comfort food. Barbecue, especially smoked brisket and ribs, holds a special place in Oklahoman cuisine. Additionally, dishes like fry bread tacos, topped with chili and fixings, and calf fries (fried bull testicles) highlight the state’s unique culinary offerings.
Top restaurants in Oklahoma
- Mahogany Prime Steakhouse in Oklahoma City
- The Ranchers Club in Stillwater
- Cheever’s Cafe in Oklahoma City
- Red PrimeSteak in Oklahoma City
- Paseo Grill in Oklahoma City
Fun fact: Oklahoma’s state meal consists of fried okra, cornbread, barbecue pork, squash, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries, chicken fried steak, pecan pie, and black-eyed peas.
Museums and arts scene
Oklahoma’s cultural heritage is a dynamic blend of Native American traditions, cowboy culture, and modern artistic expressions. You can see the state’s artistic scene in institutions like the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, which showcase diverse collections from classical to contemporary.
Throughout the year, Oklahoma has a variety of festivals and fairs to explore. For example, you can explore Tulsa Oktoberfest, the Norman Music Festival, and the Oklahoma State Fair.
Five great places to catch a show in Oklahoma
Plains and mountains
Oklahoma’s natural land formations encompass various landscapes, including the ancient Wichita Mountains in the southwestern part of the state, known for their rugged peaks and wildlife. The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in northeastern Oklahoma showcases one of the largest remnants of tallgrass prairie in the country, while the Red River Valley in the south offers fertile plains and scenic vistas.
State parks in Oklahoma
- Robbers Cave State Park: Known for its rugged terrain and historic caves, Robbers Cave offers opportunities for hiking, rappelling, camping, and exploring the area’s outlaw history.
- Lake Murray State Park: Oklahoma’s largest state park is located near Ardmore. It offers opportunities for boating, fishing, golfing, camping, and visiting the Tucker Tower Nature Center.
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: Although not a state park, this refuge offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing (including bison and elk), and opportunities for rock climbing in the Wichita Mountains.
Popular Oklahoma phrases
In Oklahoma, you’d discover expressions that celebrate the state’s rich heritage and vibrant cowboy culture.
- “Hoedown” or “fiddle jam,” are lively gatherings where traditional music fills the air.
- “The Red River,” is a vital waterway that shapes the state’s landscape and serves as a border with Texas.
- “Billfold,” is an alternative name for a wallet.
- “Ice Box,” a slang word for refrigerator.
More things Oklahoma is known for
- Sooner State: Oklahoma’s nickname, the Sooner State, refers to the settlers who illegally staked their claims to land in the territory before it was officially opened for settlement.
- Native American heritage: Home to 39 federally recognized tribes, Oklahoma has a rich Native American heritage, reflected in cultural centers, powwows, and historical sites like the Chickasaw Cultural Center.
- Tornado Alley: Oklahoma experiences frequent tornadoes due to its location in Tornado Alley. Over time, it has sparked advancements in tornado research, safety measures, and community resilience.
- Oil and gas industry: Oklahoma has a long history of oil and natural gas production. Cities like Tulsa played a pivotal role in the industry’s development and economic growth.
- Red Earth Festival: Held annually in Oklahoma City, the Red Earth Festival celebrates Native American culture through traditional dance, art, music, and storytelling.
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