Oklahoma is known for its western heritage, Wichita Mountains, Tornado Alley, and local cuisine. From small towns and lakeside communities to big cities and mountain villages, Oklahoma has plenty to offer.
If you are moving to this state, Buying a House in Tulsa or Rent an apartment in Oklahoma City, there are many famous facts and things to know about Oklahoma. Read on to learn what Oklahoma is famous for.
Thriving economy and job opportunities
Oklahoma’s major employment industries include energy, particularly oil and gas, aerospace, and health care. Some of the major companies contributing to the state’s economy include OU Health, Devon Energy and American Airlines.
Top 5 Oklahoma Employers
- European health
- Tinker Air Force Base (civilian)
- Devon Energy
- American Airlines (Maintenance Engineering Base)
- Integrated health
Scope of tourist attractions
- National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum: This Oklahoma City museum celebrates the history and culture of the American West. The museum’s collection includes artifacts, works by famous Western artists, and exhibits about cowboy life, Native American culture, and frontier history.
- Oklahoma City Zoo: Home to more than 1,900 animals, the Oklahoma City Zoo has countless exhibits, botanical gardens and activities to explore.
- Philbrook Museum of Art: The museum is located in a historic Tulsa villa and is surrounded by formal gardens. Their in-house 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 beautiful scenery. You can swim in Little Niagara or Lake Arbuckle, hike through the Arbuckle Mountains, and explore the Platte Historic District.
- Route 66 Museum: exist clintonThis museum celebrates the iconic Mother Road and its role in American culture and history.
Unique local cuisine
Oklahoma’s cuisine is a blend of Southern, Native American, and cowboy influences and is known for its hearty and delicious dishes. Chicken fried steak, a breaded, fried steak served with creamy gravy, is the quintessential comfort food. Barbecue, especially smoked brisket and ribs, holds a special place in Oklahoma cuisine. Additionally, dishes like fried bread tacos (topped with chili and toppings) and veal fries (fried bull testicles) highlight the state’s unique cuisine.
Top restaurants in Oklahoma
- Rosewood Premium Steak House Oklahoma City
- ranch owners club at Still water
- Cheever’s Cafe in Oklahoma City
- Red PrimeSteak in Oklahoma City
- Paseo Grill in Oklahoma City
Interesting facts: Oklahoma’s national meal includes fried okra, cornbread, roast pork, squash, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries, chicken fried steak, pecan pie and black-eyed peas.
Museums and art venues
Oklahoma’s cultural heritage is a dynamic blend of Native American traditions, cowboy culture, and modern artistic expression. You can enjoy the state’s art scene at institutions like the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and the Philbrook Museum of Art Tulsashowcasing a variety of collections from classical to contemporary.
Oklahoma has a variety of festivals and markets to explore throughout the year. For example, you can explore the 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 terrain includes a variety of 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 to the south offers fertile plains and scenic vistas.
Oklahoma State Parks
- Robber’s Hole State Park: Known for its rugged terrain and historic caves, Robbers Cave offers opportunities for hiking, rappelling, camping and exploring the area’s outlaw past.
- Lake Murray State Park: Oklahoma’s largest state park is located nearby Ardmore. Opportunities for boating, fishing, golfing, camping, and visits to the Tucker Towers Nature Center are available.
- Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge: Although not a state park, this preserve offers opportunities for hiking trails, wildlife viewing (including bison and elk), and rock climbing in the Wichita Mountains.
Popular Phrases in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, you’ll find expressions that celebrate the state’s rich heritage and vibrant cowboy culture.
- “Holden” or “Violin Jam” A vibrant party with traditional music filling the air.
- “Red River” It is an important waterway that shapes the state’s landscape and serves as the border with Texas.
- “wallet,” is another name for wallet.
- “ice box,” Slang term for refrigerator.
More Things Oklahoma is Famous for
- Faster state: Oklahoma’s nickname was the “Faster State,” a reference to the settlers who illegally claimed to have landed in the area before it was officially opened to settlement.
- Native American Heritage: Home to 39 federally recognized tribes, Oklahoma has a rich Native American heritage reflected in cultural centers, ceremonial and historic sites such as Chickasaw Cultural Center.
- Tornado Alley: Oklahoma is prone to tornadoes due to its location in Tornado Alley. Over time, it sparked advances 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 have played a key role in the industry’s development and economic growth.
- Red Clay Festival: Held annually in Oklahoma City clay festival Celebrate Native American culture through traditional dance, art, music and storytelling.
