2013 Travel Guide
Let Us Inspire You
what’s inside
Contents r.e. lindsey
john jernigan
oklahoma will inspire you.
Oklahoma is ready to host your one-of-a-kind adventure. Our regional sections are packed with valuable information on what to see and do and where to dine, sleep, and shop, along with plenty of inside tips from Oklahoma’s travel experts.
Green Country..............................36
lacey elaine dillard
r.e. lindsey
NORTHEAST CENTRAL
Frontier Country..........................70 South-Central
Chickasaw Country.......................92 Southwest
Great Plains Country................... 104 Southeast
Kiamichi Country....................... 120 Northwest Using This Guide......................................4 Oklahoma Travel Regions.................6 The Grand TOUR.......................................8 No trip through Oklahoma is complete without a visit to these must-see iconic spots. great spirits..............................................10 Oklahoma is home to thirty-nine Native American tribes and nations, each with a rich history and culture. IN THE city.................................................12 Oklahoma’s bustling urban centers welcome visitors with pulse-pounding athletics, culinary delights both sophisticated and casual, and nonstop fun. The great outdoors...........................14 With endless varieties of terrain, Oklahoma’s natural abundance is ripe for exploration. Go west......................................................16 Cowboy up at Oklahoma’s many western heritage destinations. Our towns................................................18 Discover a bit of Americana on Oklahoma’s vibrant main streets.
Kid-Friendly..............................................20 Dinosaurs! Sharks! Zoos, lakes, farms, parks, and outdoor adventure! Families will find plenty of ways to make enduring memories in Oklahoma. Mother road mother lode.............22 With more drivable miles of Route 66 than any other state, Oklahoma is the premier Mother Road destination. Ultimate thrills.....................................24 Adrenaline-pumping adventure is never far away in Oklahoma. Serene dreams..........................................26 Find inner peace at Oklahoma wineries, resorts, and bed and breakfasts. Eat, drink, and be merry......................28 Delight the palate with delicious comfort food, elegant fine dining, and an array of ethnic cuisine at Oklahoma eateries. Around the World in One State...30 Oklahoma’s cultural landscape tells a compelling story. Pack Your Bags.......................................32 Plan your trip today!
Red Carpet Country..................... 132 DIRECTORIES
Region Map....................................6 Bed & Breakfasts........................148 Hotels & Motels..........................152 Cabins, Cottages, &
Guest Ranches.............................166 Oklahoma State Parks.................174 Native American Destinations....176 Casinos ......................................177 INDEXES
Attractions Index........................178 Cities Index................................184
Travelok.com Oklahoma’s official tourism website can show you how to plan your one-of-a-kind adventure in the Sooner State.
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OUR PARTNERS
WE YO U !
Using This Guide PLAN YOUR TRIP AND COME VISIT US! RED CARPET COUNTRY
2013 Oklahoma Travel Guide Special thanks to Oklahoma’s Chambers of Commerce; Convention & Visitors Bureaus; Oklahoma Parks, Resorts, and Golf; Oklahoma Tourism Information Centers; Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation; Oklahoma Historical Society; Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association; Oklahoma Lakes & Countries Associations; and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association.
Travel Promotion Division P.O. Box 52002, Oklahoma City, OK 73152-2002 Email: information@TravelOK.com Governor, Mary Fallin Lieutenant Governor, Todd Lamb Executive Director, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, Deby Snodgrass
On the Cover The Gloss Mountains near Fairview. Photograph by John Jernigan.
The 2013 OKLAHOMA TRAVEL GUIDE is organized into six color-coded travel areas for quick reference to the maps, listings, indexes, and directories to help you plan your travel.
GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY
GREEN COUNTRY
FRONTIER COUNTRY
chickasaw COUNTRY
To Navigate a Region To navigate a particular region, see our map on pages 6 and 7 or use the Table of Contents on page 3.
To Find the Page Number of a City or Town To locate the page number of a specific community, turn to the cities index on page 184.
KIAMICHI COUNTRY
To Find a Specific Attraction To find a specific attraction, including museums, lakes, and parks, turn to page 178 for the attractions index.
In each area, communities are listed alphabetically, along with activities, cultural and historical highlights, and other things to do and see. The back of the guide provides extensive information on state parks, Native American destinations, casinos, and accommodations. This guide is extensive, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead to any destination before traveling.
Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @TravelOK Facebook: facebook.com/TravelOK Foursquare: foursquare.com/TravelOK Pinterest: pinterest.com/TravelOK Google+: gplus.to/TravelOK U.S. copyright © 2012-2013 by Travel Promotion Division. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Produced by Oklahoma Today magazine, with design by Walker Creative, Inc.
TravelOK.com Oklahoma’s official tourism website can show you how to plan your one-of-a-kind adventure in the Sooner State.
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Distance/Travel Time from Major Regional Cities to Oklahoma
OKC (Miles) Time to OKC
Tulsa (Miles) Time to Tulsa
Albuquerque, NM
544
8 hrs 45 min
650
10 hrs 22 min
Amarillo, TX
260
4 hrs 21 min
366
5 hrs 57 min
Austin, TX
388
6 hrs 36 min
452
8 hrs
Branson, MO
324
5 hrs 11 min
220
3 hrs 34 min
Colorado Springs, CO
567
10 hrs 27 min
632
11 hrs 11 min
Dallas, TX
205
3 hrs 31 min
257
4 hrs 39 min
Fort Smith, AR
183
3 hrs 5 min
118
2 hrs 3 min
Houston, TX
445
7 hrs 31 min
495
8 hrs 36 min
Joplin, MO
217
3 hrs 27 min
113
1 hr 51 min
Kansas City, MO
353
5 hrs 32 min
244
4 hrs 04 min
Little Rock, AR
339
5 hrs 31 min
274
4 hrs 29 min
Springfield, MO
286
4 hrs 38 min
181
3 hrs 1 min
St. Louis, MO
499
8 hrs 6 min
395
6 hrs 29 min
Wichita, KS
161
2 hrs 41 min
177
2 hrs 50 min
Wichita Falls, TX
139
2 hrs 21 min
244
3 hrs 35 min
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Oklahoma’s Six Travel Let us inspire you. • Kenton Boise City •
• Buffalo
• Beaver
412
• Guymon
• Alva
• Freedom
412
• Chero Jet •
• Waynoka Woodward •
S
ix regions of the state, each with unique geography, personality, and treasures
• Gage • Shattuck • Arnett
to uncover, make travel planning easy. Beginning on page 36, you’ll find an extensive section for each region, including resources for more than three
• Watonga
hundred communities and helpful information on thousands of attractions. • Cheyenne
Green Country Green hills, clear lakes, charming communities, the state’s second-largest city, and vibrant culture come together for an enduring journey. (800) 922-2118 or (918) 744-0588 info@greencountryok.com greencountryok.com
Great Plains Country A panoramic tour of inspiring landscapes, ancient mountains, and historic sites, Great Plains Country is the Wild West at its best. (866) 472-6552 or (580) 470-9500 gpc@greatplainscountry.com greatplainscountry.com
Frontier Country From Oklahoma City Thunder basketball and topnotch cuisine to western chic and plenty of outdoor fun, Frontier Country has it all. (800) 386-6552 or (405) 232-6552 info@oktourism.com oktourism.com
Kiamichi Country Verdant forests—including some of the most magnificent fall foliage in the state—mountains, scenic lakes and rivers, and miles of lush trails are a nature lover’s dream. (800) 722-8180 or (580) 326-1487 kiamichicountry.com
Chickasaw Country It’s all about comfort in Chickasaw Country, whether in the form of bass-filled lakes, waterfront cabins, relaxing spas, charming cities, or nature trails. (866) 843-6858 or (580) 622-2210 mcia@brightok.net chickasawcountry.com
Red Carpet Country Stunning prairie vistas, high mesas, and watercolor sunsets accompany wild western adventure and friendly locals. (800) 447-2698 or (580) 327-4918 redcarpet@redcarpetcountry.com redcarpetcountry.com
TOURISM INFORMATION CENTERS Oklahoma’s twelve convenient Travel Information Centers are staffed with friendly professionals and stocked with maps, guides, brochures, and free coffee. Most centers are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours may vary at some locations. All centers close on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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Weatherford •
Elk City •
66
Clinton • 40
• Sayre • Erick
66
Anadarko • • Lone Wolf • Mangum
• Hollis
44
• Meers • Medicine Park • Altus
• Lawton/Ft. Sill • Frederick
ARRIVING FROM THE WEST • Erick, I-40, 9 miles east of the Texas border, (580) 526-3283 ARRIVING FROM THE SOUTH • Colbert, U.S. 69/75, 2 miles north of the Texas border, (580) 296-2672 • Thackerville, I-35, 4 miles north of the Texas border, (580) 276-9912 (operated by the Chickasaw Nation) • Walters, I-44, 30 miles north of the Texas border, (580) 875-2425
• Walters
Miami •
• Newkirk
• Tonkawa
• Nowata
• Pawhuska
44
Vinita •
Grove • • Jay
412
• Perry • Hennessey Kingfisher •
El Reno •
• Pawnee • Stillwater
35
Sand Springs •
• Cushing
• Langston Guthrie•
66
Edmond •
• • Oklahoma City Yukon • Midwest City
• Tuttle • Chickasha
• Norman • Noble
• Broken Arrow • Wagoner
• Tahlequah Stilwell •
• Okmulgee • Checotah
• Henryetta
40
40
• Sallisaw
69
Eufaula •
• Seminole
Stigler • Pocola •
Wewoka • • Holdenville
• Purcell
Poteau • • Wilburton • Hartshorne
McAlester • • Lindsay
Ada • ian
• Wynnewood
ion
• Coalgate
Marietta •
• Kingston
Antlers •
ke
• Tishomingo • Healdton • Gene Autry Lone Grove • • Ardmore
npi
35
Twelve—more per square mile than any other state. This makes Oklahoma one of only four states with more than ten distinct ecoregions as designated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Tur
• Atoka
• Hugo • Durant
The word Oklahoma comes from two Choctaw words meaning “red” and “man.”
NUMBER OF ECOREGIONS
N at
Davis • • Sulphur
OKLAHOMA AT A GLANCE OKLAHOMA’S NAME
• Talihina • Tuskahoma
Ind
• Pauls Valley • Duncan
West Siloam Springs •
412
Muskogee •
• Okemah • Shawnee
• Moore
•• Tulsa
• Jenks Sapulpa • • Bixby • Bristow
Stroud • • Chandler
44
• Pryor
Claremore •
Steven Walker
Enid•
• Delaware
Bartlesville •
• Blackwell
okee
l
FA S T
State symbols
Regions
Broken Bow • • Idabel
STATE ANIMAL American bison (Bison bison), the largest terrestrial mammal in North America
STATE BIRD green country p. 36 frontier country P. 70
chickasaw country P. 92 Great plains country P. 104
OKLAHOMA CITY METRO AREA • I-35, Exit 137 at 12229 North I-35 Service Road, (405) 478-4637 • State Capitol, Northeast Twenty-Third & Lincoln Boulevard, (405) 521-3356 • Midwest City, I-40, Exit 157 at 7200 Southeast Twenty-Ninth Street, (405) 739-8232 ARRIVING FROM THE NORTH/ NORTHEAST • Blackwell, I-35, 10 miles south of the Kansas border, (580) 363-2624
kiamichi country P. 120 Red Carpet Country P. 132
Scissor-tailed flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus), which has a long, forked tail twice the length of its body
STATE TREE • Miami, I-44/Will Rogers Turnpike, 17 miles southwest of the Missouri border, (918) 542-9303 • Tulsa metro, I-44, Exit 238 east of Tulsa at 16200 East Skelly Drive, (918) 439-3212, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time ARRIVING FROM THE EAST • Cherokee Turnpike, U.S. 412/59, 13 miles west of the Arkansas border (operated by Cherokee Nation Entertainment, LLC), 9 a.m.-5 p.m., (918) 422-8130 • Sallisaw, I-40, 17 miles west of the Arkansas border, (918) 775-9601
Redbud, a tree that blooms bright pink every spring
STATE ROCK Rose rocks, a.k.a. Cherokee roses, are more plentiful in Oklahoma than anywhere else on earth.
TravelOK.com Oklahoma’s official tourism website can show you how to plan an inspired adventure in the Sooner State.
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Grand Tour These must-see icons are essential to any journey through Oklahoma.
The Price Tower in Bartlesville is the only existing skyscraper designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
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R.E. LINDSEY
ron stahl
mike klemme
R.E. LINDSEY
S ON G sta r s
FA S T
According to Oklahoma City native Vince Gill, “Someone used to say that if you threw a rock in Nashville, you’d hit an Okie. It’s not really a joke. It’s kind of true.” Indeed, Oklahoma’s country music roots run deep. This list of Oklahoma-born country superstars includes six of the genre’s most celebrated talents.
GARTH BROOKS Clockwise from top left: Strength of the Maker by Denny Haskew at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa; Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore; Among Tulsa’s architectural gems is the Blue Dome in Tulsa; Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
EPIC JOURNEYS Exploring Oklahoma’s diverse terrain is a singular experience. Whether your mode of travel is a bicycle, custom motorcycle, minivan, or Amtrak train, immersing yourself in Oklahoma’s most iconic sights is a snap. In no time, you’ll be in the groove of the state’s vibrant culture and inspired by its rugged mountains and rolling prairies.
r.e. lindsey
OKLAHOMA UNIQUE Spend a night in one of the twentieth century’s most architecturally significant buildings, the Price Tower in Bartlesville, Frank Lloyd Wright’s only completed skyscraper (918/3364949 or pricetowerartcenter.org). Tulsa’s Art Deco architecture is awe inspiring, and culture junkies can explore the work of architect Bruce Goff, who spent much of his career in Oklahoma, at the Cimarron Heritage Center Museum (580/544-3479) in Boise City. The Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa boasts the world’s most comprehensive collection of western American art, including works by renowned artists such as Charles M. Russell, George Catlin, and Frederic Remington and two large landscape masterpieces by Thomas Moran. Eleven themed gardens invite visitors to explore the museum’s outdoor spaces (918/596-2700 or gilcrease.utulsa.edu). On the site of oil man Waite Phillips’ Italian villa, the Philbrook Museum of Art welcomes nearly 150,000 visitors annually to its gardens and art collections (918/749-7941 or philbrook. org). Get to know Oklahoma’s favorite son, Will Rogers—and pay your respects—at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore (918/341-0719 or willrogers.com).
Brooks, a Yukon native, is a four-time recipient of the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award. He lives in Owasso with his wife, country superstar Trisha Yearwood.
No visit to Oklahoma City is complete without a tour of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, where a reflecting pool, museum, and quiet field of 168 empty chairs honor those who were killed, those who survived, and a community changed forever by the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building (405/235-3313 or oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org). A few miles away, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is home to significant works by master artists and collections that focus on western history, art, and culture (405/478-2250 or nationalcowboymuseum.org).
VINCE GILL
Take your telescope to Black Mesa near Kenton, where visitors to the Oklahoma Panhandle can see some of the clearest night skies in North America after they’ve hiked to Oklahoma’s highest point. In southeastern Oklahoma, the tallest bald cypress trees in the state demand an upward gaze, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for alligators at the Red Slough Wildlife Management Area near Idabel (580/320-3176 or pbase.com/red_slough_wma).
REBA McENTIRE
The sunset feeding frenzy of a million Mexican free-tailed bats is the highlight of the seasonal Selman Bat Watch near Freedom and among the most unusual of Oklahoma’s natural adventures (405/990-4977 or watchbats.com). The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska is one of the largest protected remnants of the tallgrass prairie on earth (918/287-3623), and the towering canopies of the Ouachita National Forest on the Talimena Scenic Drive provide one of the most colorful autumn vistas in the state (talimenascenicdrive.com).
The only songwriter to receive the CMA’s Song of the Year award four times, Gill, an Oklahoma City native, was named the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year every year from 1991 to 1995 and the CMA Entertainer of the Year twice, in 1993 and 1994.
TOBY KEITH Keith’s debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” was the most-played country song of the 1990s. Today, he is one of country music’s top ticket sellers and was the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year in 2002 and 2003. A native of Moore, he now lives in Norman.
One of the most celebrated performers in the music industry with 64 top-10 hits and nearly 60 million albums sold, this Chockie native was named Entertainer of the Year by the Country Music Association in 1986 and the Academy of Country Music in 1994. In addition, she won the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year award four years in a row.
BLAKE SHELTON One of the stars of the television show The Voice, Shelton, an Ada native, has topped the charts with 12 number-one hits since 2001 and was named CMA Male Vocalist of the Year in 2010, 2011, and 2012. He lives in Tishomingo with his wife, fellow country star Miranda Lambert.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD Since winning American Idol in 2005, Checotah’s hometown sweetheart has become the show’s bestselling alumna and has been honored as the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year three times.
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S pirits
Oklahoma’s thirty-nine Native American tribes are rich in culture and tradition.
Anadarko, home to the annual American Indian Exposition, is one of numerous cities in Oklahoma to host Plains Indians cultural festivals.
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CHICKASAW NATION
jim argo
JOHN JERNIGAN
JOHN JERNIGAN
GREAT S PIRIT S CAPTIVATING CULTURE
Clockwise from top left: Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival in Oklahoma City; Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur; Standing Bear Park, Museum, and Education Center in Ponca City; Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill
STATE OF THE NATIONS Oklahoma is a place like no other to discover the richness of America’s original inhabitants. Here, the stories of Oklahoma’s Native American people and heritage continue to unfold in the twenty-first century.
john elk iii
With thirty-nine tribes and nations calling the state their home, Oklahoma is full of Native American history and culture. Learn about Chief Standing Bear (1829-1908), one of the first Native Americans to argue for civil rights in a court of law, at Standing Bear Park, Museum, and Education Center in Ponca City (580/762-1514 or standingbearpark. com). At the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center in Lawton (580/3530404 or comanchemuseum.com), you’ll hear the courageous stories of tribal nations that established governments and preserved their heritage in the land once known as Indian Territory. In southeastern Oklahoma, the prehistoric Spiro Mounds are among the most important pre-Columbian archaeological sites in the United States (918/962-2062 or okhistory. org/sites/spiromounds). CHICKASAW JOURNEY The Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur is one of the largest tribal cultural centers in the United States. Opened in 2009, this world-class complex celebrates the Chickasaw Nation with more than a hundred acres of scenic hills and woodlands, an amphitheater and sky terrace, a traditional village, water features, a research center, and the Aaimpa’ Cafe, which serves traditional Chickasaw cuisine. (580) 622-7130 or chickasawculturalcenter.com.
DEEP ROOTS Learn about your family’s Native American heritage at dozens of cultural centers and genealogical research sites in Oklahoma. At the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center in Shawnee, search through tribal census records, photographs, and artifacts to explore a connection to the tribe’s storied past (405/878-5830 or potawatomiheritage.org). At the Cherokee Family Research Center in Park Hill (888/999-6007 or cherokeeheritage.org), genealogists will help you search records like the Dawes Final Rolls and the Miller Rolls, and the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City is home to a large and expansive genealogy section with searchable records and original artifacts (405/521-2491 or okhistory.org). For more information about how to trace your family’s roots in Oklahoma, visit TravelOK.com/genealogy. CHEROKEE VOICES On forty-four heavily wooded acres, the Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill offers insights into Cherokee history and culture. The Adams Corner Rural Village, Cherokee National Museum, and a host of rotating exhibits commemorate the tribe’s long history before the Trail of Tears and after removal to Oklahoma. At the Ancient Village, visitors can watch demonstrations of ancient cultural practices including flint knapping, basket weaving, stickball, and Cherokee blow guns. The annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Cherokee Homecoming Art Show & Sale are can’t-miss cultural events. (888) 999-6007 or cherokeeheritage.org.
• Washita Battlefield National Historic Site in Cheyenne • Choctaw Nation Council House in Tuskahoma • Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival in Oklahoma City • Jacobson House Native Art Center in Norman • Ataloa Lodge Museum at Bacone College in Muskogee • American Indian Exposition in Anadarko • Osage Tribal Museum in Pawhuska
OKLAHOMA TRIBES & NATIONS Absentee Shawnee Alabama-Quassarte Apache Caddo Cherokee Cheyenne & Arapaho Chickasaw Choctaw Citizen Potawatomi Comanche Delaware Eastern Shawnee Euchee (Yuchi) Fort Sill Apache Iowa Kaw Kialegee Kickapoo Kiowa Miami
Modoc Muscogee (Creek) Natchez Osage Otoe Missouria Ottawa Pawnee Peoria Ponca Quapaw Sac & Fox Seminole Seneca-Cayuga Shawnee Thlopthlocco Tonkawa United Keetoowah Wichita Wyandotte
EXTRA, EXTRA! For more Native American destinations in the state, turn to page 176 or request a free copy of the Oklahoma Indian Country Guide at TravelOK.com.
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Oklahoma is home to more tribal nations than any other state.
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C ity
Discover the sophisticated delights of Oklahoma’s bustling modern metropolitan areas.
Completed in 2012, Devon Tower is the newest and tallest addition to downtown Oklahoma City’s skyline.
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john jernigan
r.e. lindsey
john jernigan mike klemme
OKLAHOMA CITY GEMS • •
Clockwise from top left: The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman; Rowers on the Oklahoma River in Oklahoma City; Dale Chihuly glass at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art; Downtown Tulsa
BIG-CITY PROPS In recent years, Forbes magazine has ranked Oklahoma City and Tulsa among America’s most livable cities. Each boasts unique enclaves with distinct vibes. In Oklahoma City, linger in the Midtown District, Plaza District, Paseo Arts District, Automobile Alley, and Western Avenue. In Tulsa, check out Brookside, Cherry Street, Utica Square, and the Brady Arts District.
john jernigan
RENAISSANCE TOWN Like its overnight birth in Oklahoma’s first land run, Oklahoma City’s growth has captured the world’s attention. The new fifty-story Devon Tower overlooks a revitalized downtown and the Myriad Botanical Gardens (405/297-3995 or myriadgardens.org), while the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (405/236-3100 or okcmoa.com) enriches downtown with a steady rotation of films and artistic delights.
In t he C i t y
FA S T
EDMOND Don’t miss the quaint historic downtown, wonderful city parks, and cultural offerings at the Armstrong Auditorium and the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab. (866) 341-4344 or edmondok.com. ENID This gateway to northwestern Oklahoma boasts the state’s oldest symphony orchestra at the Enid Symphony Center in a thriving, revitalized downtown area. (580) 237-9646 or enid.org. LAWTON/FORT SILL Western adventures await at the Fort Sill Historic Landmark Museum, the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, and the Museum of the Great Plains, all a short drive from the Wichita Mountains. (580) 581-3500 or cityof.lawton.ok.us.
URBAN STYLE A scenic city with world-class art and one of the nation’s most impressive examples of art deco architecture, Tulsa oozes culture and charm. From the hip effervescence of the Blue Dome District (bluedomedistrict.org) to the old-world flair of the Philbrook Museum of Art (918/7497941 or philbrook.org) and the ultramodern BOK Center (918/894-4200 or bokcenter.com), Tulsa is a beautiful and eclectic city.
NORMAN The state’s third-largest city, home to the University of Oklahoma, offers gridiron excitement at the Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, dinosaurs and Native American culture at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, and works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. (405) 325-4938 or visitnorman.com.
BARTLESVILLE Built on Oklahoma’s oil and gas heritage, Bartlesville is an elegant city with a rich inventory of notable architecture—including the only Frank Lloyd Wright skyscraper—fine art, and beautiful scenery. (918) 338-4282 or cityofbartlesville.org.
STILLWATER The birthplace of Red Dirt music is where to find the famous Eskimo Joe’s and original Hideaway Pizza restaurants, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, and Oklahoma State University. (405) 743-3697 or visitstillwater.org.
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•
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The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Dale Chihuly glass in the world, including a spectacular 55-foot tower. Visit the Oklahoma City Zoo, in 2012 named one of “America’s Top 10 Zoos” in the 10Bestie’s Readers’ Choice Travel Awards. Every June, Oklahoma City is home to the Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival, the largest and most respected American Indian visual and performing arts event of its type in the world. Runner’s World magazine named the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon “One of the 12 Must-Run Marathons.” The Oklahoma River is the only river to be named a U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Site. Designated as such for both rowing and canoeing/kayaking, the river provides many opportunities for recreation along its banks. Stockyards City, home to restaurants and shopping, remains the world’s largest stocker and feeder cattle market.
TULSA TREASURES • Oktoberfest is considered one of the nation’s top 10 fall festivals. • Architectural Digest named the Philbrook Museum of Art to its list of the top 50 fine art museums in the U.S. • Tulsa claims one of the largest concentrations of art deco architecture in the country. • The Gilcrease Museum holds the world’s largest, most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West. • Named one of “America’s Favorite Zoos” by MSN, the Tulsa Zoo’s most famous residents are African penguins. • Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, designed by renowned architect Bruce Goff, was deemed one of the “Ten Most Significant Buildings in Oklahoma” by the American Institute of Architects. • From Bob Wills in the 1930s to bellwether performances by the Sex Pistols and U2, Cain’s Ballroom is both a monument to music history and one of Oklahoma’s most popular music venues.
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Outdoors Dig in to all the excitement and beauty oklahoma’s natural world has to offer.
The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge near Jet is a popular destination for birding and crystal diggers.
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r.e. lindsey
brandon snider
shane bevel
jim argo
cornucopia At nearly 70 farmers’ markets across the state, foodies can enjoy seasonal produce like asparagus, strawberries, and radishes in the spring; sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, and watermelon in the summer; and peppers, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins in the fall. Add artisan cheeses, homemade bread and jams, and desserts, and these Oklahoma markets are stocked all year long. Days and hours of operation vary, so call ahead or check agritourism.TravelOK. com before you head out.
Clockwise from top left: Vegetables at the Edmond Farmer’s Market; Roman Nose Lodge at Roman Nose State Park near Watonga; Lake Murray Golf Course near Ardmore; Greenleaf State Park near Braggs
Nestled among the canyons near Watonga, you’ll find Roman Nose State Park, one of Oklahoma’s seven original state parks, where travelers can enjoy hiking, fishing, golf, swimming, mountain biking, and camping. A newly renovated lodge recalls the park’s original midcentury design. (580) 623-7281. In the wooded hills of eastern Oklahoma, the glorious vistas of Greenleaf State Park near Braggs beckon nature lovers. Situated near Greenleaf Lake, the park offers hiking trails, cabins, campgrounds, family recreation facilities, and an onsite naturalist. Many of Greenleaf ’s cabins and other facilities were constructed with local stone in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration. (918) 487-5196.
john jernigan
The smell of sage permeates the prairie air near Woodward, where Boiling Springs State Park’s wooded oasis bubbles with spring-fed streams. The hiking trails are prime spots for wildlife viewing, with deer, rabbits, and bird species making regular appearances. Newly renovated facilities, beautiful landscaping, and a reflecting pool add to the ambiance. (580) 256-7664. Oklahoma’s second-largest lake, Lake Texoma near Kingston, is a 143,000-acre aquatic playground. In addition to being one of the top
• • • • • • • • • •
freshwater striped bass fisheries in the country, Texoma is a popular spot for water sports, swimming, boating, and camping. At Lake Texoma State Park, there are plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities and camping, picnic, and boating areas to keep any wayfarer satisfied. (580) 564-2566. Golf enthusiasts can tee up at Lake Murray Golf Course near Ardmore. New course improvements including a brand-new, state-of-the-art pro shop and resurfaced greens make this lakeside trip to the links a hole-in-one. (580) 223-6613. For a complete list of state parks, turn to page 174 or visit TravelOK.com/parks. GROWING YOUNG There’s no better way to spur kids’ creativity than with hands-on learning. Oklahoma’s agritourism businesses offer many ways for children to get an up-close look at farm and ranch life. During fall and winter months, Oklahoma farms offer opportunities for families to participate in the spirit of the seasons. At Shepherd’s Cross near Claremore (918/3425911 or shepherdscross.com), kids learn to work with sheep and other animals. At P Bar Farms near Hydro, youngsters can wander through a vast corn maze that comes alive with haunted thrills on the nights leading up to Halloween (580/890-9653 or pbarfarms.com). Let the whole family choose a jack-o-lantern at Jahn’s Pumpkin Hill in Cyril (580/464-3419 or jahnspumpkinhill.com) and a perfect Christmas tree at Coffee Creek Christmas Tree Farm near Arcadia (405/396-2282).
Cherry Street Farmers’ Market in Tulsa Edmond Farmer’s Market Mid-Del Farmers’ Market in Midwest City Norman Farmers Market OSU-OKC Farmers Market in Oklahoma City Pearl Farmers Market in Tulsa Stillwater Farmers’ Market Tahlequah Farmers’ Market Urban Agrarian in Oklahoma City Woodward Main Street Farmers Market
Get into the fresh air! Visit TravelOK.com for more outdoor destinations for the whole family.
Nathan Harmon
PARKS AND RECREATION It’s easy to get back to nature in Oklahoma. Whatever terrain you want to explore—lakes, mesas, mountains, sand dunes, rolling prairie, forest, even cypress groves—Oklahoma has a state park to delve into. TravelOK.com/parks.
Cherry Street Farmers’ Market, Tulsa
Oklahoma has 500+ agritourism attractions.
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West Find the cowboy or cowgirl within at these exciting destinations.
Although the frontier era has passed, cowboy culture remains an important part of Oklahoma’s identity.
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TASTES OF THE WEST • • • • • • •
Clockwise from top left: Cowboy boots for sale in Historic Stockyards City in Oklahoma City; Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Stockyards City; James Earle Fraser’s End of the Trail at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City; Bison at the Wichita Mountains
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Wildlife Refuge near Lawton
mark w. nault
At the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, visitors will find an homage to all things western art, including works of icons like Charles M. Russell, Frederic Remington, and Albert Bierstadt. James Earle Fraser’s famous eighteen-foot sculpture, The End of the Trail, is a highlight. Little cowpokes will enjoy Prosperity Junction—a full-scale model of a western town—and the Children’s Cowboy Corral. (405) 478-2250 or nationalcowboymuseum.org. SHOULD’VE BEEN A COWBOY Feel like you were born a century too late? Not to worry—Oklahoma has plenty of opportunities to let your inner cowgirl or cowboy run wild. Enjoy daily horseback riding, team penning and roping, Indian powwows, trail rides, square dancing, and rodeos from April to September at the Island Guest Ranch in Ames, located on a 5,000-acre island in the Cimarron River (800/928-4574 or islandguestranch.com).
Another taste of cowboy life awaits at the Hitching Post Bed and Breakfast near Kenton in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Here, guests can go on an overnight trail ride, camp out, and tour historic sites (580/516-1213 or blackmesacountry.com). For an all-inclusive, total-immersion western experience, try the Meadowlake Ranch in Sand Springs, where visitors can learn roping, archery, and tomahawk throwing, stay in a teepee or a log cabin, and enjoy an evening campfire (918/494-6000 or meadowlakeranch.com).
TRAIL MAP Order our free Oklahoma Western Experience guide at TravelOK.com. Nathan Harmon
CITY MEETS COUNTRY Get outfitted at Historic Stockyards City in Oklahoma City, a unique district with businesses specializing in western wear and art, rustic furniture, and even farm and ranch supplies (405/235-7267 or stockyardscity.org). Stop in to refuel at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, an Oklahoma City dining institution whose visitors have included President George H.W. Bush. Oklahoma’s oldest continually operated restaurant, Cattlemen’s is famous for perfectly aged steaks, legendary breakfasts, and chicken-fried steak (405/236-0416 or cattlemensrestaurant.com).
101 Wild West Rodeo in Ponca City Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan Eastern Trails Museum in Vinita Hinton Historical Museum & Parker House in Hinton Hoot Owl Ranch in Kenton Lazy S Ranch in Frederick Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Spring Show in Oklahoma City Pawnee Bill Ranch in Pawnee Tatanka Ranch in Stroud Tom Mix Museum in Dewey Tulsa Holiday Circuit in Tulsa Woodward Elks Rodeo in Woodward
For a full listing of Oklahoma guest ranches, see page 166 or visit TravelOK.com. RANCH STYLE The Wild West was full of larger-than-life characters and unforgettable places, many in Oklahoma. Woolaroc Ranch, Museum, and Wildlife Preserve, built in the 1920s as the country home of oil man Frank Phillips, founder of Phillips Petroleum Company, is a one-of-a-kind destination. In addition to one of the world’s finest collections of Colt handguns and western art, this lush 3,700-acre ranch is home to herds of buffalo, elk, deer, longhorn steers, and Scottish highland cattle. (918) 336-0307 or woolaroc.org. Near Oologah lies Dog Iron Ranch, the birthplace of Will Rogers, which was relocated three-fourths of a mile west when Lake Oologah was filled in 1960. The two-story home where Rogers was born in 1879 sits on a 400-acre living history ranch with authentic nineteenth-centurystyle barns and Texas longhorn cattle. (918) 2754201 or willrogers.com.
Tatanka Ranch, Stroud
In 1945, the legendary Cattlemen’s Steakhouse changed hands after a roll of the dice.
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Towns Get a taste of Americana along Oklahoma’s main streets.
Nationally recognized for its Victorian architecture, Guthrie was Oklahoma’s first state capital.
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our Towns SMALL-TOWN TREASURES • Immaculately restored theaters such as the Poncan Theatre in Ponca City, Pollard Theatre in Guthrie, Coleman Theatre in Miami, Sooner Theatre in Norman, and Gaslight Theatre in Enid • Pawhuska’s more than 80 historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including a five-story, stand-alone triangle building and the elegant Constantine Theatre • Guthrie, nationally renowned for its collection of late 19th and early 20th-century territorial and Victorian-style architecture • Vintage windmills at the Shattuck Windmill Museum & Park in Shattuck • Meers Store and Restaurant in Meers • Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum in Pawnee • Talimena Scenic Drive near Talihina • Click’s Steakhouse in Pawnee
Clockwise from top left: Geronimo’s grave at Fort Sill; Medicine Creek at Medicine Park; A Territorial Christmas celebration in Guthrie; The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley
The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley is an Oklahoma favorite. With more than 13,000 action figures and toys on display, this oneof-a-kind museum is full of fun and nostalgia. (405) 238-6300 or actionfiguremuseum.com. Native American artifacts abound at the Museum of the Red River in Idabel (580/2863616 or museumoftheredriver.org) and Spiro Mounds in Spiro (918/962-2062 or okhistory.org/ sites/spiromounds).
r.e. lindsey
After it was established in 1869, Fort Sill was regarded as one of the most beautiful outposts in the West. Take a tour through its history at the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum in Lawton. (580) 442-5123 or fortsillmuseum.com.
org). There’s no mistaking the picturesque cobblestone streets of Medicine Park, a resort town where galleries, shops, and restaurants offer a relaxing getaway a few minutes’ drive from stunning scenic vistas in the Wichita Mountains (medicinepark.com).
FIND YOUR HEARTLAND DREAMS
SHOPAHOLICS ANONYMOUS Whatever you’re looking for, these Oklahoma stores and boutiques are the place to be. The latest goods for outfitting any kitchen or dining room are on hand at Distinctive Décor in Duncan (866/962-3267 or distinctive-decor. com). In Lawton, look for the zebra-striped facade of Ramon’s for flower arrangements, gourmet baskets, and home décor (580/3571232 or flowersbyramon.myshopify.com). An hour away, the Enchanted Door in Altus offers antiques and off-the-beaten-path accessories in a charming downtown store (580/477-0004 or enchanteddoorgifts.com).
Get to know one of Oklahoma’s most beloved entertainers at the Roger Miller Museum in Erick. Housed in a 1929 brick building downtown, the museum offers an engrossing array of memorabilia from the King of the Road. (580) 526-3833 or rogermillermuseum.com.
For a one-of-a-kind shopping treasure hunt, visit the brightly colored Cloverleaf boutique in Ardmore (580/224-0400 or thecloverleafboutique.com). The Heritage Hills Shopping Center in Enid combines dining with an eclectic collection of locally owned businesses that offer fashion-forward clothing, home accessories, and gifts (580/237-4838).
Step into Oklahoma’s rambunctious history at the Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum in Woodward, with exhibits devoted to prehistoric hunters, the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes of western Oklahoma, and the state’s early homesteaders (580/256-6136 or pipm1.
The fragrances of Oklahoma-made candles are a feast for the senses at the Montag Candle Company in Owasso (918/553-6767 or montagfinecandle.net), while Edmond offers a foodies’ paradise at Gourmet Gallery (405/7153663 or thegourmetgallery.com).
TravelOK.com
john jernigan
LITTLE TOWN, BIG LIFE The end result of a drive down the main drag of any small town in Oklahoma is friendly people, can’t-miss places to see, eat, and shop, and an unforgettable American experience.
Coleman Theatre, Miami
Fort Sill is home to the nation’s largest military museum.
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Friendly Families will find plenty of adventure to share in Oklahoma.
A vintage carousel, pony and train rides, a zip line, and giant jumping pillows are among the attractions at Orr Family Farm in Oklahoma City.
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keli clark
jennifer pitts
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k i d - f r i e n d ly
FAMILY FUN FESTS • Elephant Rock Nature Park near Tahlequah • Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman • Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole • Dinosaur tracks near Kenton • Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and Visitors Center near Lawton • Frontier City theme park in Oklahoma City • Oklahoma Wondertorium in Stillwater • Nature centers at Oklahoma state parks • Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse & Adventure Quest in Enid • Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley
Clockwise from top left: Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks; Visitors at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium; Crystal digging at
BUCKET, BATHING SUIT, BINOCULARS The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in northwestern Oklahoma (580/626-4794 or saltplains.fws.gov) is a rare destination that encourages visitors to leave with the natural wonders that make it unique. Every year between April 1 and October 15, visitors dig for the selenite crystals just under the surface of this arid landscape; hauls of up to ten pounds per day are allowed. The 32,000-acre refuge also is a habitat for wildlife, including hundreds of avian species. At the adjacent Great Salt Plains State Park and Great Salt Plains Lake, camping, hiking, picnicking, and swimming round out a memorable family day trip (580/626-4731 or TravelOK.com/parks).
OKLAHOMA TOURISM
IMAGINATION STATIONS What kid wouldn’t love to jump in an earthquake simulator and check out an Apollo Command Module Mission Simulator? These are just two of the hands-on exhibits at Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. The Dome Theater, with a seventyfoot screen and 36,000 watts of digital sound, is showing Tornado Alley through March 9, 2013. There are sure to be squeals and shouts of joy coming from the vicinity of GadgetTrees, a huge physical science playground. If the nation’s tallest spiral slide—three stories high—doesn’t get little ones into adventure mode, the elaborate high-in-the-sky treehouse will. (405) 602-6664 or sciencemuseumok.org. No trip to the Adventure District is complete without a trip to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, a short walk from Science Museum Oklahoma. The $13 million elephant
habitat Asha, Chandra, Rex, and baby Malee call home is a recent addition, and Oklahoma’s eleven distinct life zones are represented in the Oklahoma Trails exhibit, which includes more than eight hundred native animals, including the zoo’s grizzly bear brothers, Will and Wiley. (405) 424-3344 or okczoo.com.
Michael Ives
the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge near Jet; Swan paddleboat at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
PlayStation has its charms, but nothing beats the authentic family fun on tap at Orr Family Farm in south Oklahoma City. It has something for everyone: a train, a petting barn with farm critters, a corn maze, jumping pillows, a fishing lake, pedal cars, a carousel, and a new 450-foot zip line. (405) 799-3276 or orrfamilyfarm.com. T-TOWN TREASURES Just south of Tulsa in Jenks, the Oklahoma Aquarium has been swimming in kids since it opened in 2003. Eight exhibit galleries spotlight the wonders of the sea, including twenty bull and nurse sharks that swim overhead and around visitors in the Siegfried Families Shark Adventure. (918) 296-3474 or okaquarium.org. Located near the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum has eightyfour acres of animal adventure, including the Helmerich Sea Lion Cove and, seasonally beginning in mid-March, a zoo tour on the back of a camel. (918) 669-6600 or tulsazoo.org. Humans of all ages have long been fascinated with flight. The Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium celebrates all things aeronautic, with twelve airplanes in its 25,000-square-foot facility in north Tulsa, plus flight simulators and exhibits. (918) 834-9900 or tulsaairandspacemuseum.org.
The Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, Seminole
For more children’s destinations, visit TravelOK.com.
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Mother Road Mother Lode The call of Route 66 is strong, and in Oklahoma, there are many ways to answer it.
The LED bottle sculpture at POPS in Arcadia weighs more than four tons.
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EVAN TAYLOR
EVAN TAYLOR
john jernigan
EVAN TAYLOR
mother road
ROUTE 66 PHOTO OPS • • • • • • • •
Clockwise from top left: The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton; The Blue Whale in Catoosa; Statue at the Indian Trading Post in Calumet; The Arcadia Round Barn
jim argo
EASTBOUND AND DOWN From Miami and Vinita through Tulsa, Chandler, and Wellston, the voyage down Route 66 in the eastern half of the state is full of great stops. The Coleman Theatre in Miami, built in 1929, features Spanish mission revival architecture and an exquisite 2,000-pound chandelier with sixty-five yards of crystal beads (918/540-2425 or colemantheatre.org). Housed in a 1930s gas station, Afton Station in Afton is a privately owned Route 66 visitors’ center and vintage car museum with a collection of old Packards, Route 66 guidebooks, and memorabilia (918/257-4044). The Victorian Belvidere Mansion in Claremore, built in 1907, serves lunch in its Belvidere Tea Room (918/342-1127 or belvideremansion.com). Tulsa’s historic Campbell Hotel has themed rooms dedicated to Route 66, the University of Tulsa, and Tulsa native Leon Russell (918/7445500 or thecampbellhotel.com). WESTWARD GO A mix of history, scenery, and pop culture awaits travelers who explore the western half of the state on Route 66. The Milk Bottle Building in Oklahoma City’s Asian District is home to Vietnamese sandwich shop Saigon Baguette (405/524-2660). If an American classic is calling
LOCAL FAVORITES your name, sample a famous onion burger in El Reno at Sid’s Diner (405/262-7757), Robert’s Grill (405/262-1262), or Johnnie’s Grill (405/262-4721). In Clinton, visit the Route 66-themed miniature golf course at McLain Rogers Park (580/323-4572) before a stop at the recently renovated Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (580/323-7866 or route66.org), home to an impressive collection of Mother Road memorabilia and one of the highway’s best gift shops. Drawn in by its famous French silk pie, many drivers take a road break at Country Dove Gifts and Tea Room in Elk City (580/225-7028). At the nearby National Route 66 Museum is an enormous, walk-through diorama of Mother Road history, complete with a white Corvette, giant kachina dolls, and murals of the states through which Route 66 runs (580/225-6266). GOOD GRAVY Traveling is hard work. Refuel your body and soul with Oklahoma’s official state dish—chickenfried steak with cream gravy, available on many Route 66 menus. A Vinita landmark since 1927, Clanton’s Cafe made its way into the national spotlight in 2007 when Food Network host Guy Fieri featured it on his popular show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (918/256-9053 or clantonscafe. com). At POPS in Arcadia, wash down your chicken-fried steak with one of more than 650 flavors of soda and check out the sixty-sixfoot neon pop bottle sculpture (405/233-2020 or route66.com). At Lucille’s Roadhouse in Weatherford, chicken-fried steak comes with a bite of history: The restaurant is a tribute to the late Lucille Hamons, who operated the historic Provine gas station on Route 66 just east of town (580/772-8808 or lucillesroadhouse.com).
• Waylan’s Ku-Ku Burger in Miami • Summerside Vineyards, Winery & Meadery in Vinita • Ollie’s Station Restaurant in Tulsa • The Rock Café in Stroud • StableRidge Vineyards in Stroud • Territory Cellars in Stroud • Chapel Creek Winery in El Reno • Jigg’s Smokehouse in Clinton
ONE FOR THE ROAD Head out on the highway with our free Oklahoma Route 66 guide. Order yours at TravelOK.com.
fred w. marvel
HEAD OUT ON THE HIGHWAY With more than four hundred miles, Oklahoma boasts the longest drivable stretch of Route 66 in the United States. Known as the “Mother Road,” the highway is a part of America’s automotive DNA. A symbol of freedom and exploration, the iconic road has called to travelers for generations, beckoning them to discover the small towns and singular sights along its path.
Totem Pole Park in Foyil Blue Whale in Catoosa Blue Dome Service Station in Tulsa Route 66 Interpretive Center in Chandler Round Barn in Arcadia Original Route 66 roadway statewide Gold Dome Building in Oklahoma City Lucille’s Service Station in Hydro
Totem Pole Park in Foyil
The Round Barn in Arcadia is one of the most photographed Route 66 landmarks.
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Ultimate These outdoor adventures will get your adrenaline pumping.
Rock climbing opportunities bring a steady stream of visitors to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton.
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lisha newman
R.E. LINDSEY
R.E. LINDSEY
t h r i l l s TEST YOUR METTLE WITH THESE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES • Biking at the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area or the River Parks Trails in Tulsa or Roman Nose State Park near Watonga • Floating, rafting, or canoeing on the Mountain Fork, Glover, or Illinois rivers • Horseback riding at Lake Carl Blackwell near Stillwater or Robbers Cave near Wilburton • Scuba diving at Lake Tenkiller near Cookson or at Lake Murray near Ardmore • Spelunking at Alabaster Caverns State Park near Freedom
Clockwise from top left: Little Sahara State Park near Waynoka; Broken Bow Lake in southeastern Oklahoma; Robbers Cave State Park in southeastern Oklahoma; Rappelling at Red Rock State Park near Hinton
R.E. LINDSEY
The 600-acre ATV area at Quartz Mountain Nature Park in southwestern Oklahoma is a small but mighty off-road site open between April and the end of October. Known as Eagles Roost, this area of the park along the north shore of Lake Altus-Lugert is perfectly situated for a quick dip after the motor’s been cut (580/563-2238 or quartzmountain.org). Near Turner Falls in Davis, Cross Bar Ranch, the largest ATV playground in Oklahoma, includes 4,700 acres of room to vroom (580/369-2444 or crossbarranch.com). WALK THE WALK One of the best things about Oklahoma is that there’s ample space for roaming, whatever your hiking expertise. Beginners can put one foot in front of the other at Mary K. Oxley Nature Center, located in Tulsa’s Mohawk Park. Spread across an 804-acre area, Oxley’s nine miles of trails are sneaker and stroller-friendly (918/669-6644 or oxleynaturecenter.org). For more seasoned steppers who prefer Timberland to Adidas, the 8,900-acre McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area near Atoka has twentysix miles of trails. Whether you’re in the mood for an easy, intermediate, or demanding trek, you’ll find your path here (580/889-5822 or TravelOK.com/parks).
For a hike that’s visually and physically stimulating, try the David Boren Hiking Trail. Its South Park trailhead begins at the south end of Beavers Bend & Hochatown State Park near Broken Bow in southeast Oklahoma and winds through twelve miles of hills and forest. (580) 4946509 or TravelOK.com/parks. HIGHER ED Rock climbing and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Medicine Park go together like harnesses and carabiners. These granite outcrops are the site of some of the best climbing in this part of the country. The craggy north walls of Mount Scott, the Wichitas’ highest point, are a favorite among climbers, as are Crab Eyes, Sunset Peak, and Elk Mountain in the Charons Garden Wilderness Area (580/429-3222 or fws. gov/refuge/wichita_mountains). For a more mellow ascent, put your cleats to the test on Baldy Point near Lone Wolf and the Quartz Mountain Resort, Arts & Conference Center, where long slab faces provide plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning scenery (580/563-2238 or quartzmountain.org). In Oklahoma, there are fewer places more geographically distinct than Red Rock Canyon State Park. The eye-catching, rust-colored canyon formations make Red Rock, located near Hinton, a favorite among rappellers (405/5426344 or TravelOK.com/parks). Other great rappelling spots include the San Bois Mountains’ sandstone formations in Robbers Cave State Park in southeastern Oklahoma (918/465-2565 or TravelOK.com) and, five miles west of downtown Tulsa, the limestone cliffs of Chandler Park (918/591-6053 or parks.tulsacounty.org).
shane bevel
START YOUR ENGINES The plains of northwest Oklahoma aren’t technically a desert. But don’t tell that to the folks at Little Sahara State Park near Waynoka, where off-roaders of the two and four-wheeled persuasion go for up-and-down good times in 1,650 acres of sand dunes. (580) 824-1471 or TravelOK.com/parks.
River Parks, Tulsa
Order your free Oklahoma Outdoor Recreation Guide at TravelOK.com.
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S erene Leave the cares of the modern world behind with a getaway to one of Oklahoma’s bed and breakfast or state park retreats.
Keystone Lake—about 23 miles west of downtown Tulsa—is a relaxing water oasis nestled between sandy beaches and sandstone bluffs.
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R.E. LINDSEY
keli clark
lisha newman
OKIE SERENITY
LADIES FIRST Take feminine bonding to new heights. Our chick trip itineraries on TravelOK.com have enough urban and rural shopping, spa indulgences, sights to see, good eats, and laughter to refuel any busy gal on the go.
BREW, HA HA
Greenfield Vineyard and Winery in Chandler; Cabins at Beavers Bend State Park near Broken Bow
PEACE BE WITH YOU Southeastern Oklahoma is a luxury cabin haven, with one after another tucked into the Kiamichi Mountains. If views of the Glover, Little, and Mountain Fork rivers, Broken Bow Lake, or the Ouachita National Forest appeal, various operators, including the folks at Rivers Edge Cottages (580/244-7296 or riversedgecottages. com), Beavers Bend Adventures (214/789-5322 or beaversbendadventures.com), and Beavers Bend Luxury Cabin Rentals (580/212-0910 or beaversbendcabins4rent.com) have you covered. Beavers Bend State Park near Broken Bow offers forty-eight rustic and modern cabins in the woods, some overlooking the Mountain Fork River (580/494-6300), and another forty rooms at Lakeview Lodge (800/435-5514), each with an idyllic Broken Bow Lake vista. The family-friendly park also includes an onsite restaurant, the Forest Heritage Center museum, golf, hundreds of campsites, and more. TravelOK.com/parks.
KIM BAKER
At Greenleaf State Park near Braggs, Works Progress Administration-era cabins have modernized interiors, but their rock-studded exterior charm remains (918/487-5622). Keystone State Park near Sand Springs has twenty-two cabins plus the romantic Hilltop and Paradise cottages (918/865-4991). The rustic cabins at Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton provide ambiance for exploring an area once a hideout for outlaws (918/465-2565). TravelOK.com/parks. One of the state’s most luxurious and eco-friendly respites is the Canebrake Restaurant and Resort near Wagoner. Eight luxury cottages and the eight-room Deer View Building are havens for
R&R, and the Yoga Barn and full-service spa take a mind-body approach to vacationing. In the resort’s restaurant, don’t miss the inspired cuisine of award-winning chef and Canebrake co-owner Sam Bracken. (918) 485-1810 or thecanebrake.com. For more bed and breakfast options and a complete list of state parks, see pages 148 and 174. IN VINO VERITAS A boom over the past decade in Oklahoma’s wine industry has led to forty-five wineries around the state and plenty of sipping tours, no corkscrew necessary. Girls really do want to have fun, and Girls Gone Wine near Broken Bow serves plenty of opportunities for them to do so while selecting, tasting, and even bottling their favorite vinos. (580) 494-6243 or thegirlsgonewine.com. If you feel a kinship to the Mother Road, make a stop at Summerside Vineyards, Winery & Meadery on Route 66 in Vinita. There’s more than wine here, with wine classes, cellar tours, and a bistro all part of the package (888/508-9463 or summersidevineyards.com). Also located on the old road in Stroud, StableRidge Vineyards has a tasting room and gift shop inside the town’s original circa-1902 Catholic church (918/9681769 or stableridgevineyards.com). It’s hard to beat one of Oklahoma’s oldest wineries, Tres Sueños Vineyards and Winery, for sheer beauty—it’s situated in eighty pinestudded acres near Luther—and its large event center. (405) 277-7089 or tressuenos.com.
• Battered Boar Brewing Company in Edmond • Belle Isle Restaurant and Brewing Company in Oklahoma City • Bricktown Brewery in Oklahoma City • Choc Beer in Krebs • COOP Ale Works in Oklahoma City • Huebert Brewing Company in Oklahoma City (only in liquor stores) • Marshall Brewing Company in Tulsa • Mustang Brewing Company in Oklahoma City • Redbud Brewing Company in Oklahoma City • Royal Bavaria Brewery and Restaurant in Moore
Shauna Lawyer Struby
Clockwise from top left: Greenleaf State Park near Braggs; Summerside Vineyards, Winery & Meadery in Vinita; Grapes at
If you’re of the opinion that the beer’s the thing, an ever-increasing crew of Oklahoma brewers will have you raising a glass in no time.
Choc Beer, Krebs
Plan your sipping adventure with our free winery guide, available at TravelOK.com.
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Eat, Drink, From down-home comfort food to sophisticated dining, mouthwatering cuisine is always on the menu at oklahoma restaurants.
Joe Momma’s, located in Tulsa’s Blue Dome District, serves some of the city’s most popular pizza.
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john jernigan
evan taylor
lacey elaine dillard
E AT
MORE OKLAHOMA FEASTS • Matthew Kenney OKC in Oklahoma City • Hammett House Restaurant in Claremore • Dr. Martin Luther King Soul Food Cook-Off in Muskogee • The Chalkboard in Tulsa • Eskimo Joe’s and The Original Hideaway in Stillwater • Cheever’s Cafe in Oklahoma City • Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies in Davis and Oklahoma City • Salas Mexican Restaurant in Lawton • National Indian Taco Championship in Pawhuska • Delicious Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese food in Oklahoma City’s Asian District
Clockwise from top left: A dish from Ludivine in Oklahoma City; Pete’s Place in Krebs; Stonehorse Café in Tulsa’s Utica Square; Eischen’s Bar in Okarche
At Living Kitchen Farm and Dairy near Depew, dining out takes on a new, organic twist. In this 400-acre pastoral setting, Lisa Becklund and a team of foodies and farmers host multicourse dinners twice a month between April and October. Reservations required. (918) 284-8169 or livingkitchenfarmanddairy.com.
evan taylor
UTENSILS DISCOURAGED Eischen’s Bar is one of Oklahoma’s most iconic restaurants and the site of a favorite Oklahoma meal. The old-school bar in the Canadian County town of Okarche is known for fried chicken served right out of the deep fryer on butcher paper with sweet and dill pickles, white bread, and onions. Add a side of some of the best fried okra anywhere and a cold beverage for a belly full of famous Oklahoma flavors. (405) 263-9939. DINER CULTURE Route 66 in Oklahoma is all about cars, including the pink Cadillac and vintage police car parked in front of Ann’s Chicken Fry House in Oklahoma City. But it’s the cuisine
that makes all the difference—the entrée in Oklahoma’s official meal, chicken-fried steak. Topped with a generous dollop of cream gravy, Ann’s signature menu item is right at home in this comfort-kitsch, carb-friendly, memorabilia-filled eatery (405/943-8915). The Williams family has been operating the Polly Anna Cafe in Woodward since the 1950s. What started as a candy store in the early part of the twentieth century is now one of northwestern Oklahoma’s favorite stops for old-fashioned breakfasts, onion rings, and made-from-scratch pies (580/256-9037). In Shawnee, at Hamburger King, open since 1927, customers still order their burgers from a phone at their table, and it’s a good idea to save room for homemade pie after the last crumb of hush puppy has disappeared (405/878-0488). WHEN NOT IN ROME Over the years, Krebs has become known as Oklahoma’s Little Italy, thanks to the Italian immigrants who landed in Pittsburg County more than a century ago to work in area coal mines. Their lineage lives on in a handful of family restaurants in the small community, each of which has been operating for generations. At Lovera’s Family Grocery, the authentic Italian sausage and cheese are made fresh (918/423-2842 or loverasmarket. com); Pete’s Place is famous for its Choc beer and lamb fries (918/423-2042 or petes.org); Isle of Capri’s chicken fettuccine is to die for (918/423-3062 or isleofcapriofkrebs.net); and at Roseanna’s Italian Food, the gnocchi, sampler plates, and tiramisu always appeal (918/423-2055 or roseannas.com).
DESTINATION DINING GUIDE Cook up a culinary adventure with our free Discover Oklahoma Destination Dining Guide, available on TravelOK.com. Steven Walker
FARM FED Several eateries in Oklahoma’s two largest cities emphasize sustainability and farm-totable concepts. At Oklahoma City’s Ludivine, inventive cocktails and innovative cuisine are as much a feast for the palette as the palate (405/778-6800 or ludivineokc.com). At Elote Café & Catering in downtown Tulsa, Libby and Jeramy Auld take the fresh-Mex concept to new culinary heights, serving their popular puffy tacos and other favorites to loyal customers (918/582-1403 or elotetulsa.com).
eat & drin k
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Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies, Davis and Oklahoma City
First, second, and third helpings encouraged. TravelOK.com.
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