This year, all eyes are on Route 66 as America’s most famous highway celebrates its 100th anniversary. Countless road-trippers will be keen to drive the hallowed tarmac, photograph the vintage neon, and soak up the nostalgia of The Mother Road.
Oklahoma City and Chickasaw Country have long been a stopping point for any adventure through the Sooner State; indeed Oklahoma is home to more than 400 miles of drivable Route 66 – more than any other state. But to simply rest your head here and move on the next day means missing out on one of the most exciting urban revivals in the United States.
By spending a little longer in OKC and Chickasaw Country, you’ll discover a destination where deep-rooted cowboy culture rubs shoulders with a booming culinary landscape, and a world-class arts scene sits alongside one of the largest tribal cultural centers in the United States.
Living the cowboy life
Unlike many other destinations where cowboy culture is relegated to the history books, Oklahoma City’s Old West remains a living, breathing reality.
Start your immersion in Stockyards City. Stepping into this historic district feels like walking directly onto a film set, yet it remains completely authentic. This is a working western community where ranchers and cowboys come to trade, get their boots repaired, and purchase custom-made hats.
Time your visit for a Monday or Tuesday to witness the fast-paced drama of a live cattle auction at the Oklahoma National Stockyards, the world’s largest market of its kind.
To contextualise that heritage, spend an afternoon at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Located in the Adventure District, this premier institution houses an internationally renowned collection of western art, historic firearms, and indigenous artefacts.
It does not just look backward, either; it celebrates the ongoing, evolving story of the American West, providing an insightful look into a lifestyle that still shapes the identity of the region today.
A canvas of culture
Once you have experienced the original frontier spirit, it is time to discover the sophisticated, creative energy driving OKC’s modern-day renaissance. The city’s visual landscape has undergone a transformation: entire neighbourhoods have been converted into open-air galleries. It’s no wonder Oklahoma City was voted USA Today’s #1 city for street art in both 2021 and 2022.
In the trendy Plaza District, the ‘Plaza Walls’ project showcases a rotating exhibition of large-scale murals by local and international artists. Meanwhile, the historic underpasses in Bricktown feature stunning public art pieces, such as Earth to Sky and Strength of the Woman, which celebrate the state’s Native American heritage.
Beyond the murals, be sure to check out the Paseo Arts District. Developed in 1929 as the first shopping district of its kind, this vibrant, Spanish-revival village is home to more than 80 artists, working studios, and independent galleries.
For fans of jazz, visiting Deep Deuce is a non-negotiable. During the 1920s and 1930s, this district was the beating heart of African-American culture and a hotbed for pioneering musicians like Jimmy Rushing. Their legacy lives on, presented in a modern way: at large-scale events like Charlie Christian International Music Festival, sophisticated speakeasies and upscale cocktail lounges.
Cutting-edge cuisine
All that exploring requires fuel, and Oklahoma City’s food culture has quietly evolved into one of the most exciting, multi-layered culinary scenes in the country. In OKC, traditional comfort food and James Beard-recognised innovation break bread at the same table.
For a quintessential taste of the old West, head back to Stockyards City to dine at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse. As Oklahoma’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, it has been serving legendary, perfectly seared steaks to presidents, movie stars, and cattle drivers for over a century.
However, OKC’s palate extends beyond exceptional beef. The city is home to a thriving Asian District, led by a Vietnamese community that settled here in the late 20th century. Dive into authentic bowls of steaming pho and fresh spring rolls, plus innovative global fusion cuisine.
Did you know? In late May, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum hosts the Annual Chuck Wagon Festival, where visitors can taste authentic Dutch-oven recipes cooked over open fires by real chuck wagon crews.
Visit in the autumn for the Asian Night Market Festival, where the whole district becomes an open-air marketplace with food stalls, cultural performances and traditional crafts.
Ancient traditions
Encompassing more than 7,600 square miles of rolling hills, picturesque mountains, and pristine waters, Chickasaw Country is an outdoor oasis steeped in First American cultural narratives.
In Sulphur, the 300-acre Chickasaw Cultural Center stands as one of the largest tribal cultural centres in the United States.
See the history of the Chickasaw people come to life at Chikasha Poya Exhibit Center before walking the Aba’ Aanowa’ Sky Bridge to the Chikasha Inchokka’ Traditional Village to witness live stomp dance demonstrations. Afterwards, the on-site Aaimpa’ Café serves authentic specialties like fry bread tacos, bison stacks and buffalo burgers.
Castles and cabins
As one of three National Park Service Sites in Oklahoma, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (CNRA) is a natural oasis. It is home to a bison viewing area, and the famous swimming spot, Little Niagara.
Turner Falls Park in Davis, Oklahoma’s oldest park, is home to a 77-foot waterfall (the state’s tallest), natural caves, and a historic stone castle. For a special night under the stars, travellers can even opt for ‘wagon glamping’.
Oklahoma’s largest state park, Lake Murray State Park, boasts 5,700 acres of crystal-clear water for swimming, exceptional hiking and horseback riding, and floating cabins. Or in Tishomingo, the stunning 3,367-acre Blue River offers a tranquil escape, renowned for its low waterfalls and abundance of trout and bass.
Main streets
Chickasaw Country offers several ‘main street’ communities with boutique shopping, dining, history and quirky finds all in one street. In Pauls Valley, learn about railroad history at the Santa Fe Depot and Museum or take in the exhibits at the Toy & Action Figure Museum, then pop into Boom-a-rang Diner for their famous fish fry and a chocolate shake.
Fuel up at Happy Camper in Purcell with an enormous salad or sandwich then take in a movie at the historic theatre, or visit Ada for the Chickasaw Market and Chokma’si Gallery and enjoy fettuccine alfredo at Papa Gjorgjo’s.
Visit Chickasha’s downtown to read records of early pioneers at the Grady County Historical Society Museum before diving into mouth-watering barbecue at Savoy 1902. Finish your trip by taking an iconic picture in front of the 50-foot Leg Lamp!
Conclusion: Oklahoma City and Chickasaw Country
As Route 66 celebrates its centenary, thousands of road-trippers will be making journeys down the iconic Mother Road. Don’t just pass through Oklahoma City and Chickasaw Country; make sure to stop off and enjoy a longer stay, in these enthralling destinations that are home to First American culture, western heritage, and excellent food, arts and outdoor experiences.
Need to know
Getting there: American, United, Delta, KLM and Virgin Atlantic fly from London Heathrow or London Gatwick to Will Rogers International Airport, connecting via US cities (such as Chicago) or via European hubs (including Amsterdam). Journey times range from around 14 hours to 18 hours depending on connections.
Best time to go: In spring (April to May), the landscape is lush and green, and it’s peak season for cultural events like the Festival of the Arts. In autumn (September – November), the air is cool and crisp – perfect for outdoor activities.
Where to stay: In Oklahoma City, check out the historic four-star Colcord Hotel or restored 1911 property The Skirvin Hilton Hotel, both in Downtown. In Chickasaw Country, stay near the Arbuckle Mountains: try The Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa in Sulphur or Lake Murray Floating Cabins in Ardmore.
Further information: visitokc.com / chickasawcountry.com / americansky.co.uk
