For too long, Oklahoma has been seen largely as a layover destination along Route 66. That ends today. By pairing the urban energy and iconic neighbourhoods of Oklahoma City (OKC) with the natural landscapes and First American culture of Chickasaw Country, a stopping point can become a destination in its own right.

Oklahoma City

Check out OKC for historic highways, river adventures, cultural insight and river-based adventures:

Route 66

As the Mother Road approaches its centenary, Oklahoma City serves as the ideal base to explore it.

The route cuts diagonally across the state, running from the northeast corner near Quapaw down through Tulsa and Oklahoma City, before exiting west into Texas near Texola.

Incredibly, Oklahoma boasts more drivable miles of Route 66 than any other US state. Instead of merely driving through, take a few days to unload your luggage and unpack a fascinating city with must-see cultural hotspots.

First Americans Museum

Located along the riverfront, the striking First Americans Museum building is a massive cosmological clock that aligns with the sun during the summer and winter solstices. Inside, Oklahoma’s 39 distinctive First American Nations tell their collective histories and stories.

Curated by an all-Native team, it is a groundbreaking institution where Indigenous people control their own narrative and share their historical resilience. The museum’s motto is ‘One place; many nations’, and visiting provides vital historical context before you travel further into the state.

Stockyards City

At Stockyards City, witness a cowboy culture that is not preserved in books or exhibits but is alive and thriving. Originally opened as a meat-packing and livestock hub in 1910, Stockyards City still operates the world’s largest stocker and feeder cattle market.

Pop into one of the traditional Western wear outfitters to try on boots and hats before heading to Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, the oldest continually operating restaurant in Oklahoma City, for a legendary steak with lamb fries.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

For some more context about cowboy culture and life on the frontier, check out the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Established in 1955, it houses over 28,000 displays encompassing world-class Western art, rodeo memorabilia and historical exhibits that detail the realities of the American West.

The most popular exhibit of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum must be Prosperity Junction: this 1,300-square-metre indoor replica of a Western prairie town has a real walk-through experience and features fully furnished historical buildings.

Asian District

OKC shows off its modern diversity in the Asian District along North Classen Boulevard. Highly regarded for its culinary scene, this neighbourhood is a prime Route 66 dining stop celebrated for authentic Vietnamese flavours (the region was established in the 1970s by refugees).

Be sure to go wild in the aisles at the enormous Super Cao Nguyen Asian supermarket before tasting delicious steaming bowls of pho (beef broth with rice noodles), banh mi sandwiches (pate, mayonnaise and meat on a short crusty baguette), and authentic dim sum at VII Asian Bistro, Golden Phoenix and Lido Restaurant.

Jazz

For a true slice of jazz and blues, head to Deep Deuce, in and around Northeast 2nd Street in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. During the early 20th century, it was a booming business hub for African Americans and culture soon followed, becoming a renowned live music scene.

Following the construction of the I-235 highway in the 1980s, the original community dispersed and much of the historic architecture was lost, but nowadays, Deep Deuce has been completely revitalised into one of OKC’s coolest neighbourhoods.

Bricktown Water Taxi

Speaking of places with a new lease of life, check out the repurposed warehouse district of Bricktown, which offers a trendy yet relaxed introduction to the city. It’s also the home of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, where the Oklahoma City Baseball Club plays.

Float down the mile-long urban canal via the Bricktown Water Taxi, passing waterside restaurants, nightlife spots and the Centennial Land Run Monument. This is a perfect introduction to life in OKC for any first-time visitors but is a great day out for anyone.

Paseo Arts District

The creative vibe remains high as you move into Paseo Arts District, just north of downtown, known for its Spanish-revival architecture, curved streets and vibrant murals. This walkable two-block stretch is home to over 20 galleries featuring works by more than 80 artists.

First built in 1929, it was originally called ‘the Spanish Village’ before becoming an arts district in the 1970s. Today, it remains a colourful, family-friendly neighbourhood that blends art with a lively dining and nightlife scene, such as at Paseo Grill, Picasso Café, Oso and Flamingo Tiki.

Boathouse District

If you want an active change of pace, the nearby Boathouse District sits right on the water. This is a vibrant, urban outdoor recreation and sports hub located along the Oklahoma River, just steps from downtown.

It is internationally famous as an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site for rowing and canoeing and kayaking. As such, it is home to RIVERSPORT, which provides an unexpected urban playground for whitewater rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and miles of multi-use trails running alongside the riverfront.

Chickasaw Country

Leaving the state capital behind, driving south shifts the landscape from concrete to the rolling hills and quiet waters of Chickasaw Country:

Chickasaw Cultural Centre

The standout attraction of this region is the 300-acre Chickasaw Cultural Centre, one of the largest tribal cultural centres in the United States, based in the city of Sulphur. This sprawling campus avoids superficial displays, instead offering an immersive look into Chickasaw history and living traditions.

Visitors can explore interactive exhibits within the Chikasha Poya Exhibit Centre, watch live cultural demonstrations and stomp dance performances, walk through a recreated traditional village, and sample indigenous-inspired flavours at the on-site Aaimpa’ Café.

Be sure to visit the Chikasha Inchokka’ Traditional Village, home to traditional council buildings and homes, if only to walk along the stunning 40-foot Aba’ Aanowa’ Sky Bridge.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Directly adjacent to the town of Sulphur lies the Chickasaw National Recreation Area (CNRA), one of only three National Park Service Sites in Oklahoma. This natural oasis offers a slower pace of travel, where visitors can hike shaded trails, spot local wildlife like bison, go fishing, or camp in one of over 400 campsites near natural cold springs and mineral waters.

The park’s most famous swimming spot, known as Little Niagara, is famous for its cold, clear waters and travertine (natural, terrestrial sedimentary rock) terraces. There are also numerous natural springs, including Buffalo Springs and Antelope Springs, which feed into the park’s creeks.

Turner Falls Park and Lake Murray

Located in Davis, Turner Falls Park is the oldest park in Oklahoma, complete with natural caves, hiking trails, a stone castle and a 77-foot waterfall, the tallest in the state of Oklahoma, creating natural swimming pools for the entire family. There are several on-site accommodation options at the park, including cabins, tent camping and wagon glamping.

For a memorable overnight stay, wake up directly on the water at Lake Murray Floating Cabins in Oklahoma’s oldest and largest state park, Lake Murray, located in Ardmore. The park features diverse terrain, exceptional trails, historic sites and 5,700 acres of surface water.

The park also offers outdoor activities such as golf, horseback riding, swimming, hiking and more. There are several other on-site accommodation options at the park, including Lake Murray Lodge and RV campsites.