Zany. Eclectic. Bizarre. These are just a handful of the words that have been used to describe Route 66 since its inception in 1926. One hundred years of evolution is preserved in roadside attractions like Froella, the Giant Elephant; The Nut House; Big Bill; and Stella Atom, the new space cowgirl in Tulsa. Take your time stopping at each of these iconic statues for a more leisurely trip.
A weekend in Choctaw Country is more than a simple getaway. It is an immersion into a living culture and a celebration of connection. From the storytellers at the cultural center to the artisans along scenic paths, every encounter feels genuine and rooted in place.
From stepping inside tipis to throwing tomahawks, the hands-on experiences offered in Bartlesville will help demystify themes most of us have only heard about through pop culture.
Route 66 isn’t just asphalt and neon, it threads across the ancestral and living homelands of many Indigenous nations. From Potawatomi lands at the Chicago start, through Osage and Kickapoo land in the Midwest, across dozens of Tribal Nations in Oklahoma, to Pueblo communities in New Mexico and Navajo and Hualapai lands in Arizona, more than half of Route 66 runs through Indian Country. For travelers looking to go beyond the kitsch, the most authentic experiences are those led and offered by tribal people themselves. These experiences vary from guided canyon walks and pueblo tours to trading-post galleries, and tribally owned lodgings. Spending your money at these establishments directs tourism dollars to local economies and cultural programs. You can create a positive experience for both yourself and these communities by visiting with gratitude and respect – prepared to learn about the local cultures and histories.
Don’t be fooled by all those high rises! There are plenty of ways to elevate your heart-rate within the limits of Oklahoma City. We dig in on this jam-packed itinerary perfect for a long weekend.
Oklahoma has abundant Native American history. Formerly known simply as “Indian Territory,” it is here that over 30 Indian tribes were relocated during the peak of western migration. In total, 67 unique tribal nations have at one point called Oklahoma home. The name Oklahoma itself is a Choctaw Indian word that means “red people.”
Discover the heart and soul of Oklahoma with these seven ideas. Perfect for the first-time visitor or locals alike, these suggestions will round out any weekend trip and give you ideas for your next visit.
Located across the furthest reaches of the state, these five parks and scenic locales are some of the best ways to experience the great outdoors in Oklahoma.