Oklahoma is a state with a rich and diverse history and culture, from its cowboy culture to its Native American heritage. It is also renowned for its iodine production, oil and gas industry, college sports, country music, and the iconic Route 66.Oklahoma is home to 39 indigenous tribal nations, with more than 300,000 of the state's residents being Native Americans. Twenty-five Native American languages are spoken across the state, including Cherokee and Choctaw. The state also has many cultural centers and museums that dive deeper into the history and modern cultures of Oklahoma's indigenous peoples.
Tulsa is home to the Philbrook and Gilcrease art museums, which host a variety of rotating exhibitions. Since the mid-19th century, Oklahoma has been one of the country's leading oil producers. Most of the state's 77 counties have produced oil or natural gas at some point. Oil drilling has such an impact on the state's self-image that there's even a 75-foot-tall statue of an oil worker in Tulsa.
Oklahoma also has great potential for renewable energy, as half of the state is located on the open, undulating plains that form the North American wind corridor. Oklahoma is also famous for its tornadoes, which can be devastating but have not stopped Oklahomans from living their lives day in and day out. The state is also home to some unique crystals found only in Oklahoma and in some places in the Sahara Desert. Oklahoma has more than 200 artificial lakes, making it an agricultural powerhouse with more than 32 million acres of farmland.
The state is also known for its country and western music, embodied by Will Rogers' witty observations and comedic performances. The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City State University are renowned for their soccer cultures, which attract large numbers of fans to their games. The Oklahoma City National Monument serves as a solemn tribute to the victims and survivors of the tragic 1995 attack in Oklahoma City. Spanning more than 39,000 acres, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is one of the largest protected high-grass prairies in the world. From its vibrant Native American culture to its oil production industry, Oklahoma has something for everyone.
Its unique crystals, artificial lakes, college sports teams, country music scene, and Route 66 all make it a destination worth exploring. Whether you're looking for a place to explore history or just want to experience something new, Oklahoma has something for you.
