Frontier Country, Oklahoma
Big-sky country begins in central Oklahoma, where the Southern Plains start their majestic roll to the Pacific Ocean. Novelist Washington Irving rode across these prairies in 1828 in search of adventure -- and travelers find it still. Oklahoma City, the largest in the state, is an easy-going patchwork of city and country, both down-home and cosmopolitan. The 1889 Opening of the Unassigned Lands, better known as the Land Rush, brought farmers, entrepreneurs and dreamers from all over the world here to stake their claims to brand-new towns -- ones that grew from handfuls of railroad workers to towns of 100,000 overnight. The population was a heady mix, and still is today. Each year Oklahoma City hosts the Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival, the world's largest powwow, as well as Asian, Greek and Hispanic festivals filled with traditional music, food and dancing. Czech farmers planted wheat farms in Oklahoma Territory -- and inaugurated colorful festivals in Prague and Yukon, where Czech delicacies like kolaches and kielbasa sausage are celebrated.
Explore Frontier Country
Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education
Old Central is on the National Register of Historic Places. The oldest building on campus, several rooms have been restored to look as they did in 1894
Stillwater, OK MuseumsSanta Fe Plaza and "Star" Memorial
The Santa Fe Plaza is a downtown park providing a scenic and historic rest stop with benches and interesting historic items to browse around and see. A genuine Santa Fe Caboose stands in the park and a "Statehood Star Memorial" is laid in the sidewalk at the front of the park.
Purcell, OK MemorialsWestern History Collection
The University of Oklahoma's Western History Collections is one of the largest and most complete assemblages of materials on the American West. 65,000
Norman, OK MuseumsArcadia Lake Equine Trails
The Equestrian Trail is especially made for horseback riding and nothing else. This trail is shaded with many surrounding trees, wildlife, and soft breezes. Horse trailer parking is available at 33rd Street and Air Depot. This parking lot is at the middle of the trail;
, OK EquestrianWoody Guthrie Statue and Mural
The Woody Guthrie Statue was dedicated at the 1998 Free Folk Festival and placed in a memorial park in downtown Okemah. Painted on a wall adjacent to the park is this mural illustrating the life of Woody done by artist, DeAnna Wilson.
Okemah, OK ArtsNational Guard Artillery Encampment
The Statistical House was built in 1907 at Chandler to house officers and scorekeepers compiling results of rifle practices and competitions during Oklahoma National Guard encampments and other training sessions. It later served half a century as housing for Business and professional Women'
Chandler, OK MemorialsJim Thorpe Birthsite Monument
JAMES FRANCIS THORPE, SAC AND FOX INDIAN NAME OF WA-THO-HUCK "BRIGHT PATH." BORN MAY 22, 1887, SOUTH OF PRESENT-DAY PRAGUE. ATTENDED HASKELL INDIAN SCHOOL, KANSAS AND CARLISLE INSTITUTE, PENNSYLVANIA WHERE HE EXCELLED IN FOOTBALL AND TRACK. AT 1912
Prague, OK MonumentsWewoka Library
One of the most beautiful small libraries of Oklahoma belongs to Wewoka. Founded in 1929, its architecture is reminiscent of New England. It has been recently renovated, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Wewoka, OK Historic BuildingsKee-Tilghman-Erwin House
National Register of Historic Places Built in 1898 by O.B. Kee, this mansard-roofed home was purchased in 1901 by famed Deputy U.S. Marshal, William Mathew "Bill" Tilghman, Lincoln County homesteader, sheriff, state senator, and one of the territorial lawmen known as the "Three Guardsmen."
Chandler, OK Historic HomesSeminole Tribal Complex
The Seminoles are a very proud people, devoted to their heritage and traditions. They believe strongly in their culture, which is displayed in many ways, including Stomp Dances Art, Storytelling, Music, and the devotion to their loved ones who pass on.
Wewoka, OK Ethnic Heritage