Green Country, Oklahoma
From sprawling cattle ranches to curlicued Art Deco skyscrapers, Osage brush arbors to Route 66 diners, northeastern Oklahoma is where the American Dream met the American West. The area's Native American roots can be traced back to the prehistoric Spiro Mound Builders -- the story of the 12th century empire they built is told at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Park near Poteau. In the 19th Century, the Cherokee tribe built their capitol on the green banks of the Illinois River and Creek Indian councils met under a massive oak in "Tulsey Town." The Osage tribe moved from Kansas to Pawhuska, named for the Osage chief, on the border of the tall grass prairie; the tribe was confident the roots of the rich grass were so thick and deep the land would never be plowed by settlers. The discovery of vast seas of oil beneath the prairies changed the face of northeastern Oklahoma -- Tulsey Town became Tulsa, "Oil Capitol of the World," and nearby Bartlesville grew from a Delaware trading post to a cosmopolitan town boasting a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed skyscraper.
Explore Green Country
Fort Gibson Dam
Surrounded by high bluffs, with the expansive lake on one side and rushing river on the other, the massive structure of Fort Gibson Dam is impressive. Observation areas provide excellent views. The dam is located on the Grand (or Neosho)
, OK Structural LandmarksBlue Ribbon Downs
Blue Ribbon Downs is Oklahoma's oldest racing facility and first pari-mutuel race track. Located on 165 acres bordered on the south by I-40 and on the north by Highway 64, is only 20 miles west of Fort Smith, Arkansas, 101 miles southeast of Tulsa and 159
Sallisaw, OK Race Tracks"Skyscraper"
The Commerce Building, Okmulgee's Skycraper, was built by the Commerce Investment Company in 1921
Okmulgee, OK Historic BuildingsAndy Payne and Route 66
Nine miles north of Claremore on Route 66 is Foyil, the hometown of ANDY PAYNE, a Cherokee Indian who was born on a ranch between Claremore and Foyil. At "66" and 28A, turn south, and you will be on the main street of Foyil and a portion of the original Route "66"
Claremore, OK Famous PeopleRogers University Conservation Education Reserve
Rogers University Conservation Education Reserve is a 120 acre natural resource conservation education facility adjacent to the main campus of Rogers University. Bird watching, wildlife observation, outdoor photography, walking trails, picnicking, and fishing are available.
Claremore, OK Learning CentersSuperintendent's Home
Superintendent's Home has been the residence to 30 Osage Agency Superintendents. In 1994, the home was turned into administrative offices for the recently formed Osage National Council. This building is constructed of sandstone quarried in Osage County and is listed on the
Pawhuska, OK Ethnic HeritageMaple Park Sports Complex
Wagoner is truly blessed with it's parks and wonderful sports complex. The Maple Park Sports complex and park is one of Wagoner'
Wagoner, OK RecreationImmaculate Conception Catholic Church
This church is known widely as the "Cathedral of the Osage". Special permission from the Vatican had to be granted to depict living tribal members in the glorious stained glass that was crafted in Munich, Germany in 1919
Pawhuska, OK Historic ChurchesCherokee State Park
Cherokee State Park is located in northeastern Oklahoma on the shores of Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. Grand Lake is one of Oklahoma's largest lakes with over 59,000 surface acres and 1,300 miles of shoreline. Grand Lake's Pensacola Dam was constructed in 1940
, OK State ParksBronze Sculptures
"Okie Cowboy"
"I spent much of my boyhood with a cowboy, the genuine article. This bronze sculpture reminds me of him, a man who had time for a boy." - Pawhuska Sculptor, John D. Free
A gift to the city of Pawhuska from Strat and Bobbie Tolson, 2000
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Pawhuska, OK ArtsTenkiller State Park Cabins
Tenkiller State Park offers 39 cabins, some with a lake view while others have a park view. The cabins sit high atop limestone cliffs at the south end of Lake Tenkiller in a beautiful state park setting. The cabins are of a duplex style with shared outdoor grill and picnic table outside.
, OK CabinsCherokee Queen I & II
Cherokee Queen I has been one of Grand Lake's most popular and unique attractions sinceshewas assembled and launched in 1945. Over the years, her original charm and character have been enhanced so thqtshe really is reminiscent of the heyday of riverboats on the mississippi. This twin-decked, 67'
, OK Cruises