Oklahoma Vacations

Oklahoma, the Sooner State, was admitted into the United States on November 16, 1907. With an area of almost 70,000 square miles, Oklahoma includes four mountain ranges and roughly 24% of its land is covered by forests. Oklahomans make their livings from producing natural gas, farming wheat, growing cattle, and producing peanuts, pecans, and peaches. Famous Oklahomans include baseball player Johnny Bench, broadcaster Paul Harvey, baseball player Mickey Mantle, humorist Will Rogers, and actor James Garner. Oklahoma’s activities will excite you and your family whenever you have the chance to visit.

Indian City USA. – Andadarko

Oklahoma is rich in Native American history. In the 1800s, Oklahoma was “Indian Territory” where many Native Americans were forced to move. Indian City U.S.A. is one of the many places that you can visit in Oklahoma that strives to preserve Native American culture. Located on the site of the Tonkawa Massacre, where 137 Tonkawa were killed during the Civil War, Indian City consists of reconstructions of Navajo, Chiricahua, Pawnee, Apache, Kiowa, Caddo, Winter Camp, and Pueblo homes and villages. The Indian City Lodge includes to a large display of Indian artifacts, thought to be the biggest in the Southwestern United States. Animals such as buffalo, emus, turkeys, and black buck antelope roam a 140 acre pasture.

Indian City USA is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. See website for admission fees.

For more information, please see:

http://www.indiancityusa.com/index.asp

Trail of Tears National Historical Trail – Close to Tulsa and Other Areas

The Trail of Tears, which extends 2,200 miles across nine states, was the trail followed by the Cherokee when the United States government forced the Cherokee from their traditional lands into Indian Territory in 1838. Thousands of Cherokees died on the walk or as a result of the dislocation of the people. The Trail of Tears is a reminder of the pain and sorrow that the Cherokee suffered during and after this forced march.

Hours and Admissions vary. Contact Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department for more information.

For more information, please see:

http://www.nps.gov/trte/

Contact Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department: 800-652-6552

Chisholm Trail Heritage Center – Duncan

Learn about the great cattle drives of the 19th century at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center. Find out about branding cattle and steer roping. See clips and hear songs from 1930s and 1940s western movies. Explore the Duncan Store to see what general stores were like along the Trail during the 1870s and 1880s. Enjoy Western art at the Garis Gallery of the American West. The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center has something for everyone!

Hours are Monday – Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM and Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM. The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Easter. See website for information on admissions.

For more information, please see:

http://www.onthechisholmtrail.com/

Arbuckle Wilderness – Davis

Arbuckle Wilderness, “Oklahoma’s Premier Exotic Animal Theme Park,” is more than 400 acres of wild, exotic animal fun. Most of the animals are allowed to roam freely on the grounds. You might see rhinoceros or two, lions, and tigers. Lemurs, kangaroos, and exotic birds live in the zoo portion of Arbuckle Wilderness. You can also visit a petting zoo. The Wilderness has go carts, bumper boats, camel rides, and more at an additional charge.

Admissions vary. Please see website for more information. Hours vary according to season. Please see website for more information.

For more information, please see:

http://www.arbucklewilderness.com/

OK Buffalo Tours – Oklahoma City

Learn about buffalo, or bison, see these magnificent animals up close, and watch other native wildlife, such as quail and horny toads, on a buffalo tour. Stay for a meal including buffalo meat and enjoy an entertaining show afterwards, sometimes featuring Native American dancers. Plan on spending several hours for the tour, the food, and the entertainment.

Please see website for admissions and hours.

For more information, please see:

http://www.okbuffalotours.com/home.nxg

~Laura Evans Staff Editor

Laura Evans is a freelance writer living in Southern California.