A gunshot signalling the start of the famous 1889 land runе opened up settlement of the territory which is today Oklahoma City. The capital of the state of Oklahoma and the largest city in the state, Oklahoma City boasts all the conveniences of a modern metropolis filled with national travel deals, but retains the genuine spirit and sense of adventure epitomized by the Wild West.
Getting there
Visitors can fly into Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport, located southwest of the city and mostly serving domestic flights; international visitors can fly via connections at Dallas-Fort Worth (Texas). A shuttle service and taxis provide transport into the city. Amtrak has a daily rail service to Oklahoma Cityеs Sante Fe station from Fort Worth (Texas) and Greyhound buses also provide regular services. You can get to Oklahoma City by car rental along three major interstates I-35, I-40 and I-44.
Key attractions
A major attraction of the city, the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center, documents daily settler life in the West with displays consisting of paintings, photographs and artefacts. Also worth visiting is the State Museum of History, which offers a comprehensive overview of the region’s past. The Omniplex houses several museums and galleries, including the Kirkpatrick Science and Air Space Museum and the Red Earth Indian Center. Nearby, you’ll find the Oklahoma City Zoological Park, one of the oldest and best in the country.
Out and about
Oklahoma City is located in the heart of the state and is a great base from which to explore the outlying areas with a rental car in Oklahoma City. Tahlequah is to the east of the city and is home to the Cherokee Heritage Center. The entire region was a resettlement area for Indian tribes forced off their ancestral lands farther east; the centre offers insight into Native American culture. The area also features untouched mountains bordered by clear lakes and rivers, with hiking, kayaking, fishing and water skiing on offer.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area is located about 130kms south of Oklahoma City by car rental and offers a mix of woodlands and scenic prairies, along with massive lakes and mineral springs. There are numerous hiking trails and several campgrounds scattered throughout the park.
Leisure options
perfect for families, Frontier City Theme Park offers an assortment of fun rides, shows and entertainment а including the state’s biggest Ferris wheel and performances by legendary country artists during the summer. For those who want to relax, the stunning Myriad Botanical Gardens are on a lovely lake. The Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory houses exotic plants, butterflies and flowers from around the world. For a night out, historic Bricktown provides limitless options for dining and night-time entertainment.
Safety
visitors should remain alert for potential dangers when travelling to an unfamiliar country. Driving across great distances by rental car to Oklahoma City can make you tired and you should stop frequently to rest and share driving with others. Additionally, outdoor pursuits can put you at risk of accidents. While visiting Oklahoma City, we strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family. National travel deals are easily found online.