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One of the most famous land rushes in American history occurred in Oklahoma in 1889 when 50,000 homesteaders swarmed into the territory

Some were "Sooners" who took off before the noon starting gun - hence the state's nickname, The Sooner State. A few years later, a huge oil boom made instant millionaires of many of these original settlers.

Today, Oklahoma offers riches in top travel destinations for summer touring including the great outdoors at Lake Texoma on the Texas border, along with Lake Murray State Park in Ardmore known as Oklahoma's "vacation central" with sandy beaches for fun in the sun.

More family-friendly fare is on view at the wildly popular Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens featuring a kid-friendly butterfly garden as well as a children's zoo. At peak season, the state capital also draws visitors to two top amusement parks, Frontier City, and Hurricane Harbor.

Major tourist attractions in Oklahoma include Lake Murray State Park (left); the Oklahoma City
Zoo (middle); and the Frontier City amusement park in Oklahoma City (right).

Year round, Oklahoma City also manages to pack 'em in at Science Museum Oklahoma (with interactive exhibits for kids of all ages) as well as at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum where American history comes alive in art and artifacts of the Wild West.

Last but not least, Oklahoma is also one of the top states offering visitors major tourist attractions related to its proud American Indian heritage. These include the restored Cherokee village at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah; the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa; and the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.

2024 Oklahoma Events & Festivals

Oklahoma City is the place to be in June for the Red Earth Festival, one of the country's best celebrations of Native American art and culture.

Just up ahead, check out our 2024 Oklahoma travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information.

Happy travels!

May 8 -12, 2024 -- Strawberry Festival, Stilwell, OK --Celebrate spring with a carnival, the big parade, a motorcycle and car show, vendor booths, the Kids Zone, and much more.

May 10 - May 12, 2024 Tulsa Mayfest - Tulsa -- Head downtown to a spring fling featuring a juried art show, live music performances, festival food, and non-stop musical performances on four stages.

May 25 - May 26, 2024 -- Chuck Wagon Festival Oklahoma City - Enjoy the celebration of Western and Native American history, art and cuisine for all ages.

June 1 - June 2 -- Red Earth Festival Oklahoma City - Head to the Naional Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for this annual celebration of Native culture including dance performances, and an artist and crafts showcase.

July 4, 2024 -- Tulsa FreedomFest Tulsa - Celebrate the Fourth in Tulsa with festival food, live music, and one of the country's biggest fireworks displays.

August 10, 2023 -- Rush Springs Watermelon Festival & Rodeo Rush Springs - Check out a seed-spitting contest, an arts and craft fair, carnival rides, live entertainment, stage shows, on-site food vendors and a classic automotive show!

August 31 - September 2, 2024 - Rocklahoma Music Fest Pryor - Rock out Labor Day weekend with big name bands on the Freedom Stage.

September 12 - September 22, 2024 -- Oklahoma State Fair Oklahoma City - Check out an all-star concert lineup, fried fair food, carnival rides and much, much more.

also see ->  Oklahoma Lakes & Beach Guide

2024 Oklahoma Fall Foliage   |   This Christmas in Oklahoma

More about Oklahoma tourist attractions around the Web:

TravelOK.com : Official Oklahoma Tourism Info - The official OK travel site with lots to do and see including picture galleries, video clips, hotel & restaurant guides, major Oklahoma tourist attractions, guides to golf courses, resorts & state parks.

Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau - Fun, colorful site to the capital city with video clips & photos along with practical information on where to stay, what to see and do, guides to cowboy and Indian cultural sites & events, horse shows & rodeos.