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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 and an endless supply of prime Oklahoma campgrounds.

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.

2023 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 2023 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 12 - May 14, 2023 Tulsa Mayfest - Tulsa

May 27 – May 28, 2023 -- Chuck Wagon Festival Oklahoma City

May 13, 2023 -- Strawberry Festival, Stilwell, OK

June 1 - June 3 -- Red Earth Festival Oklahoma City

July 4, 2023 -- Tulsa FreedomFest Tulsa

August 12, 2023 -- Rush Springs Watermelon Festival & Rodeo Rush Springs

September 1 - September 3, 2023 - Rocklahoma Music Fest Pryor

September 14 - September 24, 2023 -- Oklahoma State Fair Oklahoma City

also see ->  2023 Oklahoma Lakes & Beach Guide

2023 Oklahoma Fall Foliage Guide   |   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.