Oklahoma - Landmarks and Points of Interest
- By Smithsonian.com
- Smithsonian.com, November 08, 2007, Subscribe
In Oklahoma, a range of forces and events including natural disasters, economic hardships and booms and terrorism have shaped the history of the state, but its motto, "labor conquers all things," formulated the attitude that has led it to flourish through adversity.
Though this state has experienced significant tragedy in its young life, Oklahomans are dedicated to both preserving the legacy of lost loved-ones and forging ahead to establish a better Oklahoma in their honor.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum (Oklahoma City)
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was created to venerate those who were killed, those who survived and those changed foreverby the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The memorial and museum are dedicated to educating visitors about the impact of violence, informing about events surrounding the bombing and inspiring hope and healing through lessons learned by those affected.
As much as Oklahoma has been fashioned by misfortune, even more of it is built on bringing joy to those who visit. If there is one thing that Oklahomans take pleasure in, it is creating something worth talking about. Many unique locations dot the Oklahoma landscape and attract swarms of onlookers every year.
Golden Driller (Tulsa)
A visit to Tulsa is incomplete without visiting the city’s Golden Driller. Standing 76 feet tall, this golden oil worker has withstood the ravages of tornadoes, vandals, and critics for over 50 years.
Giant Milk Bottle (Oklahoma City)
Visitors to the heart of Oklahoma City are often intrigued by the Giant Milk Bottle. Situated atop a tiny building just west of the capitol, on Classen Boulevard, the bottle now unofficially marks the entrance to Oklahoma City’s Asian District.
Route 66
Perhaps one of America’s most beloved ways to explore the off-beat is by taking a road-trip. No place is more acclimated to the road-trip culture than America’s Mother Road, Route 66. Oklahoma is the proud home to the most drivable miles (over 400) of this nostalgic stretch of pavement. Along the Route, voyagers can explore such sites as Arcadia’s Round Barn, Catoosa’s Blue Whale, Claremore’s Will Rogers Memorial, Foyil’s Totem Pole Park, Stroud’s Rock Café and both the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum and the National Route 66 Museum.
World’s (Formerly) Largest McDonalds (Vinita)
Formerly, the world’s largest McDonald’s was also located in Oklahoma. While this Vinita eatery is still in business, it has recently been encompassed in size by a larger store in Florida. Don’t let the loss of its title stop you from visiting this location—it is still worth the trip. The restaurant was built overarching Interstate 44 just north of Tulsa. While you eat, regular traffic still flows underneath the floor of the restaurant. Inside, you’ll of course find food, but you can also purchase souvenirs and view a large collection of nostalgic McDonald’s merchandise.
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Comments (6)
To Randy who posted about how the people of ok come across, you are so right. Sadly, once you buy property in this state, it becomes a prison. the cops are not concerned about crimes against women, your proerty values plummet once you are here so that you can't afford to wlk away. The state is dirty! Jobs pay poorly, services for your tax dollars which are high are practically non-existent and wages are near poverty level. i have never hated any where as much as I hate ok but it has become my prison as I cannot sell my property for even half of what is invested. My fear is dying ad being buried in the red clay!
Posted by Sandy on July 3,2012 | 03:26 PM
Every 5 years we travel around the USA by vehicle for vacation. We have found that if you are polite and friendly, so are the locals. Our trips are always 8 to 10,000 miles as we drive from Alaska to San Diego, to Alabama, to NY, and then wander back home to Alaska. We usually spend 2 months on vacation. And if one or two people aren't real friendly, we consider them as having a bad day, we don't criticize the City, State and/or all it's people. And we love exploring the rest of our Country.
Posted by Jo Havens on March 29,2012 | 04:07 PM
Lauren...I must disagree. I have been working here in OK for almost a year. And, while the people seem friendly at face value...I have found them to be the most conniving, behind the back people I have ever met. That includes having lived in Russia for 2 yrs and AK for 1 yr.
Posted by Randy on November 30,2011 | 05:21 PM
I've lived here all my life, and can't imagine being anywhere else. I love the OKC atmosphere. We're some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet! :)
Posted by Lauren on June 30,2010 | 04:45 PM
Wow
Posted by Greg Wettiel on September 21,2009 | 07:35 PM
Awesome! I want to go!
Posted by bob on June 12,2008 | 06:40 PM