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Oklahoma City -

Founded in 1889, the state capital, Oklahoma City, was built on the proceeds of an early-1900s oil boom. The city, often shortened to OKC, exudes a refined and sophisticated air, and serves as the ideal base from which to begin exploring.

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Oklahoma State Capitol -

Oklahoma's first capital was in fact Guthrie, itself worth investigating for its collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century commercial architecture. But in 1910, Oklahoma City was chosen as the new capital. Seven years later, the State Capitol building was inaugurated, constructed, believe it or not, over the Oklahoma City Oil Field. The Capitol is open to visitors, the principal attraction being the Oklahoma History Center, which preserves the history of Oklahoma from prehistoric Native American tribes to the present day.

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University of Oklahoma -

Located in the suburb of Norman, the University of Oklahoma stands not just as a seat of learning, but a destination renowned for several tourist attractions. Set within the campus boundaries is the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, and the appealing 1920s-era Bizzell Memorial Library.

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Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art -

The university is also home to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Over 20,000 exhibits are held here, artifacts ranging from traditional and contemporary Native American art, to French Impressionism and Asian art, and graphics from the 16th century to the present. Pictured in the museum grounds is 'Sphinx' by Colombian figurative artist Fernando Botero.

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Science Museum Oklahoma -

The Science Museum Oklahoma in the state's capital is one of the largest museums of its kind in the nation. Among the fascinating array of exhibits greeting visitors is the Apollo mission flight simulator used to train astronauts before their voyages into space.

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Oklahoma City National Memorial -

Without doubt the city's most poignant landmark is the Oklahoma City National Memorial. Erected over the site of the former Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which was destroyed by a bomb blast on April 19, 1995, the memorial pays tribute to victims, survivors, and first responders caught up in the events on that fateful day.

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Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum -

The memorial complex extends to a museum, which features numerous exhibits and artifacts related to the Oklahoma City domestic terrorist bombing. Pictured is a photo bank displaying portraits of the 168 victims who died in the atrocity.

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Myriad Botanical Gardens -

Oklahoma City's very own oasis, the Myriad Botanical Gardens is a verdant interactive park for residents, families, and visitors. At its hub is the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, which serves as a living plant museum featuring towering palm trees, tropical plants, flowers, waterfalls, and exotic fauna. For kids, there's also an adventure playground to clamber over.

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Oklahoma City Zoo -

Animal lovers will find themselves in their element at Oklahoma City Zoo. Designed to represent various ecosystems, the zoo's many habitats are home to some 500 different species, notably a herd of Asian elephants and, in the Cat Forest, lions, tigers, and rare snow leopards. Look out, too, for the cute red pandas (pictured), housed in the tropical enclosure.

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American Banjo Museum -

Oklahoma City's American Banjo Museum will strike a chord with anyone interested in this iconic musical instrument. The display features over 300 banjos, some dating back to the mid-1600s. Complementing the collection is historic sheet music, related ephemera, and long-deleted records from forgotten banjo greats.

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National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum -

The city also surprises with its National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, a space dedicated to preserving and interpreting the heritage of the American West. Among the more than 20,000 artifacts in the collection are around 100 examples of iconic period firearms, among them those made by Colt, Remington, Smith & Wesson, Sharps, and Winchester.

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Tulsa -

Tulsa is Oklahoma's second-largest city. Situated on the Arkansas River, Tulsa sits on a site originally occupied in the early 1800s by the Muscogee Creek indigenous people. For much of the 20th century, Tulsa was known as the "Oil Capital of the World." Today it is considered the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma.

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Philbrook Museum of Art -

Tulsa's Philbrook Museum of Art is arguably the state's most important art museum. The rare and expansive collection encompasses European, American, Native American, Modern and Contemporary art and design, works from Africa and Asia, and Antiquities.

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Philbrook Museum of Art interior -

The museum itself is housed in an ornate 1920s-era villa, once the home of Oklahoma oil pioneer Waite Phillips (1883–1964).

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Boston Avenue Methodist Church -

Tulsa is perhaps not the place where you'd expect to find one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in the United States, but that's exactly what the Boston Avenue Methodist Church is. Completed in 1929, the impressive structure is distinguished by a soaring 68.5-m (225-ft) green-capped tower. The church is a designated National Historic Landmark.

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Cain's Ballroom -

Music fans tread a regular path to Cain's Ballroom, Tulsa's legendary entertainment venue. The ballroom came to be known as the "Carnegie Hall of Western Swing" in the early 20th century. In the 1970s, Cain's gained notoriety for hosting a Sex Pistols gig. The British punk rock band were received with acrimony, made worse when bad-tempered bassist Sid Vicious punched a fist-sized hole through the wall. The hole is still there, framed for posterity and complete with explanatory plaque. The venue is still in use today, with the Smashing Pumpkins and Jack White among the artists having performed there.

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Oklahoma Aquarium -

Jenks, just south of Tulsa, is the location of the Oklahoma Aquarium, which has the distinction of having the world's largest collection of bullhead sharks. Visiting this excellent facility also means immersing yourself in a variety of habitats, including a mangrove environment, a Polynesian reef, and a sea turtle island.

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Route 66 -Tulsa -

Arrowing through Tulsa is the famous Route 66, the Mother Road that meanders across the nation from Chicago to Santa Monica. Standing over the legendary highway in the city is this giant cowboy that welcomes visitors to Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios, a fabulous emporium stacked with a variety of souvenirs, clothing, neon signs, and other memorabilia dedicated to the mystic of Route 66.

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Oklahoma Route 66 Museum -

Traveling Route 66 through Oklahoma will take you to Clinton and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. Decked out like a 1950's diner, the museum rotates an absorbing display of themed artifacts, including sparkling vintage automobiles, all polished chrome and sporting whitewashed wheel trims.

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Pops -

Motor onwards to Arcadia and pull up into Pops, a contemporary Route 66 diner built to resemble a 1950's roadside gas station. The giant neon statue of a soda bottle positioned outside has become a state-wide landmark. Inside the restaurant, thirsty drivers can choose from 700 different kinds of soda and drinks.

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Round Barn -

While you're in town, take a look at the unusual Arcadia Round Barn. Built in 1889 from native bur oak boards, this is America's only truly round (as opposed to hexagonal or octagonal) barn.

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Marland Estate Mansion -

If you find yourself in Ponca City near the border with Kansas, make a diversion and join a guided tour of the Marland Estate Mansion. The former home of millionaire oilman E.W. Marland (1874–1941), the palatial premises has 55 rooms, all opulently decorated.

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Museum of the Great Plains -

A portion of the Great Plains of North America is set within the state of Oklahoma. As such, it's worth browsing this museum in Lawton to find out more about the diverse cultures associated with this huge expanse of flatland, the history of which dates back to the Paleo-Indians known as the Clovis culture in approximately 11,500 BCE. Among the standout exhibits is a 1926 Baldwin Locomotive, located in front of a recreated rail depot.

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Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge -

Established in 1901, making it the oldest managed wildlife facility in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service system, the ecologically diverse Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is home to an extraordinary range of flora and fauna. Located in Comanche County, this is the largest refuge of its kind in Oklahoma.

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Wichita Mountains bison herd -

The refuge is celebrated for its bison herd, the descendants of which hail from the Bronx Zoo. Bison had been extinct on the southern Great Plains for 30 years before a handful were introduced to their new home in 1907. Today the herd number about 650 and represent one of the great American wildlife success stories of recent history.

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Chickasaw National Recreation Area -

Staying outdoors, carpeting the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains near the city of Sulphur is the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Named to honor the Chickasaw Indian Nation, the region is known for its mineral springs, with the city named for the presence of sulfur in the water. Pictured is a local landmark, Little Niagara Falls.

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Turner Falls -

At a height of 23 m (77 ft), Turner Falls is Oklahoma's tallest waterfall. The standout feature of the Turner Falls Park, the tumbling waters cascade into a natural swimming pool—a popular tourist attraction during the summer months.

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Washita Battlefield National Historic Site -

On November 27, 1868, General George Custer led a cavalry attack against a peaceful Cheyenne Indian camp on the Washita River. In addition to warriors, numerous women and children were killed in the massacre. The location of the infamous battle is now the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, located west of the town of Cheyenne.

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Glass Mountains State Park -

From the city of Fairview, head out to Glass Mountains State Park for some truly rewarding hiking. Pack a picnic and take in the fabulous scenery, views that encompass Lone Peak Mountain, much of it composed of sparkling selenite gypsum, the look of which lends this natural wonder its name.

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Beaver's Bend State Park -

Among the recreational options available at Beaver's Bend State Park is some of the best trout fishing found in the state, especially on Mountain Fork River (pictured). Elsewhere, Broken Bow Lake is a favorite of scuba divers and canoeists, while outdoor pursuits on land include hiking and horseback riding.

Sources: (FBI) (Library of Congress) (Rolling Stone) (History)

See also: America's 30 best national parks

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