Oklahoma

Nearly 650 kilometers of this iconic road are in Oklahoma, more than any other state in the country. In addition to numerous roadside attractions and retro diners, visit these museums dedicated to the Mother Road: Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, the National Transportation and Route 66 Museum in Elk City and the Route 66 Interpretive Center in Chandler.

Located in Oklahoma City, this museum is an incredible repository of Western art and artifacts. In addition to more than 28,000 objects, it holds an eclectic array of exhibit galleries covering rodeos, firearms, Native American art, cowboys in popular culture and Prosperity Junction, a faithful replica of a 19^th-century Western pioneer town.

The former summer home of petroleum magnate Frank Phillips blends nature, history and art in one unique attraction. Drive through the preserve for a rare opportunity to get close to the mighty bison, elk and Texas longhorn cattle. Explore the impressive art museum, which houses Western and Native American art, prehistoric artifacts from 40 Plains tribes and an extensive exhibit of Colt firearms. The lodge displays authentic furnishings from when Phillips entertained dignitaries, celebrities, politicians and businessmen.

Much more than a museum, this impressive facility tells the story of the Chickasaw Nation, from pre-European contact through modern-day life. Explore the detailed exhibits, manicured gardens, thought-provoking sculptures and a traditional Chickasaw village with live demonstrations of tribal customs. Catch the daily stomp dance and sample Native American food, including buffalo burgers, fry bread and pashofa, a Chickasaw corn soup, in the café.

The 150-kilometer Wichita Mountain Scenic Byway is abundant with beauty, passing through the peaks and valleys of the Wichita Mountains. The route includes the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, home to a rare expanse of natural grassland prairie where bison, wild turkeys and elk roam. Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the small towns along the way, and don’t miss the side road to the top of Mount Scott; the 751-meter peak offers expansive views of the Wichita Mountains and Lake Lawtonka.

If you love the outdoors, Turner Falls Park in the Arbuckle Mountains has it all. The park is home to the 23-meter-tall Turner Falls, the tallest in the state, which cascades into a popular summer swimming hole complete with water slides and diving boards. Hike eight kilometers of scenic trails, explore three natural caves, bring a picnic for a day trip or camp overnight. Concessions and groceries are available on site.

At 87 kilometers, the Talimena National Scenic Byway can be driven in just a few hours, but the spectacular views and charming towns along the way are worth lingering. This byway traverses the crest of Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain in eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Read informative plaques and visit historical sites, including the Wheelock Academy, the first Choctaw Nation educational academy, and Heavener Runestone Park, home to mysterious carvings that some believe were made by Vikings.

Folk music icon Woody Guthrie, a native Oklahoman, wrote the quintessential song about the USA, “This Land is Your Land,” mentored Bob Dylan and was father to Arlo Guthrie, who became a folk legend in his own right. The Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa showcases Guthrie’s personal notebooks, clothing, instruments and other memorabilia. Displays covering the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, along with photography, maps and interactive exhibits, put the musician’s life into greater cultural context.