Sitting at the heart of the U.S. state of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, or OKC, is the state’s capital and most populous city. Home to one of the largest livestock markets in the world, the city is famous for its cowboy culture, but there’s much more to OKC than stetsons and cowboy boots.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at 6 things that put Oklahoma City on the map.
1. Oklahoma City Is Famous for Its Cowboy Culture
Known as the Horse Show Capital of the World, Oklahoma City has strong Old West vibes. The city hosts more equine events and championships, both national and international, than any other city in the world. On top of that, the Stockyards City auction house holds regular live cattle auctions where real-life cowboys trade their wares.
Beyond these events, many buildings in the city hark back to the Old West, with countless western-style saloons and steak houses dotted about the city. Country music is also a huge part of the culture, as we’ll see later, and locals can readily find stores to help them dress the part, with numerous western attire stores dotted about the city.
2. Oklahoma City Is One of the Most Affordable Places To Live in the U.S.
It’s not all cowboy boots and odd museums in OKC. The city boasts one of the lowest cost-of-living scores in the country, at 18.5 points lower than the national average. This makes it a great option for young professionals, students, families, and retirees alike.
3. Oklahoma City Is Home to a Variety of Quirky Museums
Most large cities in the U.S. boast numerous museums, but few cities offer quite so many quirky museums as OKC. The Museum of Osteology is one of the most popular, housing more than 300 human and animal skeletons, from ancient giants from prehistoric times to modern rarities. Besides the curious displays, the museum also hosts exciting event nights.
Other uniquely niche museums in Oklahoma City include the American Pigeon Museum, the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum, and the American Banjo Museum, a must for country music fans.
Less obscure museums, such as the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, showcase more traditional displays and exhibits. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is a great way to discover the culture and history of the city.
4. Oklahoma City Sits at the Center of Tornado Valley
Oklahoma City is no stranger to tornadoes, with a severe weather season running from March through June. The city sits in the heart of Tornado Alley and typically experiences some type of tornado every month of the year, with the most violent storms typically striking in April and May. Since 1890, 150 tornadoes have struck the city limits, including 13 particularly violent ones.
5. Oklahoma City Is Filled With Parks
It’s easy to think that Oklahoma City is all red dust and tumbleweeds, but in reality, the city boasts more than 170 parks, covering a total of 6,256 acres, taking in more than 100 miles of trails altogether. From small city parks to sprawling gardens, there’s a lot of natural beauty to be enjoyed throughout OKC.
The Myriad Botanical Gardens is one of the most well-known green spaces in the city and features countless trails, exhibitions, and themed gardens. The gardens are also the home of several events and festivals throughout the year, with ice skating in the winter months and the Oklahoma Shakespeare Festival in the summer, to name just a couple.
The Scissortail Park is another top choice for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting a huge lake, complete with paddle boats, a concert stage, promenades, and various sports facilities. The park also hosts regular farmers’ markets throughout the summer, as well as festivals and concerts.
6. Oklahoma City Is a Country Music Hub
While it may not be as well-known for its country music scene as places like Nashville, TN, country music definitely runs deep in OKC. Indeed, the area has its own specific genre, Red Dirt Country, named after the rust-red soil found in Oklahoma and characterized by its blend of country, folk, and outlaw styles.
There’s no shortage of places to catch a live performance, either, with plenty of downtown bars featuring nightly shows. The Oklahoma Opry hosts shows every Saturday night, showcasing local talent, new and old.
With a vibrant Western culture, OKC certainly stands out from the crowd. But it’s also an extremely affordable city to call home, awash with parks, museums, and excellent live music venues.
Image credit: Tim Holland, Roman Zaiets / Shuttersock.com
