🌪️ OKLAHOMA Day 2025 – Apr 22

🇺🇸 OKLAHOMA Day ORIGIN & HISTORY

National OKLAHOMA Day is celebrated on the 22nd Day in April, marking the anniversary of the 1889 Land Run, when thousands of settlers rushed to claim land in what’s now central Oklahoma. This opened the door to rapid settlement and growth in the region.

Oklahoma officially became the 46th state on November 16, 1907. On that day, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the proclamation of statehood, and Charles N Haskell was inaugurated as Oklahoma’s first governor. This date is celebrated separately as OKLAHOMA STATEHOOD Day.

Early OKLAHOMA History

Before it became a state, Oklahoma was mostly known as Indian Territory. In the 1800s, the U.S. government forced many Native American tribes to move west – especially through the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Tribes like the Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek, Chickasaw, and Seminole were pushed into this area from the southeastern U.S. More tribes followed later, forming a large Native population with their own governments, schools, and systems.

At the same time, white settlers began pressuring the government to open this land. The federal government eventually agreed, setting off the Land Run of 1889, where thousands rushed into the Unassigned Lands to claim plots. This started a pattern of land grabs and growing settler presence, especially in the western half of what would become the state.

Path to STATEHOOD

By 1890, Congress had split the area into two parts – Oklahoma Territory in the west (mostly settled by newcomers) and Indian Territory in the east (still largely controlled by Native tribes). The two developed differently: one under U.S. territorial law, the other with tribal governance.

In 1905, Native leaders in Indian Territory proposed their own state, Sequoyah, but Congress rejected it. After that, efforts shifted toward merging both territories into one state.

Congress passed the Oklahoma Enabling Act in 1906. Leaders from both territories wrote a constitution. On November 16, 1907, Oklahoma became the 46th state. Guthrie was the first capital (later moved to Oklahoma City). Statehood brought new laws, new leadership, and a wave of growth, especially during the early oil boom.

MODERN Life in the State

Today, Oklahoma is known for its mix of rural and urban life, strong Native cultures, and ties to both Southern and Western traditions. It has a deep agricultural base and industries like energy, aerospace, and tech.

The state’s Native American nations continue to play a major role. There are 39 federally recognized tribes based in Oklahoma, each with its own government and cultural presence.

Oklahoma has dealt with challenges – tornadoes, economic ups and downs, and a tough racial past – but it’s also known for its resilience, music, food, and commonality. The state’s complex history still shapes its identity today.

OKLAHOMA STATE Motto

“Labor omnia vincit”
(Labor conquers all things)

🪶 HOW to Celebrate & Observe OKLAHOMA Day?

Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.

Here are some activities that you can do on National OKLAHOMA Day!

💙 Visit a HISTORICAL Site

Head to places like the Oklahoma History Center, Fort Gibson, or the Washita Battlefield to learn how the state took shape.

💙 Get your KICKS

Drive part of the historic Route 66, which cuts across the state. Stop at classic diners, old gas stations, and roadside attractions.

💙 Discover Oklahoma’s Craft BEVERAGES

Oklahoma has a growing craft beer and wine scene, with many local breweries and wineries producing high-quality beverages. Consider visiting a few of these establishments and sampling some of the state’s finest microbreweries, vineyards, and spirits. And if wine makes you feel fine, consider an Oklahoma Wine Trail.

💙 Learn Oklahoma’s Resourceful HISTORY

Dive into the rich history of Oklahoma by visiting museums, historical sites, or heritage centers. Learn about the pioneers, indigenous cultures, and significant events that shaped Oklahoma’s past.

Oklahoma’s history is shaped by people who made the most of what they had. Native nations adapted to new lands under forced removal and built strong communities. Settlers, ranchers, and oil workers carved out livelihoods on plains known for droughts and storms. The state turned red dirt into farmland, prairies into towns, and oilfields into industry. Through change and challenge, Oklahomans kept building.

💙 Explore Oklahoma MOVIE BACKDROP filming locations

Oklahoma has been a popular filming location for various movies and TV shows. Its picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and rustic settings have made it an attractive choice for filmmakers. Here are a few notable films and TV shows with scenes shot in Oklahoma:

• Twister (1996): This storm-chasing blockbuster used several Oklahoma towns, including Guthrie and Fairfax, for its tornado-filled scenes. Wakita, a small town in northern OK, was heavily featured and now has a Twister museum.
• Rain Man (1988): While most of the film was shot elsewhere, some scenes were filmed in Enid & Weatherford as part of the cross-country road trip.
• August: Osage County (2013): Starring Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, this family drama was filmed in and around Bartlesville and Pawhuska.
• The Outsiders (1983): Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s novel was filmed largely in Tulsa. The Curtis brothers’ house still stands; fans can now visit it as The Outsiders House Museum.
• Killers of the Flower Moon (2023): Director Martin Scorsese filmed much of this historical crime drama in Pawhuska and the Osage Nation. The film tells the true story of the Osage murders in the 1920s.

💙 LISTEN to a celebration of Oklahoma’s Music—from Guthrie to Garth

Oklahoma’s music scene blends country, folk, rock, and blues, shaped by its rural roots and diverse cultures. Music here is grounded, story-driven, and proud of its local sound.

From Woody Guthrie to Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Vince Gill, Roger Miller, and Leon Russell, Oklahoma has certainly nurtured genres from red dirt country to psychedelic rock.

The state has given rise to legendary figures like Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, and Carrie Underwood, as well as iconic bands like MercyMe, Hanson, The All-American Rejects, The Gap Band, Kings of Leon, and The Flaming Lips.

Other great Oklahoma musicians include JD McPherson, Charlie Christian, Bob Wills, Wayman Tisdale, and David Gates from Bread.

💙 Visit unique FACTORY TOURS in the State of Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers a variety of local factory tours that provide fascinating insights into the state’s artisanal and manufacturing traditions. These tours can be both educational, entertaining, and an excellent way to learn about local industries and see how things are made. Remember to visit their website or call ahead to make sure the tours are still on!

Here are some factory tours you can visit in Oklahoma:

• Braum’s Dairy, Ice Cream Plant & Bakery: Tour one of the largest working dairy farms in the world (10,000 acres) in Tuttle, OK. See how fresh milk turns into your favorite frozen treats. FREE tours typically last about two hours on weekdays by reservation and conclude with samples of their ice cream.
• Ditch Witch Manufacturing Museum & Heritage Center: Located in Perry, get a behind-the-scenes look at underground construction tools and equipment production. The Museum building was built just after the 1893 Land Run, and tours are by appointment only.
• Keepsake Candles Factory & Gift Store: Situated in Bartlesville, visitors can see the art of candle-making using antique molds and Oklahoma paraffin wax. Each candle is handcrafted, and the process takes nearly two days to complete. The factory also features a gift store, which is usually closed at the beginning of the week, with a variety of candles.
• Ozarka Water Bottling Plant: Based in Oklahoma City, Ozarka offers tours of its bottling facility, showcasing water purification and packaging. Tours typically require advance scheduling on their website.
• Amazon Fulfillment Center (OKC1): This OKC tour provides an inside look at Amazon’s order robotics fulfillment process, from inventory management to shipping. Tours are free and can be booked online.
• Bedré Fine Chocolate: Watch gourmet chocolate being made at this Native-owned factory in Davis just off I-35. Bedré offers a peek into the chocolate-making process through large viewing windows and has a retail shop stocked with truffles and meltaways. No appointment needed for casual visits, but call ahead for group tours.
• Field’s Pies: Baking in Pauls Valley (where Nanster was born) since 1922 using the same beloved recipes. The 13,000-square-foot factory includes a 100-foot oven and produces about 3 million pies each year. While there’s no formal tour, visitors can watch part of the process through a viewing window at the on-site gift shop. Known for their classic pecan pies, they also make German chocolate, lemon, and pumpkin varieties. The shop sells fresh pies, pie crusts, dough, and native pecans.

💙 Try some Oklahoma-inspired CUISINE

Celebrate OKLAHOMA Day by eating your way through the Sooner State. Oklahoma has a deep food tradition blending Native American, Southern, and Western frontier influences into hearty, down-to-earth meals. It features staples like fried chicken, catfish, barbecued meats, cornbread, and fried okra.

You COULD go all in with the official Oklahoma state meal — one of the most complete (and filling) in the country. It includes fried okra, squash, cornbread, barbecued pork, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, fried chicken, black-eyed peas, and strawberries, with pecan pie for dessert.

Or just visit local restaurants that highlight regional flavors and ingredients. Here are just a few examples of Oklahoma’s unique and diverse culinary offerings.

• Chicken-fried steak: Breaded, pan-fried, and smothered in cream gravy. A staple on diner menus across the state.
• Indian tacos: Fry bread topped with seasoned meat, beans, lettuce, and cheese. Popular at festivals and powwows.
• Frito chili pie: A bag of Fritos split open and topped with chili, cheese, onions, and jalapeños. Nanny’s favorite!
• Fried catfish: Common in eastern Oklahoma, often served with hushpuppies and coleslaw.
• Smoked meats: Oklahoma barbecue mixes styles from Texas and Kansas City, with slow-cooked brisket, ribs, and hot links.
• Onion burgers: Originated in El Reno, these burgers are smashed with a pile of thin-sliced onions on the griddle.

💙 RAISE Social Awareness

Use social media posts with the hashtags #OklahomaDay, #NationalOklahomaDay, #StateofOklahoma, #Oklahoma, #OK, #StateHolidays, #AprilHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you ❤️ National OKLAHOMA Day.

LEARN all about the State of OKLAHOMA

BARRY THE BALD EAGLE & SIZZY THE SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER

KIDS LEARN ALL ABOUT OKLAHOMA

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN OKLAHOMA

TWENTY Fun Facts you never knew about OKLAHOMA Day

1. Here are some of Oklahoma’s more famous natives: Jim Thorpe, Ralph Ellison, Elizabeth Warren, Tom Coburn, Wilma Mankiller, Barry Sanders.
2. Oklahoma has more man-made lakes than any other state in the country, with over 200 artificially dug lakes and reservoirs.
3. Oklahoma is the only state in the United States that has an official state meal, which includes fried okra, squash, cornbread, barbecue pork, chicken-fried steak, sausage and biscuits with gravy, grits, corn, black-eyed peas, strawberries, and pecan pie.
4. Oklahoma has the largest population of Native Americans of any state, with over 39 federally recognized tribal nations living in the state.
5. The longest drivable stretch of Route 66, the historic highway that stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, crosses through Oklahoma.
6. Oklahoma is known for its tornadoes and is often referred to as part of “Tornado Alley”. But it’s also home to the highest hill in the state, Black Mesa, which rises over 4,970 feet above sea level.
7. Oklahoma is home to several unique festivals and events, including the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum’s Chuck Wagon Festival, the Tulsa State Fair, and the Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival.
8. Oklahoma is the birthplace of many famous singers: Woody Guthrie, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, The Flaming Lips.
9. The first official and successful tornado forecast happened at Tinker Air Force Base in 1948, where Nanny worked in Oklahoma City – which was the same year Papi was born!
10. Oklahoma became the last state to declare Christmas a legal holiday back in 1907.
11. In 1977, Oklahoma became the first state to adopt lethal injection as capital punishment.
12. Oklahoma is known as the “Sooner State” because of the Land Rush of 1889, where people would line up to claim free land and would try to cheat by crossing the boundary line “sooner” than they were supposed to 🙂
13. The name “Oklahoma” is a byproduct of two Choctaw Indian words: “okla” meaning people, and “humma” meaning red. Literally speaking the state’s name means “red people”.
14. Cimarron County, OK is the only county in the USA that borders four states: Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas.
15. The world’s largest concrete totem pole is in Foyil, Oklahoma. It’s 90 feet tall and 30 feet wide at its base, where it sits upon an enormous turtle.
16. Oklahoma is a top producer of iodine in the United States.
17. Only Oklahoma City and Indianapolis are the two state capitals that also include their state’s names within their own.
18. The shopping cart was invented in Oklahoma City. The Humpty Dumpty supermarket chain introduced “folding basket carriers” in 1937.
19. Oklahoma City installed the world’s first parking meter in 1935. It was known as “Park-O-Meter No. 1”.
20. Oklahoma State boasts several well-known actors: James Garner, Ron Howard, Brad Pitt, Kristin Chenoweth, Olivia Munn.

Famous PEOPLE also born on April 22nd

• Immanuel Kant

  German philosopher and a key figure in modern Western philosophy. Kant’s best known for his work in ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology; his ideas continue to influence philosophy today. Born 1724.
  

  Bestseller No. 1 Immanuel Kant (Great Thinkers) $9.99

  Bestseller No. 2 Complete Works of Immanuel Kant: Including The... $0.49

  SaleBestseller No. 3 Critique of Pure Reason (Penguin Classics) $12.37

  IMMANUEL KANT Quote

  “Thoughts without content are empty, intuitions without concepts are blind.”

• J Robert Oppenheimer

  American theoretical physicist best known for directing the Manhattan Project, the research program that produced the world’s first nuclear weapons. Oppenheimer is also known for his contributions to nuclear physics and his role in the development of the atomic bomb. Born 1904.
  

  SaleBestseller No. 1 American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J.... $7.99

  Bestseller No. 2 The Ruin of J. Robert Oppenheimer: And the Birth... $9.99

  Bestseller No. 3 The Open Mind $207.18

  J ROBERT OPPENHEIMER Quote

  “The optimist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears it is true.”

• Michelle Ryan

  English actress best known for her role as Zoe Slater in the British soap opera “EastEnders”, Jaime Sommers in the American TV series “Bionic Woman”, and Nimueh in the BBC TV series “Merlin”. Born 1984.
  

  Bestseller No. 1 Posterazzi Michelle Ryan In The Rain For Bionic... $14.25

  Bestseller No. 2 Michelle Ryan Bionic Woman Clipping Magazine Photo... $4.99

  Bestseller No. 3 Michelle Ryan BIONIC WOMAN In Person Signed Photo $40.00

  MICHELLE RYAN Quote

  “Doing the same thing day in, day out. It’s just so boring. I like to jump from different things.”

Future DATES for OKLAHOMA Day

🎵 State of Oklahoma FAQ

WHEN is OKLAHOMA Day?

• National OKLAHOMA Day is an annual celebration held on April 22nd each year.

What are the must-see tourist ATTRACTIONS in Oklahoma?

• Some of the more popular tourist attractions in Oklahoma include the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Oklahoma Aquarium, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial.
• 
  Other popular destinations are Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Zoo. Unique attractions include quirky Route 66 Landmarks, Frontier City, and statewide seasonal Oklahoma! Musical Performances.
• 
  Outdoor enthusiasts can visit the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Broken Bow Lake, Turner Falls, and Robbers Cave State Park. These are just a fraction of the many exciting places to explore in Oklahoma, from natural beauty to historical sites and modern entertainment.

What is Oklahoma KNOWN for?

• OK is known for its wide-open landscapes, rich Native American heritage, Route 66, major college sports, and strong cowboy & rodeo culture. Companies like Hobby Lobby, Ditch Witch, and Love’s Travel Stops are headquartered here. Don’t forget frequent severe weather and tons of tornadoes.
• 
  Idaho is also a top producer of products like oil, natural gas, cattle, wheat, and pecans, and has a strong musical legacy, particularly in country and folk.
• 
  The state hosts a variety of cultural festivals and events, such as the Oklahoma & Tulsa State Fairs, Tulsa International Mayfest, Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Okemah, Azalea Festival in Muskogee, Red Earth Festival in Oklahoma City, rodeo celebrations in Pawhuska/OKC, and numerous music & balloon festivals in Norman, Muscogee, Poteau.

What’s the WEATHER like in Oklahoma?

• Oklahoma State weather is dramatic and changeable. The east gets more rain, while the west is drier and more arid. Wind is common year-round, and the state sits in the heart of Tornado Alley. Summers are hot, with highs often in the 90s °F (32–37°C), and humidity is heavier in the east.
• 
  Oklahoma is also known for experiencing some of the worst unpredictable severe weather, such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, damaging winds, and hailstorms, particularly during the spring and early summer months. Clear skies can turn stormy fast.
• 
  Winters are mild in the south but colder in the north and panhandle. Snowfall is hit-or-miss, but icy conditions and sharp cold snaps are not unusual. Highs range from the 30s to 50s °F (1–10°C), with colder lows at night.

What are Oklahoma’s STATE SYMBOLS?

• Some of the more commonly seen state symbols of the State of Oklahoma include:

• The State Bird of Oklahoma is the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.
• The State Song of Oklahoma is Oklahoma!.
• The State Wildflower of Oklahoma is the Indian Blanket.
• The State Animal of Oklahoma is the American Bison.
• The State Musical Instrument of Oklahoma is the Fiddle.
• The State Grass of Oklahoma is Indian Grass.
• The State Tree of Oklahoma is the Redbud.

Why we L💜VE OKLAHOMA Day

National OKLAHOMA Day, on April 22, marks when around 50,000 people rushed to claim land in what were called the Unassigned Lands. That day changed the state’s map and its story. It’s where the terms Boomer and Sooner come from – Boomers pushed for the land to open, and Sooners jumped the line to get there early. The names stuck. You can still hear them today in the University of Oklahoma’s fight song, Boomer Sooner.

We love Oklahoma for its close communities and the way people look out for each other. Life here doesn’t cost much, but it gives a lot back. The land stretches wide – hills, prairies, and skies that go on for miles. Its history is deep, sometimes hard to swallow, but always full of strength. There’s a spirit here that sticks with you.

And most of all, we LOVE Oklahoma because Nanny was born here. 💝

1. BOLD Beginnings & ROOTED Resilience

   The 1889 Land Run launched Oklahoma’s legacy of grit and ambition. A reminder of the strength it took to build a state from scratch.

2. CULTURE Spotlight

   OKLAHOMA Day is a chance to highlight Native heritage, cowboy grit, music, and Okie pride – all essential pieces of the state’s identity.

3. COMMUNITY Vibes

   People love National OKLAHOMA Day because it’s also about community now — cookouts, parades, local pride, and remembering where we came from.

OKLAHOMA Welcomes You!