Deep in the heart of Osage County, explore a spirited mix of American Indian and western culture in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. See the romance of Pawhuska's history unfold through the 86 of 98 downtown buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Established in 1872, the town's history is interwoven with that of the Osage Nation, headquartered in Pawhuska. In fact, the town was named in honor of Chief Paw-Hiu-Skah, and the Osage Nation Museum, the oldest tribally owned and continuously operated museum in the U.S., makes its home here. The gateway to the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, the largest protected tallgrass prairie remnant in North America, offers a soulful connection to an amazing ecosystem. Here you can glimpse the West as it once was, filled with vast rolling vistas, free-roaming bison, white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats and more than 300 species of birds.
Start 2024 off on the right foot with a rewarding hike through one of Oklahoma's scenic state parks. Get a head start on those fitness resolutions, embark on a guided nature-watching adventure, or simply enjoy the crisp January air with friends and family.
Encounter rich Native American history through the exploration of Native-owned art galleries, historical sites and the natural beauty found in Osage County.
There’s more than meets the eye at Oklahoma State Parks. Historic structures are just some of the wonders waiting to be found.
Whether enjoying dinner on a bustling patio overlooking the setting sun or soaking up the last few minutes of daylight on a serene shoreline, Oklahoma’s sunsets have the power to stop you in your tracks.
Want to see the greatest light show on earth? Look to the night sky at one of Oklahoma’s secluded stargazing hotspots. Enjoy awe-inspiring views from the back porch of a resort lodge with all the comforts of home, or take in the show from your backcountry campsite at a state park. Whether you join one of the orchestrated “star parties” in remote corners of the state or strike out on your own stargazing adventure, come to Oklahoma and see the universe in a whole new light.
There’s no fancy equipment required to get a breathtaking shot of these gorgeous vacation hot spots across the state. All you need is your phone!
