Oklahoma life is full of surprises—some quirky, some head-scratching, and all uniquely Oklahoman. Here are eight odd and strange things that might catch you off guard:
1. The State Was the Last to Legalize Tattoos
Until 2006, it was illegal to get a tattoo in Oklahoma. Tattoo parlors operated underground or just across state lines, making Oklahoma the last state in the U.S. to legalize tattooing.
2. The “Center of the Universe” in Tulsa
Downtown Tulsa features a mysterious spot known as the “Center of the Universe.” Stand in the small circle, speak, and your voice will echo back much louder—while people outside the circle hear nothing unusual. It’s an acoustic oddity that baffles visitors and locals alike.
3. The State Meal Is a Gut-Busting Feast
Oklahoma’s official state meal is a calorie-packed spread including chicken-fried steak, barbecued pork, sausage and gravy, biscuits, fried okra, black-eyed peas, grits, corn, strawberries, and pecan pie. It’s so over-the-top that politicians once tried to get rid of it for being too unhealthy.
4. More Man-Made Lakes Than Any Other State
Oklahoma boasts over 200 man-made lakes—more than any other state in the country. Many residents spend weekends boating, fishing, or swimming in these lakes, which are scattered across the state.
5. The Only U.S. City Accidentally Bombed by the Military
Boise City, Oklahoma, holds the odd distinction of being the only American city accidentally bombed by its own military during World War II. A bomber crew mistook the town’s lights for a target and dropped practice bombs—luckily, nobody was hurt.
6. Home to Unusual Museums
Oklahoma is dotted with some truly unique museums, including:
The American Pigeon Museum in Oklahoma City, dedicated to pigeon racing and history.
The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley, displaying over 13,000 toys.
A lighter museum in Guthrie, featuring all kinds of lighters from history.
7. Bizarre Laws Still on the Books
Oklahoma has some strange laws, such as:
It’s illegal to make “disturbing faces” at a dog.
Whaling is illegal—despite being a landlocked state with no whales in sight.
8. Tornadoes and Running Outside to Watch Them
Oklahomans are famous for their odd relationship with tornadoes. Instead of hiding, many locals run outside to watch storms roll in, sometimes even filming the tornadoes as they approach. It’s a risky pastime, but it’s part of the local culture.
Sources:
- https://thefactfile.org/oklahoma-facts/
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/oklahoma
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OA3FSAdaqM
- https://www.tulsakids.com/unique-destinations-in-oklahoma/