The Chickasaw National Recreation Area preserves a diverse ecotone habitat of east and west. The affiliated Oklahoma City National Memorial reflects a devastating, vengeful and misguided strike against the US. Washita Battlefield National Historic Site memorializes a devastating, vengeful and misguided attack by the US Cavalry.

Three historic trails pass through the state: Butterfield, Santa Fe and the Trail of Tears. A small part of Fort Smith too is on the Oklahoma side of the Arkansas River. Oklahoma may not have as many parks as other states, but it is beautiful and moving.