Are you considering a move to Oklahoma? Or maybe you’re already here and want to know more about the quirkiness of your new homestate. Hi, I’m Marcie Billen from Rüya Team Realty and I’m sharing 10 weird facts that are unique only to Oklahoma! These strange truths will give great insight into what it’s like living in Oklahoma. So sit back with some popcorn because we’re going on an unconventional “Oklahomarathon” ride!

#1. Red Dirt

Oklahoma’s red dirt is something of a local legend, drawing curiosity from travelers near and far. That vibrant hue isn’t just for show! It comes from weathered sandstone, siltstone, and shale scattered around one million acres throughout 33 counties in the state. And yes – it might even be lurking in your own backyard too! And this can definitely be a weird thing to get used to if you haven’t seen it before.

If you’re an Okie, then you likely know about the notorious red dirt that blankets our state. Sure it’s great for when your pup fancies a roll in the mud and can turn into clay pots if crafted with enough finesse- but watch out! This earthy substance isn’t all fun and games; depending on our rainfall & seasons, this soil could cause foundation issues by how it expands and contracts (which we are oh so familiar with!) Because of this, it’s recommended that people have a watering schedule…for their house. Weird, right?

#2. Lakes

With over 200 man-made lakes, Oklahoma has more coastline than the entire Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico combined! No wonder summer weekends in Okie country feel like paradise—there’s a lake with a different culture to explore for every type of person! Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or thinking a little more long term (dreaming up your future lake house?), you won’t have an issue finding a place to go boating, swimming, and fishing along one of those 11,611 miles of shoreline.

#3. 60% of Surface Water is used for Drinking Water

Did you know that roughly 60% of Oklahoma’s surface water is used for drinking? However, not many people in Norman actually choose to drink the local tap water due to the taste, and yet, a great alternative to having to buy bottled water all the time is installing an at-home fountain or cooler. On the flip side, I grew up close to Tulsa and had access to some truly delicious rural district H2O which was so good it could be sipped straight from the bathroom faucet!

#4. Oklahoma has 4 Mountain Ranges

You’ve probably heard the infamous song about the Oklahoma plains, so I won’t be surprised if you find it weird that we have mountains too! Even though Oklahoma isn’t famous for its staggering heights, don’t be fooled – it still has four mountain ranges with majestic views. Sure they may not measure up to the Rockies, but you can find breathtaking panoramas of the Arbuckles, Wichita Mountains, and multi-state Ouachita and Ozark Ranges in this state!

From the rolling hills of the Arbuckles to supernatural-looking Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma has plenty of outdoor adventures for nature lovers! With perfect trails that snake around strange rock formations and boulder-topped short mountains, it’s no surprise why so many friends head out routinely to explore. Though we may not have grand peaks like in Colorado, these mountain ranges are a great place to spend time outdoors – something Oklahomans know all too well!

#5. 33.7 Million Acres is Farmland

With an impressive 33.7 million acres of agricultural land, Oklahoma sits proudly in fourth place for cattle production nationwide! Wheat fields, pecan orchards; no matter the terrain, it seems that the Sooner State has something suitable for whatever is planted – including some unlikely spots where cows have been spotted grazing. And with more people taking control over their food sources, they’re often purchasing a whole cow and sharing amongst friends so they can get enough beef to see them through until the following year.

#6. Five Civilized Tribes Tried to Make a State Called Sequoyah

In 1905, the five Indian nations that are now present in Oklahoma attempted to make a state called Sequoia! While it’s true we learn about these civilized tribes at length during high school history classes – and rightfully so – what some may not be aware of is there are actually 39 federally recognized Native American tribal entities peacefully residing within our great state. A fun fact for your next trivia night challenge perhaps?

In 2019, the Supreme Court made a groundbreaking decision – half of Oklahoma is officially recognized as Native American land! This ruling gave native nations more power when it came to prosecuting certain crimes. But unfortunately for them, fast-forward three years and in 2022 their rights were taken away again. Now only state authorities have control over classifying offenses that take place on tribal lands with non-native offenders… Talk about an emotional rollercoaster!

#7. Pensacola, OK.

Although it may seem weird now, Oklahoma was the site of a Civil War battle in 1862 and even though Confederate forces ultimately won at Pensacola, Oklahoma never really succumbed to that traditional “deep south” culture. That’s because we only became an official state 45 years later – showing just how far ahead of its time this place truly is! The legacy left by those who fought for Southern secession still remains visible today if you travel through rural areas across our beloved Sooner State.

#8. Official State Meal

Flabbergasted by the sheer amount of food involved, it’s no wonder why Oklahoma adopted an official state meal in 1988! If that sounds a little weird, that’ because it is – Oklahoma is the only state with a state meal. Fried okra and squash combined with cornbread (a staple southern dish) create a flavorful foundation for barbecue pork. Biscuits, sausage & gravy, grits, strawberries – all before we get to chicken fried steak and pecan pie And don’t forget about those black-eyed peas ’cause that is one heck of a wrap-up this menu deserves! But beware if you’ve moved from outside the area–the quality of your locally found grits might just be suspiciously questionable… I have never once in my life had grits at an Oklahoman’s house ever and whenever I order them out at restaurants, they’re just not very good. If you want grits, I’m sorry but you got to go to the deep south; specifically, Florida. That’s where I always eat my grits, but overall this is a pretty good list of culturally Oklahoman foods.

#9. Population

Oklahoma is an incredibly popular state, and there’s good reason why. It offers a very rare commodity in the US: wide open spaces! With only 50 people per square mile (compared to New Jersey having 1,134) it gives residents plenty of room to spread out and enjoy peace & quiet – but as you know, they don’t make more land, so if you’re looking for some elbowroom make sure you take advantage sooner rather than later!

Check out our Oklahoma Reloction Guide – and don’t worry, there’s nothing weird about it, I promise!

#10. Four Cultural Regions Meet

Four distinct American cultures have come together in Oklahoma, creating a unique melting pot!

This map offers a fascinating look at the intricacies of American culture and illustrates just how diverse our country really is. It shows that here, in Oklahoma, we have four distinct regional cultures swirling together right in the middle to make something unique (and maybe a little weird!) It looks like the great debate of carbonated beverage nomenclature won’t be settled here anytime soon – all the Oklahoma regions all call it something different ‘pop’, ‘soda’, or even ‘coke’! From my experience growing up around Tulsa, people tend to use ‘pop’, but head over to OKC or any farther south and you’ll hear them say ‘coke’ instead, but with so many Texas transplants in this area, that makes sense.

There’s no denying it – Oklahoma is a melting pot of cultures! So come join us in OK – we promise life isn’t all flat plains and cowboys around these parts, we’re really not THAT weird!