Arrive in Oklahoma City, OK this afternoon and start with a visit to the new First Americans Museum.   In one place, you will experience the collective histories of 39 distinctive First American Nations in Oklahoma today.  First Americans Museum will share their cultural diversity, history, and contributions.  Did you know, only a few tribal Nations were indigenous to what is now the State of Oklahoma.  All others were removed from their homelands across the United States and relocated here – to Indian Territory. In 1907 Oklahoma became the 46th state to enter the union.  The state’s name comes from two Choctaw words “Okla” and “Homma” meaning Red People.

After your visit you check into your Oklahoma City hotel for the night.

Dinner is included at Toby Keith’s ‘I Love This Bar’ Restaurant.  Named for the country singer’s hit single, Toby Keith’s’ I Love This Bar & Grill’ offers a down-home dining and entertainment experience right in the middle of OKC’s historic Bricktown.  Come as you are for daily beer specials and good, old-fashioned country favorites like chicken fried steak, pork chops topped with homemade jalapeño peach jam – even calf fries! (D)

This morning you head north onto the Osage Indian Reservation at one time because of oil  discovered on their land, the Osage were the wealthiest class of people in America.  You will visit the small town of Fairfax, OK.  The primary location of the Osage “reign of terror” depicted in the movie “Killers of the Flower Moon”.  For five years in the 1920s, almost 100 Osage Indians were killed for their oil money.  The movie is a chilling story that describes both The Osage murders and the Birth of the FBI.

Your tour will include a visit to The Tall Chief Theater.  This interesting building was built by Alex Tall Chief who was father to America’s 1st Prima Ballerina, Maria Tallchief.  The theater currently serves as a Memorial to the Victims of that Reign of Terror.

You will also enjoy an afternoon in Pawhuska, OK, the Official Headquarters of The Osage Nation.  Pawhuska is also the home of Ree Drummond “The Pioneer Woman,” a noted food writer and television personality.  You will visit The Mercantile opened in 1910 as the Osage Mercantile it was a place for trading goods and browsing.  Today, Ree and her family honor The Merc’s legacy by creating a shopping experience that hints to an earlier time in small town America.  Shopping at The Merc is a treasure hunt, with surprises everywhere you turn.  Explore the glorious cabinets, browse the abundant shelves, and peek in all the drawers!  There is also a Deli and a Bakery where you can enjoy everything from comfort food classics in the deli, to hand-crafted bakery items, the offerings are endlessly delicious.

Also included will be visit to The Osage Nation Museum.  You will visit the Osage Nation Museum devoted to history, art, and culture.  Highlights include an extensive photograph collection, historical artifacts, and traditional and contemporary art. Founded in 1938, this is the oldest tribally owned museum in the U. S.

End the day in Bartlesville, OK where you enjoy a two-night stay at a local hotel.  Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Today’s touring features sights in and around nearby Bartlesville, OK related to the discovery of Oil and the magnificence of the American Buffalo.  In this small town, we will witness a Gusher as the Nellie Johnstone #1 (Oklahoma’s 1st Oil Well 1897) blows water into the sky replicating oil.  Then we discover Bartlesville’s Buffalo Art, there are more than 30 life-size painted buffalo statues scattered about town.

One of today’s highlights will be the 3700-acre Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve.  Will Rogers said, “Of all the places in the U. S. Woolaroc is the most unique.”  It was the country estate of oil baron Frank Phillips, founder of Phillips Petroleum Company.  Its name comes from the woods, lakes and rocks.  This rustic environment served as a one-of-a-kind entertainment venue.  ‘Uncle Frank’ hosted U.S. Presidents, well known business titans, dignitaries, Indians, movie stars, lawmen and outlaws alike on this sprawling ranch.

On the grounds you will find a museum with one of the world’s greatest collections of western art, relics and exhibits.  It tells an alluring story of the American West.  You will also find an 1840’s Mountain Man Camp, the Woolaroc Animal Barn, and a herd of Buffalo roaming across the prairie with grasses blowing in the breeze, prairie flowers in bloom.

Then enjoy a stroll through the vibrant Downtown District for an artful tour of the many beautifully designed and painted buffalo throughout town.  What started as a fundraiser for a local charity has become a favorite scavenger hunt for young and old alike.

This evening, enjoy a great farm-to-table dinner at the Painted Horse. (B,D)

As the sun climbs above the prairie so your travelers climb the step of your coach and you motor toward home. (B)