Oklahoma’s musical legacy runs deep, echoing across generations and genres. From honky-tonk and western swing to country rock and alternative, the Oklahoma Music Trail offers travelers a chance to experience the stories, sounds, and spaces that shaped American music.
Along the Trail, walk in the footsteps of American musical icons like Woody Guthrie and Patti Page, country legends Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton, to global acts including Kings of Leon, Hanson, Kristen Chenoweth, Flaming Lips and The All American Rejects who honed their craft in their hometown of Oklahoma.
Explore themed galleries and musical centres, and historic venues where many artists got their start and where the next generation is now taking the stage.
Oklahoma’s top musical experiences:
Take the musical route
Oklahoma welcomes music lovers with immersive travel itineraries along the Oklahoma Music Trail, spotlighting much-loved artists, pivotal musical moments, and influential genres. Each itinerary includes suggested stops, photos, maps, and driving directions—making it easy to follow the rhythm of the state’s rich musical story and its musical stars
Explore the creative genius at the Bob Dylan Center
Also in Tulsa’s vibrant Arts District, the Bob Dylan Center offers an unparalleled look into the creative life of a music legend. The center showcases cultural treasures created and owned by the musician over seven decades including handwritten lyrics, unreleased recordings, never-before-seen film performances, rare and unseen photographs, visual art and other priceless items that span Dylan’s groundbreaking career—making it a must-see for music and culture fans alike.
Walk the beat on Kings of Leon Lane
Before rising to global fame, Kings of Leon’s Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill spent their formative years growing up in Oklahoma. Today, Oklahoma City honors the band with “Kings of Leon Lane” in Bricktown – a district filled with streets named after Oklahoma legends, from baseball greats like Mickey Mantle and Joe Carter, to music icons like the psychedelic rock band, Flaming Lips, and swing and jazz guitarist, Charlie Christian.
Celebrate folk tradition at the Woody Guthrie Center
Woody Guthrie (1912-1967) was one of America’s greatest folk singers and most influential songwriters, born and raised in Oklahoma and behind classic hits including This Land Is Your Land. The Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa celebrates Guthrie’s legacy through interactive exhibits, handwritten lyrics, personal notebooks, and educational programming that continues to inspire movements through music.
Experience a legendary night at Cain’s Ballroom
A cornerstone of Tulsa’s music scene, Cain’s Ballroom has hosted legends past and present. From western swing pioneers to Bob Dylan himself, the venue’s stage continues to buzz with energy. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Cain’s remains an entertainment mecca for unforgettable live shows.
Strum a tune at the American Banjo Museum
Experience the American Banjo Museum, the only established facility in the world dedicated to the collection and conservation of America’s instrument – the banjo. Home to over 400 instruments, every era of banjo evolution is represented in the collection. An often lively space, the venue hosts regular events including open jams, free lunchtime concerts, and the annual BanjoFest event held each October. For a hands-on experience, lessons are available for those that want to learn the vital beginner skills to strum out a tune.
Step into music history at Willie’s Saloon
Located in the heart of Stillwater, Willie’s Saloon is a legendary venue that helped define the “Red Dirt” music scene—an Oklahoma-grown blend of country, rock, folk, and blues. It’s famously known as the place where a young Garth Brooks got his start, performing live while still a college student at Oklahoma State University. Today, Willie’s remains a popular local hangout and live music venue, where up-and-coming artists continue to cut their teeth in a setting rich with musical history.
Ready to Discover Oklahoma’s Rhythm and Routes? Explore curated music trail itineraries at travelok.com/music-trail/
