Only in OKlahoma Show

Located just 12 miles northwest of Durant on SH 199, Fort Washita sits on high ground overlooking the rolling prairie near the confluence of the Washita and Red Rivers. Today, this National Historic Landmark is managed by the Chickasaw Nation and recognized as one of the most actively haunted pre-Civil War military outposts in the Southwest.

In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we dive deep into the rich history and supernatural folklore surrounding this historic site:

• Deep Historical Roots (1840s–1860s): Established in 1842 by General (and future U.S. President) Zachary Taylor to protect the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations following their removal along the Trail of Tears. Situated along the famous Texas Road and near the Butterfield Overland Stage route, the fort served as a major staging point during the 1849 California Gold Rush and trained famous officers like George McClellan, Braxton Bragg, and Randolph B. Marcy before being occupied and ultimately burned down by Confederate forces.

• Hauntings & Urban Legends: Explore the legendary haunting of "Aunt Jane," the headless spectral resident searching for her lost gold, the eerie tale of Charles Colbert's 32 vanishing dogs, and modern reports from visitors and rangers experiencing shadow figures, disembodied voices, and overwhelming dread near the hospital grounds and Confederate cemetery.

• Visiting Today: Learn about what you can experience on-site, including limestone barracks ruins, restored structures, the historic cemetery (burial site of Brig. Gen. Douglas Cooper), Civil War reenactments, the annual Fur Trade Era Rendezvous, and seasonal events.

Visiting Info:

• Hours: Open Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed Sunday & Monday)

• Group tours available by advance booking.

Also discussed: Think Ability Inc., KFOR, USA Today & Paycom Center

#OnlyInOK #Oklahoma #FortWashita #OklahomaHistory #HauntedOklahoma #ChickasawNation #DurantOK #GhostStories #HauntedPlaces #CivilWarHistory #OklahomaTravel #DiscoverOklahoma

On U.S. 64 in the quiet college town of Alva sits a 1932 blond-brick building with over 40 rooms of pioneer history, WWII artifacts, and spine-chilling hauntings. Originally operating for 40 years as the Alva General Hospital, what is now the Cherokee Strip Museum is considered one of Oklahoma's top 10 most haunted locations.

In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we dive deep into the heavy history and active paranormal phenomena surrounding this Northwest Oklahoma gem. From phantom figures peering out of top-floor windows to objects flinging across empty rooms, player pianos sounding on their own, and phantom face reflections caught on camera near the vintage iron lung, this former hospital holds secrets that refuse to stay buried.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Hospital Years (1932–1972): Decades of births, deaths, and tales of restless patient spirits in search of vindication.

• The Layout & Paranormal Epicenter: Exploring the top-floor former surgical suite, vintage embalming setups, main-floor military exhibits, and the lower-floor morgue.

• Trapper the German POW Spirit: The story of a resident ghost attached to a WWII POW camp artifact who once followed a student volunteer home.

• WWII & Local Heritage: The museum's connection to Alva's WWII German POW camp, including rare reel-to-reel footage, plus the award-winning "A Day at Rose Hill School" 1910 pioneer living history program.

Whether you're visiting for the rich pioneer heritage or booking an after-hours paranormal investigation to test your courage, this is a must-see Oklahoma destination. If you go, keep your camera pointed at the iron lung—you never know who might be posing with you!

Visitor Information: Cherokee Strip Museum

901 14th St, Alva, OK 73717

Also discussed: FOX 25, Chickasha Soup Kitchen & Dawn Aerospace

#Oklahoma #OnlyInOKShow #CherokeeStripMuseum #AlvaOK #HauntedOklahoma #Paranormal #GhostStories #OklahomaHistory #TravelOK #WWIIHistory #PioneerHistory

Imagine stepping into a bar where silent film star Tom Mix once poured drinks, where bullet holes pepper the ceiling, and where the spirits of 1889 might still be watching from the top of the stairs. This week on the Only in OK Show, we're heading to the heart of Guthrie's National Historic Landmark district to explore one of Oklahoma Territory's oldest and most notorious watering holes: the Blue Belle Saloon.

Located at 224 W. Harrison Ave, the Blue Belle is a unique mix of territorial grit, Wild West scandal, and spine-chilling paranormal lore. Join us as we dive into its rich and wild past:

• Wild West Royalty & Bartenders: Founded during the 1889 Land Run by John Selstrom and Jack Tearney, the saloon hosted regular patrons like Temple Houston (son of Sam Houston) and once employed Hollywood cowboy legend Tom Mix behind the bar.

• Architectural Quirks: From its 1903 brick upgrade to the Fred Heim Brewing Co. "C-11" crest and dual beveled entryways, discover what makes this building a stand-out landmark.

• Scandals, Bordellos, & Tunnels: Explore the history of Madame "Miss Lizzie," the upper-floor 17-room bordello, the old iron sky-walk connecting to the Elks Hotel, and rumors of Prohibition-era underground tunnels.

• Hauntings & Urban Legends: From disembodied voices and flying glasses to the spirits of Miss Lizzie, Estelle, and the tragic legend of Claudia, we separate documented history from spooky local lore.

• Exploring Guthrie Today: How you can visit the exterior, spot surrounding historic markers (like the Same Old Moses Saloon), and check out local walking tours.

Listener Questions:

• Would you spend a night alone upstairs in one of those 17 former bordello rooms?

• What do you think makes Guthrie such a massive hotspot for paranormal activity compared to other Oklahoma towns?

Show Notes & Links:

• Learn more about local hauntings with Dust, Death, and Devils: Guthrie Ghost Tour: https://usghostadventures.com/guthrie-ghost-tour/

• Also discussed: Think Ability Inc. & KFOR

#OnlyInOKShow #OnlyInOklahoma #GuthrieOK #BlueBelleSaloon #OklahomaHistory #TerritorialOklahoma #GhostTours #HauntedOklahoma #TomMix #WildWestHistory #OkiePodcasts #ExploreOK

Downtown Oklahoma City is turning vibrant, colorful, and deeply meaningful! In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we're diving into the details for the upcoming OKC Festival de Vida y Muerte (Día de los Muertos), presented by Supermercados Morelos at Scissortail Park.

Día de los Muertos is not a spooky or somber holiday—it's a joyful multi-day celebration to honor, remember, and cherish loved ones who have passed through food, music, art, and community. With over 12,000 attendees last year, this has quickly become one of the largest and most vibrant cultural gatherings in Oklahoma!

In this episode, we cover:

• What is Día de los Muertos? Discover the rich history blending indigenous Mesoamerican/Aztec traditions with Spanish Catholic observances.

• Community Ofrendas (Altars): View the intricately designed altars decorated with marigolds, cherished photos, and traditional offerings.

• Catrina & Alebrije Pet Parade + Contest: Highlights of the elaborate La Catrina makeup, traditional costumes, and dressed-up pets!

• El Mercado & Art: Browse local artisan crafts, pottery, clothing, and live face-painting stations.

• Family & Food: Explore hands-on children's activities, 14 local food trucks serving authentic Latin cuisine, plus live Mariachi, traditional dance troupes, and acoustic folk music all day long!

• 📍 Where: Scissortail Park (Great Lawn) – 415 S Robinson Ave, Oklahoma City, OK

• 🗓️ When: Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Market open until 9:00 PM)

• 🎟️️ Admission: FREE & open to all ages!

🔗 Check out the full event schedule online at ScissortailPark.org and follow along on social media!

#OnlyInOK #OnlyInOKShow #OKCFestivalDeVidaYMuerte #DiaDeLosMuertosOKC #ScissortailPark #OKCEvents #DiscoverOKC #OklahomaCity #SupermercadosMorelos #VisitOKC #OKCCulture #DayOfTheDead #OKCFoodies #OklahomaPodcasts

Depew, Oklahoma may hold the quirky distinction of being the very first town bypassed on Route 66, but this small Creek County hamlet with "Strong Roots and a Bright Future" is anything but forgotten. In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we dive into Depew's rich history, from its origins on Muscogee (Creek) Nation land and its wild 1911 oil boom to the iconic 1920s concrete that road-trippers still travel on the historic "Depew Loop."

Plus, we break down everything you need to know about the upcoming 3rd Annual Route 66 Fall Festival & Car Show! Organized by the all-volunteer Depew Ladies Auxiliary Club, this family-friendly event serves as a major fundraiser for the Depew Volunteer Fire Department.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Location: Historic Main Street, Depew, OK

• Admission: FREE for families!

Festival Highlights:

• Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show: $10 entry fee (includes goodie bag & trophy entry). Categories include Best in Show, Best Paint, People's Choice, and more!

• Kids' Wheels Division: FREE entry for Power Wheels, ATVs, and ride-ons—and every kid takes home a trophy!

• Family Fun: Arts & craft vendors, local food trucks, raffles, a rock-climbing wall, obstacle courses, bounce houses, and inflatable slides.

Get Involved & Support:

• Car Show Registration: Call Destiny Parrick at (918) 698-6839

• Updates & Information: Connect with the Depew Ladies Auxiliary Club on Facebook

Pack up the family, drive the original 1926 alignment, support local firefighters, and experience authentic small-town Oklahoma hospitality!

Also discussed: OK State Fair, Medicine Park, KFOR, Fright Fest, Frontier City

#OnlyInOK #Route66 #Route66Centennial #DepewOK #OklahomaHistory #Route66Oklahoma #MotherRoad #ExploreOklahoma #OklahomaEvents #CarShow #SmallTownOK #CreekCounty

Red Earth FallFest is making a huge move to Scissortail Park in downtown Oklahoma City! In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we break down everything you need to know about this free, family-friendly autumn festival celebrating Indigenous art, youth, and culture.

Join us as we explore what's in store for Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We dive into the Red Earth Youth Powwow, featuring young Native dancers across categories from Fancy Shawl and Jingle to the crowd-favorite Tiny Tots (with Grand Entry at 12:00 PM!). Plus, get details on the expanded outdoor Native Art Market, featuring authentic beadwork, pottery, jewelry, fashion, and contemporary Indigenous art.

We also map out the perfect "Make a Day of It" downtown itinerary, starting with the Scissortail Farmers Market, hitting the local food trucks, and wrapping up in time for a downtown dinner.

What We Cover:

• Red Earth FallFest Details: Dates, dancer check-in info, and artist/vendor applications via RedEarth.org .

• The Main Event: Youth Powwow schedule, dance styles, and drum groups.

• Native Art Market: Shopping authentic, handmade Indigenous art and jewelry.

• Also Discussed: Enid Street Outreach Services, Oklahoma State Fair, the Toby Keith Expressway, and KFOR.

Grab your lawn chairs, pack a blanket, and come celebrate Oklahoma culture with us!

#OklahomaCity #OnlyInOKShow #RedEarthFallFest #ScissortailPark #YouthPowwow #NativeArtMarket #OKCEvents #ExploreOKC #IndigenousArt #OklahomaCulture #OklahomaPodcasts

We are diving into one of the biggest music events in Oklahoma City: Banjo Fest 2026! Hosted right in the heart of downtown OKC's Bricktown district at the world-renowned American Banjo Museum, this three-day celebration (October 8–10, 2026) highlights America's adopted native instrument with live jams, workshops, and Hall of Fame inductions.

Housing over 400 instruments across a massive 21,000-square-foot facility, the American Banjo Museum features the largest collection of banjos on public display in the world, tracing the instrument's story from its roots in African history to minstrel, jazz, bluegrass, and modern acoustic styles.

Banjo Fest 2026 Weekend Highlights:

• Thursday, Oct 8: Kickoff Welcome Reception & BBQ (6 PM–10 PM) followed by late-night "A Night at the Museum" jam sessions open to all skill levels.

• Friday, Oct 9: Daytime workshops (10 AM–3 PM) leading into the formal Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel Venetian Room.

• Saturday, Oct 10 (Main Event): Bricktown Banjo Bash from 12 PM–5 PM! This event is 100% FREE to the public across the museum and Bricktown venues, featuring pickers like Gary "Biscuit" Davis, Gavin Rice, Mark Johnson, Lucas Ross, and more. Wrap up the weekend with the Pizza Parlor Sing-Along Party (6 PM–9 PM) at the museum!

2026 Hall of Fame Inductees:

• Mark Johnson (Five-String Performance): Creator of "Clawgrass" and Steve Martin Award winner.

• Howard Alden (Four-String Performance): Renowned jazz guitarist elevating tenor banjo.

• Bill Dendle (Education & Innovation): Iconic jazz educator and performer.

• Banjomania (Promotion): Pioneer group blending 4-string and 5-string styles.

• David "Stringbean" Akeman (Historical): Early Bluegrass Boy and beloved Hee Haw star.

• Brent Hayes (Historical): Early 20th-century world-touring virtuoso.

Visitor & Event Details:

• Address: 9 E Sheridan Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73104

• Phone: (405) 604-2793

• Website: https://americanbanjomuseum.com/banjofest2026/

Also discussed:

#BanjoFest2026 #OnlyInOKShow #AmericanBanjoMuseum #BricktownOKC #OklahomaCity #Banjo #DiscoverOKC #ExploreOklahoma #LiveMusicOKC #BluegrassMusic #JazzBanjo

If you're driving Route 66 through Catoosa, most folks stop for the famous Blue Whale—but just down the road sits one of the coolest, most surprisingly diverse hidden gems in the entire state: the D.W. Correll Museum!

D.W. Correll was a prominent local businessman whose lifelong, passionate curiosity created a personal collection so expansive that it took a dedicated team three full years just to curate it for the public. Spread across two giant buildings, this incredible stop blends pure Americana, world-class geology, rare automotive history, and heavy machinery.

In this episode, we explore:

• Building 1: Geological Wonders & Worldly Treasures – A deep dive into Oklahoma's Tri-State mining roots (galena, sphalerite, quartz crystals), massive global geode and fossil displays, Native American artifacts, antique decanters, and rotating exhibits like the Tulsa Ship Modelers Society's Port City Model Ship Exhibit. Bonus: You can even buy select rock and mineral specimens to take home!

• Building 2: Vintage Wheels & Heavy Machinery – Over 100 years of fully working, meticulously restored automotive history. Highlights include an 1898 steam-powered Locomobile, a 1902 Oldsmobile Runabout, a 1917 Twin 6 Packard, a 1926 Rolls-Royce, 1927 & 1929 Stutz 8s, a 1957 Chevy 210, horse-drawn buggies, vintage Texaco gas pumps, and antique toy tractors.

• Visitor Info & Programs – Budget-friendly admission ($5 Adults, $4 Seniors, $2 Youth, FREE for Military ID holders), car club cruise-in opportunities, and educational field trip programs where kids get hands-on Earth science lessons and real rocks/fossils to take home!

Visitor & Booking Information: To schedule special tours or group visits, contact Director Eric Hamshar via the City of Catoosa.

• Official Website: https://www.cityofcatoosa.org/page/dw-correll-museum

Also discussed: Think Ability Inc, KOCO, Oklahoma City's iconic Gold Dome & Precor Realty Advisors.

Tune in to discover why this spot needs to be on your next Route 66 road trip itinerary!

#OnlyInOKShow #Route66 #Route66Oklahoma #CatoosaOK #DWCorrellMuseum #ExploreOklahoma #OklahomaTravel #HiddenGemsOK #ClassicCars #VintageAutomobiles #GeologyLovers #OklahomaHistory #RoadTripOK #DiscoverOklahoma

Even if you aren't typically an outdoorsy type, Oklahoma has trails so stunning they'll tempt you right out of your air-conditioned comfort zone. In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we head to Comanche County (just two hours from OKC) to explore the Elk Mountain Trail, tucked inside the breathtaking Charon's Garden Wilderness within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

At roughly 2.2 miles round-trip with 583 feet of elevation gain, this easy-to-moderate hike features natural granite staircases, minor bouldering, and dog-friendly paths. You'll step across some of the oldest exposed granite in the continental United States, starting at the scenic Sunset Picnic Area and climbing to a massive, mesa-like summit plateau filled with hidden caves, rock crevices, and 360-degree views of the surrounding plains.

Plus, we break down native wildlife sightings—from bison and longhorn cattle to unique desert flora—and cover essential trail safety tips to ensure you aren't "That Guy" on the mountain.

Listener Question: What do you think is the single best outdoor adventure in Oklahoma? Reach out and let us know!

Also discussed: David Payne - Enid SOS - Schwabs Meats

#OnlyInOKShow #OklahomaHikes #WichitaMountains #ElkMountainTrail #CharonsGardenWilderness #DiscoverOklahoma #ExploreOK #OklahomaOutdoors #OKCHikes #HikeOklahoma

On this episode of the Only in OK Show, we head to Broken Arrow to explore the Ray Harral Nature Center!

Tucked away off Tucson St (121st St) and west of Lynn Lane (behind Childers and Spring Creek schools), this 40-acre hidden gem offers shaded woods, diverse ecosystems, and quiet trails for Oklahomans wanting to escape the usual crowded hotspots—and best of all, entrance is 100% FREE!

In this episode, we cover:

• The History: Who Ray Harral was and his lasting impact on Broken Arrow's park system.

• Outdoor Highlights: Walking across the iconic suspension bridge, splashing in the natural spring system, strolling through native flower gardens, and spotting the mystery abandoned water tank.

• The Trails: 3 miles of winding, heavily shaded paved and unpaved trails—perfect for escaping the Oklahoma summer heat!

• Inside the Nature Center: Getting up close with native wildlife (tarantulas, tree frogs, turtles!), checking out interactive exhibits, and budget-friendly room rentals for events.

• Pro-Tips for Visiting: Pet policies, park/center hours, and crucial navigation advice so you don't get lost on the 40-acre loop!

Whether you're taking a quiet stroll, bringing the kids to splash in the creek, or bringing your pup for a walk, Ray Harral Nature Center is a must-visit Oklahoma destination.

Learn More & Visit:

• Location: 7101 S 3rd St, Broken Arrow, OK 70011

• Park Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

• Nature Center Hours: Mon–Sat, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Mar–Oct) | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Nov–Feb)

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RayHarralNatureCenter/

Also discussed KOCO & the OKC Zoo.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share the show with your fellow Oklahomans!

#OnlyInOKShow #Oklahoma #BrokenArrowOK #BrokenArrow #RayHarralNatureCenter #ExploreOklahoma #OklahomaParks #DiscoverOklahoma #OklahomaTourism #NatureLovers #OklahomaOutdoors #FreeOklahoma #TravelOK