Oklahoma in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Driving into Tulsa, about 90 minutes northeast of Oklahoma City, you can visit the Philbrook Museum of Art, which sits in a lavish Italian Renaissance-style villa once owned by oil magnate Waite Phillips. The museum’s lush gardens and stately architecture provided a picturesque backdrop in the film “In the Valley of Elah,” where the intricate details of the estate lent authenticity to scenes portraying Midwestern affluence. Visitors can stroll the formal gardens and explore the museum’s diverse collection, making it a perfect place to soak in both art and cinematic history during the mild spring and fall months when the flowers bloom and the temperatures are ideal for wandering outdoors.
A short drive southwest from Oklahoma City lies the historic district of Guthrie, about 35 miles away, a charming town that served as a filming location for the Coen brothers’ movie “True Grit.” Guthrie’s well-preserved Victorian architecture and quaint brick streets help transport visitors back to the late 19th century, mirroring the film’s Old West setting. Walking tours through downtown reveal stately courthouses and storefronts, where visitors can imagine classic Western shootouts on quiet afternoons. The town’s unique blend of history and cinematic legacy shines best in autumn, when the crisp air and amber leaves frame the red brick buildings in perfect movie-set light.
In the southeastern part of the state, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area near Sulphur, approximately 90 minutes from Oklahoma City, offers more than just natural beauty—it was a filming location for scenes of “Where the Red Fern Grows.” The park’s wooded trails and clear springs provide a glimpse into the rugged, rural environment essential to the story’s heart. Hiking the popular Lake of the Arbuckles Trail, an easy 3.5-mile loop, visitors traverse forested areas and lakeside views that evoke the film’s nostalgic atmosphere. Early summer, when wildflowers dot the forest floor and the water sparkles under long daylight hours, is the best time to experience both the park and its cinematic ties.
Turning north to the city of Norman, about 20 miles south of Oklahoma City, the University of Oklahoma campus itself played a role in several television productions, most notably the 1990s show “My So-Called Life,” where some exterior shots were filmed. The campus’s blend of Collegiate Gothic and modern architecture creates a versatile urban landscape. Strolling through the historic Bizzell Library or relaxing on the sprawling South Oval, visitors can picture scenes from youth dramas unfolding amid the lively academic setting. Springtime showcases the campus’s cherry blossoms and mild temperatures, ideal for a leisurely walk through the historic grounds that have served as a backdrop for stories about coming of age.
In the far western reaches of Oklahoma, the town of Alva, roughly 120 miles northwest of Oklahoma City, was a key filming site for “Twister,” the tornado-themed blockbuster. The open, rolling plains surrounding this small city provide the perfect setting to experience the real-life geography that inspired the film’s dramatic storm chases. Visitors can explore the nearby Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, where wide horizons and shifting skies offer a sense of the vastness critical to the movie’s tension. Fall is especially dramatic here, when the changing light and cooler air heighten the stark beauty of the plains, giving visitors a visceral connection to the film’s iconic tornado scenes.
Heading to the northeast corner of the state, the city of Miami, Oklahoma, just over 115 miles from Tulsa, served as a filming locale for “The Outsiders,” the adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s novel about teenage gang rivalry. The town’s small, historic downtown with its classic movie theater and local diners offers visitors a chance to step into the 1960s setting visually preserved in the film. Exploring the Miami Regional Historic Museum sheds light on the town’s cultural backdrop, enriching the cinematic experience. Visiting in late spring or early fall provides pleasant weather for walking city streets where past and film history overlap.
Heading back toward the central part of the state, Oklahoma City’s iconic Stockyards City, located just minutes from downtown, has been a filming hub for Western-themed movies and television shows, thanks to its authentic cattle-driving history and rustic charm. Visitors can watch live cattle auctions, explore the Western heritage museums, and dine in old-style steak houses that offer a taste of cowboy culture. The annual cattle drive reenactment in the spring and fall vividly recalls scenes straight out of classic Westerns, making it a uniquely immersive way to connect with Oklahoma’s cinematic portrayal of the Old West.
Finally, in the southeastern town of Broken Bow, about 3 hours southeast of Oklahoma City, Beavers Bend State Park has hosted numerous film crews due to its stunning forested hills and clear mountain lakes. The park, located near Broken Bow Lake, offers visitors hiking on trails like the David Boren Hiking Trail, a moderate 5-mile loop through pine and hardwood forests. Its striking natural beauty has made it the backdrop for various nature documentaries and indie films capturing the rugged charm of southeastern Oklahoma. Early autumn, when the foliage turns fiery red and golden hues, is the best time to visit for a cinematic experience steeped in the state’s natural splendor.