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Your space is a great opportunity to express who you are?make a bold statement with our trendy print posters. From movie posters to funny posters, find exactly what you're looking for to make your home, office, or classroom reflect who you are and what you love. Choose from vintage, abstract, funny, and inspirational posters. Our posters are available in a variety of sizes (11 x 17, 16 x 20, & 25 x 35). Can't find the poster you're looking for? Set your personal expression free by designing your own custom poster.

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10 must-see places in Oklahoma to add to your travel bucket list

W hether you're a lifelong Oklahoman or a visitor to the state, there are places in Oklahoma that should make it onto your bucket list.

Here are 10 must-see places in the Sooner State.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

A trip to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is necessary for those who want to learn more about the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and remember those who were killed.

The Field of Empty Chairs and the Reflection Pool take the place of where the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building once stood, memorializing the 168 who lost their lives in the bombing. The museum tells the story of the bombing, how Oklahoma recovered and what lessons can be learned from the tragedy.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

True to its name, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge "preserves approximately 60,000 acres of mixed grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, and fresh water lakes and streams for the benefit of wildlife and the American people," according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Visitors are likely to see roaming bison, longhorn cattle and elk. The refuge, near the Lawton and Fort Sill area in southwest Oklahoma, is ripe with scenic views and opportunities for exploring the outdoors while hiking, camping, kayaking and fishing.

Alabaster Caverns State Park

Northwest Oklahoma is home to this rarity, one of the largest gypsum caves in the world. Visitors can join one of the daily guided tours of the cave for a fee — tours leave on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Alabaster Caverns State Park , located just south of Freedom, Oklahoma, also features hiking trails and reservable RV and tent camping sites.

Center of the Universe

A mysterious acoustic phenomenon takes place in downtown Tulsa, known as the "Center of the Universe," marked by a concrete circle in the midst of a larger circle of bricks at 1 S Boston Ave.

According to Atlas Obscura: "If you stand in the middle of the circle and make a noise, the sound is echoed back several times louder than it was made. It’s your own private amplified echo chamber."

But, to anyone outside the circle your voice is "extremely distorted."

Talimena Scenic Byway

This awe-inspiring 54-mile route in southeast Oklahoma is known for its views, especially during a colorful Oklahoma fall or vibrant springtime.

The Talimena Scenic Byway was built through one of the highest mountain ranges between the Rockies and the Appalachians specifically to showcase the area's foliage. There are 22 designated vistas along the route, which include interpretive signage.

Philbrook Museum of Art

Inside the former Tulsa home of oil pioneer Waite Phillips and his wife Genevieve is the Philbrook Museum of Art , at 2727 S Rockford Road, complete with the breathtaking formal gardens in the back.

The Philbrook has a series of rotating and permanent exhibits, ranging from ancient to modern art from America and beyond.

First Americans Museum

Located along the Oklahoma River and near the crossroads of Interstates 35, 40, 235 and 44 is Oklahoma City's First Americans Museum . The museum is dedicated to sharing the collective histories of the 39 federally recognized tribes in the state of Oklahoma.

Visitors can explore the cultural diversity of the distinctive tribes and, for many of the tribes now residing in Oklahoma, learn what the process of removal from their ancestral homelands was like 200 years ago.

Turner Falls State Park

Situated in some of the oldest mountains on earth, the Arbuckle Mountains, is Turner Falls State Park . The park is home to one of Oklahoma's tallest waterfalls — it's tied with the waterfall inside eastern Oklahoma's Natural Falls State Park.

Visitors to the falls near Davis, Oklahoma can enjoy swimming, hiking and camping.

"Turner Falls Park has been described as one of the three geological windows into the planet's past, along with the Grand Canyon and the Black Hills of South Dakota," according to Travel OK.

Collings Castle

This medieval-style castle is actually within Turner Falls State Park.

Built in the 1930s as a private residence, visitors can explore the ruins of Collings Castle featuring bunkhouses, parapets with narrow windows and a fireplace adorned with native rose rocks — though much of the fireplace has been chipped away and some of the walls are crumbling.

Pioneer Woman Mercantile

In the small, northeastern Oklahoma town of Pawhuska is Pioneer Woman Mercantile , home to food television personality Ree Drummond's restaurant, bakery and store.

Also known as "The Merc," visitors can expect delicious foods and baked goods, as well as lots of Pioneer Woman branded items just waiting to come home with them. Plus, there are free daily tours of The Lodge on Drummond Ranch where Drummond films her Food Network show.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 10 must-see places in Oklahoma to add to your travel bucket list

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Incentive for developers to capture state sales taxes for new tourism projects that attract out of state visitors to new or expanded tourism sites.

Who is eligible?

Developers and qualifying entities operating a tourism attraction project. For projects that meet requirements, the eligible companies may receive sales tax credits or a sales tax incentive payment annually for up to 10 years up to the amount that is revenue-neutral to the state or 25% of the approved development costs, whichever is lower.

How to apply

The eligible company, which may be a developer, of the tourism attraction asset must complete an application and submit it to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce along with:  

• a business plan that also includes the average number of days it is open to the public;
• marketing plan that includes plans for the targeting of out-of-state visitors;  
• a description of the project including maps of the location;  
• anticipated development costs of the project;   
• anticipated employment and wages to be paid at the project; and  
• anticipated revenues and expenses generated at the project.  

Benefits:  

If the eligible company is approved, it would receive inducements of up to 25% of development costs or the revenue-neutral incentive as determined by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, whichever is lower. It is a performance-based incentive from captured state sales taxes associated with the development over the approved time period, which is up to 10 years. 

Examples of Projects Facilitated by the Tourism Development Act:  

Fordson Hotel, Tulsa Club, First National Building, the OAK – an entertainment district  

Call us today at 800-588-5959 and we’ll get started on a cost/benefit analysis for your business. After your preliminary assessment, we can assist you with the application process.

• Oklahoma Incentives and Tax Guide

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The materials contained on this website have been prepared by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. This information is subject to change based on judicial interpretation and legislative action. The application of the information is subject to your unique facts and circumstances. YOU SHOULD NOT ACT UPON ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE MATERIALS WITHOUT SEEKING YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL LEGAL AND TAX ADVICE.  

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For assistance, contact the Regional Development Specialist (RDS) who serves your region.

Jared Cooper

Steven Bratcher

Glenn Glass

Stan Ralstin

Charlotte Howe

Martin Roberts

Jon Chiappe

Aldwyn Sappleton

Oklahoma Department of Commerce 900 N. Stiles Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Phone: 405-815-6552 Toll-Free: 800-879-6552 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Central

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How does a town of 200 prepare for 100,000 eclipse visitors? For Hochatown, tourism is 'our bread and butter'

Millions of Americans will watch the sky darken on Monday as the moon completely blocks out the sun for a few short minutes.

Many of those in the path of the total solar eclipse will be visitors from near and far — and tens of thousands of them are expected to watch the celestial event from a small town nestled in Oklahoma's Kiamichi Mountains.

Hochatown, Oklahom a, is a town of 200 residents, but don't let that number fool you. The community is flush with tourists every weekend, mostly coming from Texas to relax in a cabin and spend time in the outdoors, thanks to its proximity to Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake.

But the number of visitors to Hochatown, which is located on either side of the two-lane State Highway 259, could be up to 100,000 on Monday, the day it will be in the path of totality of the 2024 solar eclipse.

That's double what they see on a fully booked weekend, said Mayor Dian Jordan.

More: What time is the solar eclipse? Search your ZIP code for a viewing guide

50,000 to 100,000 visitors for the eclipse? That's Hochatown's 'bread and butter'

How will the town handle so many?

"We're used to dealing with tourists," Jordan said. "I mean, that's our bread and butter, those are our businesses. We feed them, we take care of them, we house them, we entertain them. So we feel like the eclipse is just another weekend."

Hochatown sees an average of 30,000 each weekend and expects 50,000 this weekend with accommodations 95% booked. With only one way in and out of town, the town is no stranger to backed-up traffic, and businesses are used to serving thousands each weekend.

But of course, some additional preparations are being made. Like the 30 port-a-potties the town rented to be placed up and down the highway.

And Jordan said because McCurtain County is the only county in Oklahoma seeing 100% totality, it's been easy to get help from the state.

Along with Oklahoma National Guard troops, 70 additional highway patrolmen will be present. The McCurtain County Health Department also has called in extra sanitarians to inspect restaurants.

"If this had been the whole state, we would have been struggling for resources," Jordan said. "But as it is, they understand, we're a brand-new town, we're all volunteers."

Traffic gridlock expected on two-lane highway through Hochatown

One of the biggest concerns is the expected traffic gridlock as thousands try to make their way along the two-lane highway.

But Jordan said the town, and all of McCurtain County, has been preparing for more than a year for the chaos the eclipse is likely to bring.

Hochatown's Community Emergency Response Team is prepared to hop on ATVs and ride on the side of the highway, in case of emergencies.

The members of the Hochatown Volunteer Fire Department will stay in a home close to town so they can be present without worrying about traffic. The same is true for the rural water district employees, who will stay at the water department in case they need to respond to broken water lines or other emergencies.

Solar eclipse warnings piling up: Should Oklahomans be worried on April 8, 2024?

Hochatown businesses make plans ahead of solar eclipse

Business owners are planning some changes, as well, including having employees stay at work the night before the eclipse, and plan to potentially stay Monday night, too.

The Hochatown Rescue Center and Petting Zoo will be fully staffed on Monday, and employees are prepared to have "a slumber party," said supervisor Kayla Tucker.

"It's one of those things where we've never had to face this before, so we're not fully sure what to expect," Tucker said. "We just kind of expect the worst and be prepared for that, and hope for the best."

The local hardware store has ordered extra emergency supplies like tarps, flashlights and gas cans, Jordan said.

At the Beavers Bend Mining Co. , which is just north of the entrance to Beavers Bend State Park and is within walking distance of the petting zoo, owner Billy Brooks said the idea of the eclipse and so many people coming to town is "a little unnerving."

"How do you prepare for something that the town has never really experienced?" Brooks asked. "I mean, you can prepare to a certain extent, and you try to guess what people are going to do. You try to guess how many people are going to be here ... what kind of dangers, what kind of unique situations you're going to encounter. But that's what they are. They're guesses. And so we hope we guess correctly."

Brooks said they will have a food truck on-site ready to grill and serve more than their typical coffee and pastries, anticipating some customers may not be able to leave due to traffic. He also said they are adding several new activities — in addition to panning for real gemstones, uncovering dinosaur fossils and playing at Pirate's Cove — to keep people entertained before and after the eclipse.

Brooks, his wife and their Yorkie will stay in their RV on-site, expecting difficulties getting back to their home in Broken Bow. He also said his employees are prepared to spend the night if the need arises.

More: Camping out for the eclipse? Plan for poor cell service, winding roads and maybe wildfires

Tips for visiting Hochatown during the 2024 solar eclipse

Hochatown's mayor and business owners have some tips for eclipse visitors:

• Fill up with gas before you get to town. Don't expect to be able to get gas in Hochatown or on your way out, in case of fuel shortages due to trucks carrying fuel not being able to reach gas stations.
• If you're staying overnight, bring all your food with you to your cabin. The nearest grocery store (Pruett's Food) is 10 miles south in Broken Bow.
• Keep food and medical supplies in your vehicle. There's no telling how long you'll be stuck in traffic.
• Bring plenty of cash. At some point, cellular service may go down, affecting businesses' ability to accept credit and debit cards.
• Bring a physical map, or screenshots on your phone, in case you lose service.
• Pre-program any emergency phone numbers you may need, like local first responders and the management for your cabin.
• Make contingency plans in case you're unable to make it home after the eclipse, including a plan for someone to care for any animals back home.
• Bring your own eclipse glasses in case businesses run out.
• Make sure you're not parking on private property, like someone's backyard.

Most importantly, Jordan is asking visitors to "bring their patience. It's a party, it's a celestial event, just plan on having a good time."

Total solar eclipse

When: The  eclipse will cross southeastern Oklahoma at the Red River about 12:27 p.m. Monday and exit the state about 3:07 p.m.

Totality path: It will completely cover McCurtain County and partially cover Choctaw, Bryan, Atoka, Pushmataha, Latimer and Le Flore counties. It will last only from about 1:44 p.m. to 1:51 p.m.

Statewide: Much of Oklahoma will have at least 90% totality.

Viewing: Be prepared with special eclipse glasses , which will be required to block out the sun's harmful rays. 

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How to check road and traffic conditions in oklahoma during the eclipse.

Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials said the influx of people could overwhelm and backup the area's roads

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State officials are expecting tens of thousands of people to travel to southeastern Oklahoma for the Great Eclipse on Monday.

| MORE | Solar eclipse can cause some obstacles for travelers in southeast Oklahoma

With that many people comes congested roads and highways as well as hazards for people trying to get to McCurtain County before the eclipse. Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials said the influx of people could overwhelm and back up the area's roads.

Click here to view the ODOT's interactive road conditions map. ODOT also created a special map for the eclipse in southeastern Oklahoma.

The major highways in the area are US Highway 70, US Highway 259 and State Highway 3. Those highways are two-lane roads passing through small towns.

ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz says there are five really active construction zones in the area, with three minimizing activity and not having an impact during the eclipse. State Highway 109 will be closed for a bridge replacement, and Highway 271 will be narrowed to one lane in either direction for a bridge replacement project.

Authorities urge drivers to use patience because of the expected traffic delays and to make sure their cars are filled with gas. They also say people should bring paper maps in case the potentially poor cell service disrupts phone or car GPS systems.

ODOT officials urge drivers to pay attention to what's in front of them and to keep an eye out for potential pedestrians. They also ask people not to stop in the roadway during the eclipse or to drive on the shoulders – many of the roads in the area don't have shoulders and just have grass off the highway.

ODOT officials also say people should keep their headlights on during the eclipse, to not drive while wearing eclipse glasses and to find a designated place to watch safely.

No glasses? No problem. Three cool ways to safely view the eclipse.

‘pinhole projectors’ will do the trick. so will plants in your backyard..

The April 8 total solar eclipse is finally here — and it’s sure to amaze and delight the millions who see it.

Everyone in the Lower 48 states will be able to view at least a partial solar eclipse, assuming cloud-free skies .

To savor the eclipse, you don’t need special equipment. Even if you can’t get your hands on eclipse glasses , there are old school, low-tech ways to see it. If you’re crafty and canny, the eclipse can still be a memorable experience.

2024 total solar eclipse

Safety first

The first rule of enjoying the eclipse is to avoid looking directly at the sun without eye protection. Even brief glances can cause permanent damage.

The only exception to this rule is for lucky spectators in the path of totality during the few minutes of the total eclipse, when the sun is fully blocked by the moon.

For those witnessing the partial solar eclipse, even when most of the sun’s surface is blocked, the remaining, visible crescent is still intensely bright and cannot be safely viewed without eye protection.

But, if you don’t have eye protection, here are some safe ways to experience the partial eclipse through indirect means:

Make a pinhole projector

A way around looking directly the sun is to make your own eclipse projector using a cereal box. It’s a safe and terrific way to capture the eclipse action.

Clear the kitchen table and find the craft scissors. In addition to the cereal box, you’ll need a piece of aluminum foil, tape and a small nail or pushpin.

First, eat your Froot Loops — or whatever toasted grain you prefer — and keep the box. On a white piece of paper or white cardboard, trace the bottom of the box. Then, clip out the traced rectangle from the paper and put it in the bottom of the opened box. That’s your screen that images of the eclipse will project onto.

Cut out two squares (1.5 inches should suffice) on the lid of the box and then tape the lid back together. For one square, cover the hole in foil and tape it down. Gently put a pushpin or small nail hole through it, as that is the lens that the sun’s light will pass through. The smaller the hole, the sharper the projected image.

When using your personal box theater, turn away from the sun — and let the sun’s rays shine through the tiny pin hole. Look through the other hole in the lid to see the eclipse action — during the eclipse you’ll see the moon biting a chunk from the sun.

Other kinds of small boxes — such as shoe boxes or small package boxes — work well, too. And your kids can decorate them for fun.

Looking to the trees

If you’re not inclined to make a projector box, you can also view the partial phases of the eclipse in the shadows of trees and plants.

The small gaps in between leaves, branches and pine needles act as miniature projectors. When light passes through, a small image of the sun is cast onto the ground. As the partial eclipse progresses, you’ll see the small circles evolve into sickle-shaped crescents, eventually waning to a sliver.

You may consider holding a white piece of paper or poster board beneath a tree or plant to make it easier to spot the shadows.

Gadgets and fingers

Leaves aren’t special — they just happen to be good at producing tiny projections. But realistically, any hole that’s about a quarter inch wide, give or take, will do the trick. That means you could even parade around outside with your pasta colander, cheese grater or serving spoon with holes in it and look at its shadow. Place white paper or poster board on the ground to see the projection more clearly.

You could also just hold your fingers out and crisscross them to make for half a dozen or so small openings between. Just extend your fingers on both hands as if you’re trying to make a W , and then overlap them.

Simple, yet elegant.

A total solar eclipse passed across the United States on Monday, April 8. See photos and videos from the path of totality and read our reporters’ coverage from scenes across the nation .

Looking ahead: Missed this one? The next eclipse visible in the United States won’t be until 2044 — and then we’ll see another shortly after in 2045. If you did watch this eclipse but without proper eyewear, here’s what to do if your eyes hurt .

The science: This eclipse appeared especially dramatic because the sun was at its most active period in two decades. In the past, solar eclipses have helped scientists learn more about the universe . Here’s everything else to know about the solar eclipse.

• Your ultimate guide to the total solar eclipse, its path and how to watch April 8, 2024 Your ultimate guide to the total solar eclipse, its path and how to watch April 8, 2024
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Traffic delays and other issues mark total solar eclipse day

Authorities on Monday reported traffic crashes and significant road delays across the country as thousands of people flocked to prime locations to gaze up at the rare solar eclipse – and then made their way home again.

Local roads and highways in states including Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Vermont and New Hampshire were impacted by the flood of drivers, many of whom were from out of state. The most intense bottlenecks appeared to be in the path of totality , a vast swath of the country – approximately 115 miles wide, crossing through 13 states – where people were able to view the total eclipse.

Traffic slowed on major highways in Indiana as the eclipse progressed Monday afternoon. State transportation officials posted video showing backups forming on Interstate 65 headed toward Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Star reported. The Courier & Press in Evansville reported delays after the eclipse ended.

Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine posted on X that traffic on state highways was flowing but rest stops along interstates in the path of totality are at or near capacity. 

Perrine said transportation officials planned to shut them down "once they are full and will not allow any more traffic in for the duration of the eclipse." One rest stop along I-74 near Veedersburg, northwest of Indianapolis, closed because it had reached maximum capacity from "eclipse viewing traffic." 

In Oklahoma, a crash around 7:30 a.m. local time narrowed eastbound lanes on I-40, a major transcontinental highway that runs from California to North Carolina. The crash occurred not far from several state parks that were hosting eclipse events, and was within driving distance of the full eclipse path, which included parts of southeastern Oklahoma and Arkansas.

"Crews estimate cleanup will take the majority of the day. Expect delays in the area and use extra caution. #trucking #eclipse," said a post on X by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation .

Multiple crashes were reported in Waco, Texas, a city in the path of totality, which hosted several festivities and eclipse viewing events. The crashes all occurred on I-35, which runs from southern Texas to Minnesota. The wrecks shut down multiple lanes.

"Expect major traffic delays in this area," the Texas Department of Transportation said in a statement around 9 a.m. local time.

Officials warn drivers of delays, dangers ahead of solar eclipse

In the weeks leading up to the celestial event, officials issued warnings about heavy traffic congestion and the danger of driving during the eclipse , including distracted pedestrians and the sudden change in light conditions. Eclipses have previously been tied with surges in traffic crashes, including fatal collisions.

In New York, extra troopers were staged throughout the entire state, especially in northern counties and cities, such as Buffalo, from which spectators can see a full eclipse, according to the New York State Police .

In Ohio, the state's Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission heavily staffed its toll booths, service plazas and maintenance buildings in anticipation of the eclipse, which it has designated as "a high-volume traffic event" like, for example, Thanksgiving.  The Ohio Emergency Management Agency estimates, for the solar eclipse, between 150,000 and 575,000 travelers will visit the state, which encompasses areas in the path of totality.

During the 2017 eclipse, congestion in some areas lasted for up to 13 hours after totality,  according to Transportation Research News , a National Research Council publication. An analysis of traffic patterns from that year suggests the worst of the traffic – on interstates and rural back roads alike – will kick off after the eclipse ends and everyone tries to leave all at once.

Contributing: Kayla Jimenez and Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY ; The Indianapolis Star