Oklahoma, the Sooner State, is filled with rich history, unique geography, and fascinating culture. Exploring riddles about this south-central U.S. state is a fun way to learn more about Oklahoma. Here are 45 riddles about Oklahoma with the answers provided.
Riddles about Oklahoma Cities
Let’s start with some riddles about key cities in Oklahoma:
Oklahoma City
Riddle: I’m the capital and largest city in the state. I’m home to the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team. Over 640,000 people live in my city limits. What city am I?
Answer: Oklahoma City
Tulsa
Riddle: I’m known as the “Oil Capital of the World” and have a rich history in the energy industry. With over 400,000 residents, I’m the second largest city in Oklahoma. What city am I?
Answer: Tulsa
Norman
Riddle: I’m home to the University of Oklahoma Sooners. The National Weather Center calls me home too. With around 120,000 residents, I’m one of the largest cities in Oklahoma. What city am I?
Answer: Norman
Lawton
Riddle: I’m located in southwest Oklahoma near Fort Sill. My population exceeds 90,000, making me one of the largest cities in the state. What city am I?
Answer: Lawton
Edmond
Riddle: Located just north of Oklahoma City, I’m a growing suburb with over 90,000 residents. The University of Central Oklahoma is located in my city limits. What city am I?
Answer: Edmond
Riddles about Oklahoma Native American Tribes
Oklahoma has one of the largest Native American populations in the United States. Here are some riddles about key tribes in Oklahoma:
Cherokee
Riddle: We are the largest Native American tribe in the United States. Many of our people were forced to relocate to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears. Who are we?
Answer: The Cherokee
Choctaw
Riddle: We are the third largest Native American tribe in the U.S. Our ancestral lands were in the Southeastern United States before relocation to Oklahoma. Who are we?
Answer: The Choctaw
Creek
Riddle: We are originally from Alabama and Georgia before being forced to move to Oklahoma. We are the fourth largest Native American tribe in the country. Who are we?
Answer: The Creek (Muscogee)
Chickasaw
Riddle: We once lived in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama before relocating to Oklahoma. Today we are headquartered in Ada. Who are we?
Answer: The Chickasaw
Seminole
Riddle: Our tribe originally lived in Florida before being forced to move West. Today, our tribal jurisdiction headquarters are located in Wewoka. Who are we?
Answer: The Seminole
Riddles about Oklahoma Geography
Let’s explore some riddles related to Oklahoma’s unique geography:
Highest Point
Riddle: At 4,973 feet, I’m the highest point in Oklahoma. I’m located in the far northwest part of the state. What am I?
Answer: Black Mesa
Largest Lake
Riddle: I’m the largest lake in Oklahoma at 105,516 surface acres. My name comes from the city I’m near. What lake am I?
Answer: Lake Eufaula
Longest River
Riddle: Starting in New Mexico, I flow through Oklahoma before joining up with the Arkansas River. At 1,450 miles long, I’m the longest river with its complete course in Oklahoma. What river am I?
Answer: Cimarron River
Panhandle
Riddle: I’m the panhandle region jutting northward into Kansas. Ranching is common in my rugged terrain. What Oklahoma region am I?
Answer: Oklahoma Panhandle
Red Earth
Riddle: My distinct red soil spans central Oklahoma. I’m an important growing region known for producing wheat, cattle, and more. What region am I?
Answer: Red Earth Region
Riddles about Oklahoma State Symbols
From the state bird to tree, explore these riddles about Oklahoma’s official state symbols:
State Bird
Riddle: With my bright red plumage, I’m commonly seen across Oklahoma. I was named the official state bird in 1951. What bird am I?
Answer: Scissor-tailed flycatcher
State Flower
Riddle: My showy pink blooms grow wild across Oklahoma. I represent the state’s natural beauty and resilience. What flower am I?
Answer: Oklahoma rose
State Tree
Riddle: My green leaves turn golden bronze in the fall. I was designated the state tree of Oklahoma in 1937. What tree am I?
Answer: Eastern redbud
State Mammal
Riddle: I’m the largest member of the deer family in North America. Named the official state mammal in 1972, I roam Oklahoma’s prairies and woodlands. What Oklahoma mammal am I?
Answer: American bison
State Reptile
Riddle: Legless and elongated, I slither across Oklahoma as the state’s official reptile. My name links me to a constellation. What Oklahoma reptile am I?
Answer: Collared lizard
Riddles about Oklahoma History
Let’s look at some riddles related to key moments and events in Oklahoma history:
Land Rush
Riddle: In 1889, over 50,000 people raced to claim plots of land in central Oklahoma. This iconic event was known as what?
Answer: The Oklahoma Land Rush
Tulsa Race Massacre
Riddle: In 1921, a tragic attack by a white mob against Tulsa’s Greenwood District left over 300 dead and the neighborhood in ruins. What was this event?
Answer: The Tulsa Race Massacre
Dust Bowl
Riddle: Severe drought and poor farming practices in the 1930s turned parts of the Great Plains into a wasteland of blowing dust. What was this environmental disaster called?
Answer: The Dust Bowl
Sooner
Riddle: Settlers who sneaked into Oklahoma to claim land before it was legally allowed became known by what nickname?
Answer: Sooners
Oil Boom
Riddle: After oil was discovered near Tulsa in 1901, Oklahoma saw a surge of migration and economic growth. What was this pivotal time in state history?
Answer: The Oklahoma Oil Boom
Riddles about Oklahoma Culture
Finally, explore some cultural riddles related to Oklahoma:
State Meal
Riddle: I was designated the official state meal in 1988. My ingredients include barbecue pork, chicken fried steak, sausage with biscuits and gravy, fried okra and more. What Oklahoma meal am I?
Answer: Fried okra, squash, cornbread, barbecue pork, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries, chicken fried steak, pecan pie, and black-eyed peas.
State Dance
Riddle: Originating in the cattle ranching era, I became the official state folk dance in 1988. Performed at community gatherings, my steps mimic cowboy work. What dance am I?
Answer: The square dance
Route 66
Riddle: Travelers pass through Oklahoma along this iconic highway stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles. What famous road am I?
Answer: Route 66
Woody Guthrie
Riddle: I’m a legendary folk singer-songwriter from Okemah, Oklahoma who wrote “This Land Is Your Land.” Who am I?
Answer: Woody Guthrie
Will Rogers
Riddle: I gained fame as an actor and humorist who poked fun at politicians and made light of serious issues. A memorial in Claremore honors this famous Oklahoman. Who am I?
Answer: Will Rogers
Conclusion
Exploring riddles about key cities, geography, history, and culture provides a fun way to learn more about the great state of Oklahoma! From the Cherokee Nation to the Dust Bowl, Oklahoma has a unique story and heritage. Put your Oklahoma knowledge to the test by solving these 45 riddles.
