Oklahoma agriculture, Western heritage and cattle culture are drawing international visitors to the Sooner State, including two tourists from Costa Rica who recently visited Oklahoma during the Stockyard Stampede. Mauricio and Luis said in an interview with associate farm reporter Carli Davenport that they chose Oklahoma for its history, culture, food and opportunities to experience something different, and they have enjoyed discovering the state’s ranching traditions and welcoming communities. “We were looking for a destination that offered history, heritage that really gave us the opportunity to learn about the culture that had good gastronomy,” Mauricio said.
With help from artificial intelligence, the pair narrowed their travel choices to three destinations before selecting Oklahoma. “With the aid of the AI, we put those parameters, and wow, we had three options, and we picked Oklahoma, and we are not disappointed at all,” Mauricio said. “People are so nice, so warm, and we have seen many different things here.”
Oklahoma Longhorns Make a Lasting Impression
Among the highlights of their trip, Oklahoma’s longhorn cattle stood out as a favorite for Luis. “The best is the longhorns by far. I love it. They are so, so beautiful,” he said. “I really wish to have a longhorn pet.”
Luis even imagined bringing one home to Costa Rica, where he believes the animal would quickly become a neighborhood attraction. “If I get a long one from here and I take it to my neighborhood, it will be the pet of the neighborhood,” he said. “It’s so beautiful. I love it.”
Their interest in longhorns reflects the appeal of Oklahoma’s Western identity, where cattle and ranching remain an important part of the state’s agricultural heritage.
Oklahoma Stockyards Offer a Look at Western Heritage
The tourists discovered the Oklahoma Stockyards Stampede while researching activities to enjoy during their stay. Mauricio said artificial intelligence helped them identify the event as an opportunity to experience more of Oklahoma’s culture.
The historic Stockyards district also caught their attention with its preserved buildings and distinctive atmosphere. “It’s a very well-preserved small city with beautiful architecture, with a retro style,” Mauricio said.
The area offered plenty to explore, including restaurants and shops. Mauricio said he also planned to stop for a root beer while visiting the district.
For the visitors, the experience provided an opportunity to enjoy Oklahoma’s Western character at a more relaxed pace than some of the larger tourist destinations they have visited or considered. “If you are into a more relaxed vacation, you have to be here around the people, the culture, the food,” Mauricio said. “I mean, I really like it. I really like it.”
Beef Gives Costa Rica Visitors a Taste of Oklahoma Agriculture
Oklahoma’s cattle industry and beef products also came up during the conversation, as the visitors discussed their early experiences with American food.
Mauricio said he had already tried brisket and enjoyed the flavor, he noted that it was a filling meal. “I had the chance to eat brisket, and I really like it,” he said. “It’s really, really good, but it’s also really heavy. So you need to be careful about that.”
The pair had not yet explored as much of Oklahoma’s food scene as they hoped, but Luis said he expected the state’s agricultural focus to translate into quality products worth trying. “Being an agriculture state with that very orientation, it should be a high-quality product that we have to try,” he said.
Oklahoma agriculture plays a significant role in the state’s economy and identity, with cattle production and beef among the industries that help shape its rural communities and food culture.
For international visitors such as Mauricio and Luis, exploring the Stockyards offers a chance to connect that agricultural identity with the people, places and food that make Oklahoma distinctive.
