Oklahoma Is Not Landlocked—It Borders Six States
False. Oklahoma is NOT landlocked.** It shares borders with **six U.S. states**—more than all but two (Tennessee & Missouri, 8 each).
Oklahoma's Six Neighbors
| Direction | State | Border Length | Key Features |
|---|
| North | Kansas | ~370 mi | Straight survey line (37°N) |
| Northeast | Missouri | ~40 mi | Small corner (Ottawa County) |
| East | Arkansas | ~160 mi | Arkansas River, Ouachita Mtns |
| South | Texas | ~540 mi | Red River (mostly), longest border |
| West | New Mexico | ~130 mi | Panhandle tip, High Plains |
| Northwest | Colorado | ~25 mi | Cimarron County corner only |
What "Landlocked" Actually Means
- Landlocked state/country: **No coastline on ocean or sea** — **Oklahoma qualifies (no ocean access).**
- But "bordered by only one state" (like Maine) is DIFFERENT from "landlocked."** Oklahoma is **landlocked (no ocean)** but **highly connected (6 state borders)**.
- Double-landlocked (US):** **Nebraska** — **all neighbors are landlocked**. Oklahoma touches **Texas (Gulf coast)** — **single-landlocked**.
Water Access Despite No Coast
- Arkansas River → Mississippi → Gulf** (commercial barge traffic: Tulsa Port of Catoosa — **most inland ocean port in US**, 445 river miles).
- Red River → Mississippi → Gulf** (limited navigation).
- Major reservoirs:** **Lake Texoma, Grand Lake, Eufaula, Keystone, Tenkiller** — recreation, water supply, flood control.
Bottom line: Oklahoma is **landlocked (no ocean)** but **maximally interstate-connected (6 borders)** — **a continental crossroads, not a cul-de-sac.**
Wanderlust World