Oklahoma City is experiencing a revitalization, similar to the historic Land Run of 1889. The city has always had a charming Southern atmosphere and delicious food, but it now boasts lively entertainment districts that attract a large audience.
Bricktown, in particular, is the center of the city’s growing food and entertainment scene, and it serves as a wonderful starting point for exploring the rest of Oklahoma City. The compact downtown area makes it convenient to walk to most places, including fascinating museums that offer insights into local history.
There are also exciting sporting attractions and numerous locally owned art galleries. With all these things located in the city’s core, you won’t waste much time when exploring the state capital.
17. Bricktown
One of the best examples of urban renewal in the United States is Bricktown in Downtown OKC. It got its name because it has classic red-brick warehouses that have been transformed into restaurants, entertainment venues, and patios along a beautiful canal.
It’s a great place to go shopping, with mostly local boutiques and vintage stores offering unique items. At night, Bricktown really comes alive.
Visitors can watch live sports, take a water taxi ride down the canal during sunset, enjoy a movie at the beautiful Harkins Theater, or have a fun night out at Coyote Ugly Saloon while wearing their cowboy boots.
16. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Oklahoma City has a strong cowboy legacy that started in 1889 when pioneers settled there during the Land Run. Over the years, the city became well-known for its ranches and cattle trails, establishing itself as a prominent location in Cowboy Country.
Today, you have the opportunity to learn and celebrate the history of ranching in Oklahoma City and the United States at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The museum takes you on a journey through the nostalgic and romantic story of American cowboys, with a complete recreation of an early 20th-century cattle town.
You can also discover an impressive collection of Native American and Western art, including a focus on the tragic Trail of Tears, highlighted by the remarkable End of the Trail sculpture.
15. 45th Infantry Division Museum
The 45th Infantry Division Museum is located at Lincoln Park Armory, which was built in 1937. Travelers interested in history and 20th century military conflicts will find this museum fascinating. It tells the story of the 45th Infantry Division, which was active from 1920 to 1968 and fought in the Second World War and the Korean War.
One notable event was their involvement in Operation Dragoon, which helped end the war. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits showcasing weapons used during these conflicts and displays rows of military vehicles on the grounds.
14. Museum of Osteology
The Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City is a captivating experience focused on bones, skeletons, and fossils. With more than 400 skulls and 300 complete skeletons, the museum provides valuable insights into the biology of various vertebrate animals throughout history.
Although the museum may not seem impressive from the outside, once you step inside, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the carefully arranged bones on display. This unique museum is the only one of its kind in the country and showcases almost all major animals.
While exploring, you’ll encounter lifelike representations of your favorite wildlife, albeit without their skin and organs.
13. Paseo Arts District
The Paseo Arts District is a great place to explore local culture, with nearly 20 art galleries and plenty of shopping and dining options. The district is only two blocks big, but it’s filled with artists and artisans who are all located close to each other.
The buildings in the district have Spanish Revival architecture, featuring stucco buildings with terracotta rooftops. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, as there are over 80 working artists and many stores and galleries to visit. The best time to go is on the first Friday of the month, when all the studios are open and live music fills the air.
12. Science Museum Oklahoma
If you have kids with you, you will really enjoy the Science Museum Oklahoma. They have a lot of interactive exhibits that will make everyone, no matter how young or old, curious about the world around us. It is mainly designed for young people, but you will still have a great time.
Each exhibit is not only fun, but also educational, and you can even participate by building with LEGO, riding a Segway, or experiencing their exciting tornado simulator with your whole family.
11. Frontier City
In Oklahoma City, there are plenty of ways to have fun and relax, despite its history, cowboy culture, and art. Frontier City is a fantastic place to unwind. It is an exhilarating theme park that offers high-speed roller coasters, exciting water adventures, and thrilling rides that may make you hold on tight.
With 50 different attractions, both young and old can enjoy the thrills and excitement. The little ones can enjoy rides like Frankie’s Mine Train or the dodge ’em cars. They can even pretend to catch bandits in the Wild West.
In addition, Frontier City hosts a sensational stunt show with gunfighters, explosions, and shootouts just like the olden days.
10. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark
In Bricktown, there are now many shops, entertainment options, and tasty restaurants. However, it has become more than just that. The warehouse area has become the main hub for local sports. One example is the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, which is home to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers.
It is highly regarded as one of the best minor league stadiums in the country. The stadium’s beautiful red-brick structure represents the district’s spirit and offers a wonderful experience for watching a baseball game.
From April to September, people can enjoy watching the upcoming stars of the LA Dodgers right here in Oklahoma, while enjoying a hot dog and beer.
9. Centennial Land Run Monument
In April 1889, a large number of people rushed to Oklahoma Territory to claim their own piece of land. The Unassigned Lands presented a valuable opportunity for pioneers and aspiring ranchers that could drastically improve their lives. The Centennial Land Run Monument effectively depicts the historic moment and the chaotic atmosphere of the event.
Positioned near the Bricktown Canal, it stands as one of the world’s largest sculptures made of bronze. The monument portrays 45 individuals who participated in the event that caused Oklahoma City’s population to dramatically increase overnight. By the end of the first day, nearly two million acres of land had been officially staked and claimed.
8. Myriad Botanical Gardens
Myriad Botanical Gardens is a peaceful and green space in the middle of a busy area with many tall buildings. It provides a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city and offers plenty of enjoyable activities.
During sunny summer days, the gardens are a popular destination, where you can have fun with your children at the exciting thunderstorm fountain before watching a Shakespeare play in the outdoor theater. In colder weather, the gardens become a great spot for ice skating.
However, no matter the season, the main attraction of Myriad Botanical Gardens is the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. Here, you can admire beautiful waterfalls, colorful flowers, and graceful butterflies.
7. Oklahoma City Zoo
The Oklahoma City Zoo is known for being a great place for families to visit. It’s also a recommended spot for anyone, not just families. The zoo has large enclosures where you can get up close to the animals. It’s a big zoo, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
The Oklahoma Trails area showcases 100 animals that are native to the state and includes a recreation of Turner Falls. In addition to local species, the zoo has elephants, lions, and tigers. Great EscApe offers a fantastic view of gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees.
6. Oklahoma History Center
During your trip, you will have many chances to learn about the capital city. However, if you want to delve into the history of the whole state, you must visit the Oklahoma History Center. Here, you can explore Native American history and then discover stories about the Land Run and the pioneer era. But it doesn’t end there.
Afterward, you can learn about cowboys, ranches, and even famous figures from the 20th century. The museum also showcases the state’s involvement in space exploration. When you’re done, you can enjoy beautiful views of the state capitol from the museum’s floor to ceiling windows.
Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the lovely grounds, which are adorned with art pieces and native plants.
5. Hefner Lake & Park
Hefner Lake & Park is located about 20 minutes away from downtown Oklahoma City. It is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. The park has a beautiful lake with a romantic lighthouse on its banks. You can take a leisurely walk along the nine-mile path that surrounds the lake and take in the scenic views.
There are also other attractions like the Lion’s Children’s Playground, Lakeshore, and Stars & Stripes Park near the lake, which are perfect for a picnic. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness a stunning sunset by the lighthouse and afterwards, you can have a delicious meal at one of the restaurants by the lakeside.
4. Oklahoma City Museum of Art
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is known for its extensive collection of modern artwork. The museum’s permanent collection from the 19th and 20th centuries is especially famous for its vibrant colors and expressive art. When you enter the museum, the first thing you’ll notice is a towering structure made of colorful glass.
The museum is divided into three floors, each focusing on different themes and subjects. For example, there is a section dedicated to the glass works of Dale Chihuly, as well as exhibits featuring Latin American and European art from the 1800s.
Along with these permanent displays, the museum also hosts exciting traveling exhibitions, making it a captivating destination for all visitors.
3. State Capitol
The construction of the Oklahoma State Capitol was completed in 1917, taking three years. It has a Greco-Roman style with Indiana limestone on its facade. The columns and dome were added in 2002, enhancing its appearance. However, what truly matters in a capitol building is what is found inside, as it shapes history.
Visitors have the option to explore the Oklahoma State Capitol at their own pace or join a guided tour for more insights. Guided tours are available from Monday to Friday between 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. If you wish to join a tour, it is recommended to schedule in advance.
2. Henry Overholser Mansion
During the early 1900s, Oklahoma City consisted mainly of large ranches. However, Henry Overholser brought about a significant change by constructing his three-story chateau, which added a touch of elegance to the city’s rough and chaotic atmosphere.
Today, nearly 120 years later, you have the opportunity to visit this magnificent home and explore its luxurious interior, complete with period furniture and fascinating family stories. The mansion opens its doors for tours from Tuesday to Friday, starting at 10 am.
However, if you want a more exciting experience, I recommend joining the Scary Tales and Twilight Tours, where you can delve into the mansion’s haunted history under the cover of darkness.
1. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
In April, 1995, a devastating bomb exploded at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Today, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum stands in its place, providing a space for healing, hope, and remembrance. The museum allows visitors to gain insights into the events leading up to the tragic incident and the aftermath that followed.
It also showcases how Oklahoma City managed to recover and move forward into a new era. What you’ll remember most about the museum are the heart-wrenching personal stories shared through interviews and the powerful multimedia displays, as well as the artifacts recovered from the wreckage.
After your museum visit, take a moment to pay your respects at the remarkable Gates of Time and take a peaceful stroll along the reflecting pool towards the Survivor Tree.