Travel Oklahoma
- Noel Newton
- Dec 29, 2022
- 6 min read
Introduction
Oklahoma is the perfect place to spend a long weekend, with loads of outdoor activities, museums, and the best attractions around. Whether you're looking for something educational or just want to have fun with the family, there are plenty of things to do in Oklahoma City and beyond. Here's my list of must-do activities during your next trip:
American Indian Cultural Center and Museum
The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum is located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The center was opened in 1998 and includes a museum, gift shop and cafe with over 40,000 sq ft of museum space. The collection contains more than 1,000 artifacts that document the history and culture of Native Americans.
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is a memorial dedicated to the 168 people killed in the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. It includes a museum, reflecting pool and field of empty chairs representing those who lost their lives.
The museum has an exhibition space that explains what happened on April 19th as well as other exhibits about life after tragedy. The museum also houses several artifacts from that day including survivor stories, flags recovered from Ground Zero at 9/11 and pictures taken during rescue efforts.
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Located in Oklahoma City, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is the state's largest museum. The museum's collection includes more than 20,000 artifacts, including a replica of the 101 Ranch. The museum also has a large collection of Native American artifacts, such as an authentic medicine bag and ceremonial dress.
The museum hosts special exhibits throughout the year that feature different aspects of western heritage and culture. Visitors can learn about ranching life from cowboys who have lived it firsthand; watch blacksmiths work with metal; or travel back to 1880 to see cowboys compete at calf roping events. You'll even get to meet real cowboy heroes like Will Rogers (yes, he was actually born in Oklahoma).
There's no better place for anyone interested in learning more about America's Wild West than this museum!
Blue Whale of Catoosa
The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a massive wooden sculpture that can be found in Catoosa, Oklahoma. It was built in 2004 and has since become one of the most photographed attractions in all of Oklahoma. The sculpture stands at over a hundred feet long and nearly thirty feet tall, making it one of the largest wooden sculptures on earth.
The whale was designed by Charles S. Taylor and constructed by five local families using wood harvested from trees that once stood at nearby Lake Oologah; some logs were more than 150 years old!
Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum
The Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum is the oldest zoo in Oklahoma, and it's also one of the most popular. The zoo has over 100 different species of animals on display, including lions, giraffes, tigers and monkeys. You can see them all in one location at this unique attraction that also includes an aquarium.
Visitors to the Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum will be able to experience more than just exotic animals; there are plenty of exhibits for kids at this educational facility as well. The children's area features a giant play structure with slides, tunnels and rope bridges for kids ages 2-5; it's perfect if you're traveling with younger kids who need some time to burn off energy before moving on to your next destination!
The Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum is open year round so you can visit any time that works best for your family itinerary or schedule (including winter months). It's located just off Highway 169 near downtown Tulsa – making it easy for travelers from anywhere within driving distance (or flying distance) from this metropolitan area
Woolaroc
If you're into history, Woolaroc is a must-see. The ranch and museum preserve the history of the American West, with an emphasis on Native American culture. The site has a large collection of artifacts and artworks from tribes across North America, including Kansa, Osage, Pawnee and Plains Apache. Activities at the ranch include hiking trails through its forests or along its lakeshore; horseback riding; nature tours; golfing (with rentals available); ice skating in winter months; paddle boating on some of the lakes throughout summer months; swimming in pools during July through September; guided tours at night during summer months when visitors can see owls swooping above them as well as fireflies blinking at dusk over ponds around the grounds' wildlife preserve; hayrides during October through December (on weekends only); plus more activities such as arts & crafts classes for kids ages 5 - 12 years old with instructors who specialize in teaching children about aging traditions passed down from Native Americans through storytelling sessions using games like cornhusk dolls making where parents can learn more about stories behind each doll's creation while having fun sewing together these traditional handicrafts made mainly out of dried husks which require no glue with children helping out by stuffing them full until ready for painting afterwards! What better way could there be than spending quality family time together doing something fun?
Philbrook Museum of Art
Philbrook Museum of Art is a museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States. The museum is located on a 60-acre (24 ha) estate in Tulsa's Mesta Park and is the only accredited art museum in Oklahoma. Philbrook is named for its founder, philanthropist Waite Phillips, who also built the nearby Woolaroc Ranch near Glenpool while he lived at Philbrook during his retirement.
The buildings at Philbrook were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built between 1937–1939 as part of his Usonian period.[5] The Prairie-style structures are made of native stone and other materials found on site.[6] Wright received a $10,000 commission to design Philbrook from Mr. & Mrs. Phillips; however, he never saw their completion due to his death in 1959 before construction began.[7]
Bricktown Water Taxi - Oklahoma River Cruises
Enjoy the views of downtown Oklahoma City from the water on this 45-minute tour. During the cruise, you will see the Oklahoma River passing through Bricktown where you can enjoy shopping and dining before or after your trip.
The boat will depart from Water Taxi Landing in front of Oregon Expressway and North Hudson Avenue at 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM daily. Reservations are required and tickets are $12.50 per person for adults; children under 5 years old are free of charge with a paid adult ticket purchase (2 adults maximum).
Oklahoma Aquarium
Location: Jenks
Size: More than 100 exhibits
Attractions: Shark tunnel slide, touch pool, 4D theater and underwater carousel. The aquarium also has an aquarium restaurant called the Aqua Den.
Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium is the perfect place to begin your journey through Oklahoma. The museum houses a collection of military and civilian aircraft and helicopters, missiles, rockets, space suits and replicas of aircraft used for lunar exploration. The planetarium offers laser shows as well as educational programs for all ages. You can combine these experiences with an on-site tour or participate in one of the many family activities offered every day at this fun facility!
The museum is located at 2216 N 78th St., Tulsa OK 74134
There are so many cool things to do in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma is a beautiful state that’s worth visiting. Whether you live in Oklahoma or are planning a trip to the area, there are many things to do in Oklahoma. There are museums and parks throughout the state, as well as wildlife and scenery that can't be found anywhere else. You can visit these places with friends or family members to make sure you have a good time while you're there!
Oklahoma has long been known for its art and culture, so it’s no surprise that many of its museums feature temporary exhibitions as well as permanent collections. The Philbrook Museum of Art houses works by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georgia O'Keeffe; it also features Native American artworks from across North America. Other museums include the Chickasaw Cultural Center (featuring Chickasaw history), Poteau Valley Historical Museum (which showcases pioneer life), Cherokee National Forest Interpretive Center (which focuses on coal mining), International Whirlpool Company Museum (which chronicles appliance manufacturing) and more!
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for an exciting place to visit, a new home or just want to relax on the beach in our beautiful state, Oklahoma has all of those things. The best part is that no matter where you go in Oklahoma there are always things to do!
Comments