10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Oklahoma City

Feature Photo: Paul Brady Photography / Shutterstock

Oklahoma City is the State Capital of Oklahoma. Oklahoma City is globally known for its cowboy culture and the breathtaking capital complex that is surrounded by working oil wells. Additionally, there are multiple destinations, attractions, and landmarks in Oklahoma City that make it beautiful and a wonderful destination to visit. During your visit to Oklahoma City, you can start by interacting with the locals at the various farmers’ markets.

Are you a history buff or an art enthusiast? Well, there are multiple museums in this beautiful city that you can visit with amazing pieces of art. Further, if you are a nature enthusiast and you love animals, there are zoos and nature centers located in Oklahoma City that you can visit. Oklahoma City covers an estimated area of 1,608 square kilometers with an elevation of 365 meters. Oklahoma City is rich in history. There are multiple things in Oklahoma City to make your trip worthwhile. Here are 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Oklahoma City.

# – 10 – National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is situated near Persimmon Hill in Oklahoma City and provides a vision of the American West, including its history, culture, and art, unlike any other institution in the nation. The museum was established in 1955 with the goals of gathering, displaying, and preserving a sizeable collection of Western relics and art, as well as encouraging knowledge of the American West, which is a crucial component of American identity.

The art collection features pieces by well-known artists such as Charles M. Russell, Frederic Remington, and James Earle Fraser, a sculptor. The museum contains a recreation of a cowboy village from the turn of the century. The history of the American cowboy, Native American culture, rodeos, Victorian weapons, and frontier performances are the main topics of interactive galleries. The museum also has beautifully designed gardens and the Children’s Cowboy Corral, an engaging area for kids.

Official site: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/

# 9 – Oklahoma City Museum of Art

If you love art and you would like to see some fine pieces of art while in Oklahoma City then you should head to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Oklahoma City Museum of Art is located at 415 Couch Dr, in Oklahoma City in Oklahoma. The museum is considered the core of Oklahoma City’s cultural life. During your visit to this museum of art, you will find American and European art as part of the permanent collections that has been around for more than five centuries. Additionally, the largest collections of Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures in the world are found in this museum. You will also find a collection of photography belonging to Brett Weston and works by the Washington Color painter known as Paul Reed.

Apart from paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs, you will have a collection of works by renowned artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Renoir, Gustave Courbet, and many more. You can visit this museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. On Thursday you can visit from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Official site: https://www.okcmoa.com/

# 8 – Oklahoma City Zoo

If you are visiting Oklahoma City with kids and wondering which destination to visit, have fun and enjoy yourself then Oklahoma City Zoo is your answer. Oklahoma City Zoo is also a botanical garden. This zoo covers an estimated area of more than 115 acres of land and it is home to more than 1,900 animals representing more than 500 animal species. Some of the animals that call this zoo home include gorillas, lions, tigers, lorikeets, snow leopards, black bears, bison, alligators, chimpanzees, snakes, orangutans, birds, and Asian elephants. Additionally, there are also endangered animal species that you will get a chance to see during your visit to this zoo. There are more than 4000 plants in this zoo that provide great surroundings to the animals reared there.

Official site: https://www.okczoo.org/

# 7 – Myriad Botanical Gardens

This destination is a beautiful botanical garden and urban park situated at the heart of Oklahoma City. Myriad Botanical Gardens is a great destination to visit if you want to cool off your mind while relaxing or doing other activities. Apart from this destination being a public space, it is also a great destination in the city that you can visit with kids. Additionally, during your visit to Myriad Botanical Gardens, you will find a spectacular 224-foot Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory which features stately palm trees, flowers, cool waterfalls, lush tropical plants, and exotic animals. Some of the exotic animals you will find include lizards, snakes, and frogs.

There are splash fountains, a children’s garden, and an off-leash dork park that you will find during your visit to this destination. Moreover, there are various trails and paths in Myriad Botanical Gardens that are suitable for multiple activities such as strolling, walking, and even jogging. If you are seeking solitude with nature, Myriad Botanical Gardens is an excellent destination to visit while in the region. Further, you can take part in various education programs for people of all ages held at this destination. There are multiple significant pieces of art found at Myriad Botanical Gardens that you may get a chance to see during your visit. During winter, you can visit Myriad Botanical Gardens for activities such as ice skating. Myriad Botanical Gardens is located at 301 West Reno in Oklahoma City.

Official site: http://www.myriadgardens.com/

# 6 – Boathouse District

Are you planning on having some fun on the water while in Oklahoma City? If so then you should head to Boathouse District. This destination is the official site for the U.S Olympic and Paralympic training. During your visit to Boathouse District, you can take on various water-related activities such as rowing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and many more. Additionally, you can go running or cycling for more than 13 miles if you want to stretch your muscles while in the area. Are you craving some adrenaline rush? Well, there are multiple high adrenaline activities at this destination that you can take on during your visit. Some of the high adrenaline activities that you can take on during your visit include whitewater rafting, adventure courses, high-speed slides, and zip lines. Boathouse District is located at 725 S Lincoln Blvd in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Official site: https://www.riversportokc.org/visit/about/boathouse-district/

# 5 – Frontier City

Are you craving some adrenaline rush activities? Well, Oklahoma City has something for you. While in this region, you should head to 11501 N I-35 Service Road where you will find Frontier City. Additionally, Frontier City is a great destination worth visiting as a family since there are tons of activities suitable for both adults and kids. Several roller coasters, including the crazy Gunslinger and other dangerous rides, as well as two enormous steel courses and a vintage wooden coaster, are among the thrill rides. The traditional Ferris Wheel, a carousel, a flume ride, and a mining train are among the family rides available.

Official site: https://www.sixflags.com/frontiercity

# 4 – Farmers Markets

Your trip to Oklahoma City will not be complete without a visit to the farmers’ markets located there. Visiting the farmers’ markets will give you the opportunity to meet the locals and interact with them, buy local produce, taste the local dishes, and even understand the culture and traditions of the region better. Additionally, the farmers’ markets located in Oklahoma City are open during various times of the week and month.

Some of the farmers’ markets that you can visit include Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, Paseo Farmers Market, Farmers Public Market, and Edmond Farmer’s market. There are multiple items and foodstuffs sold in the various farmers’ markets in Oklahoma City. Some of the items you will find include fresh herbs, eggs, baked goods, artisanal soaps, milk, various types of meats, fruits, handmade souvenirs, edible flowers, and many more. Last, there are multiple restaurants located in the farmers’ markets that prepare local and traditional delicacies that you can visit to eat when hungry.

Official site: https://www.okcfarmersmarket.com/

# 3 – Hefner Lake & Park

Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Well, there are multiple outdoor destinations in Oklahoma City that you can visit to spend time outdoors. One of the destinations is Hefner Lake & Park. There are tons of activities you can do at this destination both on land and on water. Some of the activities you can do on the water include fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

The fish species found in Lake Hefner include walleye, bluegill, largemouth bass, channel fish, and smallmouth bass. Additionally, Hefner Lake & Park features paved trails that you can use for activities such as running, strolling, dog walking, cycling, and in-line skating.

There are also picnic tables and shelters found in Hefner Lake & Park that you can use for picnics. Furthermore, Hefner Lake & Park features tennis courts, a playground, a baseball field, and many more. Do you love birds? Well, there are various bird species nesting at Hefner Lake & Park that you will get to see during your visit. Some of the bird species that you will get a chance to see while birdwatching includes grebes, gulls, common loon, red-throated loon, yellow-billed loons, and many more. Hefner Lake & Park is located at 3301 NW Grand Blvd in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Official site: https://www.visitokc.com/listing/lake-hefner/854/

# 2 – Martin Park Nature Center

They say take care of nature and nature will take care of you. The city of Oklahoma City features multiple nature centers. One of the nature centers that you should never miss visiting especially if you are a nature enthusiast is Martin Park Nature Center. Martin Park Nature Center is located at 5000 W. Memorial Road in Oklahoma City and it spans around 140 acres. Additionally, this nature center is one of the best destinations in the city worth visiting as a family with kids. There are more than 2.5 miles of trails going through woodlands, plains, and a large creek that you can use for strolling and other activities.

There are tons of bird species that nest and call Martin Park Nature Center home. Therefore, making Martin Park Nature Center an excellent destination for birdwatching and other activities. Some of the birds that nest here and you will get a chance to see include fox sparrow, Canada goose, belted kingfisher, barn owl, barred owl, and house finch. Further, there are squirrels, foxes, reptiles, and many more that call Martin Park Nature Center and you will get a chance to see them during your visit. You can visit this nature center at any time of the year

Official site: https://www.okc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/martin-park-nature-center

# 1 – Oklahoma State Capitol

Are you a history buff who is also an art enthusiast? Well, Oklahoma State Capitol is one of the best places you should never miss visiting while in the region. Additionally, Oklahoma State Capitol is one of the places in Oklahoma City that you can visit with kids. Oklahoma State Capitol is a breathtaking Greco-Roman structure that was built around 1915 and it currently hosts government offices. During your visit to this breathtaking state capitol, you will get a chance to explore the 600 rooms in it and up to 11 acres of space.

Oklahoma State Capitol also features an Indiana limestone exterior with an Oklahoma pink and black granite base. Further, the 2002-built columns and dome complete the edifice, making for an outstanding and unique sight. You will find large murals representing the history of Oklahoma, statues, and art exhibits inside this state capitol during your visit. There are impressive paintings representing the scenes from various wars such as both the two world wars, Vietnam and the Korean wars.

Apart from exploring this magnificent piece of architecture, there are beautifully landscaped surroundings outside where you can take a stroll. It is free to enter and explore Oklahoma State Capitol. Oklahoma State Capitol is open between 9 in the morning to 3 in the evening from Monday to Friday. This state capitol is located at 2300 N Lincoln Blvd in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Official site: https://oklahoma.gov/governor/about/oklahoma-state-capitol.html

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