Oklahoma has a deep-rooted Native American history. In fact, the name Oklahoma was derived from two Choctaw Indian words: okla meaning people and humma meaning red. Culturally, Oklahoma is a diverse state. Once the land of Cowboys and Indians, the state has kept detailed documentation of its cultural history in museums such as the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma also has two good zoos: the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum and the Oklahoma City Zoological Park. With state parks, mountains, plains and forests, Oklahoma's landscape is almost as varied as its culture. Rising sharply from the grassy plains in West Oklahoma are ancient mountains that extend southwest. The plains and mountains in this area are a haven for outdoor recreational enthusiasts, especially in Fort Cobb Lake State Park. Also of interest is the Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton, which features exhibits about the cattle industry and the fur trade. In East Oklahoma, Claremore boasts the Will Rogers Memorial Museum and Birthplace, as well as the Woolaroc Ranch, Museum and Wildlife Preserve in Bartlesville.

ATTRACTIONS

Red Carpet   Great Plains   Frontier   Lake and Trail   Green Country   Kiamichi   National Parks

Red Carpet  

Shattuck Windmill Museum - Visitors will find 39 vintage windmills and one wind generator up on a 4 acre site at the junction of Highways 283 and 15. You will also find a reconstructed half-dugout of local caliche rock which is furnished as it might have been in 1900.

Cann Memorial Botanical Gardens - The gardens were donated to the City of Ponca City by Elsie Cann Brown, daughter of L. A. and Mary Cann in August 1975. The garden is a showcase of color, texture and fragrance providing Ponca City citizens and visitors with a sanctuary of plants, trees and flowers to absorb and enjoy.

Poncan Theatre - Explore the grand, historic theatre. Savor its rich, colorful history. Come see great entertainers and fine films today.

Splash Zone Waterpark - Splash Zone is a choice sure to delight everyone in your group at a very affordable price! Slides, an activity pool, the Lazy River, the Kiddie Cove, sand volleyball, horse shoes, shuffle board, basketball, and even an arcade!

Leonardo's Discovery Warehouse - Leonardo's was created to provide innovative education opportunities and is dedicated to the idea that children of all ages learn best when having fun through participatory exhibits, and programs. Touch a real dinosaur egg, slide down a 3 story slide, build your own castle, get lost in a variety of bridges, tunnels and mazes, travel to the moon in a simulated space shuttle and more.

Great Plains

Indian City U.S.A. - Indian City U.S.A. was organized by the citizens of Anadarko in 1954. It was designed as a vast outdoor museum to provide visitors with a highly reliable series of reconstructed American Indian Villages. Tours of Indian City are conducted by members of some of the same tribes that are represented in the Villages. A museum and a gift shop are also available.

Cheyenne Cultural Center - The Cheyenne Cultural Center, conceived as a vision by Lawrence Hart, became a reality in 1977. Mr. Hart, executive director of the center, and his family founded the center in hopes to cultivate the preservation of the Cheyenne people's way of life. Located on the original Red Wheat Allotment, the site has become a regional interpretive center for Cheyenne history and culture

Frontier  

Oklahoma City Zoo - Established in 1904, the Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Southwest and one of the nation's largest zoological parks. Situated on more than 110 beautifully landscaped acres, the zoo is home to nearly 2,000 animals representing more than 500 different species.

National Four String Banjo Hall of Fame Museum - The National Four-String Banjo Museum and Hall of Fame was established to preserve and develop awareness for the enrichment of the public and interest in the four-string style of banjo playing. The banjo is the only instrument developed in this country.

World of Wings Pigeon Center - The World of Wings Pigeon Center houses pigeon literature, memorabilia, and periodicals dating back to the 1800’s in environmentally controlled resource library and museum settings for all to enjoy at the park like grounds in Oklahoma City.

Frontier City - Saddle up for some good ol' Wild West fun at Frontier City. You'll find over 50 thrilling rides and attractions to explore, like four nail biting roller coasters, fantastic water rides and a Wild West Gunfighters Stunt Show.

City Arts Center - The mission of City Arts Center is to provide interactive arts experiences through exhibits, performances, classes and events.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art - For nearly a century, the Museum has actively pursued its mission of fostering appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts through exhibition, education, collection and preservation. It has amassed a collection of 3,061 works of art representing several centuries and media, with significant areas in European and American art, and presents as many as 25 exhibits annually.

Oklahoma Opry - The Oklahoma Opry, for the last twenty-four years, has had performances every Saturday night, 52 weeks out of the year, using a live band with ten to twelve artists performing traditional and contemporary country music and featuring gospel, blue grass, and classic fifties music. Special programs are also held throughout the year.

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History - Over 300 million years of Oklahoma’s natural history can be seen in a 195,000 square foot facility. Five galleries feature thousands of artifacts in 50,000 square feet of exhibit space. Visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating natural and cultural history of Oklahoma.

National Wresting Hall of Fame & Museum - America's shrine to the sport of wrestling, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, is a focal point for the past, the present and the future. It preserves the heritage of the sport, celebrates new achievements, and encourages the youth of our land to aspire to lofty goals.

Carpenter Square Theatre - Carpenter Square Theatre is committed to entertain, educate, and enrich the community with live, unedited theatre. A unique blend of award-winning modern works, hilarious comedy classics and outlandish musicals make CST Oklahoma City's premier year-round live theatre.

Little River Zoo - The Zoo is home to over 400 animals representing more than 100 different species. Through guided tours, each visitor will meet the animals personally with a trained guide who can relate not just the facts about the animals, but who they are, where they came from, and the differences in their personalities.

Omniplex - The Omniplex is an hands-on science center which features the Kirkpatrick Planetarium, Kirkpatrick Galleries, Kirkpatrick Gardens and Greenhouse, the OmniDome Theater and the Air Space Museum.

International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum - The Museum's four galleries, more than 14,000 square feet, are dedicated to promoting and exhibiting the diversity of photography. On permanent display are the incredible 360-degree photographic mural of the Grand Canyon and Ansel Adam's Moon over Hernandez, New Mexico. The museum also conduct hands-on classes for hundreds of school children.

Oklahoma Firefighters Museum - The Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum was established in 1968. This museum features extraordinary turn-of-the-century fire engines that were once used in Oklahoma communities. Oklahoma's first fire station is displayed along with the finest specimens of firefighting equipment anywhere. Exhibits relate firefighting through history.

Oklahoma Governor's Mansion - Jutting from broad green grounds two blocks east of the State Capitol in Oklahoma City, the modified Dutch Colonial Mansion soars three stories in Indiana Carthage limestone, its twin chimneys and steeply pitched red tile roof reaching into the bright blue sky. The Mansion is open each Wednesday (February 1 - November 21) for general tours from 1 pm to 3 pm.

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art - The Museum is one of the finest art museums in the region. Strengths of the 6,500-object permanent collection are French Impressionism, twentieth-century American painting and sculpture, contemporary art, traditional and contemporary Native American art, art of the Southwest, ceramics, Asian art, photography, and graphics from the sixteenth century to the present.

Red Earth Museum - The Museum is Oklahoma's only museum dedicated to encouraging the preservation of American Indian cultures, has since 1978 benefitted the education of thousands of Oklahoma schoolchildren and adults. Through unique educational programs and exhibitions focusing on the Native American way of life, Red Earth is often a visitors' first exposure to American cultures and history.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum - Visitors view art from Prix de West Award winners, the finest contemporary artists in the nation, as well as significant works by master artists Charles Russell, Frederic Remington, and Albert Bierstadt, among others. The complex also contains Prosperity Junction, a 14,000 square foot turn-of-the-century western town, and three major exhibition galleries.

Sheerar Museum - The Museum's exhibits document life in Stillwater during the past one hundred years. Household articles, clothing, tools of work and toys offer a glimpse of the past and into the lives of those who lived in Stillwater. The museum also owns the Sheerar Button Collections of 3,450 buttons dating from the 1740s to the 1930s.

Six Flags White Water Bay - Cool off at White Water Bay, Oklahoma City's tropical oasis, with 25 acres of speed slides, tube rides, a relaxing river and wave pool.

The Cowboy Hall of Fame - Opened in 1965, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum was originally conceived as a dream of Chester A. Reynolds, a Kansas City businessman, as a tribute to the men and women who helped establish the West as an integral part of America's cultural heritage.

International Gymnastics Hall of Fame - One of the oldest sports in the Olympic Games has one of the newest sites for honoring the world's finest athletes in gymnastics. The Hall of Fame, established in 1987, recently moved to Oklahoma City. Featuring original portraits of each inductee, a library and video collection second to none.

45th Infantry Division Museum - Nations largest State Military History Museum that depicts the military history of Oklahoma. The museum also features a collection of over 200 original 'Willie and Joe' cartoons; displays from 1541 through WWII and Desert Storm; Korean Era artillery; original uniforms, firearms, dioramas, and an outdoor Military Park with over 50 military vehicles, aircraft and artillery.

Edmond Historical Society Museum - The museum is housed in the former Armory of the 179th Infantry, 45th Division of the Oklahoma National Guard. The historic native sandstone building was built in 1936 by the WPA. Within these historic walls you will find the major exhibit area covers Edmond history from prehistoric times to the present.

Lake and Trail  

Confederate Memorial Museum - The museum offers a unique look into the varied history of southeastern Oklahoma. From pre-historic bones, the Choctaw Trail of Tears and a stop on the Butterfield Stage Line, to homegrown talents Reba McEntire and the late Lane Frost, the museum and it's picnic grounds are a welcome rest stop on US-69 Highway.

G.W. Exotic Animal Park - G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Park, located west of Wynnewood was established in 1999. The 16-acre park houses a wide array of exotic creatures - from tigers, lions and bears to monkeys and reptiles. The park also serves as refuge for wolves, bobcats, foxes and many other wildlife species indigenous to the Midwest, as well as common farm animals.

Green Country  

Tulsa Performing Arts Center - Occupying a half city block in Tulsa's historical downtown, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center houses five theatres and a large reception hall. More than a quarter of a million people visit the Center each year to attend a performance from one of Tulsa's acclaimed arts groups, to sample national and international talent, and to view the PAC's extensive art collection.

Woolaroc Ranch, Museum and Wildlife Preserve - Hidden away in the rugged Osage Hill of Northeastern Oklahoma, in the heart of the U.S., Woolaroc is an anomaly. Located on 3,600 acres, it is part Western art museum, part wildlife refuge, and part nature trail. The facility ws established in 1925 as the country home of oilman Frank Phillips, founder of Phillips Petroleum Company.

Tulsa Air and Space Museum - Beautifully restored and treasured aircraft are featured including a Navy F-14 'Tomcat'. A collection of aviation and space books, magazines, documents, drawings, manuals, photographs, and tapes is available for study and research. Visitors may observe operating aircraft and space engines, instrumentation, and airframe exhibits. Video presentation kiosks are also available.

Tulsa Garden Center - The Center is dedicated to providing a gathering place for events with a horticultural and/or environmental purpose, to maintaining a horticulture library for the public, and to support, preserve and enhance the beautiful historic mansion in which it is housed.

Theatre Tulsa - Theatre Tulsa is a community theatre presenting quality productions with local volunteers since the spring of 1922.

National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame Museum - 40,000 Sq. Ft. facility houses over 40 custom built exotic vehicles by world renowned custom car builder and designer Darryl Starbird as well as many other famous hot rod and custom car builders. Every square inch of the wall and space is full of photos and memorabilia of famous custom built vehicles including street rods, nostalgic custom cars, vans, pickups, sports cars and more.

Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art - The Museum is a repository of the largest collection of Judaica in the American Southwest. The goal of this Museum is to foster understanding between people of all cultures through an appreciation of their common history and values.

Safari's Sanctuary - Safari's Sanctuary began in 1995, with 5 exotic cats, and have grown to over 200 animals ranging from lions, tigers, cougars, jaguar, liger, to bears, wolves, primates, reptiles, and barnyard animals. The sanctuary offers a walk-through facility on a gorgeous rustic setting with log cabin structures dating back to the 1850s. A petting zoo is also on the grounds.

Big Splash Water Park - Big Splash is Tulsa's most unique family-oriented entertainment center. The park offers water recreation facilities and rides for fun-lovers of all ages.

Price Tower Arts Center - The Price Tower is a glass and copper skyscraper designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Visitors can tour the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit, Bruce Goff Apartment and the Price Company Executive Office and Apartment.

Arkansas River Historical Society Museum - Museum exhibits include the history of the Arkansas River and McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, regional benefits of the waterway, steamboat lore, cargo shipped on the waterway, and archeology.

Gilcrease Museum - Containing the world's most comprehensive collections of American Indian and Western art, this nationally-celebrated museum includes extensive exhibits on America's prehistory, settlement and expansion, plus themed outdoor gardens.

Five Civilized Tribes Museum - The Five Civilized Tribes Museum and Center for The Study of Indian Territory is currently housed in the Old Indian Agency building in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The Museum preserves the heritage & cultures of the Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw & Seminole tribes.

DiscoveryLand! - Designated 'The National Home of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'Oklahoma!' musical theatre production presented in a beautiful 2000 seat amphitheater complex by 50 of America's most talented performers...complete with horses, wagons, and of course, a real surrey with a fringe on top!

Cherokee Heritage Center - The museum has both permanent and temporary exhibits, including the annual Trail of Tears Art Show. The Cherokee National Archives (the legal depository of Cherokee Nation documents) located in the museum includes an ever-increasing collection of important Cherokee historical records, photographs, and documents. The center also offers a genealogical library and a museum shop.

The Bivin Garden - What began as a landscaped flower garden has now become a six acre tract of spacious lawns, numerous flower beds and hundreds of trees and shrubs. The focal points of the garden are ornamental ponds and five rock gardens. Five aviaries which contain peacocks, exotic pheasants and parakeets.

Three Rivers Museum - The Three Rivers Museum has been established to tell the complete story of the founding, settlement and development of the Three Rivers area of Oklahoma. The museum actively seeks to collect, preserve, research, exhibit and interpret a collection of historic artifacts.

Bell's Amusement Park - Bell's Amusement Park has been a Tulsa tradition since 1951. With over 50 rides and attractions, Bell's is the largest non-theme amusement park in the southwest.

Bartlesville Area History Museum - Experience the growth and development of Bartlesville and the surrounding areas through historical photographs, documents and artifacts. Learn about Bartlesville, Cooweescoowee District, Indian Territory; the Nellie Johnstone No. 1 - the first commercial oil well in Oklahoma; Frances Yates - the composer of the 12th Street Rag and lots more.

Philbrook Museum Of Art - One of America's top sixty-five art museums & one of only five museums with the unique combination of historic home, art collections & gardens.

Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum - The zoo is located on 78 acres within Mohawk Park, which is the third largest park in the United States. Currently, nearly 1,500 animals (436 species) are on exhibit, many of them rare and endangered.

Oklahoma Aquarium - Located in Jenks, on the Arkansas River, the Aquarium is scheduled to open to the public in Summer 2002. The Aquarium will offer 200 exhibits, an over one million gallons of water.

Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame - The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, located in the Greenwood Cultural Center, was created to educate the public about the significant contributions of Oklahoma's jazz musicians.

Kiamichi

Kelly Miller Circus - Begun in 1938 by Obert Miller and his sons, Kelly and Dory, the Al G. Kelly Miller Bros. Circus, now known simply as Kelly Miller, has entertained millions of American and Canadian citizens while establishing itself in the fabric and history of the American Tented Circus.

Forest Heritage Center - Visitors to the Center's museum will find historical documents, antique forestry tools, wood art, homestead memorabilia, and a research library filled with books, periodicals, and other materials pertaining to forestry. The Center is also home to 14 dioramas that cover Prehistoric Forests, Caddo Indians, Papermaking in the South, 1940's Lumbering, and Forest Appreciation.

 National Parks

Fort Smith National Historic Site - Fort Smith National Historic Site embraces the remains of two frontier forts and the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Commemorating a significant phase of America's westward expansion, it stands today as a reminder of 80 turbulent years in the history of Federal Indian Policy.

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site - Washita Battlefield National Historic Site protects and interprets the site of the Southern Cheyenne village of Peace Chief Black Kettle that was attacked by the 7th U.S. Cavalry under Lt. Col. George A. Custer just before dawn on November 27, 1868.