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Oklahoma City's hip, spirited environment blends with its deep western heritage, creating an exciting destination steeped in culture and adventure. With renowned festivals, national sporting events, treasure-filled museums and a variety of districts highlighting arts and entertainment, the possibilities in Oklahoma City are endless!
Come explore this oasis of fun. Located in the heart of the state, Oklahoma City's western charm and lively atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for your next vacation. Whether it is arts and culture that capture your heart, or cheering for the home team, you can experience it all and more in Oklahoma City. Some of Oklahoma's Adventures include: The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is a tribute to those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever by the April 19,1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building downtown. The 30,000 square foot Memorial Museum allows visitors to experience that day and those that followed through the voices, images and artifacts of survivors, family members and rescue workers.
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum embodies the spirit, passion and grit symbolized by the American West. Through stunning art and splendid exhibitions, the Museum tells America's story as it unfolds across the West. From fine art, pop culture and firearms to Native American objects, historical cowboy gear, shopping and dining, the Museum is a must-see destination.
Bricktown. Once a busy warehouse area, Bricktown is Oklahoma City's hottest entertainment and dining district. With dozens of restaurants, shopping, the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, Harkins Theatre and a generous helping of turn-of-the-century charm, Bricktown offers visitors a variety of activities in downtown Oklahoma City. Located just one block from Ford Center, Bricktown is the place to be after Oklahoma City Thunder games! The mile-long pedestrian canal runs through Bricktown, turning south at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, under the highway to a waterfall-and-forested park area. Enjoy a stroll along the Canal or take a cruise on a Water Taxi.
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art, located in the heart of the downtown Arts District, has a permanent collection consisting of European and American art. The Special Exhibitions Gallery offers visitors national and international exhibitions and museum originated exhibitions. The museum is home to the most comprehensive collection of Chihuly glass in the world. Dale Chihuly: The Exhibition which includes the 55 ft. tall glass tower in the atrium. The Noble Theater screens independent, foreign, and classic film. The Museum Cafe offers French-fusion cuisine amid the metropolitan ambiance of downtown, complete with a chic bar.
Other area attractions include:
AT&T Bricktown Ballpark
2 S Mickey Mantle Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
http://oklahomacity.redhawks.milb.com
The Oklahoma Red Hawks are the Triple-A professional baseball affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play in AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. The Red Hawks have made the playoffs three of the past five years. AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, a $35 million dollar, 13,066 seat venue opened in 1998 to rave reviews. The ballpark is located in the heart of Bricktown, Oklahoma City's premier entertainment district. Since its opening, over three million fans have attended a variety of events including Oklahoma Red Hawks home games, the Big XII Baseball Tournament, the Bedlam Series between the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, and multiple community projects. Due to the success of the operation and ambiance of AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, national publications have trumpeted its features. Baseball America named it one of the top two minor league ballparks in the country. Southern Living, New York Times, New York Daily News, the Christian Science Monitor, USA Today and Baseball Weekly have all done articles on the park.
Oklahoma Land Run Monument
South End of Bricktown Canal
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
http://www.okc.gov/landrun/index.html
The entire length of this colossal work stretches out longer than a football field! Such a grand scale befits this epic drama. The impressive size suggests the monumental effort of those early settlers, but the real story is found in the details. All the frenzied energy and emotion from one instant during the 1889 run is captured in bronze- frozen in time and space for all generations. Through Paul Moore's masterful hand, a still and silent sculpture comes to life as an eternal, living presence. Located at the south end of the Bricktown Canal and is open daily.
Oklahoma River Cruises
725 S Lincoln Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73129
http://www.okrivercruises.com
Your river cruise awaits, Oklahoma River Cruises is Oklahoma City's newest attraction. We invite everyone to come enjoy this splendid new addition to our burgeoning City. Families, couples, singles, friends, tourist groups… everyone is welcome. The new Oklahoma River Cruisers, Devon Discovery, Devon Explorer and Devon Pioneer, tour a seven-mile stretch of the beautiful Oklahoma River. Recreational facilities include nearly 14 miles of trails, public boating and fishing facilities, five wetlands, 18 pedestrian bridges, three dams and more than 6,000 trees. You can board an Oklahoma River Cruiser at either boarding area, Regatta Park or Meridian Landing and you can choose from a one-way pass, a roundtrip pass or even a day pass.
Water Taxi of Oklahoma
111 Mickey Mantle Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
http://www.bricktownwatertaxi.com
Water taxi transportation and excursion service along the mile-long Bricktown Canal. The 40-passenger boats are wheelchair accessible and narrated by the driver. Loading area on the canal is across from the Bricktown Ballpark. Operating hours are 10am to 11pm every day in season (Apr-Oct).
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
200 Bass Pro Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
http://www.basspro.com
Rocks from northeastern Oklahoma imprinted with the marks of deer hooves are among the rustic touches which make the Bass Pro Shops a must see attraction for Bricktown visitors. More than 104,000 square feet of outdoor equipment are within your reach under this facility's roof. Allow yourself enough time to explore and discover all the useful gear that will enhance those outdoor skills.
Chesapeake Boathouse
725 S Lincoln Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73101
http://www.chesapeakeboathouse.org
The Chesapeake Boathouse, located on the Oklahoma River near downtown, has become the premier venue for rowing sports and activities – nationally and internationally. Hosting numerous regattas, championships, festivals and other outdoor events has solidified Oklahoma City's presence in the rowing world. As host of the 2008 USA Canoe/Kayak Olympic Trials and the 2008 USA Canoe/Kayak National Championship, Oklahoma City is proud to be involved in the Olympic movement. Annual events such as the US Rowing Central Youth Championship, RiverFest and OCU's Head of the Oklahoma regatta have made the river a popular year-round destination. The Chesapeake Boathouse is a community boathouse offering rowing, kayaking, dragon boating and fitness programs. Hourly kayak and bicycle rentals are also available. The newest addition to the boathouse is the High Performance Strength Training program led by two-time Olympian Shane Hamman. The Chesapeake Boathouse hosts numerous rowing races throughout the year; check the web for details.
Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory
100 Myriad Gardens
(Corner of Reno and Robinson downtown)
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
http://www.myriadgardens.com
Discover Oklahoma City's downtown urban oasis, the Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. This living plant museum awakens your senses with bright blooms, bubbling brooks and lush foliage. Only steps from skyscrapers, guests can experience the vibrant beauty of the gardens, where meandering paths lead to quiet corners and unexpected vistas. While there, visitors can transport themselves into a tropical world like no other at the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. Fresh from a $2.4 million renovation, the Crystal Bridge is a verdant paradise filled with tropical delights.
Historic Stockyards City
South of I-40 on Agnew
Oklahoma City, OK 73148
http://www.stockyardscity.org
Visit this National Register Historic District just minutes from downtown, containing the world’s largest live cattle auction. Shop in Oklahoma’s most complete variety of authentic western shops, enjoy the West’s best steak at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, observe craftsmen producing homemade items from boots, spurs, hats and authentic clothing to saddles, tack, bits and steel cattle chutes.
Cattlemen's Steakhouse
1309 South Agnew
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
http://www.cattlemensrestaurant.com
Established in 1910, this is one of Oklahoma's oldest restaurants. Located in the heart of the historic Stockyards City, this world-famous restaurant was won in a craps game in 1945. The menu is famous for steaks, lamb fries, homemade desserts, dinner rolls, and the Cattlemen's House Salad Dressing. Chosen best steakhouse in Oklahoma the last 12 years.
Science Museum Oklahoma
2100 NE 52nd Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
http://www.sciencemuseumok.org
Formally known as the Omniplex, Science Museum Oklahoma is Oklahoma's only science museum and Smithsonian affiliate. Enriching people's lives by revealing the wonder and relevance of science, Science Museum Oklahoma is home to more than 350 hands-on exhibits and educational programs. The museum offers an interactive and enlightening experience for visitors of all ages. Inquiry-based science exhibits, aviation and space artifacts, planetarium presentations, and dome-theater shows are ready to be explored at Science Museum Oklahoma. Also while at the museum, enjoy the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum, and Red Earth Museum. Standing nearly seven stories tall, OmniDome Theater-Oklahoma's only giant dome-screen theater-virtually encompasses each moviegoer's entire field of vision with clear "you're there" imagery.
The Oklahoma City Zoo
2101 Northeast 50th St
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
http://www.okczoo.com
Adventure awaits you at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. Featuring 2,500 animals located on 110 beautiful acres, the Oklahoma City Zoo is the state's number one attraction and was voted the third most family-friendly zoo in the country. For a totally native, totally wild experience, be sure to visit the new Oklahoma Trails attraction, which features eight acres of adventure showcasing more than 800 animals native to the state. The Oklahoma City Zoo is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Association of Museums.
Remington Park Racetrack and Casino
1 Remington Place
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
www.remingtonpark.com
Remington Park is Oklahoma's major league horse racing venue featuring Oklahoma City's only casino. Remington Park offers two separate racing seasons with the 2009 American Quarter Horse Season from March 6 thru May 31. The 2009 Thoroughbred Season will run from August 21 thru December 13. Remington Park is open 365 days a year for casino gaming and simulcast horse racing from around the world. Remington Park features a fully enclosed, climate controlled stadium for racing. Every floor offers a panoramic view of the racetrack and Paddock Gardens. Spectator options range from free bench seating to cushioned theater-style seats to the Silks restaurant and Club One boxes. The casino features 700 state of the art gaming machines, the Wild Rush Bar & Stage, Remi's Buffet restaurant and more.
Paseo Arts District
NW 28th & Walker to NW 30th & Dewey
Oklahoma City, OK
http://www.thepaseo.com/
The Paseo was built in 1929 as the first shopping district north of downtown. This curved, two block long street has the feel of a little Spanish village with its stucco buildings and clay tile roofs. The Paseo Arts District features studios and galleries of over thirty artists along the tree lined streets. The painters, potters, photographers, and actors intermingle with dress shops, gift shops, restaurants, and a coffee shop. Gallery walks occur on the first Friday of each month.
Harn Homestead and 1889ers Museum
1721 N Lincoln
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
http://www.harnhomestead.com/
The Harn Homestead sits on ten acres of original Land Run property originally owned by William Fremont Harn, one of the state’s early community leaders. Mr. Harn was sent here in 1889 by President Benjamin Harrison to serve as the official Claims Adjuster after the Oklahoma Land Run. Tour the 1904 Harn House, 1897 Stoney Point one-room Schoolhouse, 1904 Shinn Barn, 1900s farmhouse and outhouse, 1890 Shepherd House, and the stone and cedar barn with an enclosed windmill. The historical buildings are used to educate children and adults about life in Territorial Oklahoma (1889-1907.) The Harn Homestead is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is furnished by the 1889ers Society. The original 160 acre claim was part of the Great Land Run of 1889. Guided tours are available Mon-Fri at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Admission includes a guided tour of the historic Sears Catalog home belonging to Mr. & Mrs. William Fremont Harn. In addition, the Harn Homestead Museum will be open the first Saturday of each month starting 10am until 2pm.
Oklahoma History Center
2401 N Laird Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
http://www.okhistorycenter.org
Located across the street from the State Capitol, the Oklahoma History Center is a 215,000 square foot, state of the art history museum, research library and archives. The center offers comprehensive guided tours and living history education programs.
Lake Hefner
Portland & Grand Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
http://www.okc.gov
Urban lake bustling with life, rated as one of the best lakes for sail boarding. Boat dock, fishing docks, enclosed heated fishing dock, picnic areas, grills, restrooms, playgrounds, group shelters, nature trail, running track, softball field, golf course with pro shop and cart rental, model airplane field and soccer field. Shoreline length is 18 miles, lake acreage 2,500, average depth 29 feet, maximum depth 94 feet, walking/jogging trail is 9 miles. Activities: Stars & Stripes Park, fishing, boating, sailing, sail boarding, jogging, walking, bicycling and the Bluff Creek mountain biking trail located just north of the lake. Waterskiing, jet skiing, and swimming are prohibited. City and state permits are required for fishing and boating. East Wharf offers several dining experiences, located on the eastern shores at Britton Rd and East Wharf Dr.
There are many fabulous restaurants that are located at Lake Hefner that offers indoor and patio dining with a terrific view of the lake, here are just a few:
• Red Rock Canyon Grill
• Louie’s On the Lake
• Lakeside Fish Grill
Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum
13th Street and Shartel Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
http://oklahomaheritage.com
Experience Oklahoma's history through its people. Housed in a 1927 historic landmark, the new Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum celebrates the lives and accomplishments of Oklahomans. Through innovative, interactive exhibits, meet famous and everyday Oklahomans who have shaped the history of our state, country and world. Get a unique look into the lives and accomplishments of Oklahomans like country music star Reba McEntire, aviation innovator Wiley Post and BMX biker Mat Hoffman.
Oklahoma Indian Art Gallery
2331 SW 44th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73119
Not only a local favorite with local collectors and browsers, but also with the visitors who want to enjoy the best in Southwest contemporary fine art by leading Oklahoma artists, as well as nationally recognized and historically important Native American artists Robert Taylor, Ben Harjo, and many more.
Red Earth Festival and Museum
2100 NE 52nd Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
http://www.redearth.org
Each June members representing over 100 tribes from throughout North America gather to share in the richness of their heritage during the annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival in downtown Oklahoma City. The festival is the largest Native American event of its type, including a parade, art market, pow-wow, and more. The Red Earth Museum permanent collection has more than 1,400 items and the only collection of totem poles in the area.
POPS
660 W Hwy 66
Arcadia, OK 73154
http://www.pops66.com
Located on historic Route 66, POPS is Arcadia's newest attraction. POPS is an ultramodern gas station, restaurant, shake shop, gift shop, convenience store and venue for all kinds of fun events. Come and choose from nearly 500 different kinds of ice-cold sodas and beverages and enjoy the full-service grill with breakfast all-day, great burgers, fries, and shakes at POPS café. A 66 foot soda bottle and straw with LED lights transform it to a light show at night.
Shopping:
Penn Square Mall
1901 NW Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
http://www.simon.com
Oklahoma's premier shopping center with more than 140 specialty stores, including Dillard's, Macy's and JC Penney’s.
Quail Springs Mall
2501 W Memorial Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73134
http://www.quailspringsmall.com
Anchor stores Dillard’s, Macy’s, JC Penney’s, and Sears, as well as numerous specialty shops, with a retro food court in front of the multi-screen theater – all within Quail Springs Mall.
Northpark Mall
12100 N May Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
http://www.northparkmallokc.com
Northpark Mall is exactly what you are looking for – an upscale lifestyle center with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. Easy access to parking.
Other websites you might want to visit:
Oklahoma’s Official Tourism Website
www.travelok.com/
Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau www.okccvb.org
The City of Oklahoma City www.okc.gov
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