“It’s great to be great, but it’s greater to be human.” – Will Rogers
Heya! It’s Sam.
Can you guess which of the places in Oklahoma I was most excited about visiting? I’ll give you a hint; it’s a memorial museum named after a certain author.
Okay, I’ll tell you; the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. The museum is named after Will Rogers, who among other things was a renowned author. I was excited to see his works and just have a ‘feel’ of his brilliant mind.
One of his most famous quotes, which you’ll find engraved on his sculpture inside the museum, is “I never met a man that I didn’t like.”
I was happy to see so many people who love his work dive into biographies, manuscripts, and documentaries about his life and work. I interacted with most of them and it was just an honor to bond over an icon such as Rogers, who is also known as Oklahoma’s Favorite Son.
Of course, I turned a few strangers into friends and we’ll see if the friendships will survive the test of time like Roger’s work has.
Check out some amazing things to do in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma is a state located in the United States South Central region.
A famous travel destination, Oklahoma is renowned for its significant historical sites, innumerable museums, and breathtaking landscape characteristic of mountain ranges, woodlands, and sprawling plains.
As a historical destination, it is home to the Chickasaw Nation, whose descendants live here.
You will learn more about this small indigenous tribe with a rich cultural heritage when you visit one of the attraction sites called the Chickasaw Cultural Center.
Oklahoma has stunning parks and gardens where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, bonding with nature, swimming in natural holes, and birdwatching.
It is also home to beautiful waterfalls that make the most romantic backdrops for lovers looking for a nature escape.
But what makes the state an ideal travel destination is that it has attractions suitable for solo travelers, groups, and those traveling with families and kids.
There is something to do for everyone regardless of their age.
The state has a long list of activities to offer.
We have selected the most fun things to do in Oklahoma
to help you have an easier time planning your vacation.
1. Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Rating: 4.7★
Entry tickets: Adults: $12, Seniors/College Students: $10, Military: $5, Children (17 and below): Free
Address: 415 Couch Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
- It is located in the Donald W. Reynolds Visual Arts Center
- It is in Oklahoma City
One of the region’s best art facilities is the Oklahoma Museum of Art which hosts both permanent and rotating exhibits.
Here you will find exemplary artwork mainly by artists from Asia, North America, and Europe.
One of the greatest artists whose work is majorly featured here is the award-winning Dale Chihuly, renowned in the field of blown glass.
His complex and dynamic glass sculptures are featured in permanent exhibitions, not only in the United States but also in other parts of the globe.
Notably, you will get the opportunity to see one of his greatest works, the Eleanor Blake Kirkpatrick Memorial Tower, which stands 55 feet above the ground in the atrium.
It is a work of beauty!
The Oklahoma Museum of Art houses the biggest collection of Dale’s glasswork.
You can take a solo tour or a guided tour, during which you will explore different artwork by artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Gustave Courbet, Georgia O-Keeffe, and Brett Weston, among others.
Some of the artwork, presented in prints, photographs, sculptures, paintings, and glass, dates back to the 19th century.
Every lover of arts who will walk into this space will not leave disappointed.
If you would like to enjoy a meal, the museum grounds has a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious meals, Oklahoma-style.
- It is 17 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
2. Armstrong Auditorium
Rating: 4.8★
Entry tickets: Free
Address: 14400 S Bryant Rd B, Edmond, OK 73034
- It is located in Edmond
- It has been in operation since 1998
Located 30 minutes away from downtown Oklahoma City in Herbert W. Armstrong College, the Armstrong Auditorium is a performing arts venue and home to the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation Performing Arts Series.
The eight stories auditorium, with a seating capacity of 823, hosts a wide range of live performances by notable groups such as the Vienna Boys Choir, Russian National Ballet, and the Mozart Orchestra of New York.
The auditorium has also hosted, in the past, famous live performance artists like Kelli O’Hara, Brian Stokes Mitchell, pianist André Watts, and violinist Joshua Bell, among others.
There is always an ongoing live performance, for which you can book a ticket. Prices vary depending on the day and the type of performance.
If you are not interested in watching a live performance, you can take a free tour of the venue.
You will see its beautifully and richly decorated interior, which comprises Swarovski Strass crystal chandeliers, a crystal candelabra, and a royal purple carpet.
If you are looking for the best way to spend your night in Oklahoma, the Armstrong Auditorium makes a perfect evening or night plan.
Spend an unforgettable night at the facility listening to jazz and classical music or watching contemporary dance and ballet.
Furthermore, the auditorium is located on a beautiful field surrounded by lush green grass fields, trees, and a spring-fed lake, Spurlin Lake.
- It is 37 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
3. Will Rogers Memorial Museum
Rating: 4.8★
Entry tickets: Adults: $5, Seniors/Military: $4, Children (17 and below): Free
Address: 1720 W Will Rogers Blvd, Claremore, OK 74017
- It is located in Claremore
- It was built in 1939
William Penn Adair Rogers, simply known as Will Rogers, was a man of many hats; he was an author, actor, a vaudeville performer, and a social commentator known for his wit and humor.
He was also a cowboy, fondly referred to as “Oklahoma’s Favorite Son“, and was one of America’s most popular authors and actors in the early 20th century.
When he passed away in 1935, his wife, together with the Oklahoma Legislature, came together to come up with a way to pay tribute to his life and work.
The meeting brought about the birth of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum.
The museum is one of the most visited attractions in Oklahoma today.
It is visited by fans of his work and visitors interested in learning more about his life and work.
If you are not familiar with Will Rogers, you’re probably familiar with some of his quotes which you might not know he authored.
You will find one of his most famous quotes, ‘I never met a man I didn’t like’ on the museum’s centerpiece, a sculpture of Will Rogers by Jo Davidson.
Bring your little ones too to browse through the children’s museum as you also go through his photos, manuscripts, books, biographies, and documentaries.
Visiting the Will Rogers Memorial Museum is the best way to honor the renowned “Cowboy Philosopher”.
- It is 2 hours 16 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
4. Science Museum Oklahoma
Rating: 4.7★
Entry tickets: Adult: $18.95, Seniors (65+): $14.95, Children (3-12): $14.95, Free for children under 3
Address: 2020 Remington Pl, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
- It was established in 1958
- It is located in Oklahoma City
If you are looking for the best places for entertaining in Oklahoma as a family, you should consider making your way to the Science Museum Oklahoma.
Seated on over 8 acres of land, the science museum features several interesting displays like CurioCity, a 20,000 square feet area for children.
Here, children are engaged in countless fun and interactive activities and games that are aimed at educating them and increasing their science knowledge.
CurioCity is located indoors, so you don’t have to worry about your kids burning in the sun if you are visiting Oklahoma in summer.
Adults can have fun at the different exciting exhibits like the Destination Space exhibit, which hosts a planetarium, and the Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame.
Other points of interest at the Science Museum of Oklahoma include the Mercury Capsule Simulator, which is a training device for astronauts, and a real-life spacecraft, where you will learn more about space and experiment with the process of going into space and how it feels like in space.
In addition, you can catch a movie at the planetarium or take a walk at the museum’s gardens, which host different plants.
Visitors are also allowed to relax at the gardens when taking a break or eating a snack before proceeding with their tour of the museum.
- It is 21 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
5. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
Rating: 4.8★
Entry tickets: Adults: $14, Seniors: $12, Children (12 and below): Free
Address: 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd, Bartlesville, OK 74003
- It is 3,700 acres large
- It is located in Bartlesville
Northeastern Oklahoma has multiple attractions with one of them being Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve in the Osage hills.
Established in 1925, the attraction is home to an animal preserve and a world-class art museum.
The preserve is home to over 30 exotic and native animal species, among them bison, buffaloes, elks, and longhorn cattle.
If you want to enjoy nature, birdwatching, and spotting animals, the preserve is a great place to start.
You will walk along beautiful natural trails surrounded by trees, lakes, wildflowers, rocky cliffs, plants, and lush green open fields.
The museum section of the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve hosts the biggest collection of Colt firearms worldwide.
Named after their founder, Samuel Colt, Colt firearms gained popularity in the 1850s and during World War I.
Most of the firearms used during that period, like the Colt Walker, Colt Python, and the Colt M1911 pistol, can be found in the museum.
Cessna’s Woolaroc aircraft, after which the attraction is named, can be found here.
It was the only survivor of the Dole Air Race of 1927.
Furthermore, you will also explore a wide variety of Native American artifacts and Western art at the museum.
Some famous artists whose work is featured include Frederick Sackrider Remington, William Robinson Leigh, Albert Bierstadt, Frank Tenney Johnson, and Charles Marion Russell.
- It is 2 hours 35 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
6. Oklahoma Aquarium
Rating: 4.6★
Entry tickets: Adults: $9, Seniors: $7, Children (17 and below): Free
Address: 300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks, OK 74037
- It is located in Jenks
- It is 72,000 square feet
Located 16 minutes from Tulsa along the banks of the Arkansas River, Oklahoma Aquarium is one of the places you can visit whether you are a solo traveler or are traveling with friends or family.
It is the largest aquarium in Oklahoma and the Four-state area which includes Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
The 72,000 square-foot aquarium boasts exhibits that host marine wildlife and their different habitats.
Wildlife showcased here includes creatures from the state and other parts of the world.
Some ocean wildlife includes sea turtles, humphead wrasse, sea turtles, and sharks.
Oklahoma Aquarium is home to the world’s biggest bull sharks exhibit, which can be seen through a tunnel.
To explore the aquarium in its entirety you will need at least an hour and a half, owing to its huge wildlife collection that comprises over 10,000 animals of about 500 species.
Visitors will come across about 100 exhibits, some of which are Aquatic Oklahoma, EcoZone & Coral Reef, Hayes Family Ozark Stream, Ray & Robin Siegfried Families Shark Adventure, Polynesian Reef, and Sea Turtle Island.
If you love marine life, the Oklahoma Aquarium will indeed give you a wholesome and memorable experience.
- It is 1 hour 45 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
7. Philbrook Museum of Art
Rating: 4.8★
Entry tickets: Adults: $12, Children (17 and below): free
Address: 2727 S Rockford Rd, Tulsa, OK 74114
- It is located in Tulsa
- It was opened in 1939
If there is one place you should not miss visiting in Oklahoma, it is the Philbrook Museum of Art.
The historic museum is hosted in a 1920s Italian Renaissance villa that was once the home of Waite Phillips and his family.
Today, the museum sits on 25 acres of land comprising stunning well-manicured gardens, well-pruned trees, and a beautiful water pond, all surrounded by a forest.
If the outside impresses you, wait until you step inside the villa and witness its beautiful interior design matched with its lovely art collection that encompasses European, Native American, African, Asian, and American works.
Philbrook Museum of Art has 72 rooms spread out within its three stories.
Some of the artwork featured include jewelry, paintings, pottery, and artifacts by famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Arturo Herrera, Giovanni Bellini, Rachel Whiteread, and Mario Martinez.
In addition, the establishment has an onsite library, event space, and museum shop.
For those traveling with their children, you will find the Children’s Museum in which your kids will be engaged in activities that will introduce them to art and enhance their interest in arts.
The Children’s Museum also offers classes and touring programs for school kids, so you can rest assured that your child is in good hands when you leave them in this section to explore other museum sections.
The Philbrook Museum of Art is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
- It is 1 hour 50 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
8. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Rating: 4.9★
Entry tickets: Adults: $15, Seniors (62+): $13, Military: $13, Students (6-17): $12, Children (5 and below): Free
Address: 620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
- It is located in Oklahoma City
- It was founded in 1997
On April 19, 1995, a government complex known as Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was destroyed in an explosion set up by Timothy McVeigh, a domestic terrorist.
The explosion left 168 people dead and 680 others injured.
In 1997, the Oklahoma City National Memorial was established in the location of the explosion to honor and remember all who were affected by the bombing.
Today, the museum has 10 different sections that tell, in chronological order, the history of the bombing and its effects on the families of the affected, the survivors, the community, and the country in general.
On your visit, you will see a field of 168 empty chairs, with each bearing the name of one of the victims.
In addition, there is a wall that has a list of names of all the 680 people who survived the bombing.
For those who want to take a moment to remember the lives of everyone who was affected by the bombing, there is a reflecting pool on site.
Afterward, you can visit one of the sections where you will listen to stories by the survivors and families of the victims, as they narrate what took place on the day and how this day changed their lives.
You will also find artifacts collected from the explosion site like the car that Timothy McVeigh used as his getaway vehicle.
This might not be one of the exciting things to do but it sure is one of the most wow places to visit in Oklahoma.
- It is 16 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
9. Turner Falls Park
Rating: 4.4★
Entry tickets: Weekdays: Adults: $16, Children (6-12): $13, Seniors (55+): $9, Children 5 and below: Free, Military: $9
Weekends: Adults: $20, Children (6-12): $16, Seniors (55+): $13, Children 5 and below: Free, Military: $13
Address: I-35 &, US-77, Davis, OK 73030
- It is located in Davis
- It is a family-friendly attraction
Dropping at 77 feet, Turner Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oklahoma and is named for Mazeppa Thomas Turner, a politician from the state who served in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
It is an attraction beloved equally by visitors and locals who call it their sanctuary.
Located in Davis, a small city in Oklahoma, Turner Falls Park sits in Honey Creek in the Arbuckle Mountains and is famous for being one of the three geological windows that look into the planet’s history.
The other two are the Grand Canyon and the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Arbuckle Mountains are one of the oldest formations of the earth, hence why the park is a historical attraction.
Visitors will enjoy camping, hiking, and swimming.
Turner Falls drops into a natural swimming hole with clear aqua blue water surrounded by a hilly landscape with dense mountain vegetation.
Swimming here is one of the best experiences in Oklahoma.
Hikers will enjoy walking on the lovely nature trails that lead to three caves found around the park.
You should get a map to help you find the caves with ease.
Apart from Turner Falls, the park is home to other water bodies that serve clean and clear water throughout the park.
In addition, there are grounds for RV and tent camping, and for those who are not into camping, the park has privately-owned rental cabins.
Bring your whole family for a memorable adventure at Turner Falls Park!
- It is 1 hour 17 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
10. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Rating: 4.8★
Entry tickets: Adults: $10.75, Seniors (62+)/students: $9.25, Children (6-12): $5, Children 5 and below: Free
Address: 1700 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
- It was established in 1955
- It is located in Oklahoma City
The state of Oklahoma is renowned for its historic cowboy culture.
It would be an offense if you visited the state and missed making your way to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
It was established to preserve and showcase the history of the Old West, also known as the Wild West or the American Frontier.
Here you will find the largest collection of American rodeo photographs and early rodeo trophies.
You will also find over 28,000 Native American and Western artifacts and artworks displayed in the museum’s exhibits.
These include the Native American Gallery, American Rodeo Gallery, American Cowboy Gallery, and Weitzenhoffer Gallery of Fine American Firearms, which showcases firearms by Remington, Colt, and more.
Notably, you will see a 1900s interactive town that will take you through life in the west in those days.
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is also an ideal attraction for children and invites them to explore their children’s museum called Liichokoshkomo, which means let’s play.
Children will take part in interactive learning through engaging games and activities.
Lastly, do not miss to visit the onsite museum store where you can buy souvenirs and apparel that celebrates western heritage and cowboy culture.
- It is 19 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
11. Beavers Bend State Park
Rating: 4.7★
Entry tickets: Free
Address: 4350 S, OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728
- It is located in Broken Bow
- It is a nature park
If you love the outdoors, Beavers Bend State Park should be top of your places to visit in Oklahoma.
The beautiful park is rated one of the most famous state parks in the region.
A visit here will show you exactly why.
Spread across 3,482 acres of land, the park sits on a mountainous region nestled along the shores of Mountain Folk River and Broken Bow Lake.
It offers beautiful scenery of a mountain forest, lush green fields, and clear waters of the lake and the river.
You can enjoy a picnic in the designated areas with your friends or loved ones.
It is also an ideal attraction to visit with children.
The park is open for camping to anyone interested, but you have to make a separate payment.
Hochatown State Park, located within Beavers Bend State Park, is the most common camping section of the area and is also popular with boating activities since it is close to Broken Bow Lake.
Lakeview Lodge and Cedar Creek Golf Course are also located within the park.
Other notable activities that you will enjoy here include birdwatching, horseback riding, hayrides, hiking, canoeing, fishing, skiing, and more.
- It is 3 hours 56 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
12. Henry Overholser Mansion
Rating: 4.8★
Entry tickets: Adults: $10, Seniors/Military: $7, Students/Children: $5, Children 6 and below: Free
Address: 405 NW 15th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
- It was built in 1903
- It is located in Oklahoma City
One of the most interesting historical attractions to visit in Oklahoma is the Henry Overholser Mansion, built by Henry Overholser.
Henry was an American businessman who is believed to be the founder of Oklahoma City and one of the people who contributed to what the city is today.
If you love history, you will want to check out the 20-room mansion said to be the first mansion ever constructed in the city of Oklahoma.
It remained the property of the Overholser family until the 1970s when it was donated to the state by the family and registered as a historic house museum.
The Henry Overholser Mansion sits in the beautiful Heritage Hills neighborhood and houses furniture and decor used by the Overholser family over the years.
It will take you under an hour to explore all the mansion’s rooms spread out across three stories.
If you are into haunted mansions, you will also find this attraction alluring since it offers spooky after-hours tours.
The mansion also has a carriage house, and the two can be rented out to visitors who would like to hold special events like a wedding ceremony or a romantic getaway here.
So, if you are looking for a beautiful place with a significant history to have your wedding at, this is just the right place for you.
- It is 18 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
13. Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Rating: 4.5★
Entry tickets: Adults: $12, Seniors (65+): $9, Children (3-11): $9, Children 2 and under: Free
Address: 2000 Remington Pl, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
- It was opened in 1902
- It has 512 animal species
With over 1,000 animals living here, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is inarguably one of the top attractions in Oklahoma.
The zoo and garden have been in operation for over 100 years and attract over one million visitors every year.
It is one of the most visited attractions in Oklahoma and it is easy to tell why.
You can visit alone, with friends or family, including children, to explore its eight exhibits spread across 119 acres of land.
Kids will have fun at the Children’s Zoo, where they will play games and at the same time connect with nature and animals like tortoises, monkeys, and goats.
Visitors get the rare chance to interact with giraffes and feed them at a designated giraffe feeding platform.
One of the most notable exhibits is the Herpetarium which has over 80 exhibits that showcase all kinds of reptile and amphibian species, from frogs to crocodiles.
The botanical garden will wow you with its beautiful scenery that comprises trees, flowers, and lawns.
You can take a leisure walk around the garden.
Other points of interest at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden include the Endangered Species Carousel, the Elephant Express tram, the Jungle Gym Playground, and the Sea Lion Presentation.
If you are looking for a family-friendly attraction in Oklahoma, this is one of your best options.
- It is 22 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
14. Myriad Botanical Gardens
Rating: 4.7★
Entry tickets: Adults: $8, Children (4-12): $5
Address: 301 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
- It is 15 acres large
- It is located in Oklahoma City
Myriad Botanical Gardens is a nature sanctuary characteristic of beautiful gardens surrounding a sunken lake.
It is located in downtown Oklahoma City and is one of the best attractions for nature and outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy fresh air and time with nature.
The scenic park is also a great place to see pieces of art.
Its most notable piece is Gateway by Dutch-born American artist Hans Van de Bovenkamp.
The red sculpture was created in 1993 by Hans and brought to the park, becoming one of the park’s most outstanding landmarks.
But the biggest draw to the botanical gardens is the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, whose architectural design wows everyone who visits the attraction site.
The conservatory houses exotic flora and fauna representing two climates, that is, the Tropical Dry Zone and the Tropical Wet Zone of the north end.
For lovers of nature, Myriad Botanical Gardens is a great place to learn more about plants, enjoy nature and spend a day with your children or friends.
There is a set playground for kids, where they can play games and engage in activities that will teach them more about plants and the importance of nature conservation.
You can take a leisure walk along the beautiful trails, and if you have a dog, there is an off-leash dog park onsite where your good boy can have a great time with other friendly dogs.
- It is 14 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
15. Tiger Safari Zoological Park
Rating: 4.1★
Entry tickets: General Admission: $15, Children 2 and below: Free
Address: 963 County Street 2930, Tuttle, OK 73089
- It is located in Tuttle City
- It is owned by Bill Meadows
Tiger Safari Zoological Park is a privately owned animal park located about 20 minutes south of Oklahoma City.
It is owned by Bill Meadows, who also runs it with his wife.
The park is spread across 45 acres of land and is home to over 150 animals.
The animals include native and exotic animals like owls, snakes, monkeys, lemurs, lions, and the title name animal, tigers.
A visit here will give you the opportunity to go on a safari, during which you will have thrilling animal encounters like feeding baby tigers and monkeys and holding snakes.
If you enjoy night tours under the stars, the establishment offers a tour dubbed the Tiger Safari Adventure.
During the tour, you will explore the park, light a fire and listen to animal stories while you enjoy a bush dinner around the bonfire.
Tiger Safari Zoological Park is kid-friendly, and you can actually take the night safari with your children.
In addition to this, should you wish to take your safari experience a notch higher, the zoo has African Safari Huts designed to give visitors an authentic African village experience.
You can spend a night or a couple of nights in the safari huts as you enjoy day or night safari experiences around the zoo.
Note that the zoo is a non-profit organization.
Its main aim is to educate the public on the importance of taking care of exotic animals and how to go about it.
- It is 29 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
16. The Cave House of Tulsa
Rating: 4.6★
Entry tickets: Adults: $10, Children (15 and below): $5
Address: 1623 Charles Page Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74127
- It is located in downtown Tulsa
- It was built in 1924
The Cave House of Tulsa has, over the years, received amazing reviews, with most visitors saying it is one of the must-do things in Oklahoma.
It was originally built in 1924 as a cave restaurant during the prohibition period, where it served as a restaurant during the day and a speakeasy at night.
The restaurant had an underground tunnel that patrons used to take them to a room under the hill where they would enjoy illicit beer.
The tunnel has since been sealed with concrete.
Today, the house is owned and run by Linda Collier and her daughter Kate Collier who give visitors a guided tour of the quirky cave house as they tell stories of its past.
The white house’s unique architecture is what will catch your eyes first.
But once you step inside the house, you will see beautiful decor which reflects its previous owners.
It has steep staircases that lead to different mysterious halls.
One of the most fascinating things you will hear about the Cave House of Tulsa is the story of a mysterious key woman who lived here and started haunting the house after her death.
If you have extra free time to extend your vacation, here is best things to do in Tulsa, and fun things to do in El Paso with family & friends.
There are stories of visitors who have lost their keys while touring the house only to find them in an area they had not passed through before.
If you are into spooky experiences, you can take a night tour and maybe catch the ghost of the mysterious key woman!
- It is 1 hour 47 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
17. Chickasaw Cultural Center
Rating: 4.8★
Entry tickets: Adults: $5, Chickasaw Citizens: Free, Students/Military/Seniors: $6, Children (12 and below): Free
Address: 867 Cooper Memorial Rd, Sulphur, OK 73086
- It is located in Sulphur
- It was opened in 2010
The Chickasaw are an indigenous group of people whose original territory was in Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi before moving to other areas.
Their descendants moved to Oklahoma.
Known as the Chickasaw Nation today, they are recognized as the 13th largest tribe in the country.
After 6 years under construction, the Chickasaw Cultural Center was opened to preserve their culture and teach the public about their heritage.
The center has interactive and hands-on seasonal exhibits that tackle different areas and topics relating to the Chickasaw people and their culture.
Some of the things you will see include genealogical records, tribal archives, a theater that shows Native American films, a spiritual center, and a visitor center with a gift shop.
Mainly, Chickasaw Cultural Center acts as a campus for the Chickasaw people where they take their children to learn more about their history and cultural heritage.
You will also see the Aaholiitobli’s Honor Garden dedicated to notable people in the Chickasaw Nation, like elders and warriors, whose photographs you can find at the center’s Hall of Fame.
One of the most outstanding features of the attraction is the arrangement of the buildings that accurately reflects a historical structural organization of a Chickasaw Village.
If you are a history buff, you must include this attraction on your list of top things to do in Oklahoma.
- It is 1 hour 24 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
18. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
Rating: 4.7★
Entry tickets: Adults: $8, Seniors (65+): $6, Children (4-17): $5, Children 3 and below: Free
Address: 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, OK 73072
- It is located at the University of Oklahoma
- It was founded in 1899
Oklahoma is home to so many museums, and one of the best to visit is the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.
As the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to natural history which includes scientific current and historical records of climatology, ecosystems, geology, animals, plants, and more.
It boasts 12 collections of over 7 million objects, all hosted under the 50,000 square feet space built in 2000.
There are five galleries and exhibits that are both permanent and temporary.
Some of the notable items that you will find in the museum’s collection include an Apatosaurus skeleton, which is the largest in the world, a bison skull dubbed the Cooper Skull, which is “the oldest painted object in North America.”, and a Pentaceratops skull, which is the largest skull in the world, among other unusual finds.
You can also explore the Discovery Room, which has a more interactive and hands-on atmosphere with activities and experiences suitable for both adults and children.
Lastly, if you are interested in Native languages, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History hosts the Annual Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair in April of every year.
You can also find over 72 languages archived in the museum.
- It is 30 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
19. 45th Infantry Division Museum
Rating: 4.9★
Entry tickets: Free
Address: 2145 NE 36th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
- It is located in Oklahoma City
- The museum was opened in 1976
As the name suggests the 45th Infantry Division Museum is a military museum dedicated to the Thunderbirds sub-division of the National Guard’s 45th Infantry Division.
If you are interested in military stuff and armory, you should definitely make your way to the museum, which is one of the coolest things to do in Oklahoma.
And even if you have never been keen on military stuff, when you get to the museum, your interest will automatically be piqued.
The 27,000 square feet attraction, which is the largest state-run military museum in the country, houses collections from the American Revolutionary War, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and World War II.
It hosts a collection of military items that include flags, firearms, and artifacts.
45th Infantry Division Museum is home to the 3rd biggest collection of the nation’s historic military firearms and a collection of Adolf Hitler’s items, making it the largest collection in the world.
An interesting section of the museum is an exhibit that houses about 200 World War II cartoons that were created by a World War II soldier who belonged to the 45th Division.
For a free attraction site, you get so much out of it, and that’s why you should definitely make it one of your priority attractions in Oklahoma.
- It is 20 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
20. Center of the Universe
Rating: 4.4★
Entry tickets: Free
Address: 1 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103
- It is located in Tulsa
- It is an acoustic anomaly
The Center of the Universe is more about what you will experience than what you will see because honestly, there isn’t much to see except for a circle of concrete surrounded by a larger circle made up of bricks.
But, it is what happens inside this circle that makes this place one of the best things to do in Oklahoma.
Scientifically, the universe has no center, hence the reason why this place in downtown Tulsa is described as an acoustic anomaly or a mysterious phenomenon.
If you stand in the center of the circle and make a sound, you will automatically hear your echo as if you were standing in the center of empty space with concrete walls around you.
And this is weird or unusual because the surrounding area is not covered in any way; it is an open area with buildings and roads.
Another unusual thing that will happen when you make the sound is that the people outside the circle will not hear your original sound.
Instead, what they will receive is an extremely distorted version of your sound, and sometimes, no sound at all!
Though many theories have been formed to explain the cause of the anomaly, there is no clear consensus on what the real cause is.
You have to check out the Center of the Universe and experience it for yourself.
Who knows, you might be able to explain the physics behind this anomaly and become the next Albert Einstein!
- It is 1 hour 49 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
21. Woody Guthrie Center
Rating: 4.8★
Entry tickets: Adults: $8, Seniors/Students: $7, Children (5-17): $6, Military: $6, Children 5 and below: Free
Address: 102 E Reconciliation Way, Tulsa, OK 74103
- It was established in 2013
- It is located in Tulsa
Woody Guthrie was a renowned American musician who made one of the greatest contributions to American folk music with a special focus on antifascism and socialism.
One of his greatest songs is “This Land is Your Land”, a protest anthem that continues to receive mixed reactions to date.
When he passed away in 1955 from Huntington’s disease, he left a huge legacy, and the Woody Guthrie Center was established to preserve his life and legacy.
The center also houses work by Philip David Ochs’ who was Guthrie’s fellow artist and protest singer.
You will find bits and pieces of Wood Guthrie’s life preserved through short films, handwritten lyrics, memorabilia, musical instruments, pictures, music samples, and memorabilia that reflect his life, work, and political views.
In addition to Guthrie’s work, you will also see a wide collection of Phil’s work in the Phil Ochs archives, which was donated by his daughter in 2014.
Phil’s work is known to have been greatly influenced by Woody.
Music fans will have a great time at the Woody Guthrie Center going through his creative mind and musical instruments that were used back during his time.
- It is 1 hour 47 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
22. E.W. Marland Mansion
Rating: 4.8★
Entry tickets: Adults: $10, Children (6-17): $5, Seniors (65+): $8, Children 6 and below: Free
Address: 901 Monument Rd, Ponca City, OK 74604
- It was built in 1928
- It is located in Ponca City
Also known as the Palace on the Prairie, the E.W. Marland Mansion was built by Ernest Whitworth Marland, an oil baron, with the intention of creating a unique and wealthy-looking mansion in the region at the time.
Marland was so rich that he owned a tenth of the world’s oil during the 1920s.
It is named one of the biggest residences in the southwestern region of the United States.
The mansion sits on a hillside in Ponca City on 30 acres of land made up of beautifully manicured gardens, ancillary buildings, and lakes.
Every building on the estate was built in a design that complements the mansion’s original Mediterranean Revival architectural style.
Apart from the architectural design and the beautiful gardens, one of the mansion’s biggest draws is its interior decor which oozes wealth and sophistication.
It features marble floors, Waterford crystal chandeliers, domed ceilings, art pieces like the stone-carved night owls, wall art, wood-paneled bedrooms, and a buffalo leather-lined Otis elevator, among other interesting features.
Marland had very expensive taste and this is prevalent in all the 10 rooms in the mansion.
There is a swimming pool on the site that was carved from the quarry that originally inhabited the mansion’s location.
You are in for a treat at the E. W. Marland Mansion as you take a trip back in time to experience how the wealthy lived.
- It is 1 hour 48 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
23. Tucker Tower
Rating: 4.8★
Entry tickets: Free
Address: 18407 Scenic Highway 77, Ardmore, OK 73401
- It is located in Ardmore
- It was opened in 1954
Located in Lake Murray State Park, the largest and oldest park in Oklahoma, Tucker Tower is easily the most identifiable landmark in the park.
It was built between 1935 and 1941 and named after Fred Tucker who was the state senator then.
When it was constructed, the attraction was meant to be the state governor’s getaway spot but instead opened as a geological museum.
Today, Tucker Tower is the nature center for Lake Murray State Park.
It has a museum that is packed with exhibits that showcase the history of the region, spread throughout two floors.
On the tower’s second floor is a walkway that will give you the opportunity to see the beautiful surrounding landscape which is made up of Lake Murray and the stunning forest in the park.
Before getting to the tower, you can take a tour of Lake Murray State Park where you can hike, swim, camp, or just bond with nature.
After a day in the park, you can proceed to the tower to catch a magnificent sunset across Lake Murray.
A visit to Tucker Tower should be top on your itinerary of things to do in Oklahoma since it is free and you get to hit two birds with one stone.
- It is 1 hour 49 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
24. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Rating: 4.8★
Entry tickets: Free
Address: 32 Refuge Headquarters Road, Indiahoma, OK 73552
- It was established in 1901
- It is located in Lawton town
Located 35 minutes from Indiahoma, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge has one of the most beautiful landscapes dotted with wildflowers, rugged mountains, rolling hills, lush green open fields, and crater lakes.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast and are looking for the best nature escapes in Oklahoma, this beautiful wildlife refuge is your answer.
It boasts 13 lakes spread across its 59,000 acres and is home to over 50 mammal species, 240 bird species, 806 plant species, fish, and reptiles.
Some of the animals you’ll find wandering here include American bison, elks, deers, Texas longhorn cattle, and more.
Hikers will enjoy exploring Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge since it has about 13 trails that are suitable for both inexperienced and experienced hikers.
Other notable activities that you can enjoy in Wichita Mountains include wildlife watching, rock climbing, birdwatching, camping, photography, and fishing.
Most of the areas in the mountains are inaccessible, but the accessible parts make up for it, making the attraction one of the top free things to do in Oklahoma.
- It is 1 hour 34 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
25. Factory Obscura Mix-Tape
Rating: 4.6★
Entry tickets: adults: $20, Children (4-12): $12, Children 3 and below: Free
Address: 25 NW 9th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
- It was opened in 2009
- It is located in Oklahoma City
One of the coolest things to do in Oklahoma is visiting the Factory Obscura Mix-Tape, which has an interesting story of how it came to be.
The building in which the factory is hosted was once inhabited by Automobile Alley’s Studebaker Building before being rented out to the Flaming Lips rock band in 2011.
Overnight, the rock band renovated the building and plastered it with unique and quirky art and painting that was very conspicuous.
Apart from its structural design, the building was unrecognizable overnight.
Eventually, the rock band, led by its lead singer, Wayne Coyne, decided to turn the building into an art gallery dubbed Womb.
The building already looked artistic and so it was easy to see why.
From that point, there was no turning back. It became one of the coolest attractions in Oklahoma City.
Today, it goes by the name Factory Obscura Mix-Tape and is an arts collective that offers a hand-crafted art experience.
It is a popular spot for both adults and kids for offering experiences that are entertaining for visitors of all ages.
Visitors get an immersive experience during which they are allowed to touch everything in the factory, unlike normal exhibits.
You also get to have a real music experience through classic-style cassettes mixtapes inside rooms that create an atmosphere like you have gone back in time.
Each of the rooms in the attraction will actually give you a very realistic experience.
You will have to visit the place to understand the level of fun and thrilling experience that it offers.
- It is 17 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
26. Corral Drive-In RV Park
Rating: 4.8★
Entry tickets: 2 people: $40, $3 for every extra person per night
Address: 825 SW, US-54, Guymon, OK 73942
- It is located in Guymon
- It is an RV park
Corral Drive-In RV Park is one of the most unique attractions in Oklahoma and one of the only six drive-ins located in the state.
Anyone who is planning to explore the state of Oklahoma in an RV will appreciate the park and all it has to offer.
It is a family-run business that’s owned by a husband and his wife, and so you are assured of quality and intimate services and treatment.
The RV Park has 24 spacious pull-through sites and 23 back-in sites that are equipped with 30 and 50 amp service RVs.
There is also a sewer, water, and Wi-Fi for your convenience.
To make your RV camping experience memorable and unique, the establishment has gone a step ahead and introduced a pizzeria, grill, and seasonal drive-in theater.
You just need to drive in with your car/RV and enjoy a film outdoors from the comfort of your vehicle as you eat some of the delicacies prepared at the pizzeria or grill.
Corral Drive-In RV Park is kid-friendly and pet-friendly, as long as your pet is leashed for the entire duration of your stay.
- It is 4 hours 19 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
27. Robbers Cave State Park
Rating: 4.7★
Entry tickets: $3 per person, Children 3 and under: Free, ATV riding section: $20
Address: 4628 NW 1027th Ave, Wilburton, OK 74578
- It was established in 1929
- It is located in Latimer County
Located about 8 minutes from Wilburton city in Latimer County, Robbers Cave State Park is set on a scenic hilly landscape covered in dense woodlands, lakes, rivers, and rolling mountains.
It is nestled in the beautiful Sans Bois Mountains of southeast Oklahoma.
The park’s original name was Latimer State Park but was renamed in 1936 to its current name which is derived from the name of a cave found inside the park that was used as a hideout by infamous outlaws Belle Starr and Jesse James.
You will see and explore the cave, which is hidden in the woodlands when you visit the park.
Robbers Cave State Park is 8,246 acres big and is home to three lakes namely Lake Carlton, Coon Creek, and Lake Wayne Wallace.
All lakes combined take up 189 acres of the park’s total land size.
If you enjoy fishing, the lakes provide great grounds for this activity but you must note that they are day day-use only.
Furthermore, the park is a popular spot for ATV riders, hikers, hunters, and equestrians.
Imagine horseback riding across the mountainous park through the dense lush green woodlands and by the lakes, how cool and exciting would that be!
You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity.
Another big draw to the park is its campgrounds which are ideal for both tent and RV campers.
Equestrian campsites are also available.
If you would like to have a wholesome mountain experience, you can opt to camp, or take up accommodation in any of the lodges, cabins, lake huts, or yurts found in the park.
Robert Cave State Park is one of the most enjoyable places to spend your weekend in Oklahoma with families with kids.
- It is 2 hours 43 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
28. Museum of Osteology
Rating: 4.8★
Entry tickets: Adults: $11, Children (3-11): $9
Address: 10301 S Sunnylane Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73160
- It was opened in 2010
- It is located in Oklahoma City
Let’s get this out of the way, the Museum of Osteology is not your usual museum.
It was established for the study of bones and skeletons by Jay Villemarette, the founder of Skulls Unlimited International, Inc., which supplies osteological specimens and deals with skull cleaning.
This is a private museum that boasts over 7,350 specimens.
It has over 500 skeletons on display.
The rest of the specimens are part of his collection that is not on display.
It is the world’s largest private collection of osteology specimens and houses skeletons and bones collected from different parts of the world.
The Museum of Osteology might be unusual, but it is an interesting attraction as you will see.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see skulls, skeletons, and bones belonging to different animals.
The most interesting ones include the skeletons of a rare Komodo dragon that once belonged to President George Bush, a humpback whale, an elephant, and a two-headed calf.
The display includes skeletons from all vertebrates, birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, and amphibians.
Should you like to get more involved with the museum’s work, you can visit Skulls Unlimited International, Inc., located right next to the museum’s building.
This is a fun and learning experience and you should definitely take up the opportunity to go through it!
- It is 17 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
29. Natural Falls State Park
Rating: 4.6★
Entry tickets: $10 per vehicle per day
Address: 19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338
- It is located in Delaware County
To end our list is Natural Falls State Park which makes one of the most romantic things to do in Oklahoma.
It is home to Natural Falls which ties at number one with Turner Falls for the tallest waterfall in the state of Oklahoma.
The beautiful falls sit near the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma, only 8 minutes from West Siloam Springs town.
It cascades against rock formations into a narrow V-shaped valley at the bottom that forms a stunning pool of crystal blue water.
There is an observation platform where hikers who do not have a lot of time to spend by the waterfall can stand and marvel at its beauty.
There is also an observation deck with a sitting area where visitors who want to soak up the ambiance can spend minutes or even hours by the waterfall.
Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed to preserve the habitats of the unique flora and fauna found here.
However, there are other areas around the park where visitors can swim.
If you are a movie fanatic, you have probably watched the 1974 film, “Where the Red Fern Grows”.
You will be intrigued to know that Natural Falls State Park was one of the locations where the movie was filmed.
With a map, you can explore these scenes which might look a little different since time has passed.
- It is 2 hours 59 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport
Will Rogers awaits you in Oklahoma. I’m out!
Hello It’s Sam, welcome to my profile! I’m an entrepreneur and global traveler, passionate about exploring diverse cultures and cuisines.
I share my travel experiences with OceansBeyondPiracy.org, weaving together tales of gastronomy and adventure.
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