The First Americans Museum shares the collective stories of 39 distinct First American Nations in what is now Oklahoma. State-of-the-art exhibits explore their history, placing a multitude of First American perspectives at the center. Food is also part of the museum experience: it has a restaurant and a café serving unique Indigenous cuisine.
Art, History and Remembrance
Those looking to discover art will find paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. The collection focuses on European and American art of the 19th and 20th centuries. A large-scale art glass installation by Dale Chihuly complements the collection in the third-floor galleries. The different media and time periods offer a range of ways to explore, from painting and printmaking to photography and sculpture.
At the Oklahoma History Center, exhibits are spread across five galleries, and there is also a research center. The Red River Journey explores the landscape, vegetation and historic sites of the Red River Valley. At the Oklahoma State Capitol Museum, a five-minute animation presented across a 270-degree arc offers a brief history of the Oklahoma State Capitol. The two institutions offer distinct perspectives: one on the landscape and history of a river valley, the other on the history of the Capitol.
The Outdoor Symbolic Memorial offers another way to remember. It is located on the grounds, now considered sacred, where the events of April 19, 1995, took place. The site connects the memory of that date with grounds that are now considered sacred.
Gardens, Animals and Trails
The gardens also each have their own focus. Myriad Botanical Gardens offers a 15-acre nature-oriented retreat in the heart of the OKC metro area. Will Rogers Gardens spans 30 acres; its northern section was developed starting in 1932. Practical courses on gardening and garden care for visitors of all ages are offered there throughout the year. Individual programs may vary. The gardens can also be distinguished by their focus: a nature-oriented retreat at one, gardening and practical courses at the other.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is home to more than 300 animal species and 12 different botanical gardens. The new Expedition Africa habitat offers special feeding opportunities, where visitors can get up close to the large animals living there. Offerings may change; check the current options before your visit. Animal viewing, botanical diversity and a special feeding experience come together in one place.
For outdoor activity, there are trails of different lengths and types to choose from. Lake Stanley Draper Trail consists of three connected loops totaling about 12 miles. Bluff Creek Park has 3.5 miles of single-track dirt trails. The lengths and trail types differ considerably, offering a practical guide as you consider which kind of route fits your plans.
Lake Stanley Draper also offers a special activity on the water: it is the only lake in Oklahoma City for water skiing. In central Oklahoma City, RIVERSPORT Rapids offers Class II to IV whitewater rafting. Operating hours may vary; check the current schedule in advance.
More Ways to Explore
Liichokoshkomo’ at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum offers more than 100,000 square feet of space for learning and family entertainment. This sets it apart from the art and history collections: it provides space for learning and family entertainment without limiting the experience to a single type of exhibit.
For travel, the Amtrak Heartland Flyer connects Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas, on a 418-mile round trip that runs daily. It stops at several stations along the way. Schedules may change, so check the route before traveling. The Oklahoma State Capitol and museum are open for self-guided tours; since access arrangements may change, checking before your visit is also recommended.
Discover more destinations: Jones, Bethany, Edmond, Midwest City, Del City, Luther, Craig County, Latimer County.
Back to the main travel overview: Oklahoma.
