Stillwater brings together art, history and waterfront paths. When planning, it helps to compare the museums’ different focuses and the specific routes of the walking trails. Lake McMurtry offers additional options outside the city: the lake is about 10 miles from Stillwater.
Art and History from Different Perspectives
The OSU Museum of Art is Oklahoma State University’s official art exhibition venue. Admission is free. The Stillwater History Museum has a different focus: it is located at 702 S. Duncan, in the lower level of the Sheerar Cultural Center. Its long-term and changing exhibitions explore Stillwater and Payne County from Indian Territory to the present day. Its historical perspective therefore spans the area’s early history through to the present.
The Sheerar Cultural Center building itself adds another historical dimension. It was built in 1928 for the First Church of Christ, Scientist. A visit to the Stillwater History Museum thus combines exhibitions on the region’s history with the history of the building that houses the museum.
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Museum focuses on a more specific subject. Visitors can see interactive exhibits and electronic kiosks; the collection includes wrestling artifacts and memorabilia, including medals from the Olympic Games and world championships. Visitors can also watch NCAA championship matches from the 1930s to the present. In contrast to the History Museum’s broad chronological and regional focus, the emphasis here is on sports history, competitions and memorabilia.
Compare Walking Trails by Length and Activity
Boomer Lake Park has a 3.2-mile paved, two-lane loop trail. It is intended for walking, jogging and cycling. The park also has an 18-basket disc golf course. Its grassy fairways wind through varied terrain. The park therefore offers two distinct options: a loop for exercise and a course with disc golf baskets.
The trail at Sanborn Lake is just under a mile long and forms a complete loop around the lake. Its length clearly distinguishes it from the 3.2-mile loop at Boomer Lake Park. For anyone comparing the two trails by distance, this provides a concrete basis for choosing; no other activities are specified here for the Sanborn Lake trail.
The Oklahoma State University Botanic Garden includes the Enchanted Storybook Trail. This named trail adds a distinct trail to the destinations mentioned at the garden. Further details about its route or visiting conditions are not included in the description.
A Waterfront Excursion Outside the City
Lake McMurtry is about 10 miles outside Stillwater and offers kayak rentals. A covered crappie fishing pier is also located on the lake’s west shore. Kayak rentals and the fishing pier offer different kinds of activities: one is for kayaking, while the other is a designated fishing spot.
During your stay, you can choose among art, regional history and wrestling culture, as well as trails of varying lengths and activities. The trail details allow for a direct comparison of distances; Lake McMurtry is explicitly outside the city. This distinction helps you assess the places and activities mentioned according to their respective focus.
Discover more destinations: Cushing.
Go to the overview of destinations in the region: Payne.
