At the moment it looks like international travel is a little problematic. There are plenty of places where you can travel, but many of us are opting for weekends away locally. There are many hidden gems here in the US so why not take a city break somewhere you’ve never been before? Oklahoma City has an eclectic selection of museums along with a fantastic dining culture and nightlife. It’s perfect for a weekend away in the midwest. Here are the top 5 things to do in Oklahoma City.
1. Bricktown
Bricktown is a bustling entertainment district full of cultural and dining experiences from wonderful breakfast restaurants to the awesome nightlife. The neighborhood’s redbrick buildings are how it got its name and they first appeared at the turn of the 20th century originally as warehouses. There’s also a canal running through Bricktown, and visitors can take a water taxi along it to get a feel for the district. Bricktown boasts a number of fabulous restaurants, hotels, shops, and the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and the Cox Convention Center.
2. Oklahoma National Memorial and Museum
Oklahoma National Memorial and Museum is a poignant reminder of the 1995 terrorist attack in Oklahoma City. A bomb destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, and the memorial and museum were constructed to honor the victims of this terrible day. One particular structure was set up, the “Field of Empty Chairs”, which is perhaps the most moving part of the memorial as there is one chair to represent each life lost during the attack, detailing the names of the victims.
3. National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is a historical representation of the culture in the West, including an expansive collection of artifacts and artwork. There are many examples of cowboy equipment such as firearms, saddles, spurs, and various apparel. The museum also hosts the replica turn-of-the-20th-century cattle town, “Prosperity Junction”, where you can take a stroll and feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
There is also an interactive section for kids and inquisitive adults alike. Brown bag lunch series explore topics like “Texas Women and Ranching” or “The American Cowboy.”
4. Myriad Botanical Gardens
The Myriad Botanical Gardens are enormous covering 17 acres of land with both indoor and outdoor areas. There are two interactive water features. One of them is known as the “Thunder Fountain” because it mimics a thunderstorm using lights and sounds. The other is the Seasonal Water Plaza. Children will especially love Mo’s Carousel. The gardens’ main attraction, however, has got to be the Crystal Bridge Conservatory.
The conservatory houses thousands of tropical and desert plants. It’s truly a beautiful oasis of exotic plants, trees, and flowers. There’s enough to see that you could even spend the day here and bring a picnic.
5. Oklahoma City Museum of Art
OKCMOA is a must especially if you’re a fan of the work of Dale Chihuly, as it holds one of the largest collections of his glassworks in the world. The museum also is home to the Eleanor Blake Kirkpatrick Memorial Tower, standing at 55 feet. This is definitely one of the best spots in town for some impressive modern art and culture. It’s well worth a visit if you’re in Oklahoma City.
Summary
Hope you’ve enjoyed this list of top 5 things to do in Oklahoma City — certainly there is much more to do and see here. If you’ve been to Oklahoma City, please share your suggestions in the comments below!
Sounds like a worthy consideration, thanks!