Oklahoma, the Sooner State and the Land of the Red Man is a beautiful state known for its stunning artificial lakes, delicious food, and wealth of American West history and culture. It is also known for its rich Native American heritage, and there are 25 native languages still spoken in the state today.
As such, many Oklahoma attractions focus on the state's history, the native peoples who live there, and the culture and music of the region. You'll be spoiled for choice with so many things to do in Oklahoma. To help you form the perfect vacation to-do list, here are the top tourist attractions in Oklahoma.
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The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is one of Oklahoma's most sobering but loved attractions.
It is dedicated to remembering the impact and events of the bombing of the Alfred P.
Murrah Federal Building on the 19th of April 1995, which took the lives of 168 individuals, including 19 children.
The museum comes with a self-guided, interactive 10-chapter tour.
It is arranged in chronological order, which teaches a detailed history of the domestic terrorist event, from the site's history to the bombing itself and its meaning and impact on the future.
In addition, you can watch survivors, surviving family members, and news outlets tell the story and view various artifacts from the event.
Outside of the museum, there's the national memorial. This memorial contains multiple features, with the Field of Empty Chairs being the most heart-wrenching.
It features 168 chairs, including 19 small ones, representing the lives lost in the event.
Address: 620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions In Oklahoma City
Route 66 is undoubtedly one of the most famous drives in the US.
Though its full length goes from Los Angeles to Chicago, its longest run in terms of miles goes through Oklahoma diagonally, going from Oklahoma City to Tulsa.
The route is filled with historic, engaging, and loved attractions along the way, giving you many reasons to stop even within the state's borders.
The famous and iconic Route 66 is brought to life when you pay a visit to the fabulous Oklahoma Route 66 Museum.
It's specially dedicated to the myths, history, and culture surrounding the iconic road. Here you will find a collection of vehicles and memorabilia that celebrate this world famous road.
Of course, there's also the Route 66 Sidewalk Highway, tucked in an Ottawa County corner where Oklahoma borders Missouri and Kansas.
And, of course, one must not forget about the Old Route 66 Filling Station, a ramshackle old building that is one of what was once a large group of similar filling stations lining the highway.
Address: Route 66, Oklahoma
The Myriad Botanical Gardens are an oasis in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City.
It's one of the most beautiful Oklahoma tourist attractions and is free to enter, experience, and enjoy.
There are 17 acres of land for you to use, within which are several walking paths, a little sunken lake, public art installations, an off-leash dog park, a big lawn, a playground, and a visitor center.
The Myriad Botanical Gardens' oasis is divided into several individual spaces. For example, there's the ornamental garden, the children's garden, and the desert plant garden.
In the middle of the gardens, you'll find the gorgeous Crystal Bridge Conservatory, which has tropical plants divided into two climates: a "wet zone" and a "dry zone".
The conservatory spans 13,000 square feet and houses 750 plant species, and you can climb a bridge to look out over the tropical paradise from above.
Address: 301 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
The Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve spans 3,700 acres.
It's often called Woolaroc Ranch due to the wide variety of native and exotic herding animals that call the preserve their home.
Animal lovers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike will find this one of the best places to go in Oklahoma.
The Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve exhibit artifacts and art focused on the West and Native American items.
It also houses a collection of Colt weaponry.
Outside, you can explore a gorgeously verdant span of land, with woods, cliffs, and lakes galore.
Keep your eyes peeled to spot animals like elk, longhorn cattle, and buffalo.
Address: 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd, Bartlesville, OK 74003
The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is a part of the University of Oklahoma.
It's among the top destinations in Oklahoma for history buffs and those interested in the state's story.
Numerous permanent exhibits provide insight into the past and present of the state's natural history.
Some exhibits are the Hall of Ancient Life and the Hall of World Cultures. Within these, you can view North America's oldest found painted object, the Cooper Skull.
There's also the Discovery Room, an excellent spot for children to learn via interactive displays and up-close animal encounters.
One of the most iconic pieces of the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is the Pentaceratops skull, which is the largest land animal skull that has been found in the world.
It measures 10.5 feet in height, and its five horns set it apart from the similar three-horned Triceratops.
Other giant dinosaur skeletons are displayed, too, such as the largest Saurophaganax Maximus and Apatosaurus skeletons in the world.
Address: 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, OK 73072
Gilcrease Museum is located in Tulsa. It is one of the best things to do in Oklahoma for art enthusiasts because it's home to the most extensive collection of American Western art on the planet.
It has many artifacts and works from Latin America in an ever-growing collection.
Gilcrease Museum is named after Thomas Gilcrease, an oil industry tycoon who collected art throughout his life and eventually donated his collection - and the property it was housed in - to the city.
The featured artists include Frank Tenney Johnson, Singer Sargent, Charles Marion Russell, Thomas Moran, Frederic Remington, and Winslow Homer.
Outside Gilcrease Museum is 23 acres of different themed gardens, designed to represent different gardening styles in the American West, used across four specified periods.
These include the Rock Garden, Pioneer Garden, and Pre-Colombian Garden.
The museum also boasts three children's areas, with hands-on displays for creative and entertaining education.
Address: 1400 North Gilcrease Museum Road, Tulsa, OK 74127
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Tulsa
The Philbrook Museum of Art is nothing short of gorgeous.
It sits inside a stunning Italian villa-style mansion in Tulsa, and the surrounding grounds are magnificent.
The mansion, which has 72 rooms and three floors, was once the home of an oil tycoon.
Delightfully ornate ceilings, beautiful wooden floors, marble fireplaces, and fountains fill its interior, and 17 art installations are in the exterior gardens.
It's no wonder this is one of the most popular Oklahoma attractions.
Of course, the Philbrook Museum of Art's beauty isn't the site's main draw.
It's the collection of art within that is so impressive, too.
Plenty of Baroque, Asian, and Renaissance works are on display, though its most popular draw is its Native American art collection, featuring pottery, paintings, woven items, and jewelry.
Address: 2727 S Rockford Rd, Tulsa, OK 74114
The J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum is one of the privately-owned Oklahoma attractions.
The massive complex is home to over 50,000 items, including a whopping 12,000 firearms, some dating back to the 1300s.
The museum also provides a good amount of information about Oklahoma City's history and some of the surrounding area.
The museum's exhibits include authentic riding saddles, Wild West items like spurs, Native American artifacts, World War II memorabilia, antique music boxes, and a gallery of outlaw-owned guns.
Among the establishment's many oddities is a huge M41 Walker Bulldog tank used by the United States Army.
The museum also has a recreation of the Mason Hotel's lobby, and live reenactments of historical events are a part of the regular calendar.
Address: 330 N J M Davis Blvd, Claremore, OK 74017
In 1955, the beginnings of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum were started.
Back then, this was just an American Cowboy Hall of Fame of sorts.
Today, it's one of the key places to visit in Oklahoma, holding an extensive and prominent archive of Western artifacts, artworks, and cultural information.
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum galleries are filled with sculptures, paintings, and interactive exhibits.
You'll learn about the Old West, Native American culture, rodeos, and firearms alike.
There's also a western town replica that often holds all manner of educational events.
More than 2,000 items are displayed at the museum, and the Art of the American West gallery is a must-see.
Address: 1700 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
If you're looking for some family-friendly Oklahoma attractions, check out the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.
The site is a tremendous hit with kids with tons of educational demonstrations and events, like elephant shows, giraffe feedings, train rides, boat rides, and touch tanks.
The large establishment of the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is home to the unique Oklahoma Trails habitat.
This naturalistic environment houses approximately 800 individual animals across a hundred local species, each living peacefully in one of 11 life zones designed to mimic natural habitats.
In addition, spaces like the Ozark Highlands, Black Mesa, and Big Rivers boast a 25-foot Turner Falls replica.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden also have several non-native animal species, such as those from Africa and Asia.
In addition, a 7-acre expanse is dedicated explicitly to endangered Asian animals.
Address: 2101 NE 50th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions In Oklahoma City
Science Museum Oklahoma is one of the most interesting Oklahoma attractions, especially for those visiting with children.
The establishment is filled to the brim with various fascinating exhibits suitable for all ages.
Spanning nearly 8 acres, its displays are interactive and teach about things like physics, biology, outer space, and every imaginable scientific topic.
Science Museum Oklahoma has an amusing feature called CurioCity, a 20,000-square-foot indoor city packed with activities and learning opportunities.
There are also plenty of chances throughout the museum for kids to create, design, build, and invent while learning about technology, art, and science.
There are also outdoor areas dedicated to botany, relaxation, and nature.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Oklahoma City
Address: 2020 Remington Pl, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Also Read: Best Science Museums in the USA
If you're seeking things to do in Oklahoma that will really immerse you in local culture, check out the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
It is a part of the Donald W. Reynolds Visual Arts Center and has several temporary and permanent exhibits while offering a mix of film screenings.
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art has a variety of prints, paintings, sculptures, and photos, including an impressive collection of European and American works from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Works by Renoir, Courbet, and O'Keeffe are just a few of the notable names.
The museum is also home to one of the world's most extensive collections of glass works by Dale Chihuly, including a 55-foot Memorial Tower.
Address: 415 Couch Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
The highly unique home known as the Cave House of Tulsa is one of the most one-of-a-kind spots in Oklahoma.
It was initially built as a cave restaurant speakeasy during the 1920s Prohibition era, welcoming outlaws and unsavory characters.
Today, the Cave House of Tulsa is privately owned by a mother-daughter pair and has been decorated with various furnishings and decor made by the owners from found recycled items.
The quirky house and its mysterious rooms in haphazard mazes, stucco walls that curve and slope, and jagged bumps that stick out from the walls are fascinating to experience.
It's said that there's a tunnel network beneath the Cave House of Tulsa.
Many consider the house to be haunted, as the tunnels may hold dead bodies.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Tulsa
Address: 1623 Charles Page Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74127
The Oklahoma Aquarium is a must-see in Oklahoma.
More than a hundred exhibits color the expansive museum-like aquarium with vibrant fish and creatures, allowing you to get up close and personal with them.
Within its walls, you'll find numerous local and exotic marine animals.
Situated south of Tulsa in Jenks, this 72,000-square-foot establishment is renowned for having the world's biggest bullhead shark "population," which can be seen in its Shark Adventure exhibit.
The Aquatic Oklahoma exhibit is also quite well-known, as it is the home of a 120-year-old alligator snapping turtle.
In addition, there are seven other zones, including Sea Turtle Island, Extreme Fishes, Polynesian Reef, and Eco Zone.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Jenks
Address: 300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks, OK 74037
Also Read: 25 Best Aquariums in the US
The E.W. Marland Mansion was the home of the eponymous congressman, governor, oil magnate, and billionaire in the 1920s.
Unique in many ways, Marland wasn't concerned about his construction budget and expanded the mansion's edifice to a total of 43,561 square feet.
The E.W. Marland Mansion is one of the best places in Oklahoma for art lovers.
While its chandeliers of crystal and floors of marble make it opulent, the true uniqueness of the building is in its ceilings.
Those ceilings were individually hand-painted by an Italian muralist, who spent three years drawing gorgeous murals on them.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Ponca City
Address: 901 Monument Rd, Ponca City, OK 74604
The Woody Guthrie Center is a museum dedicated to world-renowned Oklahoma-born folk singer Woody Guthrie, the writer of This Land is Your Land.
In fact, that song's original lyrics, as hand-written by Guthrie himself, are on display at the center. This is one of the most interesting specialized Oklahoma attractions you'll find.
The Woody Guthrie Center is filled with various artifacts and objects related to this icon of the American folk genre.
An exterior mural features an image of Guthrie beneath his lyrics, complete with his guitar bearing the words "this machine kills fascists".
Inside, you can find the entire collection of his songs, writing, and art in the Woody Guthrie Archives, musical instruments, information on the Dust Bowl, and numerous videos.
You can stop at the lyric-writing station to express your creativity if you get inspired.
However, if you're more of a creative consumer, you can stop at the listening station instead.
Address: 102 E Reconciliation Way, Tulsa, OK 74103
Built in 1903 by the titular founder of Oklahoma City, the Henry Overholser Mansion is believed to be the municipality's very first mansion.
It contains a whopping 20 rooms on its three floors.
The mansion remained within the Overholser family for many years but eventually developed into a tourist attraction.
It has since become one of the most popular things to do in Oklahoma City.
The Henry Overholser Mansion is filled with original decorations, furniture, and fixtures, which the Oklahoma City Historical Society has preserved.
The site offers hour-long tours led by highly knowledgeable docents who grant you a close insight into life at the turn of the century.
On top of that, the mansion is rumored to be haunted!
Address: 405 NW 15th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
The 45th Infantry Museum honors the military service of the state of Oklahoma.
It is situated in Oklahoma City, the site of among the first activated National Guard units during the Second World War.
The museum is built within an armory that dates back to the 1930s.
When you arrive, you're greeted by Thunderbird Park, a 15-acre open space filled with military vehicles like artillery, aircraft, and tanks.
The 45th Infantry Museum houses quite an eclectic group of displays within its 27,000 square feet, and you'll be surprised by the kinds of items you can view.
You can see oddities such as a mirror belonging to Adolf Hitler, the extensive Reaves Firearm Collection, and a gas mask made for children that looks like Mickey Mouse.
For history buffs, this is one of the top attractions in Oklahoma.
Address: 2145 NE 36th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
If you enjoy unusual and bizarre sites, then one of the places to visit in Oklahoma is undoubtedly the Museum of Osteology.
It was created by Jay Villemarette, the owner of osteological specimen supplier Skulls Unlimited International.
Situated right next to the business store, the museum spans 7,000 square feet and contains over 400 skulls and 300 complete skeletons, with 5,000 bones across 2,500 species.
All specimens are sourced ethically.
The Museum of Osteology's collection is nothing short of extensive.
There's a 2,500-pound, 40-foot skeleton of a humpback whale, a rare Javan rhinoceros skeleton, and a two-faced calf, among other oddities.
You'll even get to see a Komodo dragon skeleton that was gifted to late President George W. Bush.
Of course, there are more familiar bones, too, like giraffes, elephants, and gorillas, though there's something to be said for the more unique offerings, such as the potoroo, kinkajou, and saiga.
Address: 10301 S Sunnylane Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73160
The Toy and Action Figure Museum has got to be one of the most unique spots in Oklahoma, as it's the only museum in the world dedicated to action figures and the art and culture surrounding them.
Situated in the quiet, unassuming town of Paul's Valley, it is home to more than 13,000 individual and unique figures, most of which remain in their original packaging, entirely unopened.
When you enter The Toy and Action Figure Museum, your eye will likely be drawn to its main attraction: a vast diorama filled with thousands of different figures from various franchises.
You'll be able to spot X-Wing fighters, Spider-Man, Peewee's Playhouse characters, and Psycho-Man, all in the same imaginative space.
The rest of The Toy and Action Figure Museum is divided into themed sections.
For example, there's a room called the Batcave packed with Batman collectibles and figures and a section filled with cartoon works by local illustrators.
The non-profit museum is a cool and fun location, and it's worth a visit whether or not you like toys and action figures.
Address: 111 S Chickasaw St, Pauls Valley, OK 73075
The Museum of the Great Plains is located in Lawton.
Fans of natural history will find this one of the most fascinating Oklahoma attractions.
Through multiple hands-on displays, you'll learn about the pioneers, the Native Americans, and the cultural heritage of the west.
The Museum of the Great Plains also houses several historic buildings outside its primary building.
You'll find a trading post, a train depot, and a schoolhouse, among other structures.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Lawton
Address: 601 NW Ferris Ave, Lawton, OK 73507
The Chickasaw Cultural Center is one of Oklahoma's most exciting places to visit.
It focuses on celebrating the heritage, culture, and stories of the Chickasaw people.
Located in Sulphur, this world-class establishment offers informative experiences to teach its lessons.
The Chickasaw Cultural Center exhibit center is called the Chikasha Poya Exhibit Center.
Here, you'll see historic artifacts, a mosaic tile display, a 360-degree interactive display of a spirit dance, and a Spirit Forest.
The Chickasaw Cultural Center also has Aaholiitobli' Honor Garden as a part of its grounds.
The garden focuses on honoring and memorializing the leaders, warriors, and elders of the Chickasaw people, complete with laser-cut portraits.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Sulphur
Address: 867 Cooper Memorial Rd, Sulphur, OK 73086
Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park is one of the Oklahoma attractions close to Route 66, just a few miles off.
It was created by the titular artist, who spent decades, beginning in 1938, creating homemade decorations out of concrete.
Galloway was an art teacher, and when he left his job, he decided he would make totem poles out of sturdy construction materials.
Galloway used steel, rebar, and concrete to create various vibrant totems, which he built in what would become Totem Pole Park.
The centerpiece, a large 90-foot-tall towering totem, took a whopping 11 years to complete.
It is completely covered, from top to bottom, in reliefs of characters and animals, with breathtaking 200 carvings.
There are also four Native American figures on the top, each depicting a different tribe.
Address: 21300 OK-28 A, Chelsea, OK 74016
The 99s Museum of Women Pilots is the world's only museum dedicated to women pilots, making it one of the most unique attractions in Oklahoma.
It sits on the second floor of the headquarters of the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots, an organization with a long history.
The organization was created as the first group for women pilots back in 1929.
It was forced after the Air Race Classic, the first air race that did not bar women pilots.
Of the 20 women who participated in the heavily criticized race, 14 completed it, a significant number in the early days of flight - especially as some pilots were sabotaged.
The racers then decided to form an organization for women pilots, and of the 117 women pilots in the nation, 99 agreed - thus giving the group its name.
The 99s Museum of Women Pilots offers a close look at the history of women pilots.
You'll learn about the first woman to receive a pilot's license in the country, the first African-American woman pilot, and a woman who built a biplane in her living room.
In addition, numerous personal items belonged to Amelia Earhart.
Address: 4300 Amelia Earhart Ln, Oklahoma City, OK 73159
The Cherokee Heritage Center is situated in what is widely considered the capital of the Cherokee Indian Nation, Tahlequah.
Located to the southeast of Tulsa, between the border of Arkansas and Muskogee, the center is one of the most exciting places in Oklahoma.
You'll gain insight into Native American history in an educational and engaging way.
The Cherokee Heritage Center contains an expansive outdoor museum space where exhibits recreate a 1710 Cherokee Village.
There are also multiple wooden buildings in the Adams Corner Rural Village designed to bring you back in time to the life of the 1890s Cherokee people.
Address: 21192 S Keeler Dr, Park Hill, OK 74451
Tiger Safari, or the Tiger Safari Zoological Park, spans 45 acres of incredible environments that house all manner of native and exotic animals.
There are more than 150 animals here, including snakes, African wildcats, owls, lemurs, bears, monkeys, and many other birds and reptiles.
This might be one of the best things for animal lovers in Oklahoma!
At Tiger Safari, you can enjoy a variety of unique experiences and animal encounters, including feeding and playing with baby tigers.
In addition, there are games, live events, a petting zoo, and even overnight stays where you can spend the night in an African-style hut.
This is an excellent spot for families with children, and the establishment prides itself on providing information and education on exotic creature care.
Address: 963 County Street 2930, Tuttle, OK 73089
Also Read: 30 Best Zoos in the USA
Fans of the late great entertainer Will Rogers, who passed away in 1935, consider the Will Rogers Memorial Museum one of the best Oklahoma attractions.
The museum is situated in Claremore and is a lovely tribute to America's so-called Cowboy Philosopher.
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum contains a total of 12 galleries. Its centerpiece is a stunning sculpture of the titular artist himself.
Created by Jo Davidson, the sculpture bears a carving of a famous Will Rogers quote on its base.
The museum displays various artifacts and is the proud owner of the most extensive collection of items related to the entertainer.
There are manuscripts, documentaries, memorabilia, speeches, photos, and what may be all of Rogers' writings.
The establishment also has a theater, a library, and a children's museum.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Claremore
Address: 1720 W Will Rogers Blvd, Claremore, OK 74017
Since Oklahoma is so known for its severe and unusual occurrences of extreme weather, it makes sense that one of the things to do in Oklahoma is to visit the National Weather Center.
Just south of the state's capital, the center comprises various agencies that operate anywhere from local to federal levels.
Climatologists, technicians, meteorologists, scientists, partners in research and development, engineers, and various academic institutions work here.
Tours of the National Weather Center are expertly guided.
In addition, you'll get to visit the Storm Prediction Center, the School of Meteorology of Oklahoma University, and of course, numerous unique parts of the main center itself.
Do note that advance reservations are needed.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Norman
Address: 120 David L Boren Blvd, Norman, OK 73072
Armstrong Auditorium, located in Edmund, is a majestic performing arts venue- one of Oklahoma's most prestigious attractions.
It is designed with opulence, boasting chandeliers made with Swarovski Strass crystals and a candelabra that was used in the 2,500th-anniversary celebration of the Persian Empire.
With an impressive eight stories to its name, Armstrong Auditorium attracts a wide variety of world-renowned tours and performers, such as the Vienna Boys Choir and Russian National Ballet.
The auditorium is also the site of the eponymous Armstrong International Cultural Foundation Performing Arts Series.
It is dedicated to sponsoring various entertainment acts, such as ballet, jazz, folk music, folk dance, classical, and theater performances.
The Armstrong Auditorium's main auditorium seats 823 individuals, with roomy seats and modern, state-of-the-art visual, audio, and acoustic technology.
It's nothing short of a comfortable, welcoming, and enriching experience!
Accommodation: Where to stay in Edmond
Address: 14400 S Bryant Rd B, Edmond, OK 73034
Beavers Bend State Resort Park is a top-rated Oklahoma state park. Situated close to Broken Bow, it encompasses several sites in one.
These are Hochatown State Park, Beavers Bend State Park, Cedar Creek Golf Course, Lakeview Lodge, and the Forest Heritage Center.
Outdoor enthusiasts consider Beavers Bend State Resort Park one of the best Oklahoma attractions, and for a good reason.
It's filled with lovely waterways, such as rivers and lakes, that give you a chance to boat and fish to your heart's content.
In addition, the park's nature center offers programs for people of all ages for fun daily activities.
Those extending their outdoor adventure can camp at RV and tent sites, some of which have electricity and water facilities.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Broken Bow
Address: Hwy 259 N, Steven's Gap Rd, Broken Bow, OK 74728
The many things to do in Oklahoma cater to all tastes and interests. There are museums and art galleries, sites related to nature and animals, several unique and heavily niche attractions, and many more. This list of the top Oklahoma attractions barely scratches the surface of all the incredible things that the Sooner State has to offer.