Top Ten Attractions in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City National Memorial. Located downtown, this site was built in memory of the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing on April 19, 1995. Each of the 168 lives lost in that bombing is remembered with a chair comprised of stone, bronze and glass. Full size chairs commemorate an adult while the smaller chairs remember the children who lost their lives.
A reflecting pool is at the center of the memorial, which is on the former site of the federal building. A special area for children is on site as well as the “Survivor Tree”, a 60-year-old elm that survived the blast. Open twenty four hours a day every day of the year, the Oklahoma City National Memorial is a somber, sober place to visit but part of our modern American history.
A memorial museum is adjacent at 620 N. Harvey and provides full information about that fatal day.
Oklahoma State Capitol. Located at 2300 Lincoln Boulevard, this mighty building combines classical Greek and Roman architecture into beauty. The Capitol Site Number One oil well is located on the grounds, making the Oklahoma state capitol the ONLY capitol with an oil well. The noteworthy “Statue of A Cowboy” by Constance Warren can be seen at the south entrance.
Oklahoma City Zoo. The oldest zoo in the Southwest, the Oklahoma City Zoo is also one of the best zoos in the nation. It ranks as my family’s favorite zoo anywhere! Over 100 acres offer many species in native habitat. The GreatEsApe showcases gorillas, chimps, and orangutans in a rainforest environment. Endangered species wildcats are viewed from a special overlook area. This zoo features one of the country’s largest collection of hoofstock or animals with hooves. The Endangered Species Carousel and the Zoo Train offer rides that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge. This garden located at Reno Avenue and Robinson Street includes 17 acres of rolling hills surrounding a lake near the central business district. The Crystal Bridge is a 224-foot long, seven-story cylinder made of glass that contains a conservatory. Tropical garden plants from around the globe can be seen here and a walkway through a 35-foot series of rock water falls leads to the top level.
Omniplex. This fantastic collection of multiple museums and exhibits features an Air Space Museum, Art, Historic and Cultural Galleries, a greenhouse and gardens, an International Photography hall of fame, a hands-on science museum, the Red Earth Indian center, a planetarium, and an Omniplex theater. Plan to spend some time here – your family can wander through the exhibits without rushing. There’s a lot to see and even more to learn!
45th Infantry Division Museum. This site offers an in-depth look at Oklahoma’s military history from 1541 to the present. Military vehicles, aircraft, and artillery are present. Many of the famous “Willie and Joe” cartoons drawn by Bill Mauldin are here along with memorabilia from Adolf Hitler’s office.
Museum of Women Pilots, located at the entrance to the Will Rogers World Airport, showcases the history of women in aviation and the 99’s lady pilots that included Amelia Earhart.
Frontier City. This recreated 1800’s Oklahoma town and amusement park can be viewed from I-35. More than a theme park, the old town offers many amusements that include several roller coasters including Diamond Back, Silver Bullet and Wildcat. Another famous ride is the ErUption, a vertical thrill ride. Gunfights break out along Main Street several times each day. Several live shows are also available.
This is a traditional amusement park but the “Old West” theme makes it fun for everyone without being too corny. You’ll feel like you stumbled onto the set of your favorite Western here – and you’ll have fun!
. Tourists can gain full details and information from www.travelok.com or by calling the Oklahoma City Convention and Tourism Bureau at (800) 225-5652
National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum. This site is devoted to the memory of
Western heritage and to American Cowboys. The Rodeo Hall of Fame highlights the history of the sport and its’ performers. Visions of the West Gallery features the idealized American West most Americans know from the silver screen. A typical Western street offers a sod house, marshal’s office, and train depot. Many historic artifacts, artworks, and exhibits showcase both pioneer and Native American life. This museum is a must for anyone who is a fan of the Old West or the cowboy way of life.
White Water Bay. Popular with locals and tourists alike during the hot Oklahoma summers, White Water Bay is ten miles west of I-40. More than thirty water rides include a giant wave pool, inner tube rides, body flumes, waterslides, and a children’s playland.
If you want to know more about other places in the area, log onto www.travelok.com or call the Oklahoma City Convention and Tourism Bureau at (800) 225-5652.
