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Print10 things to do in Oklahoma City
The Chesapeake Boathouse at night.
Chesapeake Boathouse
1. State Capitol
In 1914, construction of Oklahoma’s state Capitol began. Nearly 88 years later, in 2002, the building was finished when it was topped with a dome that had been postponed because of a lack of funding. In addition to decades of state history, the building also houses artwork by Oklahoma artists in its three galleries. The Capitol is open from 8:30-5:30 daily. Guided tours are available from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 1-800-652-6552 to schedule a tour.
2. Bricktown Canal and Entertainment District
The Bricktown Canal and Entertainment District in the heart of downtown OKC thrives day and night, pumping out entertainment for all ages. Take the family to a baseball game at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark; join friends at one of the many restaurants, shops and clubs; or enjoy a water taxi ride on Bricktown’s canal. New attractions and events pop up in Bricktown weekly, so visit the district’s website for more information: www.bricktownokc.com.
3. Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
On April 19, 1995, Oklahomans mourned as 168 lives were lost forever under the rubble of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. In the building’s place today stands the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, designed as a tribute to those lives lost and changed by the bombing. With a museum that displays the minutes before and after the explosion and an outdoor memorial with a reflection pool and field of empty chairs, one for each life lost, visitors walk away from this site with a better understanding of the tragedy. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1-6 p.m., Sunday. The outdoor memorial is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
4. Oklahoma City Zoo
At this zoo, you’ll see much more than just lions, tigers and bears. Take the family on a journey through exhibits such as Great Escape, a tropical jungle filled with orangutans and chimpanzees. Or for a break from the wild side, rent a swan paddle boat for Zoo Lake, watch the fun-filled sea lion show or enjoy a concert at the Zoo Amphitheater. For zoo hours and prices, visit www.okczoo.com.
5. Paseo Arts District
Get in touch with your creative side at the Paseo Arts District, home to 17 art galleries and more than 60 artists. Enjoy the galleries that are part of the city’s oldest arts district, or take part in pottery, jewelry, oil painting or even yoga classes. For a list of featured artists and a calendar of events, visit www.thepaseo.com.
6. Martin Park Nature Center
The Martin Park Nature Center is a fun-filled adventure for the whole family. Depending on the season of your visit, you can see anything from deer to coyotes and even armadillos. The park also includes a hands-on museum and browsing library. Open 51 weeks a year from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. For guided nature hikes, call (405) 755-0676. To learn about the park, visit www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.
7. Chesapeake Boathouse
The Chesapeake Boathouse is Oklahoma City’s newest recreational and outdoor attraction. Located on the Oklahoma River, the architecturally exceptional boathouse offers rowing, kayaking and dragon boating lessons and rentals. Or stay dry and enjoy a scenic ride along the river with a bicycle rental. Chesapeake Boathouse also boasts a fitness center with classes and state-of-the-art equipment. Call (405) 552-4040 for hours and prices or visit www.chesapeakboathouse.org.
8. National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Journey back into the Wild West at The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. This museum houses pieces of art and historical artifacts — all showcasing the vibrant and exciting life in the American West. To learn more about prices, times and exhibitions, visit www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.
9. Oklahoma City Museum of Art
See art from around the world at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, located in the city’s arts district. This museum flaunts permanent American and European collections, including a compilation of Dale Chihuly glass and ever-changing international exhibits. Or immerse yourself in cinematic art at the museum’s movie theater, which showcases independent, classic and international films. Go to www.okcmoa.com for prices and museum hours.
10. Stockyards City
Booming since the early 1900s, Stockyards City helped to make OKC into the thriving metropolis it is today. Today, the streets are lined with signs of authentic Oklahoma culture — restaurants with good ol’ country cooking, a gallery filled with Oklahoma native art and jewelry, and shops overflowing with western wear. Don’t forget to visit the Oklahoma Centennial Rodeo Opry, where country and western entertainers get their chance to “cowboy up” and make the crowd yee-haw! For more information, visit www.stockyardscity.org.
