Wonderful Oklahoma City

The capital of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City sits on the southern Great Plains, and being an oil-rich state it is known as "The Big Friendly."

It was unfortunate that Oklahoma City became well-known when on April 19, 1995, there was a bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The city has set up an outdoor Oklahoma City National Memorial tribute to the victims, survivors, rescuers, and others affected by these events. Now the reflecting pool and the empty chairs have become a well-known symbol of the city. More can be learned about this tragedy at the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden has over 500 animal species among them chinos, gorillas, lions, and tigers. Around the grounds are lovely displays of plants from Oklahoma and around the world. At the zoo visitors can engage in different activities like giraffe feedings and see sea lion shows and there is a stingray touch tank. A great way to experience everything is by taking a boat or train ride.

Myriad Botanical Gardens feature a sunken lake and are among the highlights at the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory with towering palm trees, tropical plants, flowers, waterfalls, and exotic animals. In the garden, you can also find works of art like Gateway by Hans Van de Bovenkamp and Childhood is Everlasting by Robin Orbach.

Science Museum Oklahoma has interactive exhibits for visitors. There are many things for both kids and adults to enjoy. You can step into a tornado stimulator, build giant Legos, walk a tightrope, and so much more. Regular shows are given at the theater and planetarium. Take the time to explore the lovely grounds with a Japanese garden, children's garden, and lawn games and you can have a picnic.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is a large museum that gives you a look into life in the Wild West and has a large collection of historical material, photos, and sculptures, The Rodeo Hall of Fame features rodeo champions. At the Children's Cowboy Corral kids can test their ranching skills.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art has a collection that includes 19th and 20th-century European and American art. Besides the permanent collection, there are also touring national and international exhibitions. The museum also hosts a popular film program.

Bricktown is Oklahoma City's premier entertainment hub. Red-brick warehouses have been converted into shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and attractions. There are also sporting venues here so you can catch a baseball or basketball game, attend a concert, see a movie, or walk along the river walk. Visitors enjoy taking cruises or dinner cruises along the canal.

The Oklahoma History Center is affiliated with the Smithsonian. The center has impressive exhibits about the history of Oklahoma. The exhibits cover everything from Native American history to pioneer life and cowboys and so much more. There are also traveling exhibits and lots of interactive features. Outside you can take a look at the botanical gardens and stroll among sculptures and native plants on the Red River Journey which is a quarter-mile walking tour.

The Oklahoma State Capitol building was built between 1914 and 1917. Its grand central dome wasn't complete until 2007. The building is a classic Greco-Roman structure with an Indiana limestone exterior and an Oklahoma pink and black granite base. Both self-guided and guided tours are available.

Overholser Mansion was the first grand home built in the city by the founder of Oklahoma City, Henry Overholser. The home is a three-story French chateau. Visitors can walk through the furnished rooms.

Family fun starts at Frontier City which is operated by the Six Flags theme parks. This amusement park has a Wild West theme. There are thrill rides like several roller coasters, a classic Ferris Wheel, a carousel, a flume ride, and a mining train among others.

Hurricane Harbor Water Park is another popular family attraction. It offers many water rides such as the Castaway Creek Lazy River and Renegade Rapids. There are several waterslides.