Take a Walk on the Wild Side of Oklahoma City

Added: 04/12/2006

The state of Oklahoma has plenty of attractions for tranquil sightseeing, many of them related to the state's past. There are museums about cowboys and about the white settlers who moved into the area in the 1800s and 1900s. Oklahoma really stands out in its wealth of Native American museums, historic sites and cultural gatherings. So slip into something comfortable. Let's take a walk on the wild side of Oklahoma City.

Native American tribes are forced to relocate; land-crazed settlers are rushing to claim a piece of ground; Dust Bowl farmers are escaping a state that is blowing away... Yes, that's what Oklahoma's past looked like. What you'll find here today, though, is quiet and relaxation. Even the large cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma City seem uncrowded and unhurried, and Oklahomans everywhere in the state seem more than happy to engage visitors in some leisurely conversation. Once known as the Indian Territory, Oklahoma still has the largest Native American population of any U.S. state.

With the same spirit of the pioneers who created one of the most dynamic young towns of the early century, today's Oklahoma City offers visitors a fun-filled combination of attractions, events, restaurants and amenities. The city's western, pioneer spirit can most easily be seen in some of Oklahoma City's top attractions, like the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Remington Park Race Track, Stockyards City, Frontier City Theme Park, and the Red Earth Indian Center. If you want to experience a little of the real West of today, head to Stockyards City, a few minutes west of downtown.

Stockyards City is home to the world's largest stocker and feeder livestock market with cowboys and ranchers bringing in cattle to be sold at auction. When the trading is over, you are welcome to have a meal at Cattlemen's Steakhouse, the oldest restaurant in Oklahoma City. There are also many western wear and cowboy specialty shops here, or you can pick up a watercolor or sculpture from a Native American artist at one of the fine art galleries.

Oklahoma City's Adventure District is the center of family fun. There you'll find the Omniplex, seven museums and numerous galleries all housed under one large roof. The science museum is a perfect place to explore, and with more than 300 hands-on exhibits, the kids may learn something interesting. But a visit to the Omniplex wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Red Earth Indian Center, the Air Space Museum, the International Photography Hall of Fame, Kirkpatrick Planetarium, the Gardens and Greenhouse, or the OmniDome, a 70-mm IWERKS theatre. Frontier City, a western-style theme park, is sure to get your adrenaline racing. There is also the 110-acre Oklahoma City Zoo.

This zoo and gardens features natural habitats and exhibits. And then there is Remington Park, Oklahoma City's world class horse racing facility. This is a stop the race fan won't want to miss. Oklahoma City is known as the "horse show capitol of the world," hosting more major horse shows than any other city. Nearly every week at State Fair Park there are hundreds of horse trailers carrying Morgans, Quarter horses, Arabians and Reining horses.

A great concentration of Oklahoma City's modern-day urban vitality is found in Bricktown, an early-day warehouse district transformed in the last decade to become the fastest growing entertainment district in the Southwest.

On top of the great attraction, beautiful lakes, parks and championship golf courses and top notch tennis facilities also await the outdoor enthusiasts.

With all of these things happening in Oklahoma City you are sure to fill your days with fun and adventure.

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