Star quality
Train like an Olympian at Riversport, a one-stop-shop for many popular outdoor sports. Used by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams as a training site, members of the public can practice rowing, kayaking, canoeing and dragon boating. Braver souls can ride the waves on a whitewater rafting session on the attraction’s very own rapids. Sunrise and sunset paddling are available too.
Their stories
Out of the destruction and despair of the 1995 bombing, the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum was forged to tell the stories of those impacted. Its moving exhibits include the Museum’s Gallery of Honour and The Memorial’s Field of Empty Chairs which honour the fallen; and the only surviving wall of the blast, etched with the names of the 600 survivors. Make sure to also visit the nearby Survivor Tree.
Relaxing refuge
Unwind in one of Oklahoma City’s 170-plus parks, public gardens and green spaces. Wander through the Myriad Botanical Gardens to spot various species of plants, or spend the day fishing, picnicking or playing sport at South Lakes Park. A particularly serene spot is the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, with its 1,000 acres of marshes, trees, brush and trail, which can be explored by canoe or kayak.
First Americans
Experience the collective history of 39 of Oklahoma’s Indigenous groups in one place. The 175,000 square-foot First American nations Oklahoma museum, located in Oklahoma City’s new Horizons District, showcases state-of-the-art exhibitions in First American history. There are a host of community events and educational programmes, plus a café offering Indigenous-inspired cuisine.
Spurs on
Saddle up for the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which showcases all things from the American West. Exhibits include a look at cowboy culture, with examples of how saddles, spurs and bits changed over time; an immersive celebration of Rodeo; and Native American painting, pottery and textiles. There’s even an impressive replica of a turn-of-the-twentieth-century cattle town.
Thunder clap
As the home to Thunder Basketball, a visit to Oklahoma City is the perfect opportunity to catch a game and blend in with the locals. Since the team’s arrival in 2008, the fandom has exploded and become an integral part of the state’s culture. Vist the arena to experience the electric atmosphere of an NBA game, ideal for families, groups, and couples and not just basketball enthusiasts!
