Tourist Attractions in Oklahoma
Vacation Ideas

These artifacts are related to every phase of the cowboys work including rodeo, barbed wire and horsemanship plus some trophies on display. They also have an outstanding collection of photographs which tell the story of the old west.

The Museum’s primary goals are to preserve the heritage of the old west and present it to the public in ways that are clearly understood.

By fulfilling these goals, the Museum’s collections and presentations are well known all over the world and their visitors’ count is in the millions per year.

Occasionally, the Museum turns into an art gallery by having a showing and a sale of western art by distinguished artists.

The Museum has a research center which sponsors educational programs which motivate interest in the history of the American West. This center also serves as a library of related subjects.

With 1,700+ animals it has all of the typical zoo creatures such as lions, tigers, leopards, chimpanzees, bears, bison, etc.However, with the Childrens’ Zoo added in 2010, you can expect your younger children to be totally entertained.

And who wouldn’t be entertained by petting barnyard animals, exploring "My Secret Forrest" or climbing a wall or riding on a carousel. These are just a few of the features which await you in the Childrens’ Zoo. There are two other sections of the Oklahoma City Zoo that will need to be checked out.

First, there is the beautiful Botanical Garden of which the city is very proud. Second is Aquaticus, which is located in the Noble Aquatic Center. There you will find sea life from around the world from sharks to sea lions.

Take note that a visit to the Oklahoma City Zoo could actually extend to several days, when you realize what is around the corner. Namely, very close to the Zoo are the Science Museum, the Firefighters Museum, the National Cowboy Museum, Tinseltown USA and a first class golf course.

As you walk through the house, you get the feeling that you are viewing a private collection of an art connoisseur. The Museum has collected a massive amount of art which is well displayed in their 30 galleries.

The art on the main level includes 18th and 19th century European and Venetian paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as Baroque and Renaissance paintings of the 16th through 18th-centuries. There are many permanent exhibits from Africa, America, Europe and Asia together with many traveling exhibits.

There is also an extensive collection of American furniture and other similar artifacts. Be sure to check out the Native American and Western collections as well, and before you leave, you might want to visit the restaurant and gift shop or even attend a lecture in the theater, created for just that purpose.

Riding the waves is the probably the best fun of all but take along an inner-tube and you’ll find another dimension to the fun. After the waves you’ll probably head for the slides at the Sidewinder’s Rapids.

For that, you climb up four stories where you have a choice among three double tube slides. Any of the six tubes will give the ride of your life, so stay there until you can’t climb up anymore.

It’s now time for a relaxing water ride, so you head for the Endless River where you float slowly downstream in a never ending cycle. Next stop is the food concessions to re-energize for another go at the waves.

Their interactive exhibits and their excellent displays make your visit both educational and entertaining. Both you and your children will love the "Tinkering Garage" exhibit which provides all of the tools for creative tinkering.

Who knows, you may discover an inventor in the family. The "Destination Space" is a collection of some excellent space artifacts. Included in this collection is the actual Mission Simulator of the Apollo Command Module.

The Museum‘s "Science Live" program involves a science show that can be seen each day. Visitors will observe the mystique of both physics and chemistry including some controlled chemical explosions.

The "Gadget Trees" show-cases the tallest spiral slide known to exist. This is just one of many interactive exhibits at the Science Museum Oklahoma. If you are looking for souvenirs they have some terrific ideas in the Science Shop.

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