Southwest
An Oklahoma travel guide stacked with unique museums, nature-filled stops across the Sooner State
If you’re traveling to Oklahoma, there is so much the Sooner State has to offer.
Oklahoma is home to several historical stops, including the somber Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, which honors those who were killed and survivors of the horrific bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in April 1995.
In addition to the many museums throughout Oklahoma, the state also includes Bricktown, a bustling entertainment district in Oklahoma City full of shops and dining opportunities that visitors and locals love.
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Read more about these destinations and more to consider for a trip to Oklahoma below.
- National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
- Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
- Bricktown
- Myriad Botanical Gardens
- Beavers Bend State Park
Popular spots to visit in Oklahoma include Myriad Botanical Gardens and Bricktown. (Getty Images)
1. National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is located in Oklahoma City.
The museum was founded in 1955, according to its website, and is “America’s premier institution of Western History, art and culture,” per the source.
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While at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, you’ll be immersed in the Old West with artifacts, art and educational exhibits.
2. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum will be a somber experience.
It will allow guests to pay tribute to the fallen and learn more about the tragic event in American history.
On April 19, 1995, a homemade bomb inside a rental truck exploded near the north entrance of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society.
The bombing claimed the lives of 168 people and injured around 850 people, per the source.
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was created to honor those who were affected by the bombing of 1995. (Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The attack was a domestic one, carried out by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, who were military veterans of the Gulf War, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Today, visitors can go to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum to honor those who lost their lives and also learn more about the tragic events of the day.
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“We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence,” the memorial and museum says on its website.
3. Bricktown
The entertainment district of Bricktown in Oklahoma City is the perfect spot to spend a night out.
There are tons of restaurants, bars and shops in Bricktown for visitors to check out.
Plus, you can get a scenic view of the spot by taking a cruise along the canal in a water taxi.
Bricktown is full of shops, restaurants and bars to explore during your trip to the Sooner State. (Shane Bevel/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
There are also plenty of hotels to book in Bricktown if you want to stay at the center of the action during your travels.
4. Myriad Botanical Gardens
If you’re looking for relaxation on your vacation, consider visiting the Myriad Botanical Gardens.
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The Myriad Botanical Gardens are in downtown Oklahoma City.
The 15-acre botanical gardens not only provide a tranquil experience for adults, they’re also a great destination for families.
There are lots of events that go on throughout the year for kids as well as a vintage carousal to take a ride on during your trip.
5. Beavers Bend State Park
Beavers Bend State Park is a popular tourist destination in Oklahoma.
There is so much to do and see at Beavers Bend State Park, including hiking, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking and more.
Guests who visit Beavers Bend State Park can be one with nature as they camp under the stars throughout their trip. (iStock)
If you wish to stay at Beavers Bend State Park, there is a campground featuring campsites for tent camping as well as for RVs. Additionally, there are cabins at the campground if you prefer.
There’s also a lodge at Beavers Bend State Park where you can choose to stay if you don’t wish to camp during your travels.
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Elias Abdul Shabazz, 34, formerly of Perris, was found guilty by a jury following a five-day trial, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Prosecutors said Shabazz had led the victim to believe they were in a romantic relationship before he turned physically and sexually violent. He began demanding that the victim engage in commercial sex acts from May to October of 2021, court documents said.
He carried a handgun with him and, on occasion, was accused of using it to pistol-whip the victim. He also fired the gun at her feet while threatening to kill her, prosecutors said.
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“Sex trafficking matters rank among the most tragic cases our office prosecutes,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “This defendant will now face many years in a federal prison cell for his sick, disgusting, and disturbing behavior.”
“Elias Shabazz preyed on a vulnerable victim using physical and sexual violence and cruel psychological coercion to compel commercial sex acts for his own profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “There is no place for this type of conduct in civilized society. We deeply respect the victim’s courage to face her trafficker in court. The Criminal Division will continue to bring these cases and try them.”
Anyone with information about human trafficking can report tips to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888
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