Things to do in Oklahoma, United States: The Best Historic Sites

June 22, 2021 Phylicia Berquist

With hundreds of man-made lakes, state parks, casinos, museums and nightlife and dining opportunities in revitalized downtown areas in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, there is a lot to see and do in the Sooner State. The state is dotted with phenomenal lakes where swimming, boating and bass fishing are the most desired activities. Some of the state’s most popular lakes include Broken Bow Lake located near the Quachita Mountains; Grand Lake in the northeastern corner of the state at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and Lake Murray in the hills in the southern part of the state. While the state is known for its many outdoor activities like great fishing, golf, hiking, canoeing and boating, make sure you don’t overlook its fantastic museums. Heading the list are Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, featuring the world’s largest collection of art and artifacts from the American West; the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, which tells the story of the American Cowboy; and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, which has a permanent collection of American and European art. A venerable family favorite activity is Frontier City Amusement Park in Oklahoma City, which has dozens of rides and shows.
Restaurants in Oklahoma

1. Pioneer Heritage Townsite Center

200 N 9th St, Frederick, OK 73542-5419 +1 580-335-5844 [email protected] http://www.okhistory.org/outreach/museums/pioneertownsite.html
Excellent
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Pioneer Heritage Townsite Center

Reviewed By 810taylor - Oklahoma City, United States

We were returning home from Wichita Falls and stopped in one hour prior to closing to see the Abernathy boys exhibit. The guide was more than happy to open up the barn and give a talk. The two boys made trips on horses, a car and a motorcycle. They crossed the US, rode from Oklahoma to New York and others. This at the tender ages of 5 and 9. We will return when we have more time and visit the other exhibits.

2. Sequoyah's Cabin Museum

470288 Highway 101, Sallisaw, OK 74955-7306 +1 877-779-6977 [email protected] http://www.visitcherokeenation.com/attractions/sequoyahs-cabin-museum
Excellent
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5.0 based on 62 reviews

Sequoyah's Cabin Museum

Located in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated as a National Literary Landmark in 2006. Sequoyah, creator of the Cherokee written language, built this one-room log cabin in 1829, shortly after moving to Oklahoma. Surrounded by a 10-acre park, the actual cabin is located inside a stone memorial structure, built by the Works Progress Administration in 1936. Stepping inside, you’ll experience what it might have been like when Sequoyah originally lived there. Relics and documents associated with his life are on display for visitors to see.

Reviewed By Slugpuppy3 - Fort Smith, United States

This is a historically interesting place, and it has a lovely little park for a picnic lunch & a walk around. Everyone we encountered was very friendly.

3. Jim Thorpe Birthplace

809 N Jim Thorpe Blvd Directions to Monument in Information, Prague, OK 74864-4522 http://www.okhistory.org/sites/thorpehome
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Jim Thorpe Birthplace

4. Moore-Lindsay Historic House Museum

508 N Peters Ave, Norman, OK 73069-7251 +1 405-321-0156 [email protected] http://www.normanmuseum.org/
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Moore-Lindsay Historic House Museum

The Moore-Lindsay Historic House Museum is an 1899 Queen Anne Victorian style home that was owned by two of Norman's early prominent residents, William Moore and Harry Lindsay. Come visit the museum for a trip back in time to the early 1900s of Norman and Oklahoma Territory. This museum includes many original furnishings as well as temporary local history exhibits and an interactive space for kids.

5. Henry Overholser Mansion

405 NW 15th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103-3503 +1 405-525-5325 [email protected] http://www.overholsermansion.org
Excellent
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4.5 based on 136 reviews

Henry Overholser Mansion

Henry Overholser was an entrepreneur who came to Oklahoma during the 1889 Land Run. He and his wife Anna Overholser saw potential in the land surrounding what is now known as the Heritage Hills neighborhood and constructed one of the first mansions to the area in 1903. The home was an attraction for social networking and gatherings in the wake of Oklahoma's impending statehood and stands today in almost complete structural integrity to its original turn-of-the-century construction.​​ Today, visitors can tour the 3 story mansion alongside our Museum Coordinator, and participate in future events hosted on the premises by Preservation Oklahoma, the state's only non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the state's ​oldest cultural homes and structures.​​

Reviewed By Teammilitello - Des Moines, United States

We loved our tour guide. She shared so many fun & entertaining stories. It’s rare to tour a home with its original furnishings, so this is a gem! The servants’ house next door is larger than most people’s homes.

6. Osage County Historical Museum

700 Lynn Ave, Pawhuska, OK 74056-3238 +1 918-287-9119 [email protected]
Excellent
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4.5 based on 21 reviews

Osage County Historical Museum

Reviewed By 6389LovetoTravel - Wichita, United States

This museum is relatively small, but very well done. So much history and much of it from the last 100 years, so everyone can relate to some of it. Staff was very friendly and informative, but gave time for us to browse at our leisure. They did an excellent job with the local history. Plan to spend a couple of hours here to get the full experience.

7. The Ritz

10 W Main St, Shawnee, OK 74801-6832 +1 405-623-3803
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

The Ritz

8. Autograph Rock

HC 1 7 miles north and 7 miles west of Boise City, Boise City, OK 73933-9801 +1 580-544-3344 http://www.ohwy.com/ok/a/autorock.htm
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4.5 based on 6 reviews

Autograph Rock

This historical rock bears more than 200 signatures of people who passed it on the Santa Fe Trail between 1822 and the 1880s. Located on private property, visits can be arranged by calling in advance.

9. Will Rogers Dog Iron Ranch and Birthplace Home

2 Miles East Of Town, Oologah, OK +1 918-341-0719 http://www.willrogers.org/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 60 reviews

Will Rogers Dog Iron Ranch and Birthplace Home

Birthplace of Will Rogers, now also a nature reserve.

Reviewed By jbwhitehouse - Dallas, United States

Self-guiding tour of the house where Will Rogers was born and the barn where there are some animals including a less than day-old goat when we visited. This gives a good picture of Will Roger’s parentage and origins. Worthwhile excursion.

10. Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

18555 Hwy 47A, OK 73628 +1 580-497-2742 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/waba/index.htm
Excellent
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4.5 based on 66 reviews

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

On November 27, 1868, Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer led the 7th U.S. Cavalry on a surprise dawn attack on a Cheyenne village led by Peace Chief Black Kettle. The event was an example of the tragic clash of cultures that occurred during the Great Plains Wars. It is also a place of remembrance and reflection for those who died here. Watch Destiny at Dawn: This 27-minute is a great way to begin your visit. Delve into the visitor center museum: Become immersed in the stories of that cold winter's day of in November 1868. Stare out the window at the breathtaking view of the Washita River valley. Browse through the books in our Western National Parks Association bookstore. Examine the touch tables: Examine Bison objects the Cheyenne would have used, such as a Bison stomach and bladder. Learn the importance of the Bison to the Cheyenne. See what items a 7th Cavalry soldier would have carried with him in the field. A Walk in the Park: The 1.5 mile trail is self guided.

Reviewed By Poudre1 - Bellvue, United States

The 30 minute film is a very well done explanation of what occurred. This was a very dark day for the US Calvary. This is just another instance in which Custer, in all his arrogance and ill will, happily participated in. One more reason to despise this evil person. The Park Ranger was friendly and helpful. The store has many area history books

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