Awards & recognition
About this city
Also known as: The Big Friendly, OKC
As the capital and most populous metropolis of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City is centrally positioned within Oklahoma County along the scenic North Canadian River. Founded in a single frantic day on April 22, 1889, during the historic 'Land Run,' when over 10,000 pioneers rushed to claim town lots, the city boomed overnight. The discovery of colossal petroleum reserves directly beneath the city in 1928 permanently supercharged its economic trajectory, leaving active oil wells pumping directly on the state capitol lawns for generations. Today, Oklahoma City is a sophisticated global mega-city housing Fortune 500 headquarters, a world-class arts scene, and a roaring sports spirit anchored by the NBA Oklahoma City Thunder. The contemporary cityscape perfectly pairs its glittering downtown skyscraper districts with a brilliantly revitalized canal-side entertainment hub.
Location & Administrative
Transportation & Accessibility
Weather & Timing
Economics & Local Vibe
Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 2–3 days
Reflect on poignant historic archives and stand before the serene reflecting pool at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Catch a trendy water taxi, dine, or enjoy nightlife along the brick-lined warehouse canals of the vibrant Bricktown district. Explore the world's largest collections of historic western oil paintings and cowboy saddles at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Museums & Culture
18Museums14
Oklahoma National Guard Museum
American Banjo Museum
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology
Chisholm Trail Heritage Center & Garis Gallery of the American West
First Americans Museum
Museum of the Great Plains
Oklahoma History Center
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
Science Museum Oklahoma
The Toy & Action Figure Museum
Oklahoma Hall of Fame
Oklahoma Railway Museum
History & Heritage
9Historic Sites4
Historic Neighborhoods3
Monuments & Statues1
Cemeteries & Memorials1
Architecture & Landmarks
4
Parks & Nature
14State Parks5
Beavers Bend State Park
Beavers Bend State Park - Hochatown Area
Robbers Cave State Park
Lake Wister State Park
