
Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Oklahoma City, United States
1. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
A moving tribute to the victims of the 1995 bombing and a reminder of the spirit of resilience.
- Historical Significance: Provides an insight into one of the deadliest acts of terrorism on American soil.
- Emotional Impact: Encourages empathy, understanding, and healing for all visitors.
- Architectural Design: Features unique and thoughtful architectural elements symbolizing hope and remembrance.
2. The Money Museum
Explore the fascinating world of money, including a rare collection of coins and paper currency.
- Educational Experience: Offers interactive exhibits for visitors to learn about money production and history.
- Rare Artifacts: Showcases some of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world.
- Hands-On Activities: Allows visitors to design their own currency, participate in scavenger hunts, and more.
3. Oklahoma City Zoo's OKCodonk
The world's first and only breeding herd of aardvarks living in a natural habitat.
- Rare Animal Encounters: Offers visitors the opportunity to see these elusive creatures up close.
- Conservation Efforts: Contributes to the global conservation of aardvarks through breeding and research programs.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational resources for visitors about aardvarks and their role in the ecosystem.
4. Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial Foundation's Chairs of Hope
A powerful memorial consisting of 168 empty chairs representing those who died in the bombing.
- Emotional Impact: Serves as a reminder of the lives lost and inspires hope for a better future.
- Community Involvement: Invites community members to sponsor and personalize a chair in memory of a loved one or victim.
- Artistic Expression: Features different designs and colors on the chairs, reflecting the individuality of each life lost.
5. The Wheeler District
A vibrant, redeveloped urban district featuring unique restaurants, shops, and events.
- Local Culture: Showcases local artists, makers, and musicians, providing an authentic Oklahoma City experience.
- Innovative Architecture: Features modern and sustainable building designs, creating a unique and visually appealing destination.
- Community Gathering Spaces: Offers various public spaces for events, concerts, and meetings, fostering a sense of community.
6. The American Pie Council's National Pie Day
Celebrate America's favorite dessert with a festival featuring pies of all shapes and flavors.
- Culinary Delights: Provides an opportunity to taste unique pie recipes from local bakeries and chefs.
- Educational Workshops: Offers workshops on pie-making techniques, ingredients, and history.
- Community Events: Includes pie-eating contests, pie-decorating competitions, and live music performances.
7. The Flaming Lips' Psychedelic Art & Music Park
An immersive art experience featuring installations by the famous Oklahoma City band, The Flaming Lips.
- Creative Expression: Encourages visitors to explore their creativity and engage with interactive art pieces.
- Musical Performances: Features live performances by local and national musicians, as well as The Flaming Lips themselves.
- Community Engagement: Provides opportunities for visitors to collaborate on art projects and contribute to the park's growth.
8. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art
An art museum featuring collections from renowned artists such as Chihuly, Warhol, and Picasso.
- Artistic Diversity: Offers a wide range of artworks from various periods, styles, and mediums.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational resources for visitors about the artworks and artists on display.
- Changing Exhibits: Regularly rotates exhibitions to ensure a fresh, engaging experience for repeat visitors.
9. The Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial Survivor Tree
A survivor of the bombing that serves as a symbol of hope and resilience.
- Historical Significance: Represents the strength, survival, and healing that came from the tragedy.
- Emotional Impact: Serves as a place for reflection, remembrance, and hope for the future.
- Botanical Education: Provides information about the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial Survivor Tree species and its symbolism.
10. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Explore the history and culture of the American West through exhibits, artifacts, and artwork.
- Historical Insight: Offers an in-depth look at the lives of cowboys, Native Americans, and settlers.
- Artistic Appreciation: Showcases artworks by famous Western artists such as Remington and Russell.
- Interactive Experiences: Includes interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and workshops for visitors to participate in.
11. The Oklahoma City Dodgers' Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark
Watch a minor league baseball game at one of the most beautiful ballparks in the nation.
- Entertainment Value: Offers an enjoyable experience for families, friends, and sports enthusiasts.
- Local Atmosphere: Reflects the unique charm and character of Oklahoma City's Bricktown district.
- Concessions: Features local food options, including barbecue, Mexican, and Southern cuisine.
12. The Oklahoma City Underground
Explore the hidden network of tunnels beneath Oklahoma City's downtown district.
- Historical Significance: Reveals the city's past and the role these underground tunnels played in its growth.
- Interactive Experience: Offers guided tours and historical exhibits for visitors to learn about the tunnels.
- Local Culture: Provides insights into the local businesses, buildings, and events connected to the tunnels.
13. The Oklahoma City Boulevard of Chili Peppers
A series of painted murals celebrating Oklahoma's love for chili peppers.
- Cultural Celebration: Highlights the role of chili peppers in Oklahoma City's culinary and cultural landscape.
- Artistic Expression: Showcases vibrant, colorful murals that pay tribute to various types of chili peppers.
- Community Engagement: Invites local artists and the community to contribute to the growth and development of the boulevard.
14. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Gift Shop
Purchase unique memorabilia and support the memorial's mission of healing and education.
- Memorial Support: Proceeds from purchases contribute to the ongoing maintenance and programs of the memorial.
- Uniqueness: Offers exclusive items inspired by the memorial, including books, art, and apparel.
- Educational Resources: Provides educational materials about the bombing, its aftermath, and lessons for the future.
15. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Tribute Center
A peaceful gathering place to honor and remember those affected by the bombing.
- Emotional Healing: Provides a space for reflection, remembrance, and healing for victims' families and community members.
- Community Gathering: Offers a place for people to come together, share stories, and support one another.
- Continued Education: Includes educational resources about the bombing, its aftermath, and lessons for the future.