Oklahoma City Tourist Attractions

[okcpulse]

What attraction would you suggest FIRST to an out-of-towner before any other of these 20 selected attractions?

As Oklahoma City residents, we take our points of interest for granted, not realizing that a diverse group of people will show interest in what we have to offer visitors to our city. We will indeed have a growing list of "must see" places to visit in the future, especially with the Native American Cultural Center. And since the cultural center will see life before the end of the decade, I will go ahead and toss it in this poll.

If you have an attraction that is not on this poll, but is deemed worthy of recommendation, post it here and describe why you fell this is a "must see". If you feel there are several, I enabled the multiple choice option for you.

[Karried]

Did I miss the Memorial?? That was my first choice but I didn't see it.

I think that is number one in my book.. not only to remember and honor the victims but to demonstrate the 'Oklahoman standard' and how everyone reacted to a tragic event.

[okcpulse]

I didn't include the Oklahoma City National Memorial because although thousands come to see the memorial, I still personally have a tough time listing the memorial as a tourist attraction, especially since I saw the devastation first hand. Thus, I personally prefer to list it as a place of mourning and sacred reflection.

However, the Oklahoma City National Memorial IS first on a lot of Oklahoma Cityans' minds when it comes to places for visitors to see. Thank you, Karried =)

[MadMonk]

Did I miss the Memorial?? That was my first choice but I didn't see it.

I think that is number one in my book.. not only to remember and honor the victims but to demonstrate the 'Oklahoman standard' and how everyone reacted to a tragic event.

That would've been my first choice too.

[escan]

I think we have a wonderful Art Museum....most cities have entertainment districts (ie Bricktown) and our's actually pales in comparison.....so...it's the Museum for me!

[AFCM]

These are a couple of dumb suggestions, but they add to our great heritage; 1. Route 66, although not actually a site, something cool to see; 2. Gaylord Memorial Stadium/Switzer Center...not quite in OKC, but in the metro area. OU football has represented this state for decades and is a big part of our history and pride. After all, we are the Sooner State.

These aren't the first things I would drive out of my way to see, but definately a to do on my list. I personally put down the Native American History Museum, which slightly won out over Bricktown. I think the museum is a little more OKC and personal than Bricktown.

[SoonerDave]

I agree that the OKC National Memorial should be on the list.

-SoonerDave

[Karried]

The Sam Noble Museum is pretty cool for the kids. They are getting a huge dinosaur T-rex soon and that would be a nice visit for out of towners.

[writerranger]

I have mixed feelings about the Memorial being a "tourist attraction." Yes, in the literal sense I suppose it is, but it just doesn't sound right. Too soon.

That's a good list in the poll question!

[Karried]

writeranger I can definitely understand that.... but it is a beautiful architectual feat as well. The artists who created the Memorial are world renowned and beat many, many competitors in undertaking the task of creating the Memorial.. I think it is worth visiting to see the beauty of the site as well as the other reasons mentioned above.

[okcpulse]

I wish I could modify the poll to add the Memorial and take away one of the attractions that are not getting any votes. But I will take note of the Memorial's recognition as a must see.

[brianinok]

I would have to vote for the Memorial. More than anything, this has shaped Oklahoma Citians. It is the first thing people want to see when they come here. It is what we are remembered for-- like it or not. When people go to Dallas, the go to the JFK site; when people go to San Fransisco, they look at the Golden Gate Bridge, when in Seattle, everybody visits the Spaceneedle; when in OKC, you go to the Memorial.

Many things on the list are great, but they don't represent OKC, and show OKC to the world like the Memorial does. But, if I was going to vote for #2, it would be hard to decide between the OKCMOA and the NCWHC.

[metro]

Again, my first vote goes to the OKC NATIONAL MEMORIAL. Many out of towners surprisingly forget to stop here so just in case any are reading this forum, this is the first must stop in my opinion, then I will vote on the 2nd must stop above.

[jbrown84]

Although I think the Memorial is no less a tourist attraction than is Pearl Harbor or the Alamo or the WTC site, I'd rather not see it on this poll because it is the obvious first choice and I like to see what everyone votes for when the Memorial is not an option. I voted for the OKCMOA because it's very impressive and something I'm not sure very many would expect to see in OKC. The Myriad Gardens is up there for me too, but not number one because it has some rundown-looking elements (some of the signs, bridges needing paint, etc). Bricktown is obviously good but a little too obvious for me. Also something not on the list is to see some kind of show at the Civic Center, preferable one of the local arts organizations.

[sweetdaisy]

The Memorial is #1 for me, too. I actually had to re-read the list a couple of times to make sure I didn't miss it. #2 & #3 are the OKCMOA and the History Museum.

Sad thing is, I haven't heard of or been to a couple of these on the list. Guess I need to print out the poll list and get going!

[brannonterry]

man you guys are stretching with all the others. the memorial is about the only thing you have that people from other places care about.no one cares about the "asian district," or a lake.

[Patrick]

man you guys are stretching with all the others. the memorial is about the only thing you have that people from other places care about.no one cares about the "asian district," or a lake.

To be honest with you, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum has more visitors every year than the Memorial Museum. Also, the Bricktown Entertainment District and Asian District have more visitors every year than the Memorial.

The memorial is an important tourist attraction to our city, but ny no means is it the largest. Shoot, we have more people visit our zoo than visit the memorial.

[Flatlander]

Most of my family live in texas,when they visit I suggest Remington Park casino.I have heard nothing but good things about the casino.They have been to most of the other attractions,so something new is what they are after.Looking forward to going to the Native American Culture Center.These are all exellent choices.

[sweetdaisy]

man you guys are stretching with all the others. the memorial is about the only thing you have that people from other places care about.no one cares about the "asian district," or a lake.

Actually, Lake Hefner has been a favorite of my friends who visit OKC. It's absolutely gorgeous with the sailboats and parasailing. Since there are no motorboats on the lake, it's an amazing place to relax and enjoy a breathtaking view.

[Patrick]

Since there are no motorboats on the lake, it's an amazing place to relax and enjoy a breathtaking view.

Wha? There are motor boats on the lake.

[sweetdaisy]

Really? Guess there just haven't been when I was out there. I assumed (apparently wrongly) that it was motorboat-free. I've only seen sailboats and such. Must be my timing.

I still think it's a beautiful and peaceful place to be...sunset is amazing there.

[Doug Loudenback]

I didn't include the Oklahoma City National Memorial because although thousands come to see the memorial, I still personally have a tough time listing the memorial as a tourist attraction, especially since I saw the devastation first hand. Thus, I personally prefer to list it as a place of mourning and sacred reflection.

Me, too.

[floater]

It is true the Memorial is the only thing visitors mention when they want to go sightseeing, but that's because it's the only thing they associate with OKC. That's why it's our job to show what else is here.

In having out-of-towners, I've learned that not all are interested in western art/artifacts or art. If they don't have kids, they're usually not interested in the zoo. Instead, they want experiences, which largely involve eating out and shopping. That's why Bricktown and Lake Hefner are always musts in my book. Both have the best people watching in the city. Shopping, I have to admit is harder here, but a few hours at Penn Square usually leaves guests pretty satisfied.

[Nixon7]

someone told me you arent allowed to swim in hefner? True or false? My girlfriend and I go out there kinda near the lighthouse with tubes and just go out there and float all afternoon, but we hardly ever see anyone.

[jbrown84]

True