Bearden OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bearden, Oklahoma.
1. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
SOLEMN HISTORICAL TRIBUTE
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum features a reflective memorial with a serene pond and symbolic 168 chairs honoring victims of a historic tragedy. The memorial is framed by meaningful statues and includes a Survivor Tree that stands as a symbol of resilience. Visitors can experience both the outdoor memorial and the museum's interactive exhibits that tell the story of April 19, 1995.
2. Bricktown
VIBRANT ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Bricktown is a historic district revitalized into a lively hub with diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy scenic canal walks, educational boat tours, and a vibrant riverfront atmosphere. The area transforms at night with illuminated walkways and a bustling nightlife scene.
3. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
WESTERN CULTURAL SHOWCASE
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum showcases cowboy culture and Native American history through interactive exhibits, art galleries, and a replica western town. The museum features a notable John Wayne collection that draws fans of the iconic actor. Seasonal festivals and special events throughout the year offer visitors unique experiences celebrating Western heritage.
4. Museum of Osteology
AMERICA'S SKELETON MUSEUM
The Museum of Osteology is America's only skeleton museum, offering a unique educational experience focused on the form and function of the skeletal system. The museum houses hundreds of meticulously prepared skeletons from various species around the world. Visitors can explore comparative anatomy and learn about the diversity of vertebrate life through these fascinating bone displays.
5. Myriad Botanical Gardens
URBAN NATURAL OASIS
Myriad Botanical Gardens offers visitors a 15-acre natural escape in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. The garden includes a half-acre children's garden and an off-leash dog area, making it perfect for family outings. Its Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory houses thousands of beautiful plants from around the world in a unique cylindrical glass structure.
6. Beavers Bend State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR PARADISE
Beavers Bend State Park features dramatic rock formations, towering mountains, vibrant evergreen forests and waterside views, making it one of Oklahoma's most visited natural landscapes. The park's 26-mile David Boren Trail provides excellent hiking and biking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy an 18-hole golf course and educational programs at the on-site nature center.
7. Cherokee National Capitol
HISTORIC TRIBAL LANDMARK
The Cherokee National Capitol, also known as the Cherokee National Courthouse, was completed in 1869 and served as the capitol building for the Cherokee Nation until Oklahoma achieved statehood in 1907. Today, it houses the Cherokee nation's supreme court and judicial branch of government while also being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The stately brick building represents an important piece of Native American and Oklahoma history that visitors can admire and learn from.
8. Beavers Bend Safari Park
WILDLIFE ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
Beavers Bend Safari Park is nestled on 90 acres in Broken Bow, featuring a variety of animals including Bison, Zebra, Ostrich, Kudu, and Deer. The safari park roadway meanders through stunning natural terrain with towering trees and water streams, creating the perfect backdrop to observe magnificent animals. Visitors can drive through the safari park to create lifetime memories with close-up wildlife encounters.
9. Broken Bow Lake Helicopter Tours
AERIAL SCENIC VIEWS
Helicopter Tours provide the ultimate aerial view of Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park, offering unique and incredible vistas of the surrounding area. Companies like Sky Tours and Semper Fly Helicopters provide FAA-authorized flights accommodating between three and six passengers. The experience allows visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of southeastern Oklahoma from a completely different perspective.
10. Body Harmony Day Spa
RELAXING WELLNESS RETREAT
Body Harmony Day Spa is one of the most unique and relaxing attractions in Broken Bow, offering award-winning spa treatments. Their signature 90-minute Sensory Therapeutic bodywork provides a distinctive relaxation experience for visitors. The spa serves as a perfect complement to the outdoor adventures available in the Broken Bow area, allowing tourists to rejuvenate after exploring the region.
11. Choctaw Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Choctaw Casino is a vibrant gaming complex with a variety of entertainment options from concerts to table games, including a non-smoking gaming area. The facility features a theater for live performances, a refreshing pool area, and a dedicated spa tower for complete relaxation. Visitors can enjoy dining at multiple restaurants offering diverse cuisine choices throughout the complex.
12. Museum of the Red River
CULTURAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Museum of the Red River showcases artifacts and exhibits focusing on the cultural heritage of the southeastern Oklahoma region. The museum houses an impressive collection of Native American art and archaeological finds from the Red River basin area. Visitors can explore the history and traditions of the diverse cultures that have inhabited this region throughout the centuries.
13. Lake Eufaula
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Lake Eufaula is Oklahoma's largest lake, offering exceptional fishing, boating, and water recreation opportunities near the community of Stigler. The lake features numerous coves and inlets perfect for bass, crappie, and catfish fishing throughout the year. Surrounding the lake are beautiful shorelines with camping areas, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities for nature enthusiasts.
14. Cherokee National Prison Museum
HISTORIC CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
The Cherokee National Prison Museum occupies a historic site that once served as the only penitentiary building in the Indian Territory from 1875 to 1901. The museum offers interactive exhibits that detail the history of Cherokee law enforcement, tribal courts, and punishment. Visitors can explore the restored cells, historic photographs, and interpretive displays that tell the story of Cherokee justice systems before Oklahoma statehood.
15. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
ART AND NATURE SANCTUARY
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve is set on an expansive estate with free-roaming animals, including American bison, elk, and longhorn cattle. The museum features an exceptional collection of Western art, Native American artifacts, and historical exhibits established by Phillips Petroleum founder Frank Phillips. Visitors can experience both natural beauty and cultural heritage through interactive activities and educational displays spread throughout the 3,700-acre property.