Breckenridge OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Breckenridge, Oklahoma.
1. Quartz Mountain State Park
RUGGED OUTDOOR PARADISE
Quartz Mountain State Park offers visitors a diverse landscape featuring rugged terrain like Baldy Point and water features such as Lake Altus-Lugert. The park is an ideal destination for hikers and climbers as well as boaters and water sports enthusiasts seeking recreation in Oklahoma's Southwest region. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities amid memorable scenery with convenient lodging options available.
2. Black Mesa Nature Preserve
OKLAHOMA'S HIGHEST POINT
Black Mesa Nature Preserve invites visitors to spot rare plant and animal life while exploring Oklahoma's highest elevation point. The vast nature sanctuary borders Black Mesa State Park and boasts nearly endless possibilities for outdoor exploration. Stargazers particularly appreciate the preserve for its exceptional night sky viewing opportunities far from urban light pollution.
3. Preston Monument
THREE STATES INTERSECTION
The Preston Monument marks the unique tri-point where Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado borders meet. This distinctive landmark allows visitors to stand in three states simultaneously, making it one of only a few such locations in the United States. Located just 30 minutes north of Black Mesa State Park, it makes for an interesting bonus adventure when exploring Oklahoma's panhandle region.
4. Route 66
HISTORIC MOTHER ROAD
Route 66 runs through Oklahoma, offering the longest drivable stretch of this iconic highway in the United States. The historic Mother Road features numerous attractions, vintage diners, and quirky roadside stops that showcase classic Americana. Travelers can experience the golden age of automobile tourism while discovering charming communities around every corner of this legendary highway.
5. The Keeper of the Plains
ICONIC NATIVE AMERICAN SCULPTURE
The Keeper of the Plains stands as a 44-foot tall steel sculpture at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers. This iconic monument, created by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin, celebrates the area's Native American heritage and serves as Wichita's most recognized landmark. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding plaza with its interpretive displays and the dramatic Ring of Fire that illuminates the statue at night.
6. Kansas Star Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Kansas Star Casino offers visitors a complete entertainment destination with gaming, dining, and live events. The casino features numerous slot machines, table games, and a poker room for gaming enthusiasts of all levels. Beyond gambling, guests can enjoy multiple restaurants, an arena hosting concerts and sporting events, and hotel accommodations for an extended stay.
7. Armstrong Auditorium
PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
Armstrong Auditorium stands as a world-class performing arts venue showcasing ballet, classical music, and international cultural performances. The stunning facility features Swarovski crystal chandeliers, Brazilian mahogany, and other luxury appointments that create an elegant atmosphere for the arts. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings including reflecting pools, fountains, and sculptures that enhance the overall experience.
8. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
AMERICA'S LAST PRAIRIE
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve protects the largest remaining tallgrass ecosystem in the world, offering visitors a glimpse into America's native landscape. The preserve is home to a free-roaming herd of approximately 2,500 American bison that visitors can observe from their vehicles while traveling scenic driving routes. Nature enthusiasts can explore hiking trails, observe diverse wildlife, and experience the seasonal beauty of the prairie throughout the year.
9. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
WESTERN ART AND HISTORY
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum houses an extensive collection of Western art, artifacts, and cultural exhibits celebrating the American West. Visitors can explore galleries featuring works by renowned Western artists like Frederic Remington and Charles Russell alongside historical displays of cowboy gear, rodeo memorabilia, and Native American heritage. The museum's outdoor gardens and sculptures, including the iconic 18-foot "End of the Trail" statue, complement the indoor exhibits for a complete Western experience.
10. Oklahoma City National Memorial
REMEMBRANCE AND REFLECTION
The Oklahoma City National Memorial honors those who were killed, survived, and were changed forever by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The outdoor symbolic memorial features the Field of Empty Chairs, the Reflecting Pool, and the Survivor Tree, creating a powerful space for remembrance and healing. The adjacent museum chronicles the events of April 19, 1995, the rescue and recovery efforts, and the community's remarkable response to tragedy through interactive exhibits and personal stories.
11. Chickasaw Cultural Center
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Chickasaw Cultural Center immerses visitors in the history, culture, and traditions of the Chickasaw Nation through interactive exhibits and living history demonstrations. The expansive campus includes the Chikasha Poya Exhibit Center, Traditional Village, and natural outdoor spaces where visitors can experience Chickasaw language, art, dance, and cuisine. Cultural demonstrations, films, and seasonal events provide authentic insights into both historical and contemporary Chickasaw life.
12. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
ANCIENT MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge protects 59,020 acres of ancient mountain terrain where free-ranging bison, elk, and longhorn cattle roam among granite peaks and mixed-grass prairie. Visitors can explore over 15 miles of hiking trails, climb Mount Scott for panoramic views, or fish in one of the refuge's crystal-clear lakes. The refuge's diverse ecosystems support hundreds of bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts throughout the year.
13. Philbrook Museum of Art
ART IN HISTORIC VILLA
Philbrook Museum of Art combines world-class art collections with a historic Italian Renaissance villa surrounded by 25 acres of formal gardens. The museum's diverse holdings span 5,000 years of art history, featuring European, American, Native American, and contemporary works displayed throughout the historic mansion's elegant rooms. Visitors can stroll through the meticulously maintained gardens with reflecting pools, sculptures, and walking trails that change with the seasons.
14. Bricktown Entertainment District
URBAN CANAL DISTRICT
Bricktown Entertainment District transforms Oklahoma City's former warehouse area into a vibrant entertainment hub featuring restaurants, shops, and attractions along a scenic canal. Visitors can take water taxi rides, attend events at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, or enjoy live music at numerous venues throughout the district. The area's distinctive red-brick architecture and pedestrian-friendly layout make it perfect for leisurely exploration day or night.
15. Oklahoma Aquarium
UNDERWATER WONDER WORLD
Oklahoma Aquarium invites visitors to explore the underwater world through interactive exhibits featuring over 100 different species from both local waterways and oceans around the globe. The facility's centerpiece is the walk-through shark tunnel where guests can observe bull sharks swimming overhead in the largest collection of bull sharks in captivity. Additional exhibits include playful sea otters, electric eels, jellyfish, and hands-on touch tanks where visitors can experience direct contact with marine life.