Forest Park OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Forest Park, Oklahoma.
1. Business District - Downtown OKC
URBAN HEART OF OKLAHOMA
The Business District in Downtown OKC serves as the economic and cultural center of Oklahoma City. Visitors can explore numerous restaurants, shops, and corporate headquarters within this bustling area. The district offers a blend of historic architecture and modern developments that showcase Oklahoma City's growth and vitality.
2. Oklahoma City National Memorial
REMEMBRANCE AND REFLECTION
The Oklahoma City National Memorial honors the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The outdoor memorial features symbolic elements including the reflecting pool, Field of Empty Chairs, and the Survivor Tree. Visitors describe the experience as tasteful, moving, and a wonderful tribute to those affected by this tragic event.
3. Oklahoma Railway Museum
HISTORIC RAILROAD HERITAGE
The Oklahoma Railway Museum preserves and showcases the state's rich railroad history. Visitors can explore vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and other railway equipment on display throughout the museum grounds. The museum occasionally offers train rides, giving guests a hands-on experience of historical railway travel.
4. The Venue at Forest Lake
LAKESIDE EVENT SPACE
The Venue at Forest Lake is a newly renovated event space surrounded by 13 acres of forest and featuring a private lake. This picturesque location provides a stunning natural backdrop for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. The venue combines natural beauty with modern amenities to create memorable experiences for guests.
5. Myriad Botanical Gardens
URBAN BOTANICAL OASIS
Myriad Botanical Gardens is a 17-acre botanical garden and interactive urban park located in downtown Oklahoma City. The centerpiece of the gardens is the Crystal Bridge Conservatory, a striking glass structure housing thousands of tropical and desert plants. Visitors can enjoy outdoor gardens, walking paths, water features, and seasonal programming throughout the year.
6. Oklahoma City Museum of Art
FINE ART COLLECTION
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art houses a comprehensive collection of European and American art spanning five centuries. The museum is renowned for its extensive Dale Chihuly glass collection, one of the largest public collections of Chihuly glass in the world. Rotating exhibitions complement the permanent collection, providing fresh artistic experiences for repeat visitors.
7. Scissortail Park
URBAN RECREATIONAL SPACE
Scissortail Park is a 70-acre urban park in downtown Oklahoma City named after Oklahoma's state bird. The park features gardens, a lake, playgrounds, a concert venue, and various recreational spaces for public enjoyment. Since opening in 2019, it has become a central gathering place for community events, concerts, and outdoor activities.
8. Bricktown Entertainment District
VIBRANT WATERFRONT DISTRICT
Bricktown Entertainment District is a lively area converted from former warehouses into Oklahoma City's premier entertainment destination. Visitors can enjoy water taxi rides along the canal, dine at numerous restaurants, and experience the district's vibrant nightlife. The area's distinctive red-brick architecture pays homage to its industrial past while housing modern attractions and dining options.
9. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
WESTERN ART AND HISTORY
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum houses an extensive collection dedicated to preserving and celebrating Western art, history, and culture. The museum features paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that tell the story of the American West. Visitors can explore galleries showcasing Native American art, firearms, rodeo history, and Western performers.
10. Oklahoma History Center
STATE HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The Oklahoma History Center is a state-of-the-art museum exploring Oklahoma's rich and diverse history. The center features interactive exhibits covering topics from Native American cultures to aviation, oil and gas exploration, and contemporary state history. Located on 18 acres, the museum complex includes outdoor exhibits and the Oklahoma State Capitol grounds.
11. Factory Obscura
IMMERSIVE ART EXPERIENCE
Factory Obscura is an immersive art experience created by a collective of Oklahoma artists. Visitors can explore interactive installations that engage all senses and encourage playful discovery. The permanent exhibit "Mix-Tape" features colorful environments inspired by music and emotional connections.
12. Wheeler Ferris Wheel
ICONIC RIVERFRONT ATTRACTION
The Wheeler Ferris Wheel is a beloved attraction offering panoramic views of the Oklahoma City skyline and the Oklahoma River. Originally from Santa Monica Pier, this historic Ferris wheel was relocated to Oklahoma City in 2016. The surrounding Wheeler District has developed into a vibrant area with food trucks, recreational spaces, and community events.
13. Paseo Arts District
HISTORIC ARTS NEIGHBORHOOD
The Paseo Arts District is a vibrant cultural community featuring Spanish Revival architecture and over 20 galleries showcasing local artists. Visitors can explore unique shops, studios, and restaurants nestled within this historic neighborhood established in 1929. The district hosts the monthly First Friday Gallery Walk and the annual Paseo Arts Festival that attract art enthusiasts from across the region.
14. Will Rogers Gardens
HISTORIC PUBLIC GARDEN
Will Rogers Gardens is a 30-acre horticultural paradise featuring themed gardens, including the Charles E. Sparks Rose Garden and Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum. Established in the 1930s, these historic gardens offer educational programming and seasonal displays throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy walking paths, picnic areas, and the Ed Lycan Conservatory housing tropical plants.
15. Lake Hefner
RECREATIONAL WATERFRONT DESTINATION
Lake Hefner is a popular recreational reservoir offering sailing, fishing, and walking trails along its 9.1-mile shoreline. The lake features a lighthouse, golf course, and numerous restaurants with scenic waterfront views. Sunset enthusiasts particularly enjoy the western shore's unobstructed views, making it a favorite spot for photographers and evening gatherings.