Optima OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Optima, Oklahoma.
1. Optima National Wildlife Refuge
WESTERN WILDLIFE HAVEN
Optima National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors an authentic 'Old West' experience in the Oklahoma panhandle. The refuge provides important habitat for native wildlife and migrating birds across its expansive landscape. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography throughout this natural sanctuary.
2. Stamper Site
HISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURE
The Stamper Site is a National Historic Landmark near Optima that was designated on July 19, 1964. This significant archaeological site offers insights into the prehistoric cultures that once inhabited the Oklahoma panhandle region. Visitors interested in Native American history and archaeology will find this site particularly fascinating.
3. Cherokee National Capitol
HISTORIC TRIBAL CENTER
The Cherokee National Capitol is an impressive red brick, Italianate-style building that served as the capitol building for the Cherokee Nation. Located in Tahlequah, this historic landmark offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Cherokee people. The building stands as a testament to Cherokee sovereignty and governance in Oklahoma.
4. First Americans Museum
NATIVE CULTURAL SHOWCASE
The First Americans Museum showcases the collective histories of Oklahoma's 39 distinctive First American Nations in one comprehensive location. Visitors can experience state-of-the-art exhibitions featuring Native American history, culture, and art alongside educational programs. The museum also features a full-service restaurant with Native-inspired cuisine and a store offering authentic handmade items by premiere First American artists.
5. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
WESTERN LEGACY COLLECTION
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum preserves and celebrates the rich heritage of the American West. This renowned institution houses an extensive collection of Western art, artifacts, and historical exhibits that tell the story of cowboys, Native Americans, and frontier life. Visitors can immerse themselves in the culture, history, and spirit of the Old West through interactive displays and educational programs.
6. Bricktown Water Taxi
CANAL CRUISE EXPERIENCE
Bricktown Water Taxi offers a unique way to explore Oklahoma City's vibrant entertainment district via its scenic canal. Passengers enjoy narrated tours while learning about the area's history and development from knowledgeable guides. The water taxi provides convenient stops at various restaurants, shops, and attractions throughout the Bricktown district.
7. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
SOLEMN REMEMBRANCE SITE
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum honors the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. This moving memorial features the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial with its reflecting pool and Field of Empty Chairs representing those who lost their lives. The interactive museum takes visitors through the events before, during, and after the tragedy, emphasizing themes of resilience and hope.
8. Center of the Universe
ACOUSTIC PHENOMENON SPOT
The Center of the Universe is a mysterious acoustic anomaly located in downtown Tulsa that has become a popular tourist attraction. When standing in the center of this concrete circle, a person speaking will hear their voice echoed back much louder than normal, while those outside the circle hear a distorted version. This unexplained phenomenon draws curious visitors who want to experience the acoustic marvel firsthand.
9. Centennial Land Run Monument
HISTORIC SCULPTURE INSTALLATION
The Centennial Land Run Monument is one of the world's largest bronze sculptures, commemorating the 1889 opening of unassigned lands in Oklahoma Territory. This dramatic installation features 45 larger-than-life figures of land run participants rushing to claim territory, capturing the energy and determination of this pivotal moment in Oklahoma history. Stretching across 365 feet, the monument provides visitors with an immersive glimpse into the historic event that shaped the state.
10. BOK Center
PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The BOK Center is a state-of-the-art entertainment venue hosting major concerts, sporting events, and shows in downtown Tulsa. Its distinctive architectural design, featuring a sweeping glass façade and unique circular shape, has made it an iconic part of the city skyline. Since opening in 2008, this 19,199-seat arena has welcomed millions of visitors and countless world-class performers and events.
11. Factory Obscura
IMMERSIVE ART EXPERIENCE
Factory Obscura is a collaborative art project that blends gallery exhibits with fully immersive, interactive experiences. Their signature installation, Mix-Tape, offers a multisensory homage to old-school mixtapes through a combination of visuals, sounds, textures, and interactive elements. Visitors are encouraged to touch, explore, and engage with the art, making each visit a unique journey of discovery and wonder.
12. Orr Family Farm
FAMILY ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Orr Family Farm offers unique overnight experiences in authentic Conestoga Wagons and Native American-inspired Teepees set in the Oklahoma countryside. This family-friendly destination combines historical elements with modern amenities for a comfortable yet adventurous stay. Beyond the themed accommodations, the farm features seasonal activities, animal encounters, and various attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages.
13. Myriad Botanical Gardens
URBAN NATURAL OASIS
Myriad Botanical Gardens spans 15 acres in downtown Oklahoma City, featuring the stunning Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory as its centerpiece. This urban green space offers beautiful outdoor gardens, a children's playground, water features, and walking paths for visitors to enjoy. Throughout the year, the gardens host various events, educational programs, and seasonal displays that celebrate horticulture and environmental stewardship.
14. Oklahoma City Museum of Art
DIVERSE ART COLLECTION
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art houses a comprehensive collection spanning five centuries of art from around the world. Its signature collection includes one of the most extensive displays of Dale Chihuly glass, highlighted by a 55-foot tower in the museum's atrium. The museum also features rotating exhibitions, film screenings, educational programs, and a rooftop lounge offering panoramic views of the downtown skyline.
15. Stockyards City
HISTORIC COWBOY DISTRICT
Stockyards City preserves Oklahoma's rich cowboy heritage as one of the largest working livestock markets in the world since 1910. Visitors can browse authentic Western wear shops, enjoy traditional steakhouses, and experience real cowboy culture through various specialty stores. The district hosts regular cattle auctions and special events that celebrate and maintain the area's distinctive Western atmosphere and historical significance.