Oklahoma doesn’t just hold stories—it displays them, carves them into canyon walls, and tucks them into glass cases and greenhouse trails. Traveling across the state, I found bold art collections, eccentric architecture, and museums that felt more like conversations. Every stop came with a little bit of wonder and a reminder that beauty doesn’t need to shout to leave an impression.
Here are a few of the places that brought Oklahoma to life for me—through color, curiosity, and a surprising amount of charm.
Best Things to Do in Oklahoma
Getting Lost in Glass and Light at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art felt instantly vibrant—modern without being cold, bright without being loud. I wandered into the first gallery and was met with a tower of swirling color: the three-story Chihuly glass sculpture that anchors the atrium. I stopped in front of it and thought, "How does something so delicate feel this powerful?"
The museum has a strong permanent collection—European and American art, photography, and rotating exhibitions that make each visit feel fresh. But it was the Chihuly gallery that held me longest. The blown-glass forms curved and bloomed like frozen fireworks, glowing under the lights.
After the galleries, I walked across the street to Kitchen No. 324 for brunch. I ordered the fried green tomato Benedict with arugula and a cold-pressed juice. It was seasonal, smart, and just a little indulgent—kind of like the museum itself.
Where I Stayed: I checked into the 21c Museum Hotel, a contemporary hotel-slash-gallery just a few blocks away. My room came with minimalist comfort and bold, rotating art pieces. That night, curled up in a plush robe after a long soak, I thought, "Even bedtime feels creative here."
Oklahoma City Museum of Art At a Glance
- Location: 415 Couch Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
- Vibe: Sophisticated, colorful, contemporary
- Highlights: Chihuly glass collection, rotating exhibitions, rooftop terrace
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning or late afternoon for soft lighting and fewer crowds
- Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors and students
- Hours: Thursday–Saturday 11am–8pm, Sunday 11am–5pm, closed Monday–Wednesday
- Tip: Don’t skip the short film theater—they curate excellent indie selections
Stepping Into a Painting at the Philbrook Museum of Art
The Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa isn’t just a museum—it’s an experience tucked inside a Renaissance villa. I walked up the grand drive lined with trees, passed the fountains, and paused on the steps to take it all in. I remember thinking, "This feels like visiting someone's gorgeous dream."
Inside, the galleries stretch across European, American, African, and Native American works—with each room flowing effortlessly into the next. But honestly? The gardens stole my heart. Terraced walkways, water features, and bursts of color felt like a live painting I could actually step into.
After strolling the grounds, I stopped at Stonehorse Café in nearby Utica Square. I ordered the salmon BLT with herbed mayo on sourdough and a side of truffle fries. Elegant but unfussy—like the Philbrook itself.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at The Mayo Hotel, a historic downtown Tulsa property with art-deco flair and a rooftop bar. That night, looking out over the city skyline, I thought, "Tulsa wears its elegance well."
Philbrook Museum of Art At a Glance
- Location: 2727 S Rockford Rd, Tulsa, OK 74114
- Vibe: Romantic, refined, lush
- Highlights: European and Native American art, 1920s villa, formal gardens
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall for peak garden beauty
- Cost: $12 adults, free for children under 17
- Hours: Wednesday–Sunday 9am–5pm (closed Monday–Tuesday)
- Tip: Don’t miss the second-story balcony—it gives you the best view of the gardens
Laughing and Learning at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum
Perched on a hilltop in Claremore, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum felt like a tribute built with equal parts wit and heart. I stepped into the marble-lined lobby and was greeted by a life-size statue of Rogers, rope in hand, grin in place. I smiled back and thought, "Even in bronze, he makes you feel welcome."
The museum takes you through Rogers’ life—from his Cherokee roots to vaudeville stardom to his days as America’s favorite humorist and cowboy philosopher. The galleries include film clips, personal letters, and artifacts that bring his story to life. His words are everywhere—funny, sharp, and unexpectedly moving.
Afterward, I drove into downtown Claremore and had lunch at Hammett House. I ordered the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, and a slice of their famous buttermilk pie. Comfort food doesn’t get more comforting.
Where I Stayed: I spent the night at The Campbell Hotel in Tulsa before heading to Claremore—it’s stylish, historic, and full of Oklahoma character. That evening, flipping through a book of Rogers’ quotes in my room, I thought, "He made people laugh—but he also made them think."
Will Rogers Memorial Museum At a Glance
- Location: 1720 W Will Rogers Blvd, Claremore, OK 74017
- Vibe: Thoughtful, nostalgic, heartwarming
- Highlights: Memorabilia, film archive, panoramic views
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for a quiet, unhurried experience
- Cost: $7 adults, $5 seniors, $3 kids (free under 6)
- Hours: Daily 10am–5pm
- Tip: Don’t miss the tomb and overlook—both are as peaceful as they are moving
Exploring the Quirky Corners of The Cave House
The Cave House in Tulsa might be one of the strangest and most delightful places I’ve ever wandered into. Built in the 1920s as a speakeasy, it now looks like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss sketch—curved walls, odd angles, and a story in every nook. Standing in the living room surrounded by relics and folk art, I thought, "This house is alive with personality."
The owner gave the tour herself, weaving wild tales of the original builders, rumored tunnels, and her own journey restoring the home. Every room had something unexpected: antique keys hanging from rafters, hand-carved chairs, hidden alcoves. It was part museum, part art project, part living legend.
After my tour, I stopped at Chimera Café in the Tulsa Arts District. I ordered their breakfast tacos with sweet potato hash and a lavender oat milk latte. It was fresh, funky, and the perfect follow-up to such an offbeat adventure.
Where I Stayed: I was still based at The Mayo Hotel, which made getting to The Cave House and everywhere else in Tulsa easy. That night, I thought, "Every city should have a little weird—and Tulsa wears it well."
The Cave House At a Glance
- Location: 1623 W Charles Page Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74127
- Vibe: Whimsical, mysterious, full of character
- Highlights: Quirky architecture, original stories, handmade décor
- Best Time to Visit: Tours by appointment—weekends are popular
- Cost: $10 per person (cash only)
- Hours: Tours typically run on weekends; call ahead to book
- Tip: Keep an open mind—this is less about facts and more about folklore
Rediscovering Curiosity at Science Museum Oklahoma
Science Museum Oklahoma is one of those places where you don’t just learn something—you get to play with it first. I walked through the front doors and was immediately met with motion, color, and kids dashing in every direction. I smiled and thought, "This is the sound of discovery in progress."
The museum is massive and packed with hands-on exhibits: physics experiments, flight simulators, space exploration, and even a tinkering studio where you can build your own contraptions. I especially loved the planetarium show and the mirrored LightMinds tunnel—like walking through a rainbow made of math.
After all that exploration, I stopped by the on-site café and ordered a grilled cheese and tomato soup combo—simple, nostalgic, and surprisingly good. It gave me time to let everything settle, from telescopes to toddler giggles.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at The Skirvin Hilton in downtown OKC, a historic hotel with old-school glam and modern comfort. That night, with my feet up and a new constellation app on my phone, I thought, "You’re never too old to be amazed."
Science Museum Oklahoma At a Glance
- Location: 2020 Remington Pl, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
- Vibe: Energetic, educational, hands-on
- Highlights: Planetarium, tinkering studio, LightMinds tunnel, live science shows
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds
- Cost: $20.95 adults, $15.95 children
- Hours: Daily 9am–5pm
- Tip: Wear comfy shoes—you’ll cover a lot of ground, and then some
Where the Wild Meets the West at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
Woolaroc felt like three experiences rolled into one—part Western museum, part wildlife refuge, and part time machine. Located outside Bartlesville, the drive alone set the tone: winding roads through meadows dotted with bison, longhorns, and even zebras. I rolled down the window, breathed in the prairie air, and thought, "This feels like stepping into an old, wild story."
The museum was stunning—Western art, Native artifacts, and aviation history all under one roof. I wandered through rooms filled with Colt revolvers, bronze sculptures, and vintage planes, learning about oilman Frank Phillips and his vision for preserving the spirit of the American West.
After exploring, I grabbed a sandwich and cold drink at the on-site café, then sat on the patio watching deer wander in the distance. It was peaceful and surreal all at once.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at Inn at Price Tower, a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed boutique hotel in Bartlesville. That night, looking out from a cantilevered balcony with a view of the prairie, I thought, "Woolaroc doesn’t just preserve the past—it lets you feel it."
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve At a Glance
- Location: 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd, Bartlesville, OK 74003
- Vibe: Rugged, artistic, rich with history
- Highlights: Bison herds, Western art, Native American artifacts, vintage aircraft
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for cooler temps and active wildlife
- Cost: $14 adults, $10 seniors, $6 kids
- Hours: Wednesday–Sunday 10am–5pm
- Tip: Bring binoculars and give yourself time—the grounds are just as rich as the galleries
Finding Stillness in the City at Myriad Botanical Gardens
Myriad Botanical Gardens sits in the heart of Oklahoma City, but the moment I stepped inside the Crystal Bridge Conservatory, I was somewhere else entirely. Tropical plants rose overhead in a humid hush, and soft mist clung to the air. I stood among palms and orchids, and thought, "It’s like the city took a deep breath."
The gardens outside were just as inviting—walking trails, native landscaping, and open lawns dotted with sculpture. Families picnicked near splash pads, office workers stretched their legs on lunch breaks, and I just wandered, letting my pace match the rhythm of the place.
Afterwards, I had lunch at Flint at the nearby Colcord Hotel. I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich with chipotle aioli and a side of Brussels sprouts. The patio was sunny and calm—like the garden’s peace had followed me to the table.
Where I Stayed: I stayed just across the street at the Colcord Hotel, a beautifully restored property with skyline views and vintage charm. That evening, with the garden lights twinkling below, I thought, "Oklahoma City knows how to blend green and glass."
Myriad Botanical Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 301 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
- Vibe: Lush, calming, urban oasis
- Highlights: Crystal Bridge Conservatory, seasonal gardens, walking paths
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or golden hour for soft light and cool temps
- Cost: Outdoor gardens are free; conservatory admission is $10 adults
- Hours: Outdoor: daily 6am–11pm; Conservatory: Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5pm
- Tip: Visit at night if you can—the gardens light up beautifully after sunset
Conclusion
Oklahoma was full of surprises—thoughtful museums tucked into historic buildings, wildlife roaming open fields, and art that stopped me in my tracks. I came for curiosity and left with a deeper appreciation for how this state blends creativity, nature, and legacy in its own quiet, confident way.
From glass gardens to cave houses, oil baron estates to hands-on science, every stop offered more than I expected. And somewhere between the wild and the whimsical, I realized: Oklahoma doesn’t just welcome you—it draws you in and invites you to linger.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Getting Lost in Glass and Light at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art
- • Stepping Into a Painting at the Philbrook Museum of Art
- • Laughing and Learning at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum
- • Exploring the Quirky Corners of The Cave House
- • Rediscovering Curiosity at Science Museum Oklahoma
- • Where the Wild Meets the West at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
- • Finding Stillness in the City at Myriad Botanical Gardens