6 Things to Love About Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City offers a welcoming Midwestern atmosphere combined with all the conveniences of big city living. Whether you’re new to the area or just looking for something new to love, here are a few of the best things OKC has to offer.

1. Natural Delights

The Oklahoma City parks system has something for everyone. The Martin Park Nature Center offers 2.5 miles of wooded trails, a playground and a visitor center with live animals. The Will Rogers Gardens will help you cultivate your green thumb with its gardening classes, and inspire your inner landscape artist with the beautiful blooms at the Charles E. Sparks Color Garden and Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum.

2. Places for Pets

You’ll find 20 acres for riding along the River Park Equestrian Trail, and room for Fido to roam at the PAW Park. Locations like our Springs communities offer plenty of green space for furry friends as well, as Springs at May Lakes and Springs at Memorial have leash-free pet parks.

3. A Roaring Wild Side

OKC has one thrilling wild side in the form of the Oklahoma City Zoo. The zoo operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and its residents include gorillas, hippos, rhinos, lions, tigers, bears and more, oh my! For extra fun, you can participate in one of the zoo’s Paw-jama Parties. Once a month, families are invited to attend a themed evening that explores different animals. Let the kids don their jammies for evening fun.

4. A Full Festival Schedule

There’s always something fun to experience in Oklahoma City. The annual Stillwater Arts Festival is a bold celebration of local artists. The Oklahoma Renaissance Festival at the Castle of Muskogee brings a bygone world to life with costumed performers and period artisans. One of the longest-running festivals in the city, Rooster Days includes a carnival, parade and plenty of festival foods. Keep your eye on the city’s schedule and you’ll always find something fun to explore.

5. History That Comes to Life

Oklahoma City’s history is still very much alive in attractions like the Oklahoma History Center where you can see an 1833 tipi or remnants from a sunken 1838 steamboat. Visit the Oklahoma Railway Museum to see nearly a dozen locomotives dating between 1879 and 1967. The Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum has restored fire trucks dating as early as the 1900s. Dive into these attractions and you’ll see the city in a whole new way.

6. Iconic Local Dishes

Foodies rejoice in the offerings available in Oklahoma City. Chicken fried steak is a staple of the state meal, and available in mouthwatering style at hot spots like Cheever’s Café and Soda Pop’s Café. Fried pies are a local staple as well, so be sure to try Jimmy’s Round Up Café for a delicious selection. Like any good ranching state, Oklahoma also offers some of the best steaks around. Oklahoma City boasts several outstanding steakhouses including Mahogany Prime Steakhouse and Red PrimeSteak.

What are your favorite features of Oklahoma City? Tell us what you love most about the city in the comments section below.