| |
Tourist Attractions in Oklahoma
|
45th Infantry Division Museum
Nations largest State Military History Museum that depicts the
military history of Oklahoma. Includes a fascinating display of
memorabilia collected from Hitler's apartment when it was
captured by the 45th. A collection of over 200 original "Willie
and Joe" cartoons; displays from 1541 through WWII and Desert
Storm; Korean Era artillery; original uniforms, firearms,
dioramas, and an outdoor Military Park with over 50 military
vehicles, aircraft and artillery. For information call:
(405)424-5313
Express Ranches and The Clydesdale Hitch Team
Clydesdales in Oklahoma. But not just any Clydesdales -- rare
black and white ones (the Budweiser Clydesdales are red and
white). First featured at the Yukon Czech Festival, the
newcomers to Oklahoma have been a source of interest and
delight. Bob Funk, a proud Oklahoman and the president and
C.E.O. of Express Services, Inc. and Express Ranches, saw his
first black and white Clydesdales at an exhibition in Canada and
decided these unique animals would give him a chance to bring
something unusual and distinctive to Oklahoma. Since bringing
them to his Yukon ranch, he has had a lot of requests for their
appearance in parades and advertising. First imported to America
in the late 1870's, Clydesdales are the most refined and the
flashiest of the draft horses. Standing 17 10 18 hands tall and
weighing just under a ton each, these horses are bred to be good
natured and have a natural curiosity, intelligence, and a liking
for attention. The impressive six to eight horse team sports
meticulously handcrafted harnesses, pull a 3,000 pound
handcrafted show wagon, and put on a first class presentation
when they make a public appearance. Visitors can see these
beautiful animals in the special Clydesdale Barn at the Express
Ranch in Yukon. A parking lot is being built near the barn and
the gates will soon be open all day long to enable visitors to
see the horses and talk to their handlers. Future plans include
a stage coach tour of the ranch and some nearby historical
sites. Look forward to seeing many future appearances of these
awe-inspiring beauties. For information call: (405)350-0043
International Gymnastics Hall of Fame
Located in the heart of downtown OKC in the First National
Center's concourse level is the hall of fame that honors Olympic
gymnasts Shannon Miller, Bart Connor and Nadia Comenici as well
as other incredible gymnasts. Though a temporary site, it is
well worth the visit, for it includes hundreds of photographs,
Olympic medals, memorabilia, videos, uniforms and more. Some
items date back to the 1932 Games. For information call:
(405)235-5600
Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Tropical
Conservatory
The Myriad Botanical Gardens is a lush, tropical oasis nestled
in downtown Oklahoma City. It is comprised of seventeen acres of
rolling hills surrounding a spring-fed lake inhabited by
Japanese Koi and a medley of water loving plants. The crown
jewel of the Myriad Botanical Gardens is the seven-story Crystal
Bridge Tropical Conservatory. The Crystal Bridge enchants
visitors with its distinctive collection of tropical and
subtropical plantings from all over the world. Visitors may view
the foliage and exotic flowers from the suspended Sky walk or
explore the Adventure Trail as it winds underneath the 35-foot
cascading waterfall. Gift shop contains botanical and
garden-related items. For information call: (405)297-3995
Oklahoma City Zoological Park
Acknowledged as one of the ten best zoos in the United States
and the oldest in the Southwest, the OKC Zoo is landscaped on
110 beautiful acres and is home to more than 2,800 animals. It
offers picnic areas and rides, concessions, tours and classes.
Some featured exhibits include the Cat Forest/Lion Overlook
comprised of lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, meerkats and more
and the Great EscApe, showcasing gorillas, orangutans, and
chimpanzees. One of the zoo's most popular attractions is
Aquaticus, which features aquariums, a dolphin and sea lion show
and marine mammals. The zoo amphitheatre offers a variety of
entertainment under the stars. Oklahoma City Zoo offers a
constantly changing educational and recreational experience. For
information call: (405)424-3344
|
|
|
|
|
|
