32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (2024)

The top stops along the way from Clinton to Hot Springs (with short detours) are Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Sedgwick County Zoo, and Bricktown. Other popular stops include Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum, Strataca, and Riverwind Casino.

1

Grand Casino Hotel & Resort

Mentioned on

3 lists

Hotel

Casinos & Gambling

Bar

Brazilian restaurant

The Grand Casino Hotel and Resort is a luxurious facility that offers a variety of dining options as well as a casino, spa and rooftop pool. The hotel is located in downtown Oklahoma City and is within walking distance of several popular attractions.

This casino is always a lot of fun. More so when you get a machine that's hitting good, and that was exactly what happened here. Played for several hours until I decided to go "All in", but had a blast. Could have left $200 richer, but still had a good time with wife and friends. Ended up going to the bar and grill just outside the main casino downstairs, and had some great food. All in all, a great time.

Jay V — Google review

We We stayed for 3 days and 2 nights. The hotel room and walk in shower were both very nice and pretty clean.The hotel staff were kind and check in and out we're easy.The Casino has a good variety of modern machines and a few of the Video poker machines.The reason for only giving 3 stars is because all of the food court restaurants, the Sushi restaurant, and the Steakhouse, were all closed for our entire stay.The only places to eat are the Grand Cafe from 6 am to 2 pm, and the Sports bar.Both the Grand Cafe and the Sports bar had good food, but on Monday night, the Sports bar didn't have a bar tender. A sports bar without a bar tender, really isn't a sports bar!Everyone told us that all of the restaurants are closed because they can't get any employees. They provide great benefits, but still can't get any employees to staff the place. It's very unfortunate, because this would be a great destination resort, if all of their restaurants were open! Even the gift shop has a sign on the door that says, by appointment only. That's crazy!We won't be back, until the restaurants open.

Steve W — Google review

Make sure to use HotelTully.ᴄᴏm when booking your stay. This site will compare countless booking websites and normally will have prices much cheaper than others! Thank me later on! This place is the best rated in this area. I have been coming here for a long time. If you decide to stay here you for sure will love it I'm sure!I stayed in my Tractor Trailer so I can't speak of the rooms. But I'm sure they are very nice. The whole place was well kept. The staff were awesome. PLENTY of parking for a big rig. I will definitely return! Thanks for a great evening out of the truck! I had a great time!

Richard H — Google review

Probably the best casino in Oklahoma. From the outside it looks smaller than it actually is because it is probably the only two level casino in the state. Has an interesting little food court in place of the usual buffet, and a pretty nice sports bar with great and cheap pizza. The slots were not only loose, but there's a huge variety including some interesting classic games (still mostly bingo based though). The wheel of fortune game in the lobby is a treasure.

Steve C — Google review

I've stopped here several times over the years and it's a beautiful casino however I've never had any luck here.. ate dinner at the sports bar and the food was delivered fast and was delicious.. service is excellent and the employees are extremely professional and nice.. plenty of truck parking is available even late at night.. just park in the back of the casino if you can't find a spot.. they also have a food court.. some guy next to me won $19,000.. good luck y'all..

Mark F — Google review

Hotel and casino are pretty nice. Room was clean but AC made very loud noise for about 20 seconds every time I kicked on all night long. Really nice hot shower though and good selection of television stations. Poker room a little ridiculous with two plus hour wait for a table. Plenty of empty tables but I guess maybe they're short-handed on dealers? Ended up taking myself off the list at 8:30 p.m. after having waited 2 hours. Day shift players club phenomenal people but second shift supervisor should not have a job there. We were asking about the point system and how much it takes to get a comped room and all she rudely said was we base it on a lot of things and would give us no details. ( We had already stayed one night and extended for a second and just wanted one of those nights reverse comps)Food court has the best barbecue I've ever eaten out and the coffee shop is also really good. Fun machines and calming atmosphere in walkways. Felt very safe here.

Hope M — Google review

For me, three stars is about the highest rating a tribal casino can receive. Perhaps if they made slot machine information/stats publicly accessible, then a five star rating could happen. That said, Grand Casino is a very nice casino. Of all the Oklahoma casinos I've visited (I have been to quite a few), it has the look and feel that most resembles a Vegas casino. It's clean, not smokey, and if I was smarter and less greedy I could walk out of there a winner on most visits. The 45 minute drive (longer during high traffic times) is definitely worth it.

Undoctrinated — Google review

Nice size gambling facility with non smoking areas. Wide variety of games. Good sports bar and grill. They have a nice non- smoking hotel with room service, a pool on the second or third floor, a spa and exercise area. The attached casino has free soft serve ice cream along with fountain drinks and coffee and tea machines. Enjoyed my visit there.

Dawn S — Google review

The restaurant has really good food and the price was good just wish the hours were longer being open. The food court food isn't bad either. The Mexican food station is the best. Other than that have fun losing money. I never go thinking I'm going to strike it rich. Lol

Joseph L — Google review

This is one of the best casino and hotel I've been to they know how to treat there customers they offer me one free night a month how nice is that...we always stop on our way to Missouri to see my son the pizza is the best and the breakfast at the restaurant is amazing the machine are very generous and the best thing is the margarita's..The staff is very friendly and rooms are clean and comfortable oh did I mention they have a soft service machine and the ice cream is delicious I was pour some in a cup and then coke wow a free float..Thank you guys for the free stay.. if I had to say anything bad about the casino its that they give me very little free play all the other casino I've stayed have been generous but besides that it's a great casino with lots of slots that pay out its just a great place to visit I will be going again in November I can't hardly wait try it out guys you will love it..please reply to me if you go tell me if I was right...God bless you all...

Rosemary E — Google review

Awesome place great clean chill atmosphere friendly staff. Excellent free ice cream. Neat machines I miss some old familiar ones but I'm liking these and black jack on fire!!

Nesting N — Google review

Several weeks ago we spent three days in your beautiful hotel. We won a huge chunk of change too, playing the penny slots! Everyone (employees) was so friendly. Our room was immaculate! The casino itself is awesome! The restaurants were outstanding! The free ice cream each night was delicious and appreciated. Wish someone had been working in your gift shop the 3 days we were there, but it is what is. We have no complaints whatsoever! Your rates are better than other hotels in the area.

Mark W — Google review

What a fun day at Grand Casino in Shawnee, OK!Love that they still have penny slots that are so much fun to play! Hope they never upgrade!Also, the free ice cream is awesome and the food court and sports bar is great ! Must check out!❤️

JM W — Google review

This place right here has some good people working here. The bartenders are awesome even though you generally only get what you pay for. My last visit was not recent as I was told not to return. To be fair the officer did give me the options to get a ride home (my brother was there

Michael P — Google review

The Grand has decent rooms. I like the Grand because it's not far from where I live. It gives a little freeplay and comp rooms from time to time. They do have plenty of free giveaways to card members. I've gotten several nice things from there. The merchandise they give away to customers is good quality stuff. I've gotten backpacks, Bluetooth speakers, and other things. Some of the giveaways I've had to earn 40 points to get and others I could just walk in, grab my gift, and walk out.

Royce S — Google review

This was my first time staying in any casino hotel. I've stayed at numerous hotels in my travels. I have even had extended stays while working out of town for weeks to month long stays. This was easily the best shower I've EVER had. Wouldn't hurt to have a nicer shower head, being the shower was so large the shower head was very small and basic? The room was a good size, had a desk w/chair, couch and 2 chairs, small refrigerator, microwave. Overall it was a very pleasant experience at a very competitive rate. I will definitely be staying in casino hotels whenever they're available for the location we're planning to stay. This room was particularly nice 👌 👍

Greg H — Google review

I used to love this casino. Now never win. It feels rigged. Another lady and i were winning about a year ago . She was up 1600.00 I was up 500.00 as soon as I pulled my players card out of the machine...it immediately said DISABLED CALL ATTENDANT! That's rigged. It was hitting for an hour now curiously disabled. I've lost last 3x I've played ..beautiful place tight slots

Charlotte G — Google review

Got a flat tire and pulled into parking lot. Went inside and 🎊🎉 amazing. I had forgotten how great it was. Funny and friendly staff. Clean restrooms. The spa has the best nail techs. I got a pregnancy massage and it couldn't have been better. The price was reasonable too.

Lisa G — Google review

The rooms are spacious and nice. Well equipped. They have a large buffet open varying days and hours. It's ok. Their coffee shop has above-average food and a few items are excellent. Service could be better. Their Asian cuisine restaurant has closed and will not reopen. Their signature restaurant is a Brazilian steakhouse and it is absolutely outstanding. Reasonably well equipped 2-story gaming area. Machines are Indian tight but do give decent play. A few of them break down a lot but I am told this will be addressed around August 2023. Small high limit area. Nice and well run poker room with tournaments Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Michael T — Google review

It's a fancy hotel and a casino how could you not love it! Now I've got to admit that their service is typical of any casino it's poor and you can't get a drink unless you're lucky enough to have a bar or a self-serve location. But I don't go to a casino to drink I do that at home. It's a good place to have a good time with your friends.

Cheryl Y — Google review

They’ve really upgraded the place over the last year. I like how they still have a lot of older machines. They also have a large non-smoking area upstairs that seems to go unnoticed. They should really put signs up guiding people to the area that don’t smoke.

Larry H — Google review

I did not stay at hotel.I met a friend for lunch at the food court, which I love. I've tried the pizza, Chicken Alfredo, and the Mexi Bowl. All of it was very good. The lime rice at the Mexican food section is absolutely amazing. I had never had lime rice before, decided to try it and was so glad I did.Casino is very clean and lots of games. I didn't come home a millionaire but that's gambling!!!

Teresa D — Google review

Great parking, nice place, restaurants were mediocreonly game I played was roulette 70-80 or more chip in 1-36 and 10 times in a row it hit a number with no chips or 1 chip….? Odd???They charge a .50 per play on live games, like the house is not making any money after paying out barely anything to anyone. 🤷‍♂️Oh and it stinks like an ash tray! 🤢 both floors. Thank you

Chris M — Google review

I love this place. Great restaurants with pleasant servers and fair prices!! I stop here whenever I drive this corridor, great place to hang out while your car charges!! Nice Casino though I don't gamble much. Clean and pleasant!!!

Will J — Google review

Highly recommend this and Choctaw nation if i could give Riverwind a no star review i would. This is a beautiful establishment with several dining options my only complaint is they aren’t open 24 hours except for Fri and Saturday which blows if your staying at the hotel. One thing i do like about the hotel is check out is at 11 but you can simply tell them you want to check out at noon and get that extra hour no charge

L D — Google review

The parking was great, and they had ramps for wheel chairs. The pricing for the room was very nice and not too expensive. The room was very comfortable, and the bedwas soft and comfortable. I was able to fall asleep easily. The food was fantastic and not too pricy. The staff and front desk were very nice to us, and made sure all our needs were taken care of while staying there! Overall, if we ever came through here again, we would definitely stay again.

Denise D — Google review

We are from Missouri, so when neither of us had phone service & we were relying on Google maps to get us there, we soon learned not to depend on maps or phone svc in this area. Once we got there, we had an okay time. They had a lot of slot machines, but none we cared for a lot. There just don't seem to be that much of a selection. Employees all seemed nice & courteous.

Sandra H — Google review

Always a fun time! Rooms are nice. Slots aretight. Had a good time playing baccarat. Flame is usually pretty good, had a bad server/bartender (same person) but other than that it was a great time!

Don S — Google review

Arrived in my room and pretty much discovered that the AC didn't work I turned it down to 68° on the thermostat and went to eat lunch. Came back to the room and the temperature had risen by 2 degges talked to front desk and let them know there were issues and the informed me they would send maintenance. Explained that I had to drive in 6 hrs and that I need to get sleep hopefull to get another room but of course not they are to worried about keeping rooms open to pack the most likely rip off casino. Made multiple complaints but no upgrade to room with a/c. Will be an enjoyable 700 mile trip with an hour and a half of sleep!

James W — Google review

Driving cross-country, I mainly stayed in the major chains, but wanted to give the casino resort a shot. Turned out it was a great value with a really nice room. I'm not a gambler, but I walked through the casino to get to the restaurants. A little loud and smoky, but whatever. Unfortunately, I was there on a Sunday or Monday and dining options were more limited than usual. Even so, the grilled chicken sandwich was really nice and very reasonable. While I'm not a drinker anymore, the alcohol prices were extremely reasonable as well

David K — Google review

We stoped by yesterday, and we had a great time, lots of machines. Could use more poker machines, some fun poker machines like hot roll, split, and so many others I enjoy playing, we came out ahead and hoping the casino will invite us for an overnight stay, then we could have a cocktail or two.

Mercy W — Google review

Easy to access hotel just 30 minutes outside of Oklahoma City.Staff is exceptional, very accommodating and friendly.The Brazilian all you can eat restaurant is fantastic! Service and food, excellent.Our waitress Mercedes was spot on: friendly and personable, quick and accommodating, and suggestive and knowledgeable.

TUESDAY Y — Google review

Truck stop was the usual place. Not bad, just a truck stop. The food I got from the casino was less than I was hoping for. $20 for a meager few slices of brisket and 5 slices of their version of BBQ sausage, baked beans and mashed potatoes on the side. The BBQ sauce tasted like it was half corn syrup and half tomato sauce with a few spices added. I definitely won't be getting that again.The parking lot was very well lighted and easy backing. It makes a great place to spend the night. Maybe next time I'll try the sit-down restaurant in the casino

Shane — Google review

It is a very good Casino. The facilities are nice and clean. The food court has a grand variety of foods from different regions of the world. The customer service was great. The Casino offers free drinks and ice cream to its guest.They also offer Truck Parking... so this is a Truck Driver Friendly Casino. Excellent!I would definitely recommend that you visit Grand Casino Hotel & Resort.

Alberto A — Google review

Had my daughter, mom, and sis in laws birthday here. Great games. Someone in our party left with money. So that's a bonus. Great time and would go back. Good food in the restaurant that's cheap too!

April D — Google review

Stayed with my daughter who is 10, she had a spa day with facial and massage, they were super professional. Clean and comfortable areas, my daughter loved it! Can’t beat their rates for room, food or anything. Go now!

Bridger T — Google review

First time staying here and it was better than we were expecting. Very clean and excellent customer service from every employee we encountered. The food was also good although with our last minute planning we were unable to get into the steak house and spa, so make reservations ahead of time if you want to do either of these things. We didn't win big, but won enough to have 2 full evenings of game play. Prices were more reasonable than I have seen from a hotel casino in many years. Would highly recommend if you are looking for a weekend getaway.

Kim V — Google review

We live in the area and thought we would try the food court at the grand. Well can tell you will not be back employees were to interested in each other and not the customers. Food was not very good, I had the brisket dinner and it was mostly fat, asked for sliced and got what looked to be chopped. When I asked about it I was told that it was sliced in a not so friendly tone.

David M — Google review

I love that they have free ice cream. Their machines were tight as in no wins to brag about. There was 5 of us there and we left to go to another casino.

Christie C — Google review

Loved that it was not a smoky as other casinos. Also, the Flame restaurant was fantastic. All you can eat steak and other items. Reasonably priced for everything you get. Food was delicious. Looking forward to a return visit.

David C — Google review

First time I ever Ben here. I gotta say it was pretty nice. Lots of games n it was pretty clean. I actually hit a 1200.00 jackpot. The pay out took a little bit but they were pretty busy that evening. I'm ready to go back.

Betty Z — Google review

The room was nice and clean. The bed was very comfortable. King size bed room, for two people. You only get two towels set (washcloth, hand and bath towel). If you want water bottles, you can buy them or bring them in.

Darcy B — Google review

This is a great place to stay. Quiet rooms and nice size rooms. Very quiet and great room darkening curtains. Toilet has its own room. But shower is in same room and closed by 2 pockets doors. Very comfy beds and lots of comfy blankets. We were very toasty. The side lounge room was nice. Couch and a nice desk area. Lots of lights and super bright bathroom lights. Very helpful staff.

Carole K — Google review

I park my semi truck here. Play at the casino which I've had a few hand pay wins. The restaurant has great food for a very reasonable price and the portions are very nice. Haven't had the pleasure of staying in any rooms yet. But the location is great. East on/off interstate Access. People are awesome. Highly recommend if you're passing through in a semi truck or on vacation.

Todd B — Google review

I've never stayed in the hotel but the casino has done us pretty good. When I was locked up in county jail on a $2000 cash bond my wife walked in with $350 and within 2hours she had $2500 and I was bailed out within hours. Good looking out red blood and thank you baby, I love you more than life

F5iver S — Google review

Always a clean, inviting environment. The only luck I have there is usually non-existant. My money does not go very far on the slot machines.However, if you are not lactose intolerant, you can have all the ice cream you can eat.

Cindy B — Google review

4.1

(10814)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (1)

3.5

(153)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (2)

777 Grand Casino Blvd, Shawnee, OK 74804, USA

(405) 964-7777

2

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (3)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (4)

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (5)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (6)

Mentioned on

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Natural history museum

Museums

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History offers extensive displays showcasing the natural and cultural history spanning back four billion years, along with a diverse range of artwork. The museum is particularly appealing to children as they can enjoy exploring dinosaur exhibits, observing various animals and engaging in hands-on activities. Additionally, visitors can benefit from extra educational activities on weekends and special offers for members. The facility features clean restrooms and an elevator for those with mobility needs.

So much fun here!!Our kids love all the dinosaurs, animals and hands on activities. So much to read and learn here. We've been so many times and still haven't read it all.Extra activities on the weekends, at least once a month and special offers for members are available, too! They have clean bathrooms & their staff are kind and helpful as well! (There is an elevator for those that need it too, woo!)We highly recommend Sam Noble Museum!

Becky C — Google review

I just want to thank the museum for allowing the CacheFest 2024 team to have their Night at the Noble geocaching event here. Their “night at the museum” set up was an absolutely hilarious event and an awesome time was had by everyone. My kids explored the exhibits and truly enjoyed themselves. The museum staff was so kind and generous of their time as well. Thank you so much!

Jason F — Google review

We drove down from Tulsa to visit with our 3 1/2 year old because he’s very into dinos right now. The museum itself is very nice and clean. Tons to look at but even more to read. If you’re a reader this is a great museum for you. There is a kids discovery room that was very hands-on and interactive - great for the kids to take a break and play. The gift shop is wonderful too, they even have some $1.50 dinosaurs & bugs which was a nice surprise as usually museum gift shops can be expensive. All in all it was a great museum & I wish I’d had more time to explore and read but my 3 year old was ready to move on pretty quickly so I think we will wait & try to visit again when he’s a little older. If we were local we would visit more often!

Kirstin J — Google review

Amazing experience here with my children. Every exhibit fascinated my young kids and you could truly see their little brains absorbing all of the information. There is some thing here for every age and level of education and I’m really thankful that we visited. The staff , However, made our experience an absolute five-star experience. The people at the front desk were so welcoming and helpful, but the lady in the gift shop likely left us with such a great impression of the museum. She was so helpful in finding my children the stickers that they wanted, and going to look for shirt sizes for our youngest because he loved the design. I’ve never seen someone go above and beyond to make my family and my children feel like they were so special for just wanting to buy a T-shirt. Thank you for not only pouring into educating the community, spending so much time putting together these exhibits, but also hiring such great people to be the face of this amazing museum.

Mike M — Google review

There was hardly anyone there and it’s a holiday weekend. My kids enjoyed the discovery center. There were family restrooms with baby changing stations which made diaper changes easy. Very spacious and lots of exhibits with interactive stations for toddlers and older children. They offer veteran and active duty discounts for admission. 3 and under were free.

Gloria S — Google review

Dinosaurs once walked through Oklahoma’s landscape and we can experience and explore the impact they had on our planet. Explore more about dinosaurs and how they evolved and lived by visiting Sam Noble Oklahoma museum of natural history. Interactive learning!

Tre J — Google review

The paleontology and Indigenous People exhibits are excellent. The modern natural history section leaves a bit to be desired. A fun way to spend an afternoon.

Nick B — Google review

What a fantastic experience! Loved the interactive aspects of the Museum and have been telling people this is a Must See!!!

Christine C — Google review

Really enjoyed visiting the museum with my granddaughter who regaled us with all her 5 year old knowledge of dinosaurs (and she knows everything). There is way too much to see and do in one visit so we are considering getting a membership so she can return as often as she wants. And she will have to take her Pop-Pop with her.

Mike C — Google review

It has lots of different sections there's an art section and a bunch of animal in nature sections there's also a store section where you can buy a bunch of different Little Things a gift shop. There's also a cave on Story 2 that you can go inside of it tells you about stalactites and stalagmites and a whole bunch of other things inside of case hanging from the top of the caves on the first floor there's a giant man with a statue of a man holding a spear that's pretending to be about to kill Mammoth.

Djdn X — Google review

Extremely clean museum with a lot of immersive experiences for young audiences and great picture layouts for groups or regular attendees!They have a lot of themed areas that touch on dinosaurs, nature, Greek/Roman artifacts, Midwest, and Native American exhibit (upstairs/2nd floor).

F R — Google review

This was a lot of fun, and the best part was meeting Nance, who, after telling her it was our first time visiting, gave us a tour in the bone section. She had personally been on several digs herself along with years at some of the best museums. She was knowledgeable and funny and made the experience that much more fun.Besides that, the rest of the museum was awesome and educational, and we had an excellent time. Can't wait to go back with the kids.

Fred M — Google review

Talk about a hidden gem! I’ve lived in OKC for 16 years and even went to OU and just found out about this. My buddy and I are dinosaur buffs so we went to check it out today. And it’s free for veterans, so that was a plus. Highly recommend!

Zack F — Google review

I recently got hired to draw caricatures at this place... I love the energy there... It was easy to do my job... Because of the great staff and the good feelings I experienced while I was there.... There are so many great spectacles to view. I was also very impressed with how everything looked...This place makes the museum experience very exciting... I was drawing in front marble dinosaur that had to be about 20 feet tall.... That was awesome... I felt like a kid all over again while I was doing my grown up passion....It was an overall great experience for me....

John W — Google review

We had an absolute blast my daughter has been wanting to see dinosaur bones and this was only an hour and a half from our house. Spent a good 3 hours looking at everything and just enjoying ourselves. Large Variety in their gift shop also. Great place to visit for adults and kids.

Billi I — Google review

This is one of, if not the best, Natural History Museum I have ever had the pleasure of visiting in my life. Clean, educational, entertaining, and beautiful, just stunning. Never crowded! Has a simple, but fun gift shop as well! Thumbs up all around! Norman/OKC is definitely one of the best places to visit for attractions similar to this.

Shelbi L — Google review

A great museum to enjoy some dinosaur bones, cool artifacts, and walk around for an hour or two. Wasn't too crowded for a Sunday visit. Paid about $13 for each person, no discounts. Plenty of parking, small walk to the entrance. Saw some fun things in the gift shop. Always love seeing the statues.Had an interesting limited time exhibit for kiddos there as well!

Skylur P — Google review

Displays were very informative and awe inspiring. The gift shop is priced at about eight times an items worth, disappointed in that.

Toni C — Google review

Fantastic to have this nearby. Fascinating information about prehistoric Oklahoma. Give yourself plenty of time to read and learn.

Steve M — Google review

A very nice look into the wildlife and First People of the local area. had very clever and informative displays and the 'Dinovator' was very well executed. unfortunately couldn't stay as long as I'd have liked because the entire main hall reeked of gasoline, which permeated into the exhibit areas (though thankfully not the front entrance).

3 T — Google review

Well worth the admission fee, easily spent almost 3 hours in here looking through every exhibit. We especially appreciate the dinosaurs but the advantage they took in creating these spaces is amazing.

Mackinzie B — Google review

4.7

(1601)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (7)

4.5

(469)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (8)

2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, OK 73072, USA

(405) 325-7977

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32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (9)

3

Riverwind Casino

Mentioned on

3 lists

Casino

Casinos & Gambling

Hotel

Riverwind Casino is a vibrant hotel that offers various dining options and live entertainment alongside its gambling facilities. While guests may not be guaranteed their preferred room, they were generally satisfied with the amenities provided. The establishment has made efforts to improve guest experience by fixing issues such as broken TVs and weak coffee. Despite lacking in-room microwaves, the casino offers an excellent buffet for meals. Riverwind serves as a convenient stop for travelers on highways and is especially valuable during holidays when other dining options are limited.

Such a nice casino and friendly people here. They're going through some construction but it's well organized and clean. Plenty of fun slot machines to play. I ate at their restaurant Chips & Ales I think that's the name . The Chicken Pot pie was the best I've ever had. My server Chastity was so professional and friendly I thought she was a manager to my surprise she wasn't but most definitely belongs in a position like that in your casino. Keep up the awesome job! Last but not least I had an amazing day here on Monday. Made up for my last visit a month ago where they kept my money.😁

Maria C — Google review

I had so much fun at Riverwind tonight! The first machine I put $20 into I hit for $150. My fiancé decided to try the machine next to me and he hit for around $140. Then after spending another $60 I hit for another $120 and my fiance hit for another $153! All in all we had a lot of fun. They have a huge selection of slots to choose from, and although the tables were pretty full we could have found one or two to play at should we have wanted to do that. I also liked how there was at least 1 place still open to eat at when we were done at around 130am ( Burger King). There are a lot of restrooms all around so you don't have to look far when ya gotta go. The ONLY thing I didn't like is that we had such a hard time trying to find even ONE cashier so we could get our change that we ended up just leaving it behind after a good 10 minutes of walking around and looking. But Other than that we had A-blast. We were also able to park pretty close to the entrance so all in all I would say this casino should be a definite go to if you are in the mood to play. Two thumbs up from me!

Jessica W — Google review

Nice enough spot. Enjoy crab legs at seafood buffet but last seafood buffet there was no shrimp the last hour they were open. Great entertainment spot. Free coffee and soft drinks at multiple locations while you play. Clean facilities. Decent payouts. Crazy smoky inside, however, thats what makes it tough to endure for too long. Customer service reps call often to let you know about offers you have “earned”…

Melissa D — Google review

That fact we were able to reserve my favorite room and it was available when we arrived was awesome. However she did inform us she could not promise us the room. New TV and some other things we notice from our last visit were fixed a+ Just wish they would decide putting in the microwave. Chips and Alyse is partly the reason they're not getting five stars and the coffee seems to be weak this go around. I will be back though.

Sylvia M — Google review

I did the all you can eat buffet on Saturday, which includes snow crab legs. Everything was delicious I got there around 6pm it was about a hour wait, but it was worth it. I mainly ate crab legs, the fried shrimp was good as well as the catfish. I saved a little room for desert, which I chose the bread pudding with carmel and vanilla sauce, but they had alot of options for $45. I will definitely be back 😁. If you get the Riverwind card you save $6

Rara B — Google review

Love going to Riverwind when I visit family. It's like a mini Winstar and has a lot of good games available. I'm usually able to walk away even, or even up, even after playing for a while. Even when I don't, it's still a good time. They also give out free play often and free meals, and even sent us a voucher for a free cruise. We thought there was a catch, but nope, we're booked for our cruise in August for free!

Laura G — Google review

We stopped to eat since we were on the highway driving to spend time with the kids. It was on Christmas Day, so it was the only place to really have a meal other than burgers or hotdogs from gas stations m. The buffet was excellent!

Dr. B — Google review

We came here on a Saturday evening to grab some crab legs and spend some money. The line to the buffet was incredibly long. We waited 2+ hours in line, and we had to give up near the end, because it was near closing time. The Riverwind Casino Wild Card holder has a benefit of being placed close to the front of the line, so it pushed regular people back a lot. The place was filled with smoke, and I ended up leaving the place with my clothing reeks of cigarettes, and it ended up contaminating my car too. The place needs better air ventilation and filtration to deal with those smell.One major kudos for this place is that their parking lot was well lit and organized. I felt safe walking and talking with my friend in the parking lot. It was also to find my party, because the parking was well labeled.

Toolee M — Google review

Went there with a group of friends last night. They are doing some remodeling but it doesn't appear to be affecting peoples fun. People seemed to be having a great time. They have a large selection of slot games. There are ATM's and bathrooms, a bar area in the center, a smoking area with card tables, roulette (table & electronic), and slots as well as a non-smoking play area. This was only my 3rd time in a Casino but it seemed great to me. There were employees constantly cleaning, waitresses walking by about every 15-20 minutes checking on people, and techs checking machines. The customer service lady was friendly, efficient, and professional all in one which was perfect! I would visit again.

Brittany M — Google review

Riverwind Casino offers ample winning opportunities, although the lack of a non-smoking section might be a concern for some. My experience included both victories and losses. The casino itself exudes an aged ambiance, yet hints at ongoing renovation efforts. However, the extent of modernization remains questionable. On-site dining options are available, albeit slightly pricier than typical establishments. Complimentary beverages like water and soda are offered near the entrance upon request.

RYAN G — Google review

Super expensive unless you only want crab.It was the worst buffet I've ever experienced.They have a line undeserving long. That's probably why they don't care about ...anything there was weird prome rib that seemed like precooked boil in the bag meat. The pork was dryer than dry looking shreds. No chicken at all and soggy fish and chips. There were very few sides and a lame salad bar. And to finish it a lame desert bar. At least it was above pig slop. For $39.99 it was a waste of money for me And for a casino...shame on your greedy penny pinching managment.

Steve C — Google review

In the oasis room there really is no smoke smell it was nice. We’d never been to a casino before but it was a good experience and the cashier was really helpful since we were such newbies. Big food court and lots and lots of slots

Regan T — Google review

This review is for the Showplace Theater only. We love going to see concerts here. The intimacy you have here with the artists is amazing, and the sound is spot on. We have seen several shows here and have not been disappointed. The prices at the bar are very reasonable too. I just wish they could find a way to book more talent.

John B — Google review

I like the layout of this casino. They have several restaurants and a few have gf options. There is also a smoke free area which is awesome. I wish they would have some more rock concerts this year for the beats and bites concerts. They seem to have all country music this year. I went last year and really enjoyed it being outside and the weather was great!

Rebecca B — Google review

I would leave a 10 star if i could. I drive a truck for a living. The truck parking that is provided is a great service to us truckers! Free, lighted, and secure. They ask for nothing in return. I live in Norman and have spent some money at the casino, but that is never a question, if you need to park, you park! But when I parked today they gave me laminated sheet that said occupied on one side. Security guard told me that if I was going to be staying in my truck over night to place the occupied sign out so if severe weather came they would get me out of the truck and get me to shelter! What a blessing! Nice to be showed some care! Thank you Riverwind!

Clint T — Google review

We just want to thank Riverwind casino for the hospitality and the great energy that was experienced Monday my future wife and I was able to experience a magical day we thank you.My soul mate and I love coming to river wind to release, the energy, games , and vibes are priceless and we love winning!!

Devin L — Google review

Really did not spend much time in Casino on this cold and wet day. Grounds leading into side entrance was littered with trash. A Landscaping brick unglued. Receptionist at guest counter was helpful issuing a new card & verifying new address from Driver's license. All total played four different slots. The Wicked Wheel was fun & kept me in the game. Ate a steak sandwich from IHOP located in food court. Steak might have been lean beef but appeared to be ground hamburger meat. Riverwind is a nice place to go for entertainment and fun.

Meridith L — Google review

Fun and entertaining had a good time with friends. Had a great dinner at Chips 'N Ales ate battered fish & shrimp with chips and salad plan on taking extra to suite. Service was excellent!

Lance D — Google review

Went to the showcase theater. Had to ask directions numerous times. More signage would be helpful especially outside. Staff were super friendly helpful. Wish casinos could be smoke free but ventilation was the best.

Sandra G — Google review

Machines were extremely tight however I'm giving it 5 stars because of the semi parking lot. It's great you have a secure spot to park, shuttle to casino, and an emergency weather response plan for drivers. Security guards were awesome . Thank you for thinking of the drivers coming through your area!

Michele S — Google review

I did not visit the casino floor or game. I attended Jo Koy stand up. He was funny. However the venue was essentially a ballroom with chairs set up as a theater. It seemed to be old fashion. The good news is that the venue is small enough to have a decent seat even if you end up in section 201 and above. One thing I disliked was the bar closing just before the main show started. That really sucks bcz I was parched the entire show. 😕 Next time I know to sneak water in. Lol.

Fernando L — Google review

Small local casino with an equally small hotel attached, in a cornfield next to a highway.Typical casino, nothing special or horrible about it. You give them money and you leave. Small food court with major fast food chains, and one sit-down restaurant with decent and GENEROUS portions. The buffet is only open for limited days of the week, so I didn't try it.The hotel side is also your normal hotel. They offer coffee and juice in the lobby, but that is about it besides a vending machine or two. They do not have a pool, or fitness center, but the business center has a PC and printer.Parking is ample and the service was average. The room was nice with a small refrigerator, coffee maker, and TV. The view is either the cornfield or Mcdonald's and marshy area in the distance.Now cleanliness is another thing. The refrigerator was visibly dirty, and the bottom two shelves were sticky to the point that I just left my items there when I left.The shower curtain didn't reach the tub, so water soaked the floor every time I used it. The shower drain was "stuck", but with a little effort it, along with a ton of hair came right up!

H2O — Google review

I've been to riverwind a few times now. They have ample parking. It's a great outdoor venue for concerts and apparently they have plenty of parking for RV space behind the building. Have not been to the casino yet but I'm sure it is very nice inside the venue. Staff are knowledgeable and nice when it comes to the concerts.

Sean C — Google review

Best casino I have been to in New Mexico/Oklahoma/Arizona . You can drink on the floor. Plenty of gaming area. Slots keep you playing for a while. Didn’t take your money like other casinos.

Mike B — Google review

This place always has new machines and constantly updating. Friday all you can eat steak is wonderful..steak is tender and juicy…

JessKT — Google review

3.9

(12277)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (10)

3.5

(788)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (11)

1544 OK-9, Norman, OK 73072, USA

(405) 322-6000

4

Tiger Safari Zoological Park

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Zoo

Zoos & Aquariums

This 45-acre zoo is home to rescued animals, and it is a great place to visit if you're looking for something fun and educational. The owner takes great pride in this zoo, and the staff are professional, kind and respectful of all the animals. The cabins overlooking the facility are beautiful, high-class accommodations with modern amenities that make them very comfortable. So much to see and learn at this zoo - families will enjoy it as much as business people will appreciate it!

I had an absolute blast at this facility! The owner takes pride in this zoo and it shows. Staff were professional, kind and respectful of all animals.Beautiful, high class cabins overlooking the facility. Immaculate, modern and comfortable amenities! So much to look at and learn.Brand new veterinary facility is being built onsite.100% would recommend for families to traveling business people. Something for everyone!

Sherri D — Google review

A little pricey we stayed two night in may of 2022. Two adults and two kids in tree house 4. My children had fun but there was a lot of down time with nothing to do. It would have been night to have a splash pad here as well to keep busy. The people that work here or own it are okay not the best customer service but you can tell they love working with the animals and it really shows. We feed animals and walked the park 3/4 times in the two days we where here. When you thank about the amount it cost to care for the animals it make since for there pricing. Definitely an experience I appreciate my children getting to have. Very peaceful and quite.

Katina W — Google review

This Safari zoo in Tuttle is a cute and fun lower budget place to check out in Oklahoma! My husband and I stayed the night in their #3 tree house, above the white tiger exhibit. It was a nice rustic treehouse that came with balcony, and even an outdoor fire pit and grill for those who bring their own propane tank.Around 6pm we went to see the animals. We were glad we did because they were most active around that time. They have some cute and beautiful Safari animals. Since it's lower budget they don't have a lot to see but what they do have is nice.We were there Friday evening. The zoo wasn't busy when we got there and when we were exploring it felt very private. The couple of staff members we saw were really friendly and gave us food to feed the monkeys and got the white tigers to get closer to us. That made the experience so much better.Some parts of the park feel a little abandoned, but we still enjoyed our time there. They have some pretty cool areas to explore. They even have an outdoor dining area that has an upper patio with furniture, grills and a fire pit. It was pretty cool to see.We feel like the park has a lot of potential and what they do have now is nice. It's a nice place to go to when you want to plan to get away from the busy modern day social media lifestyle. It's fun for kids and teens, especially if you get the VIP to be able to pet and hold some animals. Even couples who love animals, like us, would enjoy it there.

Denise V — Google review

My family was visiting from Utah. We went here and showed up right in time for the VIP tour. Which includes 10 animals being brought out that you can pet, and the zoo. We all had a great time! The staff were all great. The animals are very well cared for. We will definitely go again and want to do the over night experience!

K W — Google review

We stayed overnight in the huts. The pictures don’t do it justice. The huts have AC and were a nice, cool break from the sun outside. The beds were comfortable and everyone slept well. There is a small fridge, microwave and coffee maker. We opted to eat out in the town and it was great.Staying at the zoo we were able to have an animal encounter shortly after arriving. We got to know the animals and then take a break at the huts. We went back later that evening when jt was cool to see the animals again.At night you can sit outside and listen to the lions roar!It felt amazing waking up and sipping coffee by the pond, watching the turtles.The zoo is so open, relaxing, and clean! The animals all seem so happy! We will defiantly be back in the fall to visit again.

Hana A — Google review

Went on our last day of spring break. We paid 200 for our family of 5. Which included the admission for the park and the animal Incounter. We are able to hold snakes and pet other animals. My son loved this, he is very big into animals. The park is also great. We will return.

B K — Google review

My kids was on Fall break this week and we visited this beautiful and AMAZING Safari. This is DEFINITELY a great place for kids to learn educational things about these exotic animals, reptiles and big cats. We got lucky not many people was there. The VIP portion was a fun experience with kids getting to see the animals up close and handling a few 😊. Kim was AMAZING every animal she brought out had a name and was very alert! The kids ENJOYED recognizing animals from Madagascar Movie 😂. One of the Lemurs was actually named “King Julius” 😂 Kim also educated the kids on Tom the porcupine about “not shooting” quill the shock look on the kids faces was priceless haha. Overall they loved every staff member because they were polite from checking in, walking around to holding the animals . Elroy was definitely our favorite he has the biggest eyes and checked Kim pocket for more snack 😭 We will definitely try and visit once a year.

Cierra — Google review

I cannot recommend this place enough! The staff was a friendly and knowledgeable. Bill (the owner) has an incredible story! He also makes you feel so welcomed by introducing himself to every guest. We will definitely be coming back, it is a great place for any age range. My two year old absolutely loved the experience! Wide variety of animals that are well kept and cared for. Pay for the VIP encounter it is worth it!

Denysea G — Google review

Had a mini getaway with my husband. We stayed in one of the treehouses overlooking the tigers, we got to see the bear early in the morning even though we weren't able to during our tour. Since it was Saturday we had the option to join in with others at a big bonfire, however we decided to opt out and have our own little bonfire at the fire-pit in the treehouse. We also did the Mega VIP tour the next morning. We woke up super early and got to see the sunrise.Definetly recommend staying there. Will be back soon to stay a bit longer.Here are some of the many pictures we took.

Ana O — Google review

We came for my niece and nephew’s birthday party. Birthday parties at the park are amazing! We got an air conditioned party room and then the kids got up and close animal encounters. They got to hold and pet a baby kangaroo, a fox, a python, a red lemur , a hare, a cockatoo, a baby porcupine, a lizard and a baby lemur. The staff were super helpful and friendly. We also got to feed the monkeys and baby deer and had acres to visit the whole zoo.

Bethany B — Google review

Absolutely amazing. Great staff and the rooms clean. We had the African hut #3 and it was perfect on the lake with a fountain. The mega vip pass was wonderful getting to feed so many animals. Absolutely a must!

Dena R — Google review

Honestly, I really liked this place, I really enjoyed it... if you're going to stay in the cabins, you should know that they don't have toilets, or sinks, or showers... 🫠 the bathroom is public and is at 5- 7 minutes walking (I didn't bathe) lol pretty cool staff, animals looks healthy...

K. R — Google review

this zoo was quite the visit. our family did the VIP passes for $35 a person. there were around ten encounters in the lodge that we got to be a part of (snakes, rabbits, birds, lizards, and even lemurs that you get to touch and hold). however, there are also tickets for $15 a person to just skip the encounters and walk around the exhibits. we also got to feed monkeys and deer. the monkey pulled his own food on the rope (super cool)! the animals looked happy and cared for. it's really a beautiful zoo.

Kyra B — Google review

If you are going, its worth paying to pet and hold the animals. It was a moment for us to get over our fears and they did an excellent job helping my mum and I. Ask in advance to make sure you know what the feeding and petting times are. The monkey feeding was our next fun part. Overall great experience and we had fun.

Abby — Google review

Spent 2 hours here today and enjoyed every moment! This was such a great park/zoo. There were 6 of us in our group and I highly recommend the VIP so you can hold and pet the animals! The staff there was so friendly and the owner even saw that my son didn’t want to leave and gave him a toy! It was so nice! Really enjoyed visiting, come to find out they even have rooms you can rent out and stay in! We will definitely be back!

Andy O — Google review

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this place. I rented one of the large African Manors. The accommodations were absolutely incredible. The kitchen was fully stocked with everything that we needed. Meaning a lot of the stuff I brought was completely unnecessary. The atmosphere the nighttime view the sounds of the animals as the sun sets and it starts to cool off. The experience is just incredible. I brought my two adult children to spend the evening with me we cooked out on the patio Enjoyed the beautiful view from the fountain, lit pond and basically had a private roam of the park after the sunset I cannot recommend this experience enough to anybody. It would be an incredible place for a family reunion a great place for a first date night, you name it, and these animals are taken care of. You can tell that they are loved , I love this place so much that I want to come and volunteer out here whenever they need me. Spend the money spend and the time with your family. The experience of being so close to these animals is absolutely breathtaking. It has changed me forever and I would do it again in a heartbeat, and anybody who writes a negative review about this place just has a problem with their life in general, because this place is out standing. Thank you Bill and the lovely lady who gave us our tour as well as the other ladies in the office you have made our experience amazing!

Lori P — Google review

My daughter turned 16 last week and all she asked to do was go to a zoo because she loves animals. When we found Tiger Safari and saw that it wasn't too far, we booked 3 nights hoping it would be an incredible experience and it sure was! We were able to walk the zoo any time the gate was open and each time we saw something different! The animals are well taken care of and it's obvious that the staff cares deeply for each one. The owner is truly passionate about what he does and is a very nice guy with an incredible story. This is a definite MUST for anyone who enjoys spending time with animals!

Cassie G — Google review

Was a great experience! Stayed the night and will be back!! Family loved the tree house with the view of the animals! Staff super friendly and very informative. The area was super clean and great to watch and interact with all the animals. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!

Jason K — Google review

My family and I love this place. We have gone a couple of times now and have stayed in the cabins. The cabins are gorgeous amd worth every dime you spend. I recommend staying a couple of days to get the full experience the park has to offer. They definitely try to provide a lot of activities for family fun and the whole glamping experience. The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5, was the gift shop was lacking especially when you're staying several days you would like to be able to purchase more than a very select variety of drinks and snacks. Additionally, we had to park quite a bit aways from our cabin and hauling luggage across gravel, wrangling kids and my mom that is limited with walking, it would have been nice to park by our cabin.

Nikole M — Google review

This is an amazing stop if you are in the area! My wife and I visited on a weekend trip and got the VIP package, we got to hold and pet some amazing exotic animals and even feed a few!All the animals seemed quite healthy and happy 😊The price was reasonable and we stayed for a few hours, they also have cabana rentals that overlook the animals! All in all a great example of a private park.

Ian — Google review

What a phenomenal place to stay and/or visit! This was our second trip and we had the best time! We got to stay in the water overlook treehouse! Listening to the animals talk back and forth at night while enjoying the beautiful skyline view 💜We stayed the whole weekend and had the VIP experience both days! Let me just say that no 2 VIP experience is the same! Sarah and Amy are phenomenal with the animals and with guests! Our son is autistic and struggled with the reptiles (he says they’re his arch nemesis lol) and they were just so patient and kind to him. Saturday night was the big bonfire in the zoo surrounded by the animals where we roasted marshmallows and chatted with other guests!The first time we visited was in 2020 and we fell in love with the place! Since our last visit they have expanded and added more animals, and more treehouses built since our last visit too!Bill, the owner, is such a great person to sit and talk with too! I love the excitement and passion he gives off when he talks about this place! Next time we visit I just gotta sit down and hear stories of his adventures! There are tons of candid photos displayed around the zoo showing his with the animals in the wild as well as in the park! You can see the genuine love and devotion he has for this place and the animals!Such an amazing weekend all around! We’re already planning another trip back after we get settled in Michigan!! Thanks for an awesome weekend Tiger Safari Zoo!

Adrienne B — Google review

We went on the fourth of July. So we didn't see many people. The parrot said Hi to us when we walked in. We got the VIP, so we got to hold a coatmundi which is in the raccoon family, a cockatoo, We bottle fed a baby zebra, which was a part of the VIP. The workers there gave us animal crackers to feed the deer and kangaroos. They also gave us monkey treats and we put them in the bucket andthe spider monkey reels it in, the other one you have to do it. We fed a white tabby tiger chicken which is 1/30. I lost my phone there, so we turned around and they brought us in the side by side and we found it. They also gave us 2 free water bottles. It is a family owned zoo.

Corben P — Google review

We brought our family for a little getaway and stayed in the African Manor Hut #3. Upon walking up you could tell that the grounds needed just a little bit of attention and care. The manor itself is beautiful. We were really excited to use the big jacuzzi tub to soak and relax before bed. But we couldn't. The water pressure was so bad it would have taken over an hour to fill. Also the water turned cold about 15 minutes into trying. Things were just dusty and dirty like the bare minimum had been done for cleaning. The stove didn't work at all. We were told Upon arriving that it may blow a breaker but we checked and that wasn't the case. It just didn't work. When we made coffee I went to use the creamer and noticed thankfully that it expired in 2022. I went thru the kitchen and threw away a lot of items that were expired that other people had left and just hadn't been checked at all. The bathroom toilet more than a few times had to be messed with so it would fill back up with Water. We were disappointed there was no bonfire after it said there would be on the website but we still had a fire pit on the porch and made our own smores. I know these are all sort of little minor things but when you pay $265 for such a cool accommodation it's just disappointing that some of these things are being neglected. BUT now here's the good! The animal safari part is COOL. You can walk the grounds freely until 10pm and hear the animals all night! It does look a little run down. But the animals are so sweet! We got to touch and hold some of them including the 12 foot python and the baby kangaroo. They give you food to feed the outer door animals So that was really fun as well. The lion jeep encounter they post about online is not even a thing anymore. The glass behind the jeep is so dirty and thick with slime there's no way you'd even see a lion behind it. Everyone there was super nice and you can tell they love those animals! I would definitely recommend staying once for the experience!

Kristina C — Google review

This place is awesome and bigger than I thought it would be. The staff are all super friendly. You can feed and hold some animals, if you're in the area, stop and check this place out. It also has the unique Air BnB right above the lions and bear.

Cameron M — Google review

Large cats, lemurs, monkeys, birds, snakes,lizards,deer,chickens....beautiful animals. No gift shop or vending. Misleading advertising. Did not stay at lodging quarter's. All in all, nice variety of animals.

Alicia M — Google review

My family stayed in treehouse #2, our 4 year old absolutely loved it!! The animals were out and about due to the weather cooling off in the evening so I highly recommend evenings or overcast days. We could hear one of the lions from about 7:00pm to 7:30 am! So cool! We enjoyed the tiger feeding the most during the Mega tour and getting to hold and pet all the animals during the VIP aspect of it! Don’t miss out on the new axe throwing area, it is great for couples as well as safe for families of all ages! We will be back!!

Katelyn S — Google review

This was wonderful! We were looking for something fun on each leg of our drive from California to the east coast. This looked interesting and it is a real gem. The place has so much to see, and the animals were really interesting in us. They came right up to the fence, and I felt that this was really engaging. The kangaroos came right up to us, even with the babies! Tigers, lions, monkeys, lemurs, reptiles and more. If you have the opportunity to check this out, I think you’ll be impressed.

Patrick F — Google review

We came as chaperones for our son’s school field trip and had a blast! Wide space for kids to run off energy but also many animals to enjoy watching and several areas to relax and eat. We will be back with family and friends .

Tonika O — Google review

This place has changed so much. We did the VIP because we happened to walk in 2minutes before it started and got to hold about 10 different animals including a baby kangaroo. Then we were given food to feed deer and monkeys. It was chilly outside but the animals were out and lively. The bathrooms were nice and I loved how healthy the animals looked. Not like arbuckle wilderness. You can tell they are loved and well cared for. They aren’t scared of people at all. It’s safe and fun. The snack places are closed since it’s the off season but I’m hoping to go back and try their treehouse overnight stay in may.

Audrey — Google review

My family and I attend the safari March 9th. We had an amazing time. I was able to hold a baby kangaroo as much as I wanted. I really enjoyed being able to hold several animals. The staff were GREAT. They were super friendly and kind. I will definitely visit again to stay in a cabin.

Marnie J — Google review

4.3

(1006)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (16)

4.5

(649)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (17)

963 County Street 2930, Tuttle, OK 73089, USA

(405) 381-9453

5

Bricktown

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Sights & Landmarks

Neighborhoods

Bricktown is a vibrant entertainment district in Oklahoma City, featuring refurbished warehouse spaces that house trendy restaurants, elegant wine bars, and stylish piano lounges. The area boasts of an assorted range of shops selling fashionable clothing, home decor items, and artisanal food products such as gourmet sauces and handmade chocolate. A popular attraction in Bricktown is the Water Taxi that offers tours along the picturesque Bricktown Canal.

4.5

(2608)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (23)

Oklahoma City, OK, USA

I'll never travel to Hot Springs without this trip planner again

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6

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

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Museum

Sights & Landmarks

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum honors the 168 people killed in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, as well as all those affected by the tragedy. The outdoor memorial features the Gates of Time and Field of Empty Chairs, while the museum offers a number of exhibits about the bombing.

Sad place to visit, but we wanted to pay our respects to those who were lost here. The grounds are beautiful considering what happened here, the reflecting pond relaxes your tension with gentle draining water sounds as you stroll around reading posted signs telling you what everything symbolizes. Didn't have a chance this time to visit the museum but I'm sure it's comforting to those who lived through this terrible event. Prayers to all.

Jim D — Google review

To the guard on duty late 8.6.22, thank you for making us feel welcome and safe when we happened upon the memorial at 1030pm. We are from Texas and in town for just tonight. We drove by and got out to take a picture of the fence of tributes. You invited us into the memorial grounds and gave us wonderful information that made our visit more meaningful. My 8 yo daughter was completely captivated by the memorial and wanted to read every name on every chair and read into whom the victims might have been and their relations to each other.This was an experience we will never forget. We will keep all of the victims and loved ones in our prayers always.

Gregory A — Google review

If you’re in Oklahoma City than you need to come to the memorial. This memorial does an incredible job of honoring the victims of the attack and the heroic first responders. Definitely prepare yourself mentally because it is quite a bit to take in at once if you’re not expecting it. I spent about three hours in total at the museum so give yourself enough time to see everything. The presentations and recorded interviews are absolutely incredible and are extremely informative and captivating. There’s a big section on the arrest and prosecution of Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols which I easily could have spent more time looking at. Everything is so well put together and all the staff are extremely informative and will answer any questions you have. 10/10!

Dusty_marshmello — Google review

A beautiful memorial in the heart of Oklahoma City. This memorial plays an amazing role in keeping the memories of those lost, as well as those affected by the events, alive. It is so well thought out. Walk outside the memorial to find the chain link fence and spend some time reading notes to lost loved ones. Pay attention to the black painted brick on the museum which shows where windows were blown out and fresh brick in the building. These unique features all add to the magnitude of the true memorial area. I would say parking was ample, but for whatever reason...hard to find (more so know the cost and if it was public parking or not). Don't get me wrong, there is PLENTY of parking in the area. We did not tour the museum, but I wish we would've. We did enter the museum to see the gift shop and use the restroom. I'd rank this as a "must see" memorial.

M N — Google review

We visited the memorial early on a Saturday morning, just after sunrise. It was completely still, with no one else there except the security guard doing his rounds. Only the slight sound of the water flowing off the edges of the reflecting pool broke the silence. Everything about the memorial is beautiful and tastefully done; it is a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives that morning at 9:02 and others who were affected by the tragedy. Definitely worth visiting, even without touring the museum.

Randy S — Google review

Everybody goes during the day and it's absolutely beautiful during the day. I have also been in the daytime and love it I go to the marathon and compete. I happen to be in downtown and wanted to see it at night. There is a security guard so you don't feel unsafe. He was a very nice man. To see this place at night with the chairs lit was a whole nother experience unto itself. It was so quiet and peaceful you could just hear the reflection pulled trickling. The remembrance wall with the saying in the times are lit. It was a good time to just go and not have a lot of people. Where you could reflect pray for those people and their family look at the memory wall and just have your moment.

Yvon F — Google review

June 6, 2017: I arrived about 1:00pm. No car or foot traffic at all. I was overwhelmed with the monument. I remember the day the bombing occurred, seeing half of the building gone. Being here gave me a different perspective especially reading the names of those who perished and seeing the remains of the bldg. The artist(s) who created this monument did a magnificent tribute. All the chairs, small and large, the reflecting pool, the remaining tree. It was breathtaking; it was peaceful. A must stop anytime you are even close. Pictures do not do it justice.

Terri M — Google review

So beautiful! Love the survivor tree. Videos and pictures throughout the site. If you want to go through the museum you can but there is a charge for that. If you want to see just the area of the bombing, it is free. Make sure you see the statue of Jesus across the street also.

Cheryl W — Google review

This museum was amazing and they do a great job of telling the story of the day of and the days following.While the museum was extremely informative, the real star was the memorial itself. This was probably the most beautiful memorial I have been to in the U.S. Both the simplicity and complexity behind the meaning of it all is incredibly moving.I don't want to write a novel about all the symbology, but definitely pick up a brochure and read for yourself!

Collin A — Google review

My wife and I are taking a cross country road trip and spent an evening in Oklahoma City. While in town, we visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. The museum is well done with many exhibits that teach about the horrible event, the people whose lives were taken, and the response of the people of Oklahoma City. While it is difficult to relive these sorrowful events, it is also good to be reminded that these events do not define nor destroy us.There was a school group that was going through the museum at the time we visited. Truthfully, some of them didn't "get it" and were rather cavalier in their attitude. But some did understand the significance, and even for those who did not, it is good that the seeds of understanding are planted. Perhaps someday they may fully recognize the solemn day for what it was.Following our visit to the museum, we went outside to see the memorial. Where the building once stood, a beautiful pool of reflection now exists, bordered by two large walls with times 9:01 and 9:03 inscribed. Those times represent the moments before and after the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building. A field of empty chairs sit adjacent to the pool, representing those who were killed in the bombing. The memorial is a beautiful but somber reminder of the tragic day, but also of the strength and determination of the human spirit.

Greg S — Google review

They do a great job with this difficult situation. The museum does a great job of showing the events from the time before the bomb all the way to the execution. It also tells the story of the heroes, survivors and victims. It was great to hear the stories but it is an emotional journey.

Chris H — Google review

There is parking in the Memorial Parking Garage. Don't forget to validate your parking ticket at the counter so that parking is free. The museum is structured chronologically. Starting a few minutes before the attack until the erection of the memorial site. This memorial is already exceptional during the day. If you can, visit after sunset when the chairs and gates are illuminated.

Peter S — Google review

AMAZING! They did an amazing job with this memorial.Extremely touching and informative. It puts you in that moment on that terrible day. You feel the chaos, the fear, the pain, hurt, every emotion runs through you aside from happiness. Walking through the memorial garden and the room with all the pictures literally takes your breath away it's so painful seeing everything. They do an amazing job and I will be back. Be prepared to cry because you will. Be prepared to be angry because you will. Be prepared to be touched because you definitely will.

Dena S — Google review

Incredibly detailed account on that very tragic and unforgettable day in April 1995. I remember listening to the radio while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on this fateful day. The visit to the memorial brought back so many memories. It goes beyond comprehension how much evil McVeigh and Nichols had to plan for the extermination of potentially far more than the 168 lives they took. Thank you to the precious staff of the memorial for doing such a blessed job at being so compassionate and empathetic to all those families that lost loved ones so prematurely not so many years ago.

Kevin C — Google review

Visiting the memorial is a visceral experience. We decided to buy museum tickets at 4:15, thinking it would be plenty of time to finish by 6 PM close. We were quite rushed toward the end. The video footage, interviews with survivors, and items on display that were collected both as evidence and as momentos from survivors and rescuers are incredible. Plan to spend another 30-60 minutes outside, walking around the reflecting pool and contemplating Survivor Tree. We also made the decision to return after dark to view the memorial lit up at night. It is serene and even more beautiful. Very safe to walk around, as well. Highly recommend.

Kim P — Google review

The memorial was beautiful and the park rangers Dan and Cody were very helpful. I loved that the reflection pond was moving and made noise. I was not impressed with the museum though. The museum is "affiliated" with the National Parks Service but they don't take the NPS Annual Pass. The museum was very claustrophobic and there was no easy way to bail. I was locked in the "recording room" where they played a tape where the bomb exploded but then lights flashed and there was no warning and no way to get out. The rangers were great though so because this listing combines the memorial and the museum this is more about the museum.

David J — Google review

They did a wonderful job on this memorial and museum. Lots of artifacts and videos throughout the 2 floors of the museum. People working there are very friendly. All throughout it is Handicapped accessible. Beautiful water Area with trees and grass for the Monument. See pics

Smelling R — Google review

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is a very powerful and well done monument to the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing on April 19th, 1995.In my opinion it is best to start in the museum, which features several videos, displays, witness testimonials, and even items and parts of the building that survived the explosion. I found the saddest part was the Gallery of Honor, which features photos of the victims with items that their families donated that speak to who they are as real people.The outdoor memorial makes more sense after you've toured the museum because it puts the memorial into context. It is very beautiful but sad.The staff are all very nice and helpful, both in the museum and at the memorial.

Ryan L — Google review

Very emotional. The museum is very graphic and it depicted the scenes very well. I was emotionally sick to my stomach reading everything and seeing so many lives cut short and families depleted. It is amazing how much the community and country rallied together to rebuild. The memorial outside waa peaceful and serene.

Sianna C — Google review

I had a friend who used to work in the building and was transferred out shortly before the attack happened. I always wanted to visit and finally got around to it this weekend. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area. Helpful hint: Visit on a Sunday and you can park in the post office lot right next to the site :)

Donny H — Google review

Visited here for the first time this week. It was very nicely done. They did a great job making it a peaceful setting. The chairs are overwhelming because of how it represents so much loss of life over such a senseless act. If anyone didn’t know about this event I would recommend they visit to see what happened. It was sad and so tragic looking at everything.

Kenneth F — Google review

The OKC National Memorial is so very moving and sobering. The field of chairs, each baring the name of a person who perished that infamous day, induces so many tears, especially when taking into account the small chairs representing innocent children who should have been safe in their daycare setting. The Memorial was very well planned out and built.

Marzale F — Google review

This was a beautiful memorial to honor the 168 people who were taken too soon from their family and friends.It is a lovely tribute that encompasses so much from the impact of what happened on that horrible day.Highly recommend a visit if you are ever in the area. It's amazing during the day but a whole different experience at night when everything is lit up. If possible, visit at both times.

Donna T — Google review

Still remember it like it was yesterday, as a senior in HS about to graduate. So sad and powerful to see the chairs, which represent approximately where the victims were in the building. Seeing all the small chairs of children that were in the daycare is heartbreaking. A well-done memorial that is ranger-patrolled for any questions or discussion about the event and venue.

FFKDTP1 — Google review

Such a powerful experience! The memorial gives a wonderful tribute to the lives lost that tragic day and also paying tribute to good of humanity to came to help. The memorial grounds were a perfect place to sit and contemplate. The museum took you through all the events of the day where you could spend hours learning every detail of the event. Learning the victim and survivor stories was really powerful! If you’re traveling through OKC, visiting here is a must!

Matthew H — Google review

Today was my first experience at the OKCMM and it had to have been the most moving and powerful experience I've had at a museum. I arrived before they opened and used the time to walk around the site soaking in every piece of tribute and honor. The experience begins as any ordinary day, only to be met with explosions as the next door opens showing the destruction and recovery efforts. The heartstrings are in constant motion reading every piece of information and seeing the pictures as if you were on scene for the events.A couple times I had to move to a corner and breathe as emotions were in constant engagement. While there are exhibits detailing the men behind the attacks, this experience is truly focused on those who died and those who risked their lives in the recovery effort. The love and unity of Oklahoma, United States, and world truly shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.I highly recommend visiting this museum and to take your time going through the museum and grounds. This was my first time in OKC and I've experienced great museums and experiences, but this truly is a beacon of light and hope in the midst of tragedy. I will absolutely visit again anytime I am in the area.

Andrew C — Google review

The designated parking garage is extremely small and hard to park, but other than that. This place is well laid out and done very well. The staff is all friendly and knowledgeable. If you're near here, stop and check it out. It is worth the stop at no matter age you are.

Cameron M — Google review

What a beautiful Memorial. We only walked the outdoor area and it was beautiful. The security guards were able to provide a lot of information about the meaning behind different areas of the memorial. I would have loved to have seen the museum but we just didn't have enough time before it's closing to justify the cost of the entry

Shannon D — Google review

This was gut wrenching, all those people, and children dead because of some person's personal hate. I walked away with a heavy heart. I mourn with the family's that lost loved ones.This country, and some of the people living here, might want to invest in some empathy. It was, for me, beyond my understanding, and tragically sad.

Elaine M — Google review

A beautiful museum that is a remarkable tribute to the victims of the bombing in Oklahoma City. It's a very thorough display of all that happened on that tragic day. The staff are kind and helpful. I highly recommend a visit.

Donna — Google review

I was privileged to be shown around by an exceptional park ranger, Dan McKee. He described the solace of the moments. The past, present and future of the site. The inspiration for the architecture and design of the memorial was breath taking. If you are in the area this is definitely worth a visit. The grounds themselves are amazing and Dan is a wealth of knowledge.

Mitchell E — Google review

Oh my! A solemn remembrance of a horrible event in recent history of the U.S. The creators of this museum were thoughtful and thorough with their interpretation of April 19, 1995. From "an ordinary day" until the present day, there are interviews, artifacts (large and small), pictures - anything you can imagine that describes the day, the weeks of search and rescue/recovery, the years of waiting for justice, what all mankind can learn from it- it's all there.I especially liked how the outside memorial was planned; I believe it is an appropriate and meaningful way to remember those people who were killed.May this memorial and museum continue to be a source of healing and understanding of the experience.

Cindy C — Google review

OKC Memorial is a moving, informational, and impactful experience. I feel it is appropriate for all ages yet would be more appreciated by 10 and older ages. The thought and workmanship that has gone into the displays and kiosks is robust with much to see and absorb. My grandson who is 15 enjoyed and profited from our visit. Thank you to all who were involved in the design and build. Plan a visit and you won’t be disappointed. Free parking for visitors too. The grounds are gorgeous in any season of the year.

Monya J — Google review

So glad we stopped here. It's a beautifully done memorial to all the victims of the Oklahoma bombing. Definitely a sombering experience but Park Ranger, Dan McKee was there to answer all our questions and explain some things to us that we were not aware of. Kudos to this excellent Park Ranger.

Tammy S — Google review

A moving memorial to those killed - to include context on the first responders. Very detailed information about how the terrorist was arrested and convicted.Highly recommended to visit - also there is an adjacent parking garage - get your parking validated for free parking, too.

Ryan S — Google review

My family started our OKC tourist day at the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial, which was a pretty somber experience. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was very well done, and really captured the anguish of that day in 1995.The museum had numerous artifacts recovered from the rubble, as well as a shocking volume of items related to the investigation and subsequent execution of Tim McVeigh. The guy planned and executed the whole thing (almost) using a fake name. At bottom, if he hadn't screwed up and used his real name to order Chinese food from a hotel where he'd registered with his fake name, he'd likely have never been caught as there would have been no link to a real person. Good thing he wasn't as smart as he thought.A particularly powerful part of the outdoor memorial was the empty seats - one large seat for every adult and one small seat for every child that died in the bombing. The number of small seats was heartbreaking. If you're ever in the area, this is a must see - just be prepared for an emotional experience.

Zac C — Google review

Breathtaking experience. You can easily immerse yourself in this topic. Exhibits are not overwhelming and very well done and presented. You get to interact with the surroundings. The museum saved lots of actual items from the incident site.

Kosma — Google review

A very moving and interesting place honoring those who lost their lives, and those forever changed on April 19, 1995. I remember when it happened - I was 9 - but there are so many other details to this day… such as the hearts of local Oklahomans who responded to the need for help and provided a surplus in a time of need.A powerful place of honor and memory.Highly recommend a visit.

Amy — Google review

Excellent tribute to the citizens of Oklahoma City bombing along with victims and survivors. Very well put together museum and many exhibits the outdoor memorial is beautiful and serene. The state park ranger, Dan was very informative and helpful. The museum and memorial was a beautiful tribute to the perseverance of the state. Price was very reasonable and has a gift shop. Ticket lady was very nice. A great visit for a self tour, very well laid out. Very nice and clean restrooms. Very accessible

Nancy — Google review

What a surreal feeling walking where a building once stood. If you are ever in Oklahoma City, stop by the National Memorial that commemorates the victims of the bombing on April 19, 1995. It is a beautiful Memorial and tribute to the strength of our country under tough times.

Jay W — Google review

This was amazing! It's a must see if you're in OKC and you have about 3 hrs to go through it. It was very emotional going through this memorial museum. There were some younger kids there with their parents that had a hard time going through it. You can't help but want to cry and yet be angry that it happened in the first place. Definitely worth the time and money. They do have a parking ramp to park in.

Angela D — Google review

I was very impressed with the curation of this museum. Our experience started outside with the gates marking the entrance of the memorial, the beautiful reflecting water feature, the chairs commemorating those that died, and the survival oak tree. The museum itself was much better than I was anticipating and well worth the trip. The use of technology (like touch screens) was appropriate and informative. The artifacts that are used in this museum are very tastefully put together to tell the story of that day, from sound recordings, building pieces, personal items recovered. The news footage and exhibits were so moving. As a child I remembered this event covered on the news, but I did not remember the full extent of the devastation. I brought my 15 year old son with me to visit and we were both very impressed and moved by this museum and memorial. It is very well done.

Rebecca J — Google review

The Oklahoma City National Memorial is a tribute to the victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were affected by the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. The bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was a tragic event that resulted in the deaths of 168 people and injured hundreds more. The memorial is located on the site of the former federal building and serves as a place of remembrance, reflection, and education.Visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial was a profoundly moving and impactful experience.The serene Reflecting Pool was the first thing I noticed. It's a long, shallow pool that stretches between two large gates, each marked with the time—one minute before and one minute after the bombing. The calmness of the water provided a stark contrast to the tragedy it commemorates, offering a space for reflection and contemplation.This area was especially poignant. Each of the 168 empty chairs represents a life lost in the bombing, arranged in rows to signify their location in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The smaller chairs for the children who died were particularly heartbreaking. Visiting this area during sunset, when the chairs are illuminated, added an even more powerful dimension to the experience.The Survivor Tree, an American elm that withstood the blast, stands as a symbol of resilience and hope. The plaques around the tree share messages of strength and recovery, making it a deeply inspirational part of the memorial.The Rescuers’ Orchard honors those who aided in rescue and recovery efforts, while the Children’s Area features a wall with hand-painted tiles from children across the country. This section was both uplifting and touching, illustrating the nationwide impact and support following the tragedy.The atmosphere of the Oklahoma City National Memorial is one of solemn remembrance, respect, and hope. It’s a place that encourages deep reflection and offers a space for healing.The memorial is well-maintained and accessible to all visitors, with ramps and smooth pathways ensuring that everyone can navigate the space comfortably. The staff and volunteers were knowledgeable and compassionate, ready to answer questions and provide additional context.Visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial left a lasting impression on me. It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy and a testament to the importance of remembering and honoring those affected by such events.My visit was a deeply moving experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of the Oklahoma City bombing and the strength of the community that emerged in its aftermath.(Note: We could not visit the museum inside, as it closed at 6 PM)

Prasad K — Google review

This is a beautiful and solemn memorial dedicated to the 168 people who lost their lives in the 1995 bombing. Words are not adequate to capture the emotions brought on here, only a walk through these halls can relay those. I can't imagine a better way to remember and honor the victims, rescuers, and city that came together after this tragic event

Tyler N — Google review

4.9

(11408)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (38)

5.0

(5293)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (39)

620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA

(405) 235-3313

7

Oklahoma City Zoo

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (40)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (41)

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (42)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (43)

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Zoo

Zoos & Aquariums

Botanical garden

The Oklahoma City Zoo is a zoo located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It features 1,900 animals from across the world and offers a variety of attractions such as shows and trails.

One of my favorite zoo's to visit. Lots of variety of animals. Lots of trees for shade. Plenty of benches for sitting when gets tired. The tram is handy for getting around and inexpensive. Handicapped accessible. Great activities for adults and kids.

Angelique T — Google review

We went on the first nice Saturday of the spring and it was super crowded. The overflow parking was across the street at the racetrack. Other than the long walk to and from the car, once inside, it wasn't bad. With all of the new expansions, the exhibits were all comfortable to get around. It was the first time I had been to the zoo in close to 10 years. It is certainly not the same as when I was a kid. The new elephant area is huge and all the animals have so much room to roam around. No more little cages for any of the animals. The Asia experience is beautiful and I can't wait to go back when the Africa section is also complete. That being said, with all of the updates the cost has also increased quite a bit. I believe that you can still bring a picnic lunch inside as well as your own snacks. We ate at the Cafe by the sting rays and for 3 kid drinks, fries, a hamburger, and chicken strips it was almost $50! 🤯 Wear comfortable shoes, because you will be walking a lot!

Teresa H — Google review

The zoo is very large but it doesn't mean it has more animals. The habitat overall for each animal is a lot larger so there is more places for the animals to hide. It will take a little more effort to find the animals especially on hot days. Best time to come is right when the zoo open at 9 to see the animals out and eating. It will take about 5 hours to see the whole zoo. There are maps posted at many locations but the layout is a little confusing. They have free tram rides to take you to parts of the zoo. Decent amount of shady area. It's a combination with botanical garden but there wasn't that many flowers displayed or designated garden. Gift shop was ok needs some updating to get more customers in the door. Best part for me was the animal hospital. Not many zoos displays that and unique to this zoo. Best to buy tickets online so you can scan and go in without waiting in line to buy tickets

Nancy T — Google review

Most of the zoo is under construction currently. It would be nice if tickets were discounted since a good portion (pushing half or more) is under construction. But it's still a lot of fun! Some things were still left from the dino exhibit. The zoo is huge, give it at least 3 hours. Lots to see. Bring quarters (feeding ducks, turtles, fish), $1 and pennies (smashing), $5s (wax molds!) and then however you're going to pay for food.There should be exhibit signs for the construction. For the workers, the machines, what's going on. Kids like construction, too, and adults are curious. I would love to see signs about who is working, what they like, how the machines work and facts about them. How the company hired is contributing to making a better planet. They're missing a perfect chance to teach.

Amber J — Google review

It was a great school trip. The zoo is doing remodeling so there was a lot of construction that was going on. The animals that were there were awesome to see. The kids and everyone there had a great time, and can't wait to see what new exhibits will come. The zoo was also setting up the lights for Halloween, which was really cool to see as well.

Andrew C — Google review

With a whole new exhibit being constructed and the aquatic area slated for a full makeover there is a lot of work being done around the zoo. It made it feel very run down. Most exhibits were closed or empty. Some were just full of debris. Then, the exhibits that were open were overly crowded with unattended field trippers. The kids were so disappointed with the animal situation that they spent most of their time playing on the jungle gyms. For a Zoo actively pushing to be voted “Best Zoo in the Nation” it has a long way to go.That being said, the updates being made are very nice. When it’s all done I’m sure it’ll be fantastic. Until then though it just seems like a waste. We basically spent $100 for our kids to go to the playground.

Katy K — Google review

Zoo experience was great. Every animals, and birds have enough space for themselves. They were properly labeled with their features or characteristics which is enough to distinguish them.There are separate sections for snakes, water creatures, asian animals, cats (lion) and many more. Special section is bear, they are real entertainers.New wing is currently under construction which will involve new animals or scenery to the zoo beauty. It has train service ($9-10/ person), if anyone wants to use. Food and water outlets inside as well.Kids live to spend time with their families.It will take minimum 5 hours to maximum 7 hours to see and enjoy whole zoo.

Rashi S — Google review

The zoo has made many changes since I was last there, 13 years ago. I decided to take my 19 year old son with me. We had a blast! Unfortunately we did not get to see all the animals because it was hot and they go inside, but that is expected. Either way, it was worth it! We took many photos and videos. Even stopped to ride the carousel. Just remember to be courteous to the animals and don't let little ones bang on their glass, it stresses them out more. Don't forgot to stop in the little shop they have by the night exhibit, it's quant and has many goodies inside (I'd recommend going that direction last, or else you'll be carrying everything throughout the day.)

Alice S — Google review

Daughters first time there, and she loved it. Haven't been in years and a lot has changed and been added. Staff was friendly and the zoo was surprisingly clean with as many people that were there. You have to get there early for a good parking spot though, otherwise you are parking across the street at the casino or if you're lucky, next door at the science museum. Military discount is great!

Jennifer S — Google review

A great zoo with many fun events and animals from all across the world. Seems to be a very popular spot for field trips. Some sections seem to be perpetually under construction, but that means it's constantly changing. The zoo friends perks are great for frequent visitors and discounts.

Dustin R — Google review

Clean, spacious. I loved how close all the animals seemed to be. And they were all out. Went on a week day. Which seemed to be wise.We brought our own food.I loved some of the artwork that made it feel like Oklahoma.Lot of shade and different picnic areas.I will say, they had plenty of maps. But they needed more dang signs!

Alexandria R — Google review

It was busier than I thought it would be on a Monday! But it was still fun. The weather was cloudy and I think that may have affected how many animals we got to see. Overall this zoo is very kid friendly and has a lot of fun exhibits. This zoo def has some hills and the train/trolly ride is WELL worth it. Because you can hop off and on or ride it around to look at the animals. All of the staff was nice and we got snacks and drinks which were all good! There are cute little photo spots with statues of the animals which is great. The pavilion is also really cool and has water for kids to play in. It was indeed a good zoo to visit and we will indeed be back!

Stephanie M — Google review

I'd recommend to take the mini train for a ride in the first place and save some energy for the animals you and your family love. The park is worth for at least two days visit. But the legwork was a bit exhausting. Bring your own food. The park's food is not bad but might be a little pricey than average.

?? — Google review

Place is under construction in a lot of spots, but it says that on the website so you should know ahead of time. Love the giant pride flags they have out during pride month, makes me feel very validated! The animals are very interesting and well taken care of. I've been going here every few years since I was a toddler and will be coming here more in the future. <3

R?zey B — Google review

I love our zoo! I can wait for the new exhibits to be done (should be soon)! We are moving up in the world.This is a great place for kids with multiple playgrounds, rest areas, and a waterfall with stream the kids can play in!

Brittany P — Google review

My kiddos and I came during the week the OKC Zoo was having free admission. It wasn't very crowded at all since a lot of schools started this week. What I was really impressed with was the amount of restroom stops they provided as well as cooling stations. I was so glad to see a lot of staff around as well, and they were all so nice. It was a pretty awesome visit despite how hot it was!

C.P. H — Google review

We had a blast! We really enjoyed how the animals were active for the most part, and how each area was so accurate to the regions that each animal was from. I wish we knew that the feeding zoo cost to enter so we could've been better prepared... Other than that we had a great time and all of the zoo employees were very friendly helpful and professional! Will be going back after the African exhibit is done!

Ebony P — Google review

The OKC Zoo is simply the best place to hang out any day of the week. So much to see and do! If you can, buying a pass is the way to go. I’ve been taking my children there for 20 years and absolutely love it! The zoo keeps improving and I hope to see it completed one of these days.

Heather B — Google review

The zoo is now better than ever with the Expedition Africa open. They did however change companies for the dining areas so the Flavor Burst ice cream (the one everyone remembers from school) is no longer carried. However I will not dock points because I do not know the reason for the swap. The giraffe enclosure is so awesome now, you can see them from 95% of it due to how open the walk way is. I recommend the OKC Zoo and have been ~4 times in the past year it is always growing and getting better.

NoLaifuOtaku N — Google review

No zoo map to walk around with?! Closed exhibits! I've been to a few zoos in my lifetime but this one ranks toward the bottom. It could be so much better, that's all I'm trying to say.

Cherokee M — Google review

2023 Safari Lights drive and walk through reservation. $70 for a car with up to 4 walk passes. It's about an hour and a half to see it all, but give yourself 2 hours. The drive was nice with more animals and peaceful, quiet, or Christmas music and heat. It only costs $7 more for 4 people to do the drive and walk than just the walk through, so that is the way to go, but you must order online in advance to reserve your time slot. I'm not sure it is something we will do every year, but it was very nice. The walk was nice with some interaction activities and places for photo opportunities. There were concessions around where you could warm up, and I saw some people cooking marshmallows. At the entrance, there is a light show all around that lasts for about 6 songs (+- 9 min) or so and then gives a 3 minute countdown before restarting. Wish there were longer paths to walk as we saw it all relatively quickly.

Daniel — Google review

Coming from St. Louis where the zoo is free, it’s hard to beat that, but this zoo is definitely in the top 3 that we’ve been to! The habitats were large and beautifully done. There were a few areas we had to do some backtracking to see everything because of the layout, but it was worth it to see all the animals! We missed the mountain lion the first time around but saw them out on our second pass. The bats in the barn area were my favorite—such a unique thing to watch them active! We were supposed to feed the rhinos and had prepaid for it, but the rhino didn’t want to participate. They refunded the money we had paid for the rhino feeding tickets without any issue. We had a great time!

Show A — Google review

It was a great calming experience. It was during a weekday so it was All Adults, Not crowded. We walked around the whole park Not realizing 5hrs past by fast. The bathrooms were very clean, The lady at the Ticket both was really Kind, & The gentleman working The food booth By The Cats were respectful/Kind Also, They seemed like they enjoyed were they was working. The girls in the Starbucks seemed like they don’t like anyone & Just wanted to get paid to be there. But I will definitely say I would like to visit again 💯 Just cause It was a Beautiful, & Soothing place to Enjoy.

Lourdes F — Google review

We have gone so many times with the purchase of the annual unlimited access tickets, best deal you can get. After 7 times back to back pretty much we still have so many things to learn about and explore, it seems like they have something new every time we go. Well done OKC zoo!

Randhier R — Google review

Great zoo! For adults, they do have places that sell alcohol but expect it to be 10 dollar beers, I bought two beers and two waters and it came out to 30 dollars. The exhibits are all nice, and the animals are all well taken care of!Military discount is half off tickets and they also have other discount programs for big brother/sister and I believe discounted tickets for the elderly.

Justin E — Google review

The improvements have been amazing and Exhibition Africa is awesome. The OKC community is so proud of this zoo. It’ll be even better once the aquatic area is complete. I’ve been volunteering for quite some time and can’t thank the staff enough for all they do. Go and check it out; you won’t be disappointed.

Mike P — Google review

Love going here on my days off. We went recently and did a Wild Encounter with the Galapagos Tortoises! Deffintely worth the price PLUS the goats in the new part of the Children's Zoo are TOO CUTE!

Ali M — Google review

You forget you are in OKC here! It is a top notch zoo and will definitely be back because I didn't get to finish it. The only reason it doesn't have 5 stars and it's probably being nit-picky, but the map is super confusing and was hard to figure out where I was and where I was going. I wish they had more sign posts around pointing directions.

Hannah W — Google review

This is one of the best zoos I have ever been to. The staff was incredible! They were all friendly and kind, even in redirecting the kids to keep the animals safe.The zoo was interactive and the animals were social. Very kid friendly.

Jamie V — Google review

Went during a school field trip this time at around 10 am. There is still a lot for the kids to see by just walking around. Love this place. Different attractions at different times, so make sure you know what you want to go for and plan around that. If you're just going to walk around then around 10 am to 3 pm is the perfect temp and time to go.

Kathryn K — Google review

A great place to visit. We were there for about 4 hours and still could only see part of the zoo.My wife got to feed the giraffes and loved that.I loved getting a mold from the Mold-a-matic. They had these at different places I visited when I was a child. It was like walking back into time and IT WAS FABULOUS!!!A perfect experience for the whole family!!Also, they had a lot of potential discount groups so make sure and find out if you can get a discount.

James N — Google review

It was busy but we had a great time. Most of the animals were able to be viewed either outside the enclosure or inside relaxing. My favorite are the tortoises, giraffes and elephants but the petting zoo and cuddling up goats definitely brings a smile to your face.

Theresa W — Google review

We went on a Saturday afternoon in April and the zoo was incredibly packed. People will not hesitate to cut you off while walking. Due to the heat, many of the animals were sleeping or hiding. Notably the bears. We weren’t able to see any of the bears on this day. The monkeys and gorillas were definitely the most active animals on this day. The tram ride is $6 per person and I would recommend that on hot days. The cool part about the tram is that they provide you with unique animal facts and the zoo’s history as you are riding and seeing the animal exhibits. The bird feeding is $4 per person and I thought that it was ridiculous that I had to pay $4 just to walk in and watch my family members feed birds that didn’t want to eat. Bring your own drinks because we waited in line for 30 minutes to spend $25 on drinks that would have been $8 or less at any overpriced gas station across the state. Despite the sometimes disappointing price points and waits, the employees were incredibly friendly across the zoo. I would recommend going on a cooler day and during the week if you can.

Drew — Google review

Had a lot of fun. Wonderful to know you can bring your drink and lunch in so you can have a little picnic bought bracelets and what they call a key it opens up 22 different boxes that tell about different animals

Alice S — Google review

2023 the zoo has a light show that takes place after 4:00 they have huge figurines very unique throughout your walk of checking out the zoo animals. It was absolutely beautiful. Me and my family had a blast,the time went by so fast that we wished there had been more time to continue our visit.

Alicia L — Google review

Fun experience at the OKC zoo! Little disappointed to not see as many animals as expected. Missing the hippos, alligators, zebras, sting rays. You are able to bring your own food and drinks which was nice. Overall good experience but could have more exhibits open.

Steph W — Google review

Very nice, Zoo. Camel rides, giraffe feeding and more. Tram to be able to get on and off or for those who have a hard time. It takes you around the park to see the bigger animals. It was fun.

Amy C — Google review

We loved the zoo. They let you get closer to some animals than most other zoos. The bears put on a show for us. We got to see 3 different animals get fed. Even though it stormed for a bit, it was so much fun. Here are 3 photos of the zoo. We 100% lived in the moment and did not take a lot of pictures.

Small T — Google review

W😱W!! I wish we had more time to explore!! And I wish it was cooler but the misting fans around the facilities, waterfalls, and a/c indoor exhibits made it much more bearable. Every zoo I've been too always advertise elephants but then never have them. I was so incredibly happy to see the Asian elephants. The mommas and and babies. Oh I could sit and just watch them all day. We took advantage and fed all the animals at the encounters. My favorite were the little birds. I did feel we were robbed on the giraffe feeding. $5 for 2 small leaves. Other zoos usually give you 5 big romaine lettuce leaves. It didn't take away from the over visit but I wouldn't pay for that encounter feed again. We paid for the camel ride for our daughter. So cool. Where else can you ride a camel?!?We ate chicken strips at the little restaurant there. We got the 4 piece and fries. These were very hot and tasty.I love the animal hospital. During our visit we got to see a small team work on a bird that had been overly aggressive. We weather a procedure to help control its anger issues lolThe lady there was very nice and answers all our questions. After 5 hours and temps near 100 degrees we were exhausted. I didn't have anymore walk in my legs. I wish I did but would definitely go back!!

Jessica A — Google review

We’ve been to the suit twice and last time unfortunately I had food poisoning from the hotel and wasn’t able to see much. This time we finally got around to seeing about 80% of the zoo and it was really awesome! Would’ve seen the other 20% Our feet wouldn’t let us. Got to feed some birds and pet a stingray. There are so many things to keep you busy I highly recommend going to the zoo! Also the fried okra was out of this world here and the chicken and fries with the gravy is enough to fill up both me and my husband and have a lot of leftovers that went to waste. I would recommend getting the two piece chicken strip and sharing it with your partner!

Nicole H — Google review

We went here on a saturday. We stayed for 4 hours and was able to tour the whole place. We really enjoyed playing with the goats/sheeps, my daughter was able to eat/pet the animals which she enjoyed. I enjoyed the experience of riding their camel for $8/head, it was truly a unique experience 😂😂 i like that you can see and observe the animals up close compared to other zoos we’ve been in before, the place wasnt too crazy and overwhelming. It was a lot of walking and he number of different kinds of animals was enjoyable 😍they also have a small playground for kids that my kid enjoyed :3

Jean P — Google review

My family and I have an amazing time here every time we go! They really take care of their zoo here and have expanded, making it even greater experience. Highly recommend! Bring the family and have a good time

Samer E — Google review

Had a wonderful time at the zoo per usual! However I forgot my ice chest, so had to purchase drinks and things! But I of course think it's great that they even allow you to bring your own food and drinks! I love the animals and my kids always have a great time! If you don't have a stroller you can rent wagons and things, or even wheel chairs!

Laynuh L — Google review

I visited the OKC Zoo for the first time on a hot day with temperatures reaching 95 degrees. Despite the heat, the experience was quite enjoyable. The zoo is well-maintained with a great variety of animals and plenty of shaded areas and indoor exhibits to escape the sun. However, the drinks were extremely expensive, so I highly recommend bringing your own. Overall, it was a good visit and I’m looking forward to returning, hopefully on a cooler day!

Ranjit S — Google review

4.5

(14036)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (46)

4.5

(1943)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (47)

2000 Remington Pl, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, USA

(405) 424-3344

8

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (48)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (49)

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (50)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (51)

Mentioned on

+88 other lists

Heritage museum

Sights & Landmarks

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is devoted to the history and culture of the American West. It features a large collection of art and artifacts, including works by well-known Western artists. The museum is located on a prominent hill in Oklahoma City, providing stunning views of the American West.

I really liked it. It's huge. We walked around and looked at the exhibits and the pictures on the wall. There are several displays. They are very well done. I highly recommend going. We stayed several hours in the museum.

Toby T — Google review

We stopped here because I remember seeing "End of the Trail" about 48 years ago as a kid. This powerful statue left me in awe & I wanted my wife & grandchild to see it as well.We went in at opening time of 10am. I was struck by the size & scope of the museum's displays. WOW!! There is truly something for everyone on display.The staff was out of this world. Full of knowledge & happy to be of help. If you tour with one of their guides you will not be disappointed.I plan on visiting again the next time we get to Oklahoma City.

Kevin W — Google review

It was an absolutely fantastic experience! We had "an hour to kill," ended up spending 2.5 hours at the museum, and needed at least another few hours to see everything.The displays and exhibitions are well thought out, descriptive, and looked after!We loved the museum and would definitely recommend a visit.

Robert M — Google review

This was my first time visiting this museum. I was VERY impressed. There was a myriad of paintings, artifacts, displays of western gear, weapons, ropes, barbed wire and MANY bronze statues, including Remington's. I took over 400 photographs that I plan to make a slideshow with for my YouTube page. At 1:00 P.M. I went on a guided tour with a very knowledgeable docent that was very enjoyable. I highly recommend this museum.

Steve S — Google review

If you appreciate the American West, you can easily spend the majority of the day here enjoying all that this magnificent museum has to show. With the various exhibits rotating through, there are always new things to experience. If you enjoy reading all the details, plan to spend several hours here.If you have kids with you - they have four treasure hunts going on and a few stations for kids to work through activities - average of 2-3 hours and the kids have seen it all and you have seen it at 1.5-2x the speed that you would have wanted to see it!!So, let me recommend for the adults without kids - go have a large brunch, then, leisurely walk through in six hours +/- (to read all the things) and enjoy some of the most beautiful and breathtaking pieces our collective history has to share. It is worth spending half the day here.Some of my favorites are in the photos of this review... The giant paintings have been a favorite of mine since I first saw them - and I am in absolute awe every time I walk into that room.

Kate A — Google review

Wow! The outdoor reenactment is very well done. The cowboy gallery and rodeo exhibit were so fascinating. Love the different multimedia making learning and browsing so entertaining.Lots of interesting American Indian history that occupied all over US, not just local tribes.We rushed through in 2 hours but could easily spend another 2.

J J — Google review

Absolutely amazing. There is such an astounding collection of art and historical artifacts, it will take the better part of a day to work your way through everything. I like how the exhibits are broken down into sections which make easier to take it all in. I especially enjoyed "the town". An entire indoor town is genius. I also enjoyed the movie memorabilia section. Very well done! This is probably one of the best museums I have ever been too. If you love cowboy culture and the old west, this place is a must!

Doug's P — Google review

We had such a fun time at this museum!! Free parking, no wait time, and only $15 admission; I definitely recommend setting aside an entire morning or afternoon if you want to get the whole experience. I think we spend about 3 hours walking around the art galleries. So much beautiful artwork and history to see and learn about- I loved how there were also exhibits outside (see pictures of the waterfall below.) The gift shop has a huge variety of souvenirs to choose from too!

Jessica L — Google review

I was pleasantly surprised how diverse this place is. I loved the 2023 Prix the West exhibit - so many folk artists had a chance to show their beautiful art. The building is beautiful, too, very spacious and interesting. Remember to see all the outside spaces, too. The gift store had a great choice of handmade items available. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

Katrina W — Google review

Sooooo many amazing displays and rooms and info and knowledgeable docents! This museum is one of the best I’ve been too. It’s not just “dry” info. They have found a way to display and tell and show that brings this place to life. Spent 2 1/2 hours here and barely scratched the surface and only left because of another appointment! Loved this museum and will be back!!

Steven P — Google review

This is a really informative and well organized museum. I was pleasantly surprised at how engaging the artwork, history, and sculptures were. It took 1-2 hours to cover the museum and I went on a "Bank of America Museums on Us" free weekend. I highly recommend visiting if you're in the Oklahoma City area!

Arnav A — Google review

I would highly recommend coming here! Very informative and very well put together. Whoever designed the gardens outside did a very beautiful job. This is the perfect place to spend your morning or afternoon. It was nice to learn about all the local history and the museum is very well maintained inside and outside which made the experience way more enjoyable. Friendly and informative staff. I would recommend this place to anyone! Probably one of my favorite museums I’ve ever been to!:)

Jazz N — Google review

Had a fun family day here. It was a 2 hour drive for us but it was worth it. I was really impressed with everything and was surprised at just how large this museum is. It wasn't crowded at all which is nice. I highly recommend checking this museum out.

Brittany W — Google review

What a great place to experience cowboy and western heritage. The completeness and thoroughness of this museum is astounding. I only spend a couple of hours and rushed through the various areas of the museum. Everything I saw was done exceptionally well. If you are in the area, this is a must see place. Don’t expect to see the whole place in one visit, there are just too many areas with so many details that it would too ambitious to see it all. I have a much better understanding and respect for cowboy life after my visit.

Nils P — Google review

I highly recommend this. Great for the family. Kids loved it. If you’ve ever traveled abroad to learn culture and see ancient ruins, you’ll love learning about the culture right here.We were impressed with the Prix de West art collection. And we’re not art connoisseurs. The kids loved Prosperity Junction which immersed us in another era. Definitely try the sarsaparilla at the saloon and learn about the cowboy job. Outside, tour the different types of indigenous Indian homes.You’ll spend about 2-3 hrs here and take about 20 pictures.

L L — Google review

Large quantities of memorabilia and exhibits. Clean facilities. Wonderfully helpful staff. Well worth the admission price. They also allow for several different discounts on admission. Very educational for the whole family!

Ghee B — Google review

I really enjoyed my visit to the National cowboy and western heritage museum! The museum has a wide variety of collections and throughout the museum, I was offered guidance by the volunteers. The front desk staff were super friendly and helpful!! The garden was closed today due to weather but they were so nice and offered me one complimentary ticket to come back later this week to see the gardens! 🥺 definitely recommend this museum to everyone visiting OKC!!

Gin J — Google review

So amazing! Literally soooo amazing! One of the best museums I’ve been to. So much to see. I want to go back so I can see the rest. Just too much for one trip, but loved it all and can’t wait to return. Great gift shop too.

Kate B — Google review

Absolutely love this museum! If you are on I40 or I35 near Oklahoma City it is very much worth your while to stop and visit. Parking is easy (and free!). You could easily spend several hours or just stop in to view the art in the main area. Highly recommend!

Carol E — Google review

This site is great for family fun, a date night, school trip, or just a leisurely stroll. The Cowboy is easily our family's favorite outing this year. We've made a goal to go monthly. We see a new room we didn't know was there every time we go!

Jamie B — Google review

Very nice exhibits and interesting artifacts. I enjoyed the outside exhibits as well. We spent about 2 hours here and it kept my 14 year old’s attention. The staff were helpful and knowledgeable as well. They also have scavenger hunts and other activities for smaller children. Lots of good photo opportunities and appreciated the air conditioning inside since it was very hot outside. Nice gift shop on the way out too. Parking was simple and free.

Tara S — Google review

We all had a great time here, our party included parents and a 16 yr old as well as a 4 year old. This museum is massive and you could spend hours inside and then even more outside. The collections of art, memorabilia, antiques, replicas, etc are just enthralling to go through. There is no shortage of items to look and learn about in this massive museum. The old west replica town is so immersive, you feel like you are in a western. It is so well put together and several buildings you can actually go in and take really cute photos. I agree that the native American side of western history is severely lacking here - but the title does have COWBOY most prominent and that is what you will find here. Tons of cowboy history. From the wild west to the movies to the rodeo and beyond. I really wasn't expecting the massive structures outside of the museum but it is truly a sight to see. I recommend allotting plenty of outside time, especially if you are there with younger children. There is a playground, interactive areas and lots of immersive play opportunities. The people that complain about this museum must just hate life. My only complaint I have from our visit was that my four year old wanted to rush us through everything and I felt jipped on my experience there! I guess I will just have to go back!!

Jessica H — Google review

Absolutely loved the experience! Had a conference nearby and we had opportunity to stroll privately through this place. As a New Yorker who loves museums 10/10. Their private event space was amazing.

Rocio N — Google review

Absolutely, without a doubt, one of the highlights of our trip to the States. Loved everything about this place and tbh I'm not normally a museum person. Staff were fantastic, art was stunning and every area was superbly presented. Highly highly recommend 💯💯💯

Stuart C — Google review

Nat'l Cowboy museum was nice however, is was really alot of walking and a series of mazes which may cause you to miss a section or area. There were some pictures that I didn't understand the relationship to the cowboys or western idea but thern some were for sale by Artists that were displaying orther paintings so well.. maybe museum politics? The guides were very knowledgeable and helpful but there was an area where I felt that I was being pushed to believe something about Texas and I was forced to quickly look up a map of the State of Texas during its time as a Republic before a part of it was sold off to pay for expenses incurred while battling Gen. Santa Anna/Mexican Army. Overall, was great but expect to have tired feet that night at bed time as we stayed about 5 hrs looking. Enjoy!

Esteban L — Google review

Huge museum with amazing displays. Also has a whole wing dedicated to art. Things to do both indoor and outdoor. Small cafe on site with indoor and outdoor seating. Also has space for events. Plenty of parking.

US 1 — Google review

Truly incredible museum with an incredible amount of history, exhibits, statuary, examples of weaponry, clothing, household and old west town every day life, Indian life, military, rodeos, art, etc... This has to be one of our top museums we've seen in America!

Gary — Google review

Was not expecting such a museum in a place such as OKC, not going to lie…I frequented many national museums in DC and I am glad I stumbled across this one. I will definitely be back to take time to soak in the entire exhibit. I highly recommend this museum if you are into these kind of places. Beautiful inside and outside.

La'Toya D — Google review

My visit to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum was a truly memorable experience. One of the highlights for me was exploring the outdoor Native American living quarters. It was fascinating to see how Native Americans lived and worked, and the attention to detail in the recreation of the living quarters was impressive.In addition to the outdoor exhibits, the museum itself is full of fascinating artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the American West. From cowboy gear to Native American art, there's something for everyone to enjoy.The museum also offers a range of educational programs and events, making it a great destination for families and anyone interested in learning more about the history of the American West.Overall, I highly recommend a visit to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. It's a great way to experience the rich history and culture of the American West in a fun and engaging way.

Lady C — Google review

Had a wonderful time at the national cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Bought tickets at the gate and was able to roam around all of the exhibit. I joined a tour which covered a lot of western history involving the trappers and firearms along with some of the clothing that was worn during those, early 1900sStopped at the gift store on the way out and got a T-shirt !I will be returning for a gala, which there ballroom is perfectly suited for, very beautiful art.

Joshua C — Google review

Fantastic museum - very detailed. Budget 3 hours for your visit to see everything.Lots of great western artifacts.. some exterior western exhibits geared toward kids.. and the short film about the history of Hollywood western films is highly recommended..!

Ryan S — Google review

The Cowboy Museum, as it's locally known, has made some big changes over the last couple years, and they are all for the better. The best part right now is an expanded outdoor space that honors many Native American tribes in the Oklahoma area and their stories. Liichokoshkomo' showcases a Chickasaw Council House, Hopi Pueblo homes and much more! Kids can also choose an animal guide to find drawing prompts, codes words, the sounds of the Old West and how many cowboy hats are in certain exhibits. If you haven't been to the Cowboy Museum in awhile, you definitely need to check it out! There's so many new things to see!

Melanie C — Google review

Enjoyed our visit which happened to coincide with the Chuck Wagon Festival. The kids really enjoyed the rope making as well as many other activities. We really enjoyed the museum as well. The old town and the rodeo areas were favorites for our kids. We spent about 3 hours there with two kids ages 9 and 5.

Lindsey N — Google review

Took my grandkids, and we loved it!2 disappointments though: they don't accept cash at the food place in there, and I couldn't find my Grandads photography on the walls that used to be there. But other than that, we had the BEST time!

J'Anne H — Google review

Probably one of the best museums in OKC for families. There is something that will interest everyone in your group. From art, to history of the rodeo to several kids activities. Been there several times and it never disappoints. Throughout the year they have large scale events such as the Chuck Wagon festival (late May) and much more. Be sure to follow them on social media for upcoming events.

T W — Google review

Great museum to visit! Well curated collections to tell the story of the American West with artifacts, built out sets, activities, interactive story boards, and every medium of art imaginable. It was easy to spend an afternoon here, enjoying the history and learning so much along the way both inside and out.

Kendra K — Google review

Went with my 90 year old dad and 44 year old daughter. We all loved the entire museum! Worth every dime!!! Dad loved all the old cowboys and told us all about most of the. Great memories!!

Sherie T — Google review

This was a great museum! It covered a lot of history. There were multiple videos to watch. It has a lot of artwork and sculptures to look at. It's bigger than it looks. It took us a couple hours but could have taken longer if we would have stopped to read everything.

Angela D — Google review

Enjoyed our family visit to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage museum. There is something for everyone here. I was impressed with the Art and sculpture. Others in my party enjoyed the movie and rodeo memorabilia. We spent 4 entertaining hours.I was impressed by helpful volunteer docents who gave us an excellent overview at the start and helped us learn more in the exhibits.

Mary M — Google review

Excellent! So much to see here so plan to be here for a few hours. The right side has a bit more things to see and read than the left I think personally. Don't forget to go outside! I will be back because I know I missed some things and what an awesome National Cowboy Museum.The bathrooms were clean. The staff was friendly and ready to give important facts about wherever you were in the museum.Plenty of parking. They have a small cafe. Didn't eat food so cannot give an opinion. Ticket prices were good, they did offer us a disabled vet discount so that was nice.Go check this museum out!

Dayna G — Google review

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich heritage and culture of the American West.Art and Sculpture: The museum houses an impressive collection of Western art, including works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. The Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale is a major annual event showcasing contemporary Western art.Historical Exhibits: Exhibits cover various aspects of cowboy life, Native American culture, rodeo history, and Western performers. The museum's collections include artifacts such as cowboy gear, firearms, and saddles.The American Rodeo Gallery: This gallery provides a detailed history of rodeo, featuring memorabilia, photographs, and interactive displays.Native American Gallery: This section highlights the diverse cultures and histories of Native American tribes from the Western United States, featuring traditional clothing, tools, and art.Prosperity Junction: A recreated turn-of-the-century cattle town that offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore various period-specific buildings and artifacts.Western Performers Gallery: Dedicated to the legends of Western cinema and television, this gallery honors actors, directors, and films that have contributed to the Western genre.Outdoor Gardens and Sculpture: The museum's grounds include beautifully landscaped gardens with outdoor sculptures, providing a peaceful place to walk and reflect.The museum offers a range of educational programs for children and adults, including workshops, lectures, and guided tours. These programs are designed to deepen understanding of Western history and culture.The museum is well-maintained, with amenities such as a gift shop, café, and ample parking. It is accessible to visitors with disabilities, with ramps and elevators available.Staff and Guides**: Knowledgeable staff and volunteers are available to answer questions and provide additional insights into the exhibits. We got the opportunity to avail an hour long guided tour by an expert.The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the American West. Its extensive collections, immersive exhibits, and educational programs make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Western history and culture. Whether you're a history buff, art lover, or simply looking for an interesting day out, the museum provides a unique and enriching experience.

Prasad K — Google review

4.8

(5330)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (55)

4.5

(2359)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (56)

1700 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, USA

(405) 478-2250

9

Express Clydesdales Barn

Mentioned on

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Stable

Sights & Landmarks

Gift shop

Ranches

Experience the grandeur of the Express Clydesdales Barn in Yukon, Oklahoma. Take a complimentary tour of this operational ranch and delve into the rich Western legacy of these stunning purebred horses. Witness bath day events and stroll through paddocks to meet these magnificent creatures up close. The knowledgeable staff is eager to answer questions about these colossal co-workers who travel nationwide. Admire their beauty and size as some horses eagerly interact with visitors.

Insaaaaaaaaanely awesome. Great employees. Very cool place. So awesome to stand next to these giants and able to pet them. Will bring friends and family when they come in town.

Chad N — Google review

The guide that we had as well as the horses, cats, and dogs were all absolutely wonderful. We paid about $50 for two people, which lasted about 30 minutes on a guided tour. I originally was mistaken on the pricing and received a phone call from Tabitha, who was trying to make things right from a customer service perspective. I appreciate any business that's willing to reach out, because many of us that go out to places don't always know what our reviews going to be until hours after we've settled in at home from an experience. So to receive a phone call the same day I placed a review was nice and showed me how much care and consideration these individuals put into working here. I did share some feedback with her to let her know that for new folks in the area some clear instructions on where to go to start the guided tour would be helpful, and she handled that constructive criticism professionally. I appreciate that. I would definitely recommend any family check this location out, as well as any individuals or couples for that matter. Thank you and God bless.

Andrew B — Google review

If you're in the area go stop by here and you can see the beautiful horses and if you make an appointment tour you can learn history about the horse reams, feed them and more. It's a really cool spot to check out.

Cameron M — Google review

These horses are so beautiful... and huge! It's nice to be able to see them up close. Some are more "social" and come up to see you. Those big brown eyes, so beautiful. I just loved them. The barn is super clean, and even with horses, cats & dogs - my allergies weren't affected. There is an event space upstairs & a small gift shop in the barn as well. Definitely worth checking out.

Sibilla M — Google review

Thoroughly enjoyed this experience. The horses are gorgeous and seem well cared for. We reserved our time in advance on their website. We were there for about an hour. Don't forget your camera.

LaToya W — Google review

Our band played for the Rockheads USA conference dinner. Catering by Abbey Road. Nice, unique venue. Good folks to work with.

Peter D — Google review

Our group really enjoyed our tour. The tour guide did a great job answering all our questions about Clydesdales. The kids had fun petting the horses and haven’t stopped talking about going back.

SG — Google review

I really enjoyed it. My wife paid for a private tour. The lady giving the tour, did an excellent job, all while carrying a small baby on a chest harness. This was well worth the money and two thumbs up.

Toby T — Google review

New to Oklahoma are so really enjoyed seeing and learning about the ranches here in Yukon. Called for appointment, self guided for us.

Pam C — Google review

I had no idea their hooves were so big. They're like the Redwoods of horses. Super cool it's open to the public for free. They are majestic animals.

Chad B — Google review

I enjoyed seeing the horses, but the website made it seem as if we would be getting a guided tour. Instead it was a self-led tour where you could just walk around and pet the horses. So that was a little disappointing. I thought there would be more information about who they were, what they did, etc.

K N — Google review

We had a fantastic time at Express Ranch Clydesdales during our visit over the fall break. Although we encountered a minor issue, the staff went above and beyond to accommodate us and make it right. We look forward to returning in the future to interact with and observe these gentle and endearing giants. It was an unforgettable experience for my littles!

Christina B — Google review

We had a great time! The grandkids met other kids their age who all enjoyed the horses so much. There were dogs and cats there too for plenty of pet therapy.

Rhonda H — Google review

We had an amazing time and the guided tour was well worth it! The guide was very knowledgeable and so sweet to the kids with us. It was a very hot day but didn't feel too warm in the barn and shade!

Sarah L — Google review

Fantastic experience where you get to interact with the horses in the barn and outside on the ranch. The facility is clean and the staffs are friendly. Note that they are busy during the holiday season and many of them are out for parades. Additionally, it’s a nice drive to the barn with beautiful, open landscape.

Ina L — Google review

Great for the whole family. We had a large group and so paid to have a guide. She was great. Very knowledgeable and went into a lot of detail about raising the horses and the different kinds of horses. The facilities were very clean.

John L — Google review

Such fun to visit horses. Grandson loved the horses and the mechanical things to ride too. A drink stand and tables would make it perfect.Nice bathrooms too.

Carolyn P — Google review

If you find yourself in the Yukon Oklahoma... The express ranch is something to see.... We were able to visit the Clydesdale Barn see and meet some of the horses... It was also bath day which was quite an event... We got to visit the barn and walk through the paddocks to meet some of the other... The staff is open to questions I'm very informative about their giant co-workers.... These horses travel all over the country. And as usual with some of the bigger more interesting places in our state... They have quite the gift shop.

Deborah P — Google review

4.9

(383)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (57)

4.5

(90)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (58)

12701 W Wilshire Blvd, Yukon, OK 73099, USA

(405) 350-6404

10

Armstrong Auditorium

Mentioned on

8 lists

Concert hall

Concerts & Shows

College

Live music venue

Armstrong Auditorium, situated on the Herbert W. Armstrong College campus, is a top-notch performing arts center that showcases world-class dance, music, and theater productions. The venue's lobby is adorned with exquisite Austrian crystal chandeliers and French candelabras, creating an elegant ambiance. Renowned for its exceptional acoustics, the auditorium offers an unparalleled experience during orchestra concerts and live music performances.

Beautiful facility! Phenomenal acoustics! There really is no bad seat in the house and the people who are working the various events are so helpful, knowledgeable, and courteous.

T B — Google review

Amazing place! I especially enjoyed the Celtic Throne performance during the summer of 2021.

Ethan G — Google review

A hidden gem in Central Oklahoma. Saw Celtic Throne as they began their 2023 tour. A premier venue for musical concerts. The venue is beautiful with comfortable seats and amazing acoustics. Staff is super friendly and willing to assist. A definite must for musical performances .

T W — Google review

Our first time to visit this auditorium, and we were not disappointed! Beautiful facility and the acoustics were great for performances. We saw the Celtic Throne, and the talent of these young adults and kids was amazing. Plenty of informed staff to help with doors, directions, history and parking. Small parking lots but the staff moved traffic in and out safely and quickly.

K B — Google review

Loved it. Had an exhibit bringing rare Bible artifacts to be seen by Oklahoman's...Skip the religious reference if you do not believe! The artifacts are still rare examples of very old ancient civilizations.There was no cost or any asking or place where you could put a donation. I did ask ...and gave a small amount and may mail in more money donation. This is rare for an exhibition or museum not to have a place for donations where such significant things are being displayed.This exhibit dealt Seals Isaiah and Hezekiah. It goes til Aug. 19, 2018

Sandra A — Google review

A very wonderful place to be. I 100% recommend coming here for a concert or an event. It is very beautiful and the staff very hard working and happy. This is one of the nicest places I've ever been.

E S — Google review

Absolutely the best show I have ever seen. The lighting was incredible along with the talent on the stage. The venue was marvelous as soon as you walked through the doors. The audience was very involved, clapping to the songs! The audience even stood up to clap after a couple performances. I would go see it again tomorrow if there was another show :)

Emily H — Google review

The perfomance of Celtic Throne was phenomenal! I've seen it once in person and many times on DVD and it is beautiful every time. I can't help but picture Jesus and the angels dancing along with them! Thank you for the great love that you all have put into this !

Jenn R — Google review

A stunning building with a great auditorium. The seats were comfortable and had ample leg room. Everything was well organized and flowed well. Seemed a little pricy.

Carolyn P — Google review

Incredible!! Such sharp, dramatic choreography. Such showmanship--every single person right down to the little peeps! We could tell they were having fun. I really loved how Jude explained about the family connections. Wow! The patriotic songs were also very stirring, and many in the audience gave them a standing ovation. It was so professional and somehow it just keeps getting better! How is that possible?! I'll be back next week!

The H — Google review

My cheeks hurt from smiling! My hands hurt from clapping! My voice gone from screaming! And my mind, soul and strength recharged from the message! What a rush! The acoustics at Armstrong Auditorium quake!! Thank you to all the crew and staff, amazing hospitality. Finding a parking spot was a delight, quick and easy being directed by traffic control through the beautiful campus both arrival and departure. Can't wait to come back!!

Anwar R — Google review

We enjoyed the show Celtic Throne very much! Outstanding talent! Lots of variety! The location is absolutely beautiful! Thank you for an amazing time!

Landria E — Google review

Celtic Throne was simply AWESOME!!!! The dancers were OUTSTANDING even the little ones, with great energy, charisma and flair!!!! The singers were GREAT and the musicians were PHENOMENOL with so much energy and excitement!!!!This was our 1st time at the Armstrong Auditorium and this place was BEAUTIFUL!!!! We look forward to attending more performances!!

Eric S — Google review

My wife and I saw the Glenn Miller Orchestra Thursday, April 4th at Armstrong. It was our first time with this orchestra and at this venue. We had a fantastic time and would highly recommend both. The auditorium is beautiful throughout and the three giant chandeliers are beyond words. The orchestra was nothing short of outstanding and the musical selections were excellent. The only issue was that it was difficult to hear vocals due to the volume of the instruments. This was not a major issue and would not stop me from coming back. Overall it was still a great 5-star experience.

Alexander S — Google review

I thoroughly enjoyed The Celtic Throne. The dancers and musicians were outstanding and the music and light show were exception. The grounds of the auditorium are gorgeous and well kept. The art inside is beautiful and the staff is very friendly. I intend to attend more events in the future. It was throughly enjoyable from start to finish. I highly recommend this venue!

Stephanie O — Google review

As a teen I watched all of the old musical movies with Big Band music. The Glen Miller Band with "In The Mood" has always been my favorite. Last night at the Armstrong Auditorium with the Glen Miller Band was wonderful. The only thing missing was the dance floor. Thank you for the opportunity to cross off on my bucket list, my live big band experience. I loved it! 5 stars!

Claudette R — Google review

We are never disappointed with our experiences at Armstrong Auditorium! Thoroughly enjoyed the Glenn Miller Orchestra last night, as we knew we would! Everything about it was fantastic! Your venue is absolutely gorgeous and we love having a reason to dress up for a night on the town! Keep up the good work!

Dawn H — Google review

Absolutely gorgeous! We saw Celtic throne ...it was wonderful ❤️❤️❤️! Standing ovation worthy! Loved everything about it! Thank you so much for bringing them to Edmond! My sister and brother in law treated us to the show.. beautiful ❤️..I hope they return..a must see again 💞

Karrie T — Google review

We saw VOCE8 from Great Britain. The facility is simply amazing. The opulence is stunning, you feel like you have just walked into a palace. The acoustics in the auditorium can't be beat. Thank you for a completely enjoyable evening.

Randy W — Google review

Over the top as always. Try not to miss any of the performances. The stream came through flawlessly and we and those watching with us are inspired by the 100% effort put in by all involved. Thank you. We will be making the 10 hour trip to Nashville for the June 10th performance to be able to see it live for the very first time.

R F — Google review

Sound and video quality on the live stream was excellent. Ideally, it would have been great to have an additional camera for close ups, but of course that would mean a producer for switching cameras in real time so I get that that's a lot more complicated. Show 10/10!

Robert W — Google review

Had a wonderful evening at the Armstrong with my husband last night. The staff were all very helpful and kind. The venue is in a class by itself, and I don’t think there is a bad seat in the house. The only thing that I thought was a bit off was that the stage floor was extra dusty. But on a final note (pun intended) getting to hear the Hamburg Steinway again was such a treat. Such a joy to see a 26-year-old play it so brilliantly.

Holly J — Google review

Wonderful venue. Beautiful architecture, and great sound. Attended the Glenn Miller Orchestra presentation, and it rocked. Attended two (2) other shows (Ray Chen and Irish dancers). Perfect productions. Have updated, and increased my season tickets. You can't go wrong with Armstrong Auditorium.

Nick S — Google review

4.9

(379)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (59)

5.0

(661)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (60)

14400 S Bryant Rd B, Edmond, OK 73034, USA

(405) 285-1010

I'll never travel to Hot Springs without this trip planner again

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11

Oklahoma State University

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (68)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (69)

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (70)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (71)

Mentioned on

6 lists

Public university

Sights & Landmarks

Oklahoma State University, a prominent public institution established in 1890, is renowned for its strong emphasis on athletics, science, and business programs. Situated in the lively city of Stillwater, often referred to as the "Birthplace of Red Dirt Music," the university infuses youthful energy and a vibrant arts scene into the community. The campus itself boasts picturesque spots like Library Lawn, Theta Pond, and Old Central.

It is a beautiful place for young people, has a multiple services for them, easy access to services. Motivational place.

Maria A — Google review

Might be a little prejudice since I am a Cowboys fan (Go Pokes!) but this campus is so pretty! 🤩😍 Yes there is currently construction going on in some areas but can still easily navigate 🚙🚲🛵. The grounds are kept immaculate, no trash, no loitering of unsavory types, well maintained roads w/signs. Did go prior to students returning from summer break but able to get around campus & to town to explore no problems.Student housing bit of mess I hear? 5k more students this Aug 2024.3 day conference attended was a positive experience all-round. 👍

JS T — Google review

I'm proud to be an OSU alumni. The facilities and people are top notch. I love it so much my daughter is attending!😜👍 Go Pokes!

Ryan M — Google review

Forever timeless, nothing quite like Oklahoma State University.

Ash W — Google review

OSU was home for 4 years during 2016-2020. Came from Bangladesh as a grad student, did a double MS, got married, started my first family, parents visited, experienced COVID in early 2020. All these years, always found peace and rejuvenation around the library, international mall, Colvin, CEAT and Human Sciences buildings. Would love to get back whenever opportunity presents itself!

Shahed U — Google review

I'm a parent and all the money we pay for dorms and they can't open a window! My son been back 3 days and sick! The building flooded last semester and has not been aired out! Are you all trying to make our kids sick? Is it a fire code violation to bolt windows shut? Believe me, I will find out. Also, make sure carts are available at all move in dates! Don't request ppl to be early and not have all the equipment needed to move. You all need to get it together!!!I said I'd find out! Now fix it!You all are in violation code R310.1 Emergency Escape and Rescue required.Every sleeping room shall have at least one operable Emergency Escape and Rescue opening.Section R310.2 Emergency Escape and Rescue openings shall open directly into a public way, yard, or courtyard.Section R310.2.1 window openings can be open 6 to 20 inches based on the floor.

Crystal D — Google review

Had a pretty good semester of graduate school here before transferring. I found that it felt like a “small” school but with all of the perks of being a massive Big 12 Conference member. Fun football games, some good professors (and easy classes) with a beautiful campus. Go Pokes!

Andrew F — Google review

Always Great Campus, With Top Technology Center's Available.

Cheyenne K — Google review

A student who was supposed to be moved for "Emergency" Housing has not heard anything for over a week. Housing either doesn't answer their phone or promises to call back and never does. Do better OSU, you aren't keeping your students safe, just seeing them as income.

Cameron K — Google review

One of my worst experiences in my entire life. As an international student, I am telling everyone to avoid this school by any cost. It is really not worth it plus they treat as an ATM, they come up with fees and they really good at it. Don’t underrate yourself and apply for better schools. Also stillwater itself it really sucks and there is literally nothing here and it’s so hot in summer and cold in winter.If you are reading this DONT COME here be careful

My F — Google review

It's a great University. Been here for two years and it never ceases to surprise me. A wonderful world away from the rest. Best place for students to hone their skills and learn new ones. For me it's personal you should be here in person to feel the energy of this little university town. You wouldn't believe how happening this place is. Welcome to Oklahoma State University. #gopokes.

Sai V — Google review

beautiful university! very distinguished! and we were here! because my daughter received a writing recognition! . congratulations 🎉🍾🎊🎈!!! daughter ! proud of you! proud to live in Oklahoma! and have been in this university! of first class !

Brenda Z — Google review

I love the campus and my program, but the city is a prison if you don’t have a car. No bus or train for other cities, only university’s bus to tulsa which doesn’t work in holidays or weekends. Not All students can afford buying a car!

Sahel Z — Google review

The grounds are. The workers are good people. The OSU Police department falsely accuses students of reckless behavior. I was wrongfully arrested placed in 24 days of incarceration within those 24 days I spent $23 hours in a cell with one hour out. Officer Justin Gordon Brianna page and William Paterson created fictitious charges saying I was stealing utility electricity wow inside the McKnight center after hours.Update: The Police Department promotes Constitutional protection for groups and or corporate activities, yet chooses to practice acts of discrimination against Consitituants of the public. It has been settled beyond controversy, the expression of any/all principles, protections, and immunities the Constitution demands from the Fiduciary Duties and Obligations each and every Public Officers, Officials, including but limited too Employees of all titles. I am American Indian, by the actions of the police department of the campus continues to go against the very dream that Martin Luther King Jr., Frannie Lou Hammer, Malik El Hajj Shabazz a.k.a. Malcolm X, and other Civil Rights Leaders stand and stood for.On Feb 13, I will stand before Appointed Judge Diane Vaughan, former JAG Officer;I am under duress being forced to enter a proceeding where there is no Standing for a suit. The use of the word "State" to create a fictional case proceeding is known as a Shame Legal Process- 21-1533.A. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, every personwho falsely personates any public officer, civil or military, anyfireman, any law enforcement officer, any emergency medical technicianor other emergency medical care provider, or any private individualhaving special authority by law to perform any act affecting therights or interests of another, or who assumes, without authority, anyuniform or badge by which such officers or persons are usuallydistinguished, and in such assumed character does any act wherebyanother person is injured, defrauded, harassed, vexed or annoyed, uponconviction, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment inthe county jail not exceeding six (6) months, or by a fine notexceeding Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00), or by both such fine andimprisonment.-Sadly, I have sent correspondence to the President and Chief of Police, yet I have not received a response to this matter at hand. I pray that through these reviews, the People will learn and correction will commence./S/Todd HunterAmerican Indian: Principal Grantor&Beneficiary

Junius E — Google review

fantastic registrars office and student experience here.they dont even charge for a few official transcripts here. most other schools will charge

Ren — Google review

Apparently greek life here like to abuse animals. This is absolutely disgusting. As a college student myself, I am so deeply disturbed by this behavior. Thanks to Daily Mail, now we know how fraternities really operate here. If the school is as appalled as they say they are, they will shut this frat down. As someone from the midwest, I am so saddened by the death of this longhorn. I was raised never to kill an animal without a purpose to eat it or defend yourself. Farm stock should be respected. Not only was this animal tortured and abused, but it was left to rot as a joke! These kids are sick in the head, and need to be disciplined to the fullest extent both legally and academically. Anyone with a sound mind won't attend this college or donate a penny until these criminals are found and dealt with. People who abuse animals go on to abuse other humans, and thats a fact. Do better, OSU. This is disgraceful.

Kendyl S — Google review

I regret to express my disappointment with my experience at Oklahoma State University. The academic support and resources fell short of expectations, with some faculty members lacking in responsiveness and assistance. Additionally, the campus infrastructure seemed in need of improvement, affecting the overall environment. The social scene was not as inclusive as hoped, and the university could benefit from more efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion. Overall, my time at OSU left me wanting more in terms of academic and social support.

Michael C — Google review

Each year OSU Hosts Special Olympics. They are so much more than just sports! We love coming and spending 3 days here. Stillwater is a nice town and OSU is the very Best

Pamela W — Google review

Stillwater StrongI am so proud to be a part of a community that celebrates its' triumphs and sticks together in tragedy. I've seen Stillwater grow not only in population, business and industry but expand services into neighboring cities as well. Stillwater is a city that has displayed its' resilience after the Cowboys basketball plane crash in 2001 to the Oklahoma State University homecoming parade crash 2015. Stillwater has and continues to leave such great memories of what a hometown should be for me.

Beth ( — Google review

I am in love with this University, Its such a huge university with diverse culture and such warm hearted people all around. Truly a life changing experience it will be, if you happen to be in okstate. Go Pokes :)

Deepali L — Google review

4.5

(698)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (72)

5.0

(224)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (73)

Stillwater, OK, USA

(405) 744-5000

12

Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park

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Park

Nature & Parks

State Parks

A popular rappelling area with red sandstone cliffs, plus trails, a public pool & a campground.

Been coming to this park since I was a kid, fond memories every time. This was my first trip back as an adult, and while the scale of things seemed smaller than my kid brain remembered, I was able to explore more of the trails than I ever had before. Beautiful landscape, well cared for faculties, even in the off season everything was well taken care of.We think we have found a new spot to camp at. Loved our time there.

Bauner M — Google review

this was an absolutely beautiful and fun place to camp at. being a privately run park i personally feel the prices were reasonable to stay and enjoy the park. as far as scenery goes in Oklahoma this is one of the most beautiful and interesting places you will find here.it was extremely peaceful and relaxing as well. the walking trails were very well taken care of. and ranged from nice & easy beginner trails, to challenging but rewarding trails.my only main complaint was the bathrooms. they were a little on the dirty side. a group of ladies pulled up at one point and looked like they were cleaning the bathrooms, but they were in there for less than five minutes and walked out. when i used the restrooms after they left they looked just about the same haha. i don't blame them though i wouldn't want to clean camp ground bathrooms either (sorry to throw you under the bus ladies). but they were for sure not the worst camp ground bathrooms i have seen by far.i highly recommend coming here if you are am outdoorsy type and are looking for a fantastic place to come hike, camp, repel, or just relax!

James H — Google review

Great family camping just outside Oklahoman city in under an hour. I had no idea this was in my backyard such a great hiking trip! It's a bird paradise in the canyon! They also have a pool and concessions!

Travis. H — Google review

So much positive change since I'd been last. 4 stars since I've never seen a perfect park in my life. With that being said, either the neighbors to the North of the Canyon or a house behind the entrance gait played music all day long and I don't think they realize it bounces off the canyon walls and you can hear it everywhere on the property. South end trails, N.E. trail, overland route, everywhere. People come to hear silence or birds, bugs, frogs etc.The campgrounds, bathrooms, trails, ALL were clean and taken care of. The staff was super helpful with the check in and maps. Camp neighbors were pleasant and the overall atmosphere was very peaceful. I'll be back for sure.

Shane M — Google review

We really enjoyed an early Valentine getaway at Red Rock Canyon. We were the only tent campers for the entire week with the nights being rather chilly. Quite a few RV's but they were in another area of the park. It was a very peaceful week. It was so fun exploring all the trails. We especially liked the hike to Lucy's Lookout on the new Scissortail trail. The park is very clean and the staff is friendly. This is our first trip here since childhood so of course it is smaller than we remembered. It is nonetheless a nice sized campground. :-) There is a cool glamping tent that can be reserved. They have a swimming pool and concessions that operate in the summer. We watched multiple people come in and enjoy the repelling areas. There are a few playgrounds in the park as well. It was a wonderful week! It would be nice if the showers were free but that was set up when it was a state park. Hinton is just a few minutes drive from the park. We tried a couple of restaurants in the area and they were great! There is also a grocery store and a couple of dollar stores in hinton as well as a very cool museum that gives an interesting and informative glimpse into the area during the gold rush days. Overall great adventure. :-)

Janet D — Google review

I went here on a cold fall day, the foliage was beautiful. Some parts of the trails were too muddy to walk, which gives me a reason to return here. It's beautiful!They have a fun little playground with swings and climbing logs.

Ashlee O — Google review

Red Rock Canyon is one of those hidden gems that you don't really know about unless someone tells you or you just so happen to drive by once you take exit 101 off from I-40. I repelled there over two decades ago when I lived in that part of OK, had a great time! Now that I'm older I don't so much do the repelling but I definitely drive through and enjoy the scenery. Definitely looking forward to the pool being revamped and reopened, my kids and I will be there as soon as it is!

Genee S — Google review

We stayed 4 nights. The owners were fantastic, beautiful, with hiking trails and very quite. The trails were amazing and well maintained. We found one area where beavers had cut down several trees and there were lots of birds throughout.

Thehegemonca — Google review

We accidentally found this place on the way back home from the West. We needed to walk our dogs to stretch from a long drive, and this park was wonderful! You can't see what awaits you until you get closer to the park. Beautiful red rocks all over and this park is enormous! Very well maintained, our dogs didn't get any stickers or any sort of ouchees. $10 entrance fee was totally worth it, and I wished we stayed longer. So many trails and paths that you can explore, no wonder why it's called adventure park. We will be back for camping sometime for sure as we saw many tents and cabins for rent. Dogs must be on leash at all times. Can't wait till come back to explore more!

Kay M — Google review

I’ve been coming here since I was a kid and I still love coming here!🌲…Well taken care of, nice trails and lots of signs and information given to help you find your way around!🥾We had such a nice time today, climbed up to a trail for the first time here and it was a blast, a nice breeze, beautiful weather!Highly recommend coming here and checking everything out if you want to hit some trails and get yourself out in nature!☀️

Monica G — Google review

Red Rocks Canyon ‘Adventure Park’, Hinton Oklahoma. Interesting campground. Pretty good misleading marketing on their website but we needed a stop off. This is a state park-really? Pulled in and no one at the front gate but not uncommon. Proceeded forward to our reserved site#50. Suddenly steep hill tight turn sign. Pucker up for a few minutes while you go into the canyon-it was steep and twisty. Not really big rig friendly between steep hill and untrimmed trees IMHO. Campground is spread out but where to go is poorly marked. Driving through the park there is a handwritten sign “overnight must check in at office”. Finally found site 50- right across from bath house. Bath house is questionable -we wouldnt use the showers but bathroom’s are functional. Only two other campers on our leg. We have power (50amp) but water is broke. Humm. So I drive to the office to check in. It looks like the office was abandoned when they filmed walking dead here. Not sure they did but this is like an abandoned park weird . Not sure where the office is because I checked all abandoned buildings. If you look at the website it’s paradise lol. Our site is ok. It’s cooling down outside and supposedly getting in the 60’s tonight. We would love that. We are here in Oklahoma though and it’s a one and done stop buyer beware-$41 a night is a ripoff for this. Bad experience with Oklahoma state parks now.

David W — Google review

The park is in private hands, no longer a state park. The Rv sites are set up well, though the drive in and out is very steep.It is a pretty park but it’s a long way for a restaurant or other amenities.The pool is nice but was packed with kids and it is an additional $8.00 per person to use it on top of fairly expensive camping fees. We paid for it coming in and didn’t use it after we saw how busy it was.

Jeannette G — Google review

A hidden gem and absolute must visit if you enjoy hiking and camping. Came for the day which a day pass is $10 per vehicle. In my opinion, you definitely get your moneys worth. The operators do an awesome job of cleaning the park clean.Did the orange dot trail which was clearly marked throughout the trail. The trail was narrow in spots but still it was a great hike.Well worth the 70 min drive from our place in the OKC metro area. A must visit for the outdoor enthusiasts!

T W — Google review

Wow! What an amazing adventure we had at the Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park. When we got there, there were 1000 folks having an Easter picnic. We had been alone in the desert prior to this for weeks! The atmosphere was absolutely invigorating! Music! Kids having egg hunts. Kids getting rides on ATVS! And, then it got dark. Almost all of the folks left. There were only two other campers in our area! It became peaceful. I imagine it’s generally like that. Nice restrooms and showers. A pool and a playground. Plenty of group picnic area. The best best park is the Red Rock Canyon! Thank you to the owners! They were so very pleasant. 10/10 would return. If you like to rappel, you can do that too!

Deb T — Google review

Beautiful campground! Love the red rock and hiking trails. Site #19 the best. No spaces in front of us. Clean and well maintained. Just gorgeous rocks and woods. Peaceful and quiet. Lady at entrance to park extremely helpful and friendly! Pet friendly. Good phone service AT&T. Second time to stay here and hope to come back!

Kathy D — Google review

Red Rock canyon is my favorite campsite because you get to camp down in the canyon and most of the plots have grass to set down on and that seems to be at a premium at most campgrounds in Oklahoma. It doesn't look great right now because they are doing a lot of construction right now. I'm not sure why because it used to be very nice and serene with lots of grass but there are large areas of bulldozed trees brush and grass right now so it was a bit of a let down today.

Adam H — Google review

Red rock canyon, was another check off our state park list. Make sure to take lots of water with you if you are hiking. So much hiking and so much to see! We enjoyed our trip.

Monda W — Google review

Great place , close to Okc.Easy to hike , good for beginners , children and ol folk ;)

Wu B — Google review

Pack your camper and bring your climbing and repelling gear. Great little park to practice climbing and repelling while camping over night on the wall or in your camper.Fall was a great time as there were only 3 other campers in the park so it is quiet and there are thousands of stars.It's also great for a day including some fishing and hiking.Adventure krewe tip. Reserve camp suites A, B, OR C for full hookups 50 amp, water, sewer. Our get the campground near the end of the park for a less traffic camping experience.There are rest rooms but no showers and all the equipment, tents, roads, and trails are well used and could really use some refreshing which is why only 3 stars

Adventure K — Google review

We had a great 2 night stay at the RV park. We rappelled and rock climbed, you will need your own knowledge and gear to do this. The new owners are very nice and have some vision for the park. We look forward to seeing how they move forward with the ideas we shared with them and their own plans. Thanks!

J T — Google review

Awesome place! We love the contrast of the red rocks with the green trees and grass. We camped there recently and really enjoyed it. Plenty of shade at our camp spot and clean bathrooms. Fees are definitely reasonable for the amenities and for how well the park is cared for. The new owners are super friendly and have done a great job making improvements. It's also nice to have the walking/hiking trails so accessible.

Michael H — Google review

Love this State Park! It was relaxing and not much people this time around. 😁 I enjoyed the weather and the trail with my dog.

Juju R — Google review

Love the park! Very clean, well maintenance, beautiful nature and great service from the office.

Vy L — Google review

Very nice campsites, clean bathrooms/showers, gorgeous hiking trails and very nice staff. 100% worth the trip.$8 a day to use the pool is a bit much but the water is cool, there's a water slide and a rock climbing wall. It also closes at 6 which is a bummer but we enjoyed our time there.

Larry M — Google review

We had a wonderful experience in Red Rock Canyon. From the moment we arrived we were greeted very pleasantly and were given an overview of the park. The Nash tent meet all our needs and was very clean and nice. The bed was very comfortable. Having firewood provided was a plus, so nice not to have to bring any. The pool was perfect and staff was very good. The showers and bathrooms were all very clean and well kept. We climbed and did some light hiking. Overall we think our stay was great.

Tim L — Google review

4.6

(1460)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (78)

4.0

(105)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (79)

116 Red Rock Canyon Rd, Hinton, OK 73047, USA

(405) 542-6344

13

Stafford Air & Space Museum

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Museum of space history

Museums

Science Museums

Popular indoor/outdoor museum featuring over 3,500 aerospace artifact & interactive activities.

I don’t feel like this place gets talked about enough! The museum is beautiful with all kinds of aircraft and items to look at. Very educational for people of all ages and fun things for kids to do. I will definitely go again with my kids, they had a great time.

Stefanie E — Google review

Amazing museum, very clean, comfortable. Things work! There weren't hardly any broken down displays exhibits. They also had a room full of flight simulators loaded on computers. Me and my son had a lot of fun.

James A — Google review

My son loves going to these types of museums. Was doing some work in Weatherford and drove by this museum and knew we had to come back.So many great aircraft and other displays. The gift shop on the way out was not as overpriced as other places we've been to.

Droopyface1804 — Google review

Definitely with a stop! Beautiful and professional exhibits outline the history of flight from the first flight to current space exploration. Tour is at your own pace so if you are local you could make an afternoon of it. A traveller just passing through? We leisurely visited for about an hour. Make the stop! ✈️👩🏻‍🚀🚀🛰️

Jessica A — Google review

Hidden gem! Great time line set up and visuals to help your realize how far we’ve come and how fast we achieved things. Totally worth the money and then some. So surprised by the amount of space and exhibits overall. We missed the hands on part for kids but will definitely come back when new exhibits are in…

Liz M — Google review

This was a Harvest Host overnight stop. Large parking lot, well lit. The museum is amazing. It offers a scavenger hunt for children visiting, but I think adults will love it also. Lots of interesting planes, space rockets, etc.... Don't miss the opportunity to visit even if you're not in a RV. You will not be disappointed. Very friendly staff.

Katherin C — Google review

The place was nice, clean, and i did see a tour guide with a group. I'm not sure ifbthats extra or not. Staff was nice and the place and restrooms were clean. There's a kid area that is free and it's to your right when you enter the facility. Nice and open, and there are simulators that are not to user friendly, and that's from a guy who plays video games. They're still cool to experience. They are expanding some areas, and will be excited to see what they are. The good thing is that the price is very reasonable and wasn't affected by inflation. I will be back for sure.

Hendrix M — Google review

Amazing museum with a ton of legit artifacts. I was amazed with the amount of material that were on real missions, and was delighted to learn a lot about the cold war space race and the missions around it.It can be completed relatively short, within an hour for sure, and there are not many interactive exhibits for kids, but it is still kid friendly. Great place, highly recommend if youre in the area or passing by.

Carsten D — Google review

Good luck making it into the museum because they happen to have an INCREDIBLE playground on the premises. As soon as we parked our daughter sprinted towards the area - complete with rocket themed play sets, swings, covered tables, and restrooms. The museum itself is staffed by some of the nicest people and the exhibits were extremely well done!

Rob D — Google review

Crazy friendly staff! Really well curated museum. Great facts presented in easy to read format. Lots of hands on stuff. I've driven passed this at least a hundred times and bummed I've never stopped before. My son loved it!

Sara T — Google review

This was an AMAZING museum. Although the full scale Lunar Lander Module displayed with astronauts on the moon is not a "real" one, it was much more impressive to see it at ground level and just a few feet away. Better experience than the one that I saw at the Smithsonian in Washington DC. Same with the1903 Wright Flyer. This is a great place to visit if you have any interest in spaceflight or the air flight.

Jim S — Google review

This museum is such a hidden gem! We were absolutely blown away by this museum and it is continuously growing and adding to their vast collection of space memorabilia. The staff were so friendly and all the students that work at the museum is are receiving scholarships on behalf of General Stafford. The students working are very knowledgeable and passionate about their positions and the museum. Hunter gave us an in-depth tour and was great! My mom thought this museum topped the Smithsonian, it was so amazing! I highly suggest stopping in and touring. 10/10 !

Jasmine K — Google review

This place is really pretty cool. They've got a nice exhibit with aircraft and other displays for you to look at. It's set up really good and people working were friendly. You can have a guide or just solo it. They got a nice little gift shop that was fairly reasonable. Been 2 times so far from Norman and playing to go again since they continue to add new exhibits. Definitely worth the drive.

Josh P — Google review

It was a nice and fun experience. Very educational and my kids loved it. They loved the space ships and plane displays but wish there was more interactive things to do.

Erin W — Google review

Great museum! We really enjoyed it. Not your average tourist trap at all—lots of real artifacts display including the Gemini VI capsule. Very well designed museum and fun, educational scavenger hunt.

Emily D — Google review

This place is filled with historic aircrafts and it even gives me a sense of my family member who used to be in the military flying these airplanes. I have lots of pictures of the place and this place is just a wonderland of its own. It’s been a few years since I’ve been here, and I really do miss driving up to Weatherford to go see this place. I hope that some other time I can come back here and see how things have changed since I’ve started coming over.It was worth the 1 hour drive from Oklahoma City to Weatherford to come see this place. I had so much fun here, and hopefully things improved over the years here. Here are the pictures of the things I saw down below.

Red C — Google review

The museum was well done showing a lot of aviation and space history. I didn't quite expect as much about space, but remembered that Stafford was an astronaut - so it made sense. The tunnels made from upcycled parts of aircraft were a treat. I'm a total aviation geek, so this is my kind of place!

Micaela T — Google review

Fun to learn about another person who contributed loads of influence to our first trip to the moon and beyond.Very good selections of full scale real and replica planes. But it had a large number of real Mercury, Gemini and Apollo rocket parts. Including full size Apllo engine, space flown pieces and the Apollo 10 capsule which was flown by Stafford in preparation of the first moon landing.Very good place just off Interstate 40

Mark P — Google review

We thoroughly enjoyed this museum!! So much knowledge and amazing pieces. The scavenger hunt for the children kept everyone engaged from my 10 yo to my 15 yo. We recommend this museum for everyone.

S R — Google review

There is so much history in this museum. If you want to be thorough you definitely need at least 2 hours

Ciorba C — Google review

Outstanding artifacts beautifully displayed (many genuine, also some exact replicas). Interactive points throughout are great for kids, students, and adults. Excellent, well -written information placards…just a top quality experience from start to finish…and the museum is expanding! The Smithsonian has come to the Oklahoma heartland with this excellent museum.

Rebecca C — Google review

Wonderful first class air & space museum. Excellent collection of artifacts including a selection of space flown items. A must visit museum for any space enthusiast

Larry K — Google review

Spectacular hidden gem in the middle of nowhere. I am an aeronautical engineer and terrific place to take my kids and educate them not only on history of flight and space, but of the actual technology and how things work. Cutaways of turbine and internal combustion engines to teach how things work! Best air and space museum I have been to including all in DC area, Dayton OH.We stopped on a whim and it is great

Nathan B — Google review

Cool aviation museum with pieces from the three main categories: wright brothers and early flight, space exploration, and modern jets.

Brent — Google review

Even the ladies' restroom was museum worthy with inspiring vintage photos of women in aviation. There were nice exhibits and lots of historical items from suits to rocket models.Also a good place for a small conference or event.

Forest M — Google review

We live an hour from this museum and it’s always worth the trip!!!!! My son loves space and we’ve been here several times and it never gets old for him. Definitely a hidden gem in Oklahoma! Very cool for old and young alike.

Kayla K — Google review

What a great museum. I didn't get time to check out everything, but you could definitely spend a whole day looking at everything.There's definitely a variety and some unique pieces to see. Truly a hidden gem out in Weatherford.

Idontlikehowiwasforced T — Google review

So much to see! I drove all the way up from Lubbock to see this museum and it was definitely worth it! There's a lot to see from aeronautics to astronautics. I recommend at least 2 hrs to comfortably see/read things. I just wish the gift shop had a better selection of t shirts, fridge magnets (I bought the flimsy one) and post cards. Other than that, wonderful museum! If I am ever in the area with friends or family, I'd take them there.

Jermaine B — Google review

This museum exceeded our expectations! A lot of information about aviation and space. Seeing the real life Gemini VI and the Titan Rocket was the highlight of the museum if I had to pick. Plus the new playground across the parking lot was a hit with the kids!An absolutely must for any one! Worth the drive from Oklahoma City.

T W — Google review

Great place as a harvest host. Great to see so many planes in a small museum. Displays were well done. Worth the stop for aviation enthusiasts.

Elizabeth — Google review

4.9

(1223)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (84)

5.0

(165)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (85)

3000 Logan Rd, Weatherford, OK 73096, USA

(580) 772-5871

14

Roman Nose State Park, Lodge & Golf

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (86)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (87)

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (88)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (89)

State park

Nature & Parks

Warm quarters in a relaxed lodge offering dining, golf, a pool, nature trails & water activities.

Fabulous park with kind of a tragic namesake. Hiking is fantastic. Their are trails for beginners and intermediate. The lakes look great. Artificial but great. Serious money is being poured into the park. Great swimming beaches. Their are also two great places to eat. Worth your time

Chris S — Google review

we used the facility for a family reunion and the experience was awesome! The staff is friendly and the service was good. We used the Outlook Catering for our breakfast and lunch and the food was good. Irving was in charge of the buffets and breakfast was ready at 8 am and lunch at 12 noon as we asked. Irving was and his staff were friendly and very service oriented. After the meals were served they put all of the leftovers in to go boxes for our family to eat take home or eat later.

Andy T — Google review

Amazing scenery! As well as amazing rv spots! Bitter creek is my favorite, Quiet, hardly any traffic, beautiful creek next to the parking spots for Rv’s. Amazing trails, as well as a restaurant (Foggy bottom, amazing, definitely recommend) not far from it. If you have the chance GO TO ROMAN NOSE!

Stella K — Google review

Lodge currently has no restaurant.Went here 30 years ago, even before that, park has changed.Used to have a more open and primitive feel, I think I liked it better.Springs are still cool, a quick trip from OKC, but the Arbuckles are still a better destination.Roman Nose has lost a bit of charm.

Frederick H — Google review

This Park is one of the Best!!! With Tammy at the Lodge she is very knowledgeable. All the employees at the Lodge are very helpful and friendly. Nice little gift shop where most is reasonably priced. There are alot of good trails and plenty to do with a wonderful general store that give lot of more options to the park

Shanna K — Google review

Went hiking on trails to the springs of water. Seen caves and several natural springs. Has a little area you can get in clear water to cool off very nice and cool restrooms. There are 2 pools the main pool is nice and big with slide. Nice and relaxing.

Jeanz C — Google review

The park was clean and peaceful and beautiful even in winter. Great stay, got some hiking and mountain biking done in a beautiful setting.

Eric?s A — Google review

I lived within 10 miles of Roman nose for 19 years and never spent a weekend here. Brought my family out here in a camper and we've had a really good time enjoying the cool springs, swimming pool, and the general store. Replace Foggy bottom with a new concept and get the lake filled back up and this place could really be a weekend destination. A ton of improvements have been made around the park the new signage and trails are awesome! Park is well maintained, bathrooms have been clean and there is no litter/trash everywhere like in other parks.

Trent D — Google review

Wow! A beautiful place to camp. We were in Cedar cove where we hooked up to electricity. The bathrooms were clean and had hot water. There is a pool but it was not open in April. We hiked around. There is also a cement bike path we road. The water level in the lake is down but that is every where we travel. We will be back.

Ann F — Google review

So beautiful. Bring a meal and water. Nice hikes and even a pool. Natural spring water is so icy.

Christina H — Google review

The location is not good, but the park is great. Excellent pool, walking trails, picnic areas, and overall all outside areas for camping.

Curt — Google review

Played a round of golf on one of the most picturesque courses in the state. It’s a humbling experience for most golfers. Absolutely loved it and already planning my return. Thanks, Leslie for all the pointers. See you soon! Stayed a short drive away at Lucky Star Watonga!

Randy S — Google review

So beautiful and the employees were very nice and informative. We didn't get to spend much time but we will for sure be back. The Spring Trail was prefect for our 5 year old twins and our older boys enjoyed it too. Our hope is to go on the longer trailer next visit.

Jessica M — Google review

This park is a beautiful place. Cool 💧 pools ... Beautiful scenery 🌳 trees and flowers... Hiking trails 👣... picnic tables... grills for cooking 🍳. Plenty of 🌞 sunshine and shade. There is even a swimming pool. 🏊‍♀️ . We stayed for a few hrs enjoying nature ... 🍃 waterfalls ... enjoying the beauty of this great state ..Oklahoma 😊 .. it had a native feel....I ❤️ OK..A great place for a family 👪 day trip.. Stelly loved it.

Salest — Google review

I was raised in Watonga, but haven't lived in Oklahoma in 20 years. Coming back for a funeral, we opted to stay at Roman Nose Lodge. It was perfect; the room was comfotable, the food was outstanding, the ambiance was peaceful. From the first of the stay to saying goodbye, the staff working there were so friendly. They are a big part of why we will return. Even with our large group coming and going. This will be our go to place when visiting family. My family and I had a wonderful stay.

Melissa S — Google review

We tent camp every year and this year our campsite was one of the teepees. Our 4 year old grandson loved sleeping in it. We went to the natural springs every day and did a couple of hikes. We made some new friends and had a great time!!!

Debbie M — Google review

We've stayed at the lodge a few times this year (during the off season) while visiting family in Watonga. We've never received such wonderful hospitality. The staff are incredibly kind, friendly, and understanding with our rambunctious nieces and nephews. The lodge itself is immaculate, with communal areas in the lobby and a nice little gift shop. All it's missing is a restaurant right now, which I'm told there are prospects to fill that space. There is a state park general store located in the campground with good cheap food.The rooms are spacious, updated, and had one of the most comfortable beds we've ever slept on.Also, I ran the full hiking trail system here and was pleasantly surprised at the difficulty, variety, and beautiful scenery. The southern most trails were a great technical challenge and were very well maintained. The views on top of Inspiration Point are well worth the trek!My only complaint is that the showers of the normal rooms are a little tight. If you're of plus size, you'll struggle with these. Booking the suite will provide ample bathroom/shower space!We look forward to staying here again during the spring/summer months to get the full experience.

Chris W — Google review

I love the running trail ,it's perfect for training and exercise. Granddaughter and I went on the horse ride from the stables and had the best time !!our guides were awesome.

Teri J — Google review

This park was great! The people were super super nice! View is also amazing. I was sad the pools weren’t open until memorial day but we went hiking and went to the super cold springs. Sooo pretty. I loved this trip so much.

Samara R — Google review

Having stayed in the park from the 60's, I have always been a supporter. Due to the lack of food service, I have chosen not to stay at the Lodge. I mistakenly thought the new restaurant was open for my recent trip to Watonga. I was one of 3 rooms booked during my stay. The staff told me it would take 7-10 minutes for hot water to reach my shower. There was only one bar of soap in the bathroom. I had to ask for additional soap for the shower. The historical print over the bed had been removed and all that remained was the Velcro and unpainted strips (obviously, I have stayed in this room before). I brought a pizza from town for dinner and was told I could not sit on the patio outside the dining room unless it was a private party. So, I sat beside the closed swimming pool with no view of the park. So very disappointed in my experience.

Jana C — Google review

so much to do here, we stayed in the teepees it was so beautiful and loved the area, great showers and bathrooms.

Hannah P — Google review

A beautiful area to relax for the weekend. The heart healthy trail is my favorite to hike on! I love camping out here as well, though sometimes you won't have the most polite neighbors lol they can be a little noisy @ night.

Kat — Google review

We did a hike in the Mesa Loop and it was a great experience. It was my first time going there and I felt that the water level was little low but was none of my concerns. If you wanna spend your day hiking and sightseeing then I would definitely recommend this. This place have options like #Hikingtrails #Campgrounds #RVPark #Restrooms #Golfcourse

Prajwol K — Google review

Great place for moderate hiking. The room was comfortable, but noisy Heat/AC unit. Clean but not 5 Star. Will stay again.

Dale M — Google review

I ventured out to explore their trails. Upon my return journey, I discovered that they had two calves engaged in the search for sustenance and hydration. Their ribs were visible. It was a deeply saddening experience. Despite my attempts to converse with the desk clerk, she appeared more focused on her phone call than the individual before her. I tried to approach the general store and golf store, but inevitably, all stores shut down at five o'clock.

Samantha H — Google review

I used to enjoy the town of Watonga and campgrounds here ages ago for a small convention called Oklacon. I think about it so much. It's a lovely quiet park and one I miss deeply. I'd recommend it to anyone. Saw the milky way for the first time there. It was deeply moving. The park amenities are nice and clean.

Slowbro — Google review

4.5

(918)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (90)

4.0

(128)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (91)

3236 OK-8A, Watonga, OK 73772, USA

(405) 295-2770

15

E. W. Marland Mansion

Museum

Sights & Landmarks

Historical landmark

Architectural Buildings

This former family estate tells the story of the Marland family & their fine art collection.

It is an exceptional experience. Beautiful mansion with some very interesting history. It is very large and will take a little while to go through. I would recommend the guided tour. You will learn much more about the mansion and see things you may not see on your own.Our guide knew A great deal about not only the house/mansion but the family who live there and built it. A great piece of the past.

50 B — Google review

Overwhelming breathtaking beauty. Architecture in variety from the start to finish. Your better off to take a guided tour so you can get more information (unless you know someone who has worked there or lived in Ponca City their entire life); go into more rooms of the mansion, but also the chapel & Marlins’ wife’s house as well. Walking the grounds can be quite beautiful as well; seeing the statues, the ducks and flowers. To bad they haven’t restored the pool to it’s former glory( that would be definitely a delight & beautiful area for a wedding and special occasion too! 😉

Stacey R — Google review

Beautiful!!! Loved it. Next time we will do the guided tour not the self guided.

Susie B — Google review

Amazing home with an intriguing history. A must see. Been here several times and will return. Learn more each time I go. Notice some new detail I didn't see the time before.

Kim J — Google review

Well kept. Friendly staff. Everything was nice and fancy, and there was a lot to tour. Something to do if your in town, and have free time. Interesting history there. Definitely going back when we go again to Ponca! Wish the gift shop had more, and of course there's a fee to tour the mansion. Enjoyed the experience.

Dàwñ 1 — Google review

This is a wonderful place to stop if you are in Ponca City for the day. Air Conditioned indoor fun about the history of the Oil Barrons of Oklahoma! You can look in each room of 40,000 square foot home built in the early 1900s that had working air conditioning at the time. Tours are available.

James D — Google review

Beautiful former home of E. W. Marland and family and site of the Marland Estate. Now owned by the city of Ponca City, Oklahoma, it is preserved as a historic museum, landmark, tourist destination and event center.

Antonio B — Google review

Amazing place! Really enjoyed the tour and history!

Stefanie O — Google review

Gorgeous 43,561 square foot mansion built for oil baron E. W. Marland. The house is well-maintained and the grounds are beautiful. The tour is extremely interesting. Hear about the house architecture as well as the tragic story of the family.

Teresa E — Google review

We visited the museum on a quiet day in May 2023. Because there were almost no other visitors on site, we were lucky that David, the Executive Director, could take the time to give us a fine guided tour with excellent explanations and exciting stories and we were also allowed to ask lots of questions. Well we were very interested :).So we had a great time with David, learned a lot and were very impressed! There we have had really luck.On this way a big thank you to David for this excellent Friday morning!The museum is very interesting in many ways. The life story of Mr. Marland and his family is remarkable and amazing (and also a little scary and sad), the building is technically as well as stylistically, optically and architecturally exciting, there is a lot to see and you can dive into the past with pleasure and let yourself be touched if you like.Now, yes, we had the best museum guide you could ever wish for. So we would recommend every visitor to take a tour! Really. The museum and its many exhibits and facilities do need their explanations and become all the more interesting. This information cannot be perceived in depth during a short unguided tour - unless you read up on the literature. But even if you go through briefly, it will be impressive for any visitor.About the content: A self-made multi-millionaire builds himself a huge villa with technology that was unique at the time (air conditioning, heating, elevators), international flair (he had craftsmen come from Italy, for example, etc.) and exciting, clever and very detailed architecture. However, the whole object is not dully ostentatious but impresses with a real feel-good atmosphere.The museum doesn't look that big from the outside, but it's huge inside.Our conclusion and recommendation: The museum is definitely always worth a short visit - but we strongly (!) recommend to take your time and enjoy this wonderful impressive museum for two hours during a museum tour.

Karsten G — Google review

What you will find if you ever tour Herculaneum, or the EW Marland Mansion, is that after people are comfortable and well-fed, additional wealth basically is poured into art. Lots of art. Big art, small art. I especially delight in small artful details, and am posting a few pics as examples, but just know that this place is packed with them. Almost anywhere you look, there's something interesting.The Petroleum Hall Of Fame resides on the bottom floor. I view it very differently than the two women who wandered in and commented, "A good old boys' club." They need to read Atlas Shrugged! One of the men on that wall employed my grandpa - he worked for Hughes Oil. Personally I would not be willing to make the sacrifices necessary for my picture to be on that wall, but I appreciate the way of life those guys made possible. EW Marland in particular seems to have been quite generous in funding hospitals and many other things that benefitted all Ponca City residents.Have you seen the large portrait of Lydie? Apparently the artist disliked her, so he painted a serpent in near her feet. But I can't decide if that's also the reason the angle of her leg is so wrong, or if it was just a lack of talent. Either way, I'm surprised the Marlands would hang that portrait. Maybe they never noticed.

Ken S — Google review

We took our kids here as we saw the sign on I35 at first we said Ponca City ?? no thanks but we took a chance and wow this place is great, it seriously could of been transplanted from an old English countryside. The place is massive and has lots of interesting things to look at. Be careful of the stairs they are not for running or jumping. If you get there early in the day ask to see the secret tunnel !! and please buy souvenirs

Jason B — Google review

This is probably one of the better old historical Mansions I have toured. The Tour guide was knowledgeable and informative. Highly recommend.

Andrew M — Google review

I absolutely LOVE working at the Marland Mansion for wedding events! We just did a styled shoot here a few weeks ago and it was a dream! Truly the most gorgeous and breathtaking venue. We had so much fun and the team here was a joy to work with!

Ribbon F — Google review

A MUST-SEE Oklahoma landmark! The entire place is unbelievable, and likely only surpassed by the governor's mansion in OKC. I recommend a guided tour, but you can do self-tours as well. (same price) Everything from the floor to the ceiling to the exterior and the windows and light fixtures can only be described as stunning!! It's not expensive. Take plenty of pictures and share them with your friends. They will thank you and visit it themselves to see it in person.

Steve S — Google review

We enjoyed the tour and learning the history of Marland Mansion. David and Kim were knowledgeable, helpful, and a delight to meet. Thank you for your hospitality!

Theresa E — Google review

Late family Christmas celebrated here (at the "cottage"). Lots of space for little ones to run and ride their bicycles and we had a beautiful view of the grounds and the lake. Many took the tour, but I did not. They reported that it was a little long, but enjoyable.

Shelly E — Google review

I spent a wonderful day at the Marland Mansion. The story of E W Marland is fascinating. Well worth the trip to Ponca City.

Rhonda L — Google review

4.8

(709)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (92)

4.5

(148)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (93)

901 Monument Rd, Ponca City, OK 74604, USA

(580) 767-0420

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16

Gaslight Theatre

Performing arts theater

Concerts & Shows

Non-profit organization

Theater production

Theaters

I went to watch the Gaslight Theatre's presentation of Arsenic and Old Lace tonight. The cast for this presentation was chosen perfectly! Everyone in the audience was laughing and seemed to have a great time. I would highly recommend watching this group and their programs for a unique date night or night on the town! You will not be disappointed!

Kara K — Google review

Wonderful live theater, my family enjoyed this performance alot, my son enjoys it too.. well, done every one!

Jason R — Google review

Saw the drama camp production today and it was so adorable. Also totally mesmerized by the lighting effects on the ceiling! 🤩

Heather P — Google review

Love this place! Can't believe I've lived here seven years and I'm just now experiencing all the wonderful plays that they have. The acting is wonderful and the plays are great, it's a great way to get out and have a good night with friends or family

Amanda O — Google review

Had a ton of fun celebrating my 30th birthday last weekend at Young Frankenstein, and even more fun last year seeing The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Their skilled actors make you fall in love with the characters and laugh alongside your fellow community members in fantastic play after another. Loved it!

Jordan E — Google review

Good acoustics and wonderful staff have made drama camp a popular and spirited way to engage with Enid's small and engaging opportunity that my daughter would regret not including in her summer stay in Enid and its charming community theater. I can't wait to see what is in store for us next summer.

Jessica S — Google review

I Love Theater!! Gaslight has amazing actors, wonderful seats, and nice (Oklahoma Friendly) people run it. I recently saw "Young Frankenstein" and had a Blast! I plan on getting Season Tickets!!!!

Yolanda R — Google review

Excellent community theater with a long history of outstanding live shows. They offer a wide range of entertaining performances in the main stage drama, comedy and musical theater, as well as special shows in the intimate smaller stage.

Mark A — Google review

Watched A Suessified Christmas Carol. It's a nice little theater and they put on entertaining shows. Come and see a show and support the arts!

Cynthia H — Google review

Great place all around. Entertaining shows, amazing people, fun times. I make sure to watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show with shadow cast every year simply bc it is always a great time

T.J. B — Google review

4.8

(119)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (101)

5.0

(85)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (102)

221 N Independence St, Enid, OK 73701, USA

(580) 234-2307

17

Kansas Star Casino

Mentioned on

3 lists

Casino

Casinos & Gambling

The Kansas Star Casino is a great place for entertainment, with slot machines, table games and several dining options. The casino has a great atmosphere and plenty of friendly staff who are always willing to help out. The casino also offers live shows which provide plenty of entertainment.

Great place! Great parking, They are apart for the Boyd gaming system if you have a rewards card use it if not get one! Definitely a good stop for me and would recommend to anyone else

Kyle T — Google review

Nice Boyd gaming property. Lots of slots and table games. Nice Hotel and restaurants. Roulette and Blackjack are nice games that they have. Close to Witchita.

Joseph S — Google review

We had a great time, won some slots which is always fun. I do not like the smoking, wish they would separate this into completely different sections like other places I've been. Trying to have a good time and people are blowing smoke into your face isn't really what I'd call relaxing. The tin lizard was good, nothing too special. Wish the woodfire grill was open on Sundays.

Stephanie R — Google review

Real fun place even on a Monday. Lots of nice people lots of people winning and we even took home a few hundred. Had a really nice time. I appreciate all the truck parking you have the lot is really nice. If I could of changed anything I would of liked to see a trash can out in the lot for the truckers

Brian P — Google review

Amazing place to visit!Wonderful staff and very kind dealers. The facilities were wonderfully clean. The Non Smoking area is a nice plus, but the filtration on the main floor is just fine. We will be return customers on many occasions! First class facility!

Bryan W — Google review

My son and I visited today to play Blackjack. I'm a novice who's played only a few times.After about a dozen hands and being repeatedly and openly chastised, nonstop, by "Frau Schutzstaffel", for not being fast enough to suit her( Older German lady).....we packed it in.While ahead, it wasn't worth sitting at a table with a verbose, openly hostile dealer with issues. This was at the $15 table about 5pm.No excuse for this kind of misconduct.Most new players learn by making mistakes.Apparently there was zero accommodation.......she personally took all the joy out of the game.Everyone else sitting at the table was gracious and accommodating..... but one wants to be hammered on each and every miscue starting out.Hope this helps.

DOC H — Google review

I understand that the "21 years or older" law to enter casinos in Kansas may not be a decision of Kansas Star Casino:This 1-star is purely how that information was given to me by the 2 guys doing security on the north entrance.Yes their job is security, but as a possible customer I'd still like a service/product that treats me nice. That is not the staff of Kansas Star Casino, not a good first impression and not a place Id refer people to stop at, on a trip through Kansas.

Braden D — Google review

The atmosphere here is absolutely amazing. As well as slots, there are plenty of live tables like black jack, poker, roulette, and craps just to name a few.

Voodoo T — Google review

This establishment has many of casinos in multiple of states. The most exotic place is Ameri Star. A very rustic and absolutely beautiful place. The last that I visited the Ameri Star you were not able to take photos. Maybe that has changed. Naturally every Casino wants you to leave broke. They are in the business of taking all of your money, have a gambling problem you need to get help. Limit your gambling and enjoy a few hours of gambling.

George S — Google review

Enjoyed the stay at the Hotel. The nights I was there, unfortunately the games were pretty tight, but I still had fun.

Matt M — Google review

A huge suprise out in the middle of nowhere, absolutely enjoyed ourselves in the Casino and Restaurant. Food and services were great. My favorite spot was the FanDuel area where I played a 3 game parlay and won. Felt pretty lucky in this fine establishment!!!

Taos J — Google review

My husband and I are team drivers. We are so happy with the spacious parking here while doing our 34 hr reset.The Kansas Star Casino is very nice and clean. Multiple restaurants with deli, bar food or high end restaurant options. We’re very pleased that we gave this casino a try being on the road and unfamiliar with this area. We genuinely hope this review helps other drivers find this helpful, and give it a visit.

Janet O — Google review

Beautiful and spacious casino. Machines seem cutting edge. But then you get hungry. The Philly was dry, and the tots were middle school tots. Still, next time, I'll give it another try.

Parson L — Google review

We stayed in parking lot with an RV. We were very comfortable. It’s pretty quiet at night with security driving around occasionally. Went inside to play the slots…. Came out with a little extra money. Machines are not as noisy as some other Casinos, which made it comfortable for me. I could hear myself think & could talk with my husband without yelling over the machine noises.

. V — Google review

We were heading back to Wichita and needed a restroom and a restaurant. Being a Tuesday night, things pretty quiet. The restrooms were very nice also very clean. We ate at the Lizard. I had the fish and chips, which was awesome. Not greasy and very crispy. She subbed the coleslaw for salad since I can’t eat dairy.My husband had the pound of prime rib. It came out perfect. Loved the atmosphere, the service, the food, and the price.

Mary H — Google review

I'm a trucker and I had time to stop by and check it out.. this place is huge and I even got kinda lost in there a couple of times.. haha.. I really enjoyed myself and everyone was extremely helpful and polite.. I'm really glad they allow truck parking.. it's a really clean and comfortable casino..

Mark F — Google review

Nice casino, had 3 restaurants to choose from and a great variety of games. Friendly staff, clean restrooms and clean gaming area. It is connected to the Hampton Inn for easy access to a very nice hotel.

Clarissa F — Google review

I won 100 bucks within 20 minutes of being there on the penny machines. The staff was friendly, and drinks were reasonably priced. I enjoyed the chill vibe

Jessica H — Google review

We just stayed here while in town to see our friends. We had a great time and the hotel was fantastic. We were able to bring our two dogs with us here and the room was great. John went above and beyond for us and he really was a credit to this place’s customer service. We will be staying here again the next time we come.

Its N — Google review

On a work trip to Kansas, we stayed at there hotel, where we also ate dinner. Service was great the whole time. Nice down to earth employees.

B M — Google review

This place has always been welcoming to me and I have never had any problems with their service. They have a pretty good mix of the old style slots with many newer slots as well. The machines seem to be fairly loose and you can have a profitable time if you play wisely. This casino is fun because even if you have a little to play on at least you can find a machine that will give you a chance to come up and walk away with more!

Will P — Google review

Very clean, drinks are strong, friendly staff. Variety of slot machines, nice restaurant and a pretty good vibe there. Won a few times but lost most. Of course 🤣

Dàwñ 1 — Google review

Nice, clean, quiet room. Made out great at casino!! Food at Tin Lizard was just okay, our server was nice. The drink servers on the casino floor were ALL super nice and helpful and fast!! Great time.

Lisa O — Google review

3.8

(8781)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (103)

3.0

(400)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (104)

777 Kansas Star Drive, Mulvane, KS 67110, USA

(316) 719-5000

18

The Keeper of the Plains

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (105)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (106)

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (107)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (108)

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Sights & Landmarks

Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Keeper of the Plains is a 44-foot-tall sculpture that overlooks the confluence of the Big and Arkansas rivers in Wichita, Kansas. The statue was created by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin as a gift to celebrate the United States' bicentennial in 1976. Today, the Circle of Firepots surrounds the sculpture nightly, burning a Ring of Fire to honor Native American culture.

Tranquil peaceful walk amazing views of bridges and downtown Wichita with native music playing in the background. Lighting of the fire is a must see. Hearing the river flow over rocks and damn is amazingly peaceful. Learn as you look with sculptures and descriptions of Native American culture. Veterans memorial along river walk adds to culture history. feed the ducks and geese recommend fish pellets as bread can breed bad algae and smells.

Z M — Google review

This experience is a must! Walking up to the keeper some music can be heard in the distance. It takes you getting closer to realize that the keeper actually has music playing around it. The land in between is also considered sacred which just adds onto the experience. The land sits in between where Little Arkansas and Big Arkansas river meet. It was a hot and humid day but the excitement of seeing the Keeper of the Plains just gave me the jump I needed. The walls around the keeper hold all the history of the place. I would advise also reading up online as well for more details. I went when the sun was overhead during a lunch break and would advise you go when it is much cooler. A point to note is that the ring of fire is not lit during the weekdays. My fellow travelers complained about having to wait for the ring of fire and nothing happened. I believe it is only lit on weekends at 7pm and 9pm. Unfortunately I did not stay over the weekend but I look forward to my next visit to Wichita so I can catch the full show.

Mutale K — Google review

My in-laws took us to this cool place when we visit Wichita. We came there around 9pm for the fire show un the Keeper, but unfortunately it was too windy and they cancelled the fire. We still love and highly recommend the Keeper of the Plains

Thai H — Google review

A site that you cannot miss while in Wichita. If you come in the evening, the torch surrounding the statue would light up for 15 minutes from 7pm. There is a small free parking lot near the bridge through where you can access the statue.

LS F — Google review

I could see it in the far distance from my hotel window, decided to walk and then ended up riding a scooter on the riverside to see it. It did not disappoint. Lovely area with water falls and plenty of spots to walk around and take pics. The area along the river walk has lovely tribute to native Americans. Many little status fountains and structures along the way to keep one entertained. It was a fun walk to get to the statue and fun to hang around it and take pics.

Gihan S — Google review

Made a trip to Wichita to spend time with my granddaughter. I wish we would have had more time to spend here. It’s absolutely beautiful. A great place to walk, run, enjoy a picnic, ride a bike, take pictures or just relax. There’s little scooters you can rent to ride around on also. Hopefully will make it back to enjoy longer next time.

Tanya G — Google review

Ok! Great monument really cool. Do not go down here unless you are armed. Dangerous full of bums criminals and cretins. Seems to be a party location for certain groups. Some areas have been shut down because of vandalism. The parking lot across the street is not patrolled and not safe. Come very early keep your head on a swivel and be wary.

Jason G — Google review

I wanted to see it as soon as I learned it existed. Finally there and surprisingly there weren't too many people at the time so I had a chance to check it out. A very interesting place to visit on any given day. It is at the confluence of two rivers the Arkansas and the Little Arkansas. I like the statue the most and I think it's what draws people in.

William B — Google review

This was more interesting than I expected. We went during the day first and then read about the fire lighting at night so we went back to experience that. Definitely go early to get parking. It was pretty full parking lot.

Allison E — Google review

You can access the Keeper of the plains over two different walking bridges and each side has parking. The walk is easy and short.Day or night it’s a nice place to visit. If you can plan around it, try to see it when they have the torches lit at night for a short period from 9pm-9:15pm pending good weather.

Bryan O — Google review

Amazing and relaxing experience while traveling through Witchita. It was a windy day. I couldn't stay for the fire show. But there's always next time. I'm Chumash and Yaqui, so I try to visit places representing the tribes native to the areas I go to. I love to learn more about our different tribes, customs and people. 10/10 would visit again.

Delia L — Google review

Wow. What an experience!! I have wanted to visit here, I live near Cincinnati, for a few years and made it here today!! Such a beautiful statue and tribute to the native Americans that used to live here. The statue itself is breathtaking and the music and panels with information adds to the experience . Free to park and visit.

Jay B — Google review

Beautiful. Relaxing. Iconic. This is a MUST visit when coming to Wichita. Ride your bike here. Walk around. Take in the history by the status. Come at 9pm to watch the fire display. It’s a great place for the family and friends to come hang out. Pack a lunch or come after ice cream. Great place to hang out and get your picture taken with the Keeper in the background, along with the city views. The exploration place is across the street. It’s within walking distance of River Front Stadium (baseball stadium). Delano district nearby. Parking on either side of the bridges! (Exploration place parking has a lot of room) Enjoy!

Brian A — Google review

Google maps will lead you to a Native American museum, and they have a notice telling you go out of parking lot take a right go, go over the bridge, and destination will on the right. Keep of the plains is wonderful, take a bike because there is so much to explore!

Brian G — Google review

It's a publicly accessible park area with a with the "keeper" as the central figure. There are signs and other features to add to cultural history aspect of this interpretative area. It was quiet when I was there on a Saturday afternoon with only a few visitors that seemed to be mostly walkers out for fitness. The only thing I noted that might be an issue for parents is the large number of geese in the are and the waste they leave on walkways. You might want to check and wipe kids shoes when you are done. Access to the keeper is via a pair of cable stay bridges. Railings are secure and the deck is concrete, so there is nothing to worry about in terms of a swaying bridge or falling off accidentally.

Charles M — Google review

Definitely worth it to visit The Keeper of the Plains along the ArKansas river near downtown Wichita. We had a family event near Exploration Place so we parked on the Riverside side & walked over the bridge & down to exploration place to meet with our family group. We had not been for several years. And it was a lovely evening to be on the river bank enjoying the stars and the breeze and our family. Free.

Marsha R — Google review

The phenomenal centerpiece of Wichita, on the river right where the Arkansas and the Little Arkansas come together, and accessible from either McLean or Central. This beautiful sculpture is the most famous sight to see in the city as well as one of the most treasured destinations in all of Kansas. The bridges on both sides are astounding to admire and easy to cross and gain access to The Keeper. The circular path surrounding the statue itself has many other artistic tributes to Native American culture and the short walk is even highlighted by wonderful soundscapes that add to the masterful experience. A ring of flames can be seen here nightly as well, which times vary depending on the season and functionality of the fire pots. This area also leads to great walks along the river, which is most breathtaking after the sun is going down. This is one place in Wichita I can recommend to all locals and visitors to check out over and over again.

Jason S — Google review

We went during the 50th Anniversary of The Keeper Of the Plains and It was awesome. Lots of fun things to do like a Water wagon ride on the river and a kids place. Normally when we go here we walk the grounds and watch the Ring of fire at 9PM every day.

Gary E — Google review

This is one of my favorite places in all of America. Something about this physical place, with the two rivers coming together moves me. The Keeper itself is a beautifully constructed work of art, honoring our Native American Heritage of this amazing country. Enjoy the pictures I've been taking of this awesome creation.

Harley ( — Google review

very nice & educational. also relaxing. i think they still do ring of fire but not sure the time it starts.

GCTF — Google review

We loved this. Nice walking trails and wild life . Near another attraction also.

Andrew W — Google review

All open and outdoors. There were exhibits to read and look at and the statue itself had multiple paths leading around it. There were families of different generations and pets present. Was lovely. I learned and enjoyed the experience.

Jennifer S — Google review

Very awesome experience if you are visiting Wichita. There is a crowd of people that come out to watch the fires get lit at night. Summer fire lights at 9pm.

Jonathan C — Google review

First time visitors here in Wichita and had to stop in and check it out. Very cool attraction and a must see if you’re visiting.

Sovuthy S — Google review

Such a cool way to end the night in Wichita. Love the Native American history that this monument presents. The fire lights and stays lit for about 30 minutes, be sure to walk the river path after for all the other river monuments.

Kailee B — Google review

It was a cool little place to explore! All aspect of science. Even an old man like me learned something there.

Min L — Google review

“The sky is falling, the sky is falling!” What better backdrop to go with the fierce storm clouds than this iconic sculpture? You can’t mark Wichita off your list if you haven’t seen the Keeper.

Lizzette C — Google review

Great place to visit, however we were disappointed that they didn't have the ring of fire tonight. We took a nice walk along the riverfront. A must see if you want to visit Wichita.

Rhonda S — Google review

Absolutely love this spot for viewing downtown Wichita, especially at night. The area and the walking paths leading to and away from the Keeper are well lit and seem safe. Listening to the water coming over the small dam in the Little Arkansas River adds a soothing sound of flowing water to the area.Definitely stop by during the day as well for pictures as the Keeper is absolutely stunning.

Christopher H — Google review

4.8

(2832)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (109)

4.5

(878)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (110)

339 Veterans Pkwy, Wichita, KS 67203, USA

(316) 268-4497

19

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens

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32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (113)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (114)

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Botanical garden

Nature & Parks

Botanica, a botanical garden paradise in the middle of downtown Wichita, features 18 acres of gardens with a variety of plants, including an interesting children's section and a butterfly house. The gardens are also home to events such as concerts and lectures.

Fun place with allot to explore. Good sized children's garden playground and maze. Great for learning.Awesome bird watching areas and plenty of beaches. We came in the winter but I can imagine it is beautiful when everything is greener and full of color.Would love to come back in the summer.

David W — Google review

Beautiful as always. Saw a little rabbit peek out of the flowers and then decide to go back in to sleep. Saw some lizards, hawks and the butterflies were thrilled with the weather last weekend. It was so nice to visit and see some flowers I'd never seen before.

Haley F — Google review

The tulips are not all in bloom yet, but hopefully soon! Awesome children’s area that could keep kids entertained for hours! $10 entrance fee for adults and very sweet volunteer working the train exhibit.

Lilly B — Google review

what a lovely place to walk around. The flowers looked great, the rose garden was full if blooms(I do miss my roses back home). I didn't go into the children's area. Their displays with the ocean junk while very creative, it's sad to know all that stuff ends up in the ocean instead if being recycled... They staff was super friendly and getting the gardens ready for Christmas. I will totally plan to go back with all the lights. Highly recommend visiting.

Kathie M — Google review

This is a great way to spend a quiet afternoon among superbly manicure flora and fauna, some native to the area and many imported to give this park several splashes of color and beauty that is expertly manicured, obviously, by a team that absolutely loves what they do, and this garden.I've been to a bunch of different gardens around the country, and while the Wichita Botanical Garden may not be the biggest, it is certainly among the best in design and impact per square foot.Every inch of this place has been carefully thought through and planned by someone who clearly knows how to make the most of an outdoor space.There are several water effects that include babbling brooks that feed into several coy ponds, open water ponds that are home to a variety of water flowers, including three different color lilly pad flowers.Small bronze statues of wondrous children and animals dot the paths and on the daily I went, there were several dinosaur exhibits.There's too much to talk about on this small review, like the many gazebos, and comfortable benches that are tucked away in little hidden sanctuaries off the path to sit, watch, and just enjoy the bustling wildlife and blossoming beauty.Before you go, don't forget to stop by the Japanese garden on the other side of the administrative building. If you miss that you'll be sorry that you missed one of the most beautiful stops in the park.The price of admission is nominal, and just so happened to be free for me as an Army veteran on this particular day, but normally entrance in around $15 for adults, more than worth it for a beautiful afternoon.Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy.

Louis C — Google review

This is one of my favorite places in all Wichita. Everytime I have friends in, I take them here. The staff take SUCH good care of the grounds and seem to have new displays each time I'm there. Massive kids garden. Highly recommend...an absolute must if you're nearby!

Lindsey M — Google review

We have turned this place into a tradition for my boyfriend and I the last year and a half, and now we get to include our daughter (2 months old). It is so special and we look forward to every event we attend and thoroughly enjoy them all! We have been to tulip fest two years in a row, jack-o-lantern spectacular, illuminations at Christmas time, and took our daughter to the dinosaurs around the world earlier this week. The gardens are beautiful, very well taken care of. We will absolutely continue to go to all the events and build those family traditions with our girl!

Alecia D — Google review

What an amazing experience, It's worth every penny. Walking these gardens, learning, enjoying the sights, and taking in all the beauty. I had no idea this place was so large, this is a nice place to visit for all ages. I love how all of the plants were marked to help identify what it is you're looking at.This place offers a lot. From a gift shop, butterfly house, amphitheater, gardens, fountains, sculptures, a full-size indoor carousel, and ponds.We plan on a return trip soon and a trip near Christmas for all of the lights I've heard so much about.

Marc F — Google review

We went to the Christmas lights. The atmosphere was fun with the dancing lights, music, fire place, ect. Lots of opportunities to take pictures. Several concession stands open. They had a Santa Clause, carousel, and a gift shop. The experience took about 1h 20 min without stopping to see Santa or riding the carousel ( my kids are older) Parking is free right outside the entrance.

Jackie K — Google review

Great great time! We are visiting from out of town and a coworker recommended the Illumination! Glad he did! It was very well done and we thoroughly enjoyed it! The only downfall was that we ate supper before we went and just couldn't enjoy the food carts or the outside bar with the fireplace, darn! Great Job! We can't wait until next year and we will come hungry! Another side note, Everyone in Wichita was so nice and when we were stopped and taking photos of one of the displays, one of the employees stopped and explained who made it and how it was done, cool! Thanks, great people and great show! (Even the police directing traffic were so nice!)

Kevin B — Google review

Symphony in the Gardens was a lovely event, well organized, great food, and gorgeous music. I would highly recommend this event as an adult evening. With flowers in bloom, music floating on the breeze, there's an air of romance and an old world sophistication. It was a great combination of nature and art. I honestly didn't expect to stay the full time, but time flew by, and the final symphony concert was well worth staying to hear.

J J — Google review

We came here on a whim and it was worth it! The gardens are beautiful and spans across a large property. There are so many different plants and sculptures to look at, koi ponds, and even lots of fun things for kids. Many pollinators were flying around. My daughter liked the music garden, climbing the large tree/wooded theme play area, and they were putting up dinosaurs for an upcoming event that she really loved. We arrived an hour and a half before closing and didn't see everything. We will definitely be back!

Maryann B — Google review

Great place for all to run or unwind.The grounds are in malicious shape, always.Evenings are great, too, with excellent artistic lighting.Lots of family-friendly stops.Sometimes, there is a fantastic symphony orchestra playing.

Mark P — Google review

This place is so magical. We went around 3p.m. there weren't a lot of people, but I would go earlier because we didn't make it completely through the whole thing. Their is just so much beauty to take in.I loved that their is something to do for all ages. Definitely will be back ♡

Chelsea F — Google review

If the weather is right and there isn't a lot of children it is by far one of the most relaxing and peaceful experiences you can enjoy. The grounds are well maintained and the array of colors always brings a smile to my wife's face.

Bobby S — Google review

This place is beautiful! I have 4 young kids, and it was easy to keep them entertained while on the trails. They also have fun crafts throughout the garden. We will be back! Lots of plants and gorgeous landscape and the butterfly garden was amazing!

Tammy L — Google review

It was absolutely beautiful. It was so calming, relaxing, and a great way to get in a nice walk without even realizing that you are getting your steps in.They have a great place for kids to explore.

Donna T — Google review

There is free parking at the entrance of the park. When we were there, there were figures made with Lego blocks, including an information board with the properties of the animal and the concept that the artist had in mind. Most visitors will find the butterfly house the highlight of this park. The large fountain was not working.

Peter S — Google review

Wonderful spot to spend a couple of hours. Although we were a little early to enjoy the spring blooms, there was still plenty to see. My kids really enjoyed the carousel and children's garden areas. We even spent some time in the little play area inside enjoying some nature books. Would love to visit sometime when everything is in full bloom!

Valerie K — Google review

We went to see the Christmas lights at botanica during Christmas time and omg it was definitely a hit! Such a great time. Walking around stopping at the fire pits stopping at the food stands. It was really really nice. Definitely going back next year!!!!!!

Patrice P — Google review

Wonderful park to walk and enjoy all of the botanical plants. The butterfly hut was also fantastic! The popcorn and pop are very well priced. Make sure you get a coin for the carousel!

Dale B — Google review

We have been to their Illuminations display twice now! Its always so beautiful & a well organized event. Love that they serve alcoholic beverages & food - a really fun evening for a date night or outing with friends!

Rachell G — Google review

A fun magical place to take the grandkids! This beautiful garden is very kid friendly and their attention to detail is awe inspiring. Great choices in their gift shop and the staff is so nice and friendly.

Jessica W — Google review

Beautiful gardens to explore. The scents and sights were wonderful!

Rhonda S — Google review

Have not been 10 years it was great to go back to a place my mom volunteered for so many years. The Tulips were always her favorite time of the year to work at the Garden Center.

Santa C — Google review

Visited during Illumations in December and can see why it's voted Top 10 best light shows in the US by USA today. Would love to stop here during the summer months to check out the botanical gardens

Kelly R — Google review

Amazing "Nature Pop" exhibit happening with Lego sculptures. Each sculpture comes with a fun fact, science about the sculpted animal, and an art fact about the sculpture. Signs also tell how many Lego bricks were used and time spent!

Michelle C — Google review

I am a horticulture major, so of course I am going to love this garden! But my family also loves going with me to enjoy all the different seasons and displays. We especially loved the orchestra on the lawn and tulip season. If you need to feel a retreat or a great nature stroll...I highly recommend.

Amber C — Google review

Such a great experience for kids to be able to get out and walk around to look at all the Christmas lights. This was our first year with our kids Anna they absolutely loved the carousel, and of course all the lights.

Britt F — Google review

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens in Wichita, Kansas, is an enchanting haven that truly captivated my soul. From the moment we stepped foot into this wondrous garden, we were greeted by an abundance of natural beauty that left us in awe.The garden's sheer diversity and the myriad of flora and fauna on display made it a delight for the eyes and a soothing balm for the soul. The meticulously curated landscapes and the vibrant colors of the flowers created an atmosphere that was truly mesmerizing.We found ourselves effortlessly losing track of time as we wandered through the garden paths, each turn revealing a new and breathtaking vista. The tranquility and serenity of Botanica made it a place where one could easily spend an entire day, immersed in the wonders of nature.For anyone seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Botanica, The Wichita Gardens is an absolute must-visit. The garden's beauty and tranquility make it a gem in the heart of Wichita, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.Our experience at Botanica, The Wichita Gardens was nothing short of incredible. The sheer beauty and tranquility of the garden made it a place where time seemed to stand still. We left feeling rejuvenated and inspired, and we cannot wait to return to this captivating oasis in the heart of Wichita.

Adventure C — Google review

I from another state & visiting for the weekend and had the privilege of visiting during the Tulip Festival... WOW, So Beautiful !Only downside is there was alot of people. But it was definitely worth it!

Gina G — Google review

Very cool botanical gardens. Fun to see the lego additions to the flowers. Lots of shady rest areas. Stroller friendly with a few fun kids play areas like the music area, tree house and carousel.

Steven H — Google review

I went as part of Riverfest. It was free entry since I had my Riverfest button. The gardens were very nice. It was a lot bigger then I thought. There are lots of interesting thingd in the gardens. There are lots of Lego statues scattered throughout the gardens, a butterfly house, ponds filled with koi fish, and there's a small playground for kids.

Alex L — Google review

Such a beautiful place. I’m only reading it 4 stars because we went for the tulip fest, but a lot of tulips died or hadn’t bloomed and also things weren’t in season just yet - but that’s on us! It will definitely be a 5 star experience mid spring!I’ve lived in Wichita for almost 5 years and this was my first time - I know, crazy right? - it took my tourist boyfriend from out of state to get me to go and let me say, I don’t regret it! Despite it being cold and under bloomed, we got hot chocolates and acted like big kids exploring throughout the place. It was so fun to do the interactive activities, see all the beautiful plants, and even get up close to some of the animals that came by (squirrels :))I definitely recommend going mid spring out for events they host!

Kynnedy M — Google review

4.8

(5195)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (116)

4.5

(762)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (117)

701 Amidon St, Wichita, KS 67203, USA

(316) 264-0448

20

Sedgwick County Zoo

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (118)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (119)

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (120)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (121)

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Zoo

Zoos & Aquariums

The Sedgwick County Zoo, which is located in Wichita, Kansas, is the largest zoo in Kansas and one of the largest in the United States. It has a diverse selection of animals, including tigers and elephants, that are housed in habitats that resemble their natural surroundings. The zoo is also home to a large bird collection. Visitors should allow two to three hours for a visit.

The best zoo in the world in my opinion! Especially if you like tropical birds. They have a walk-in aviary with lots of beautiful, healthy pigeon/dove species and other birds from around the world. Some of them are very used to people and you can get great close-up photos of them. The other animals were cool to see too. You had your typical lions, tigers, and bears there plus some fun others like penguins and river hogs. Go there in the winter on a Wednesday and admission is dirt cheap!

Bethany J — Google review

In the last few years they've done an excellent job in several areas, making the zoo even more awesome. The tropical building and the whole zoo is much more wheelchair accessible and generally more accessible overall throughout. The exhibits look great (though there's a lot of construction and maintenance right now. We love that there is wheelchair rentals and online tickets to make getting in easier.I love seeing all the happy elephants now!

Chey F — Google review

I visited Sedgwick County Zoo on 10th August and had an amazing experience. The zoo is beautifully maintained, with a wide variety of animals in spacious, well-kept enclosures. The layout is easy to navigate, making it a great place for a leisurely stroll while observing the wildlife. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions or provide information about the animals.Highlights included the interactive exhibits and the informative signs that made the visit both fun and educational. The zoo also offers plenty of shaded areas and seating, which was much appreciated on a warm day.Overall, Sedgwick County Zoo is a fantastic destination for families or anyone who enjoys nature and animals. I highly recommend visiting!

Shreenath S — Google review

I'm from Northern Kentucky and I frequent the Cincinnati Zoo and I have to compare this zoo to them. I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the zoo and the variety of animals in the zoo overall. While it does not have as many animals you still have a very good representation of the continental areas they are covering. The biggest plus with this zoo is the amount of open space between exhibits and the help offered by the staff. They are very pleasant to deal with and helpful. I would definitely visit again when back in town!

Nick H — Google review

I used to come here ALL THE TIME when I was a kid, but haven't been in many years. I completely forgot how much fun this zoo is! They have so many animals and so many vantage points to view them from! The bridge going over the buffalo is incredible! All the animals seem well taken care of and happy, which is more than one can say about other zoos in the area.We can't wait to come back and see everything again, especially when the jungle exhibit is open again!

Kelcey T — Google review

I came here as a child myself and now come with the grandkids. Needless to say, it has changed a lot, mostly for the better. The kids love the animals. You are still at the mercy of the weather, as with any outdoor activity. I recommend coming early so you can go when it starts to get too hot. It's good to see many of the enclosures are bigger than when I was a kid, giving the animals more room. There are a lot that could still use improvement, though. I especially feel bad for the bald eagle. His space is too small for him to really stretch out his wings and fly.

Joe G — Google review

The lights are amazing. It’s the perfect time to go. It’s not too cold or warm. I was impressed by the amount of lights they had out.We went on Sunday evening and it was not that busy. Great time with the family.

Kelly E — Google review

This zoo is wonderful, it is a great place to go enjoy and the experience is different and exciting every time you go. The new additions and expansions are amazing. I highly recommend spending a morning enjoying getting out and seeing the rare and exotic animals that are taken care of at the zoo. The variety of species of both animals and botany is truly remarkable. If you get a membership you can go anytime all year around and it helps to support the effort of keeping the zoo amazing.

Dan R — Google review

The exhibits were done well, and there were lots of animals to see up close! The whole zoo was laid out nicely and easy to walk. There were a lot of unique features that I haven't seen at other zoos, and I left very impressed!

Swatch — Google review

Above expectations. You can easily spend 7 hours there. Currently, South America and Australia was closed. Other than that must visit place. One of the largest zoo in the country. Lots of animals. $22 per adult and $4 for feeding giraffe or touching stingray.

Abhishek S — Google review

I love this zoo. It's beautiful. But they do nickel and dime you for everything. The train ride is not worth $5. There's no "guide" talking about anything. All there is to see are a few generic signs and the back of the zoo. Once they figure out they need to put in some dioramas, and add guided points of interest that the engineer can relay over a speaker system or even a prerecorded guide, then it will be worth the $5. Until then, don't waste your money.But the rest of the zoo is AMAZING. Love it.

Sally G — Google review

Out of town visitor for a day trip to Wichita.Heard this zoo had one of the largest elephant enclosures and we weren't disappointed. Really enjoyed seeing all the elephants and the large open space they had.The rest of the zoo was amazing. Enjoyed the boat ride through the park. The train which showed us some of the behind the scenes was awesome. Our daughter wants to be a vet when she grows up so seeing those areas was a huge plus to our visit.The staff was super friendly and informative.Recommend getting there as soon as it opens. We stayed for 3 and half hours and there was several areas we didn't get to see.Highly recommend this zoo if you are in the area.

T W — Google review

An out of town visitor, I was able to visit the zoo again for the first time in about ten years. I was very impressed by the new exhibits, especially the Asian Big Cat Trek. The Gorilla Forest was always my favorite exhibit but now it’s even more so as all the trees have matured with the natural canopy offering shade. All of the employees I encountered were very friendly and helpful. I only was able to spend a few hours but easily could have visited all day. There’s a lot of walking but with an adventure this size, nothing wrong with that! I cannot wait until I can visit again, hopefully sooner than another ten years. Baby elephants in the future might make that hard to resist!

Ryan E — Google review

This is an awesome zoo. I have been able to visit this zoo several times in the past 25 years despite the fact I didn't live here. We recently moved here and I look forward to coming more often.The only complaint I have is the fact I am disabled and paid more for the scooter I needed to get around than my ticket to get in. I couldn't believe it! Why are those who are handicapped being punished to see the zoo. Because of this fact, I won't be able to come often. I can understand a fee, but charging more than an entrance ticket, really? I just don't understand. I even asked if I was a member was the scooter complimentary and was told no. I am very sadden by this.

Kay H — Google review

We recently had the pleasure of visiting Sedgwick County Zoo and it was an extraordinary experience. The zoo's extensive collection of animals and well-designed exhibits made for an enjoyable and educational visit. Spending a couple of hours there wasn't nearly enough to fully appreciate everything the zoo has to offer.The giraffe exhibit was absolutely captivating, offering a close-up encounter with these graceful creatures. The expansive space and the opportunity to observe the giraffes up close made it a memorable experience.The exhibit featuring zebras was a true delight. The well-designed habitat and the chance to observe these majestic animals in a naturalistic setting left a lasting impression.The chimpanzee and gorilla exhibits were among the best we’ve ever seen. The naturalistic environments provided a fascinating insight into the lives of these incredible primates.In summary, our visit to Sedgwick County Zoo was one of the best zoo experiences we've ever had. The diverse range of animals, the quality of the exhibits, and the overall atmosphere made it an unforgettable day in the company of wildlife. I highly recommend this zoo to anyone looking for a fantastic wildlife adventure!

Adventure C — Google review

We went during the week there was hardly anyone there. There was only 1 person selling tickets she was fast at it but still probably a 20-minute wait. It was so hot, the kids were hot, the animals were hot. We didn't get all the way through it, unfortunately. It's such a big zoo, I think some of the animals could have bigger areas but they look healthy and they seem well cared for. They have cool animals to check out.

Kourtney K — Google review

The zoo itself is a great place to go walk on the weekends or evening, but the light shows and different themes are spectacular experiences between Halloween and Christmas.This even will always trump the normal days at the zoo. Maybe justas majestic as seeing the animals in the sping when the garden blooms. It's a friendly event during the holidays, especially for special family visits. The tickets are affordable on any budget, and don't forget the proceeds are going to the care of the animals.The botany work and landscaping has been very impressive compared to other cities.

Lihnmen I — Google review

Amazing zoo. Well laid out walking path that will take you to see every animal with very minimal backtracking. Favorite exhibit was the bison for how much space they have to roam.

B P — Google review

We love this zoo! Our family gifts us a membership every year and we go as often as we can and try to participate in the different events! Wild Lights is absolutely beautiful and a must-see!

Megan B — Google review

My son got awarded a free family pass from his school. The family and I went and had a really good time. The Zoo has always been a great adventure with a fun friendly environment for the family to enjoy. Would definitely recommend and we will be back again for another adventure.

Ronnie S — Google review

Sedgwick County Zoo is always a great place to spend time. A season pass is a wonderful investment and we’ve enjoyed ours thoroughly this year. The kids love it and we learn something new every time we visit. The staff is always willing to share their knowledge and truly care about the animals and our experience. Definitely worth the time and money.

Lesa W — Google review

Love this zoo. My kid's favorite is the stingrays, but the smell gets to me since I had been going to chemotherapy. There's an employee who works in the stingray area named Zach, who is amazing. I used to avoid taking the kids, even though it's her favorite, because I get nausea and faint from standing too long. He is so sweet. He offers me a chair and lets me sit down by the exit for fresh air, and we just love him! He is one of the most thoughtful people I have ever met and so knowledgeable. He really makes the whole experience for everyone who visits.My mom loves going to the seniors' days as well. It's such an amazing community outreach.

Linda S — Google review

Fantastic experience at the Wild Lights event this Fall. The Incredible artwork displayed with the Alice in Wonderland theme was truly amazing. We have 2 young girls, 9 and 11, and they loved every minute of the event. Kudos to the staff there for keeping everything looking clean and serving hot chocolate on such a chilly evening.

Thomas J — Google review

Wonderful zoo! Exhibits were nicely set up and felt like you could really see animals up close. Good food, beer available for beer lovers, not too big but all the animals that you would want to see!

Katrina H — Google review

Great zoo! Very well kept and nice. The place is absolutely huge though and we definitely didn’t see everything as we only could stay a few hours. The tropics are great and I’d definitely recommend paying like $5 extra to feed the giraffes.

Erin L — Google review

This is one of the best zoos in the country. There are many exhibits with many different types of animals. The exhibits are designed in a way that animals are visible and close, unlike some zoos where animals seem distant. The zoo is well maintained and very clean. The staff are wonderful here. They frequently hold various activities for people of all ages. The price of admission for one time can be a bit steep, but guests can expect to spend quite a while walking around here. For those who plan to visit often, the annual membership might be your best bet for great value!

Noah J — Google review

It is a neat display. With a lot more out there than we thought would be. All the exhibits are closed. But the giraffes were still out and the little one was running around. Took us about an hour to walk thru and look at everything. There are some really big displays that pictures don't show. Some of them are moving. Others blow smoke or bubbles. We had a great time and the weather was perfect.

Tyler E — Google review

This place is beautiful. The Kea bird in the exhibit handed me a stick through his cage. Absolutely melted my heart. All the birds were so happy. I hope I get to visit again!

Nikki P — Google review

It's one of our favorite zoos. It's been a few years since we. Visited as we live out of state. Awesome continual improvements. Loved seeing the completed elephant habitat the deer always gives us a chuckle, and we love the upgrades to the bird/bat house. This is definitely an awesome zoo.

Steven H — Google review

A really nice day trip. Well maintained facility, a great selection of animals, which are well cared for and had good enrichment! Beautiful grounds plantings and waterways. A treat to see so many rare species!

Martin R — Google review

Great Zoo!! So many things and animals to see, it's insane. We have two kids 3yr and under so we stayed about 3 hours before calling it quits and I know we didn't see it all. We did the train ride (loved) and fed the giraffe. Kids loved all of it. We got there about 20 minutes after they opened on a Saturday and only waited maybe 5 minutes in line for tickets. If we ever come to Wichita again, we would come back! I'd definitely sign up for all the extras if you have the time.

Taylor O — Google review

We went for the Christmas night light event. It was magical and so much fun. It sent you on a walk through the park as you followed the story of Alice in wonderland. The lights the displays were great bring your family for a fun night and it’s reasonably priced.

Brian — Google review

We went on a cloudy, cool Saturday in February, and the zoo was totally empty. The animals were out and about, so we had a fantastic experience! The exhibits are well laid out and the zoo is very walkable, even for little legs. Can't wait to visit again when it's warm and try the train and the river boat.

Laura B — Google review

We got to see the new stingray exhibit. It was so cool . We even got to feed the stingrays. It has changed so much in the last few years ..if u haven't been in awhile you definitely need to go check it out again

Darren ( — Google review

I was in town this weekend to visit the Art Museum and decided to stop by. I was very impressed with the variety of animals and the quality of the exhibits. The elephants exhibit was a marvel. I don’t think I’d been here in at least 10 years and there have been some great changes.

Harvey F — Google review

4.7

(8981)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (122)

4.5

(1367)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (123)

5555 W Zoo Blvd, Wichita, KS 67212, USA

(316) 660-9453

I'll never travel to Hot Springs without this trip planner again

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I will never travel to Hot Springs without this app againAvailable on the App Store

21

Strataca

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History museum

Sights & Landmarks

Strataca, located in Hutchinson, Kansas, is a renowned salt mine museum that offers an immersive experience into the city's salt mining history. With over 30 years of operation, it stands as a vital pillar of Hutchinson's economy. Visitors can explore the massive salt deposit by descending 650 feet underground in just 90 seconds via a double-decker hoist. The museum also features guided tours, train rides, and exhibits that showcase the significance of salt mining to the city's financial stability.

Such an awesome and perfect outing for our family. Our 11 year old boy wasn't bored once, didn't even realize we had been there over 2 hours. The tour guides were awesome and very knowledgeable about the history and little details of the salt mine. Definitely recommend for anyone in the area.

WhitneyPaige R — Google review

Amazing Experience, an active Mine with so much going on...it was very interesting & well worth the money and time. Two hours went by so fast and it is needed. Strataca helps to send you back into time allowing understanding of how mining salt began and how it has evolved. Learning the purpose of salt and how it's used today was fascinating! Everyone should visit this Attraction.

Rene W — Google review

Awesome place to visit. Down 650 feet into the mine. Dark tour takes you behind the scenes. Interesting that social security stores their records in the mine and a lot of medical records are there too. Disney stores all their original films and costumes in the mine due to constant temperature and lack of humidity. Educational....lots to learn.

Marilyn C — Google review

My family had so much fun at Strataca! It was a great experience. Buy tickets in advance. We showed up when they opened at 1:00 and missed the window to go down at that time and for the 1:20. We got the 1:40 but didn't mind waiting 40 minutes.I also want to add that we had a great experience with the staff. We visited on 7/30/23. From ticket sales to taking us down to the ride conductors, all the staff members were kind and friendly and engaging.

Kayla R — Google review

We loved the tour of the mine. It starts out a little slow getting set free with just some posters to read, but after getting a little deeper there are some really interesting artifacts displays and videos to explain what you’re looking at. The train and dark tours were the highlights, though I wish the dark tour guide was recorded, because the person doing it live was rushing through a script they must do a dozen times a day and was a bit hard to understand.

Josh L — Google review

The kids and I had so much fun visiting Strataca. We were fortunate enough to visit while using the Sunflower Summer app. From beginning to end, everyone was so friendly and helpful. The ladies checking everyone in did an amazing job at handling the long line of the sunflower summer app users and we are so thankful we barely slipped in. Miguel was our tour guide for the dark ride and we enjoyed his humor throughout the tour. The museum items are very neat and as a "Friends" fan I was really excited to see the reels. This is by far one of the coolest places to visit in Kansas.

Amy — Google review

This is an amazing underground adventure! 650ft underground active salt mine! It’s been suggested that breathing salt air has a healing effect, and many swear by it.This tour was one of the most informative I’ve been on in some time, AND in addition to making memories, you get to select a chunk of actual salt rock to save, show and share your experience with others.

Eugene M — Google review

The salt mine is awesome. The tours are great. Part of it was self guided which is cool. Kids and adults had a great time. The kids loved being able to collect a salt rock.The wait to go topside was WAY to long. The kid running the hoist actually sent it up empty "because I'm the only one here and can't leave to ride with you". That was frustrating, there were 30-40 of us waiting at that time.

Shawna H — Google review

A diamond in the rough. 😉 We had an excellent time exploring 650 feet under the surface. The tour guides were knowledgeable and genuinely nice. We're planning on visiting in August for the "Murder in the Mine", and then again in October for the Boy Scouts of America overnight camping trip, where the kids can receive two merit badges, geology and mining in society.

Victoria R — Google review

We had so much fun at Strataca! We had a great experience and can’t believe everything we learned. Even the kids (4 & 7) enjoyed it. Our dark ride tour guide Carey was really funny and entertaining. They don’t really have a great solution for the hard hats not fitting the kiddos. We tried the straps they gave us, but it still didn’t quite work. But everything was great, and I’d recommend this place to everyone.

Kelsey G — Google review

This was probably one of the coolest museums I've been in. It was a super cool experience to explore the salt mines. My favorite part was probably the tram ride. Miguel was a really cool tour guide.

William R — Google review

Strataca is an active salt mine and storage facility in Hutchinson, Kansas that you can tour. You take an elevator ride down 650 feet to the salt layer that was laid down in the Permian period when Kansas was just an ocean. You can tour the museum of the history of the salt mine, take a dark tram ride into more parts of the mine, and tour the movie memorabilia (and films and records) that are stored in the mine. They also host special events in the mine (murder mystery theater, races, parties, etc.). It is a great place to visit, but I recommend that you arrive or sign up early as it can sell out. Also, you will be required to wear one of their hard hats in the mine.

N S — Google review

Staff was friendly and very informative and willing to answer questions.Spent about 3 hours on tour with a 5 year old and 7 year old. 5 year old found it a bit more boring as there is allot of talking.There was a few stops were kiddos can collect salt rocks in a little bag. Few areas have tactile stuff like salt powder, small rocks big rocks and slabs.Tours were fun and guides were full of puns, facts and quipsWould recommend for family trips, field trips, homeschool, ECT.Cost seemed high at first but would say it is worth the cost.Will warn the elevator may be intense for those afraid of tight closed spaces. Ride down is 90 second. Also underground might be tough for those scared of enclosed places.

David W — Google review

I took my wife here for our 4 year anniversary and it did not disappoint! I bought the regular tickets plus the safari ride through the old mining areas. We got to collect chunks of salt from the mine too. You can also reserve their event center 650 feet underground! I will be back again it was so much fun.

Stephen B — Google review

My husband and I had talked about visiting here more than once and finally made the trip. I HIGHLY recommend this. The information is very interesting and the staff is very informative. The temperature was pretty good, but if you are someone who gets cold easy or often dress for a fall day or bring a sweatshirt or light jacket. I get cold very easily and my fingers were starting to get tingling after being down in the mines for 3.5 hours. I bought the Safari tour and it was well with the extra money! Money very well spent!

Melynda L — Google review

Strataca was a ton of fun, my Dad and I had a blast! It's 68 degrees down there and more than comfortable. If you get cold easily then I'd recommend a light jacket. The museum is large and very spacious. The tours were well-organized and the guides were very friendly. I would definitely recommend this for families and anyone looking for a unique experience!

Joe W — Google review

Great experience. It’s, for the most part a self guided tour in an active salt mine (away from the actual mining and miners) that has a wealth of fascinating information. There are also two rides, the train and dark tour where you ride in little cars pulled by a vehicle that takes you deeper into the mine. The driver regales you with stories, anecdotes and information. You also stop and are allowed to get your own piece of salt. Lastly, there is a display explaining about the old movies and documents stored in the mine. Highly recommended place. It takes roughly two hours.

Corazon P — Google review

Truly unique afternoon! The museum stuff was informative and interesting. The cute little train and dark ride were a blast. Loved being able to take a chunk of halite home!

Erin M — Google review

Highly recommend order tickets ahead of time. This is a great place to visit especially when the weather is at its extremes. 68 year round. We have a 7 and 10 year old, they loved it.

Benjamin F — Google review

Great experience, I'm so glad we came! The Safari was well worth the extra money. All 5he staff were amazing! Very knowledgeable, friendly & excited about their jobs!

Jill K — Google review

We came here as gifts to two of our kids who were turning 21 and 18, and because it just seemed cool to be touring a salt mine. Anyway, the combo ticket was sold out, but that was OK because the two or three hours we were in the belly of the beast were plenty. The only thing I would improve would be to see the actual mining, OSHA, be hanged. 😆 By all means, visit the salt mine and take your time...it's worth it.

Kimberly M — Google review

The Strataca Salt Mines is a cool educational place for the whole family. You learn about its history, get to go on guided tours, one of which is in the dark, and you get to take home your own piece of large salt crystal.

Dan W — Google review

This was an incredible experience! If you’re thinking about going, just do it. The safari tour was 10000% worth the extra cost. Jacob was our tour guide and did a fantastic job! He told us about an upcoming event with a walking lantern tour. We will for sure be back again to do that and to bring friends. 10/10 no notes.

Kimberly H — Google review

It was the best $50 I’ve ever spent! Very thoughtful planning for the salt mine tour! My son and I had a lot of fun there!

Min L — Google review

Had a wonderful time! We did the dark tour with Larry, it was so much fun! The train tour was also so neat! So much to see and stayed so cool on a hot 🔥 day 105° out side 650 below ground was a cool 62° !! Great for all ages! ( 4yrs and older) I was amazed they have a venue area for weddings, birthday whatever you may be celebrating! So many amazing things to check out! They even have scooters for the elderly. All the employees are so nice and helpful! I do have to say please check for availability a day or two before you go or you might not have an open tour! Well worth the price!

Jamie E — Google review

Very cool experience. Easy to book online. Enjoyed getting to explore at our own pace and the 2 little rides were very entertaining. Also got some free salt crystals. Would definitely visit again.

Crazyusername0123 — Google review

If you are in Kansas, don't miss this place! First of all, this is the ONLY mine that allows visitors in all of North America... So doing this is not something you can do just anywhere. We added the extra 'salt safari' and it was well worth it. Our guide, Francis, was very very knowledgeable about the entire mine and quite possible could have driven us throughout the tour blindfolded. Expect to stay at least 3hrs if you are doing the Safari, but 100% recommend!

Justin ( — Google review

One of the best places I've visited. The simple self lead tour was pretty darn good and there's a train and tram tour.

Loyd K — Google review

There is free parking at the entrance. After a safety briefing and putting on a safety helmet, you descend 200 meters into a dark elevator. During the first part, in a large excavated space, you will receive the necessary explanation about the equipment used and how the salt is extracted through videos and information boards. Then you will be driven around the mine in a train and you will receive additional explanation at the various stops. Before you take a second train into the darkness of the mine, you will find out why documents, films and digital files are stored in part of the mine.

Peter S — Google review

Well worth the cost, we spent a couple enjoyable hours 650ft underground! The elevator is small and has two levels so if you’re put in the first, you have a longer enclosed wait while they load / unload the other level, beware if claustrophobic

Ian C — Google review

An amazing experience. Didn't really know what to expect and the family enjoyed everything about it. Get there early though, we barely got tickets for the day just after 10 am.

Ryan O — Google review

It's a very interesting place to tour. First and for most, it is very roomy down there. If you have visited natural caverns and found them claustrophobic, this for place is far from that. Being man-made, there are only a few natural occurring features left in the mine.The ceiling is about 10ft tall and fairly smooth. The floors in the exhibit areas are very smooth and easy to walk on and easily navigated with wheelchairs. The lighting looks like it's designed to draw the eye down and around and not hilight the ceiling. It reminded me of a single story mall (found in small cities) or even the underground area of the St Louis Arch complex. There is a short tram ride through the unemproved (industrial area) of the mine.The most claustrophobic part I felt was the elevator ride down/up. The elevator is not deep, maybe 4 people, but is wide and they don't pack you in like sardines.Get your tickets as early as possible, especially if you want the longer tour. I bought my ticket the morning of (8am) and the extended tours were sold out. The earlier shorter tours for that day were sold out, so I opted for the 11am tour. By the time I arrived, the tours had all sold out for that day.

Erik S — Google review

What an outstanding experience, unlike anything I've ever seen! The salt mine tour is a fantastic thing for the family to do together. It's easy walking and you could take a wheelchair on the main tour portion. I would suggest purchasing the additional train tours. The train takes you off the main tunnel into parts that give real mining experiences to show what the conditions were like in the beginning. Partway through the train tour you will stop and be allowed to pick a piece of salt to take home!

Anthony W — Google review

Interesting place to visit, especially on a hot humid day as the temp in the mine is a constant 68. Learned stuff and rode both the train and the tram (included with basic ticket). Would be fun to do a special event like the bike ride or sleepover.

T W — Google review

I had a wonderful experience visiting Strataca! Before our visit, I called with a few questions, and the lady on the phone was incredibly friendly and helpful, which set a positive tone for the day.I arrived at 11 AM to purchase tickets for the 3 PM tour, then headed over to the Cosmosphere. I was scheduled to watch a movie at 2 PM at the Cosmosphere, so I needed to be back at Strataca by 2:45 PM. The staff at Strataca were understanding and allowed me to arrive five minutes late, which was a huge relief.Our tour guide, Gabe, was knowledgeable and hilarious, which made the dark tour an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend a visit to Strataca!

Samantha V — Google review

WOW! What a great tour. We were all impressed and amazed to see the process of salt mining, and see how enormous the mine is underground. We took the three hour tour that included the 'Salt Safari' and it was totally worth it. Amazing how the mine has changed over the 100+ years it's been a working mine.

Chris M — Google review

A go your own pace tour. Provided tons of information regarding how they mine and what else the area is used for (movie memorabilia, medical records).They did have wheelchair accessibility after the elevator

Amberbugaboo — Google review

I had a great time. The exhibits were amazing and the atmosphere is so different from the norm. It's a must-see. The staff were quick and friendly as well. They were making terrible but funny jokes/puns and trying to interact with guests as best they could, only downsides are that if you have claustrophobia the elevator is tiny and packed, but the actual museum underground is very spacious once your down there and our tram's speaker didn't work.

Krios — Google review

Visiting a salt mine was more than expected. 650 ft underground The train ride and dark ride were fun. Buy tickets in advance the sellout as only some many can go down the hoist at one time

James Q — Google review

This was a cool place to go! We came here for my sons 14th birthday and we really enjoyed it. We paid extra for the salt-safari and it was worth it! There was a lot of history about the mine and how they got all the equipment and vehicles down there. Our guide was amazing! I really liked that they let you pick out pieces of salt rock on 2 of the tours. And the museum side was cool! I was really excited to see Dorthey there from Twister.

Callie H — Google review

4.8

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4.5

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3650 E Ave G, Hutchinson, KS 67501, USA

(620) 662-1425

22

Cosmosphere

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Science museum

Museums

The Cosmosphere, located on the Hutchinson Community College campus, boasts the largest combined collection of US and Russian spaceflight artifacts outside of Moscow. The museum features a planetarium, dome-shaped theater, re-created rocket lab, and numerous space exhibits that will transport you back to your childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut. Visitors can explore artifacts flown in space and replicas of rockets and space shuttles while learning about the space programs of both countries.

A great museum to visit with all ages! Even my toddlers/preschoolers enjoyed looking around at all the different displays. The children's area supplies a few small activities for them to do (a grown up or older kid will definitely have to help) and that kept my crew busy for a while! We were bummed the cafe was closed during our visit but hopefully we can make the drive again soon!

Demi G — Google review

The museum was great, it was very dark and difficult to find your way around and then also difficult to find way out. The nice thing was that there were several little classes of school children and when they are in the lab or the movie or the planetarium it's like you almost have the whole museum to yourself which is nice because nobody is wearing a mask anymore.I gave it a low rating however because the planetarium and the movie theater rooms were very very hot and uncomfortable, and the cafe did not have any food whatsoever it just had ice cream and popcorn. My favorite part was the SR-71 Blackbird and I remember doing a project when I was in school about this plane and it was just fascinating I'm very fortunate to see a real one at this museum! One other thing I was confused about was the lunar module from Apollo 13 I thought the sign said that it was a replica of some scale but then the brochure says that it's the actual lunar module so I was confused on that.

Connie L — Google review

The Cosmosphere is a hidden gem located in central Kansas, and it is 100% worth the ticket!As soon as you walk in the front doors, you see an original 100+ foot long SR-71 Blackbird (the world’s fastest spy plane) suspended from the ceiling, its nose dipping close enough to the floor to touch. The museum also contains a whole host of artifacts from space, including the original Apollo 13 capsule, space suits, and much more.It’s also very family friendly, with engaging exhibits for the whole family to enjoy! One fun activity at the Cosmosphere is Dr Godard’s lab, where the audience learns about rocket fuel and watches a scientist blow stuff up in front of their eyes. Another fun activity is visiting the planetarium, which explores the beautiful night sky by means of a giant, dome-shaped screen.It’s such an amazing and interesting place to see! The staff is also very friendly and welcoming! Overall, I’d definitely recommend stopping by!

Eliana P — Google review

The Cosmosphere is a great space museum that you might be surprised to find in Hutchinson, Kansas. They have so many amazing artifacts from the early German rocketry days, the USA vs. USSR space race, and beyond. I think it is only topped by the Smithsonian, who they are affiliated with. You have to make time for a science show in Dr. Goddard's Lab (great for kids), see a documentary in the dome theater (think imax+), and star gaze in their planetarium. They have a restaurant on site and a play area for the kids. The space exhibits are currently (Aug-24) going through a remodeling which looks great (much brighter and better than before), but most exhibits are still viewable while they remodel. It is well worth the trip from Wichita if you are nearby.

N S — Google review

One of the best space museums in the world, with too many one of a kind artifacts to list.I love the way their exhibits are set up. You're able to get much closer, and see see artifacts from multiple sides, with plenty of educational information available for you to read. I find this museum more engaging and interesting than the national air and space museum.A true hidden gem and worth going out of your way for!

Jason H — Google review

Had a great time meeting the employees that know so much about space, astrology and science. The facility is fantastic for both adults and children. The cafe has amazing food. A place to definitely stop and visit. Guaranteed you will learn something and have fun.

Malissa F — Google review

This place is absolutely amazing. The rich history held within the walls of this building makes you feel as if you're walking through time. The mercury capsule model makes you feel like you're standing alongside the engineers that made the space race happen. Seeing the V-2 rocket they have here also gave me chills. It's apparently an authentic one that was found abandoned years ago and that was restored. It was awe inspiring seeing the precursor to the human journey into space. Simply can't fathom how the USSR and USA made all of this happen. To think that the space race had the Nazis to thank. A little uncomfortable to make that connection, but just proves the value of having facilities like this one. Seeing the displays at the museum in historical context was a reminder that even in the darkest hour, there may be some good yet to come.

Daniel S — Google review

This is a fun day. A nice collection, good planetarium, flight simulator and a great movie about blue whales.

Joy C — Google review

I had no idea there was an incredible space museum in Kansas! I feel like way more people should know about this place. It’s not just some little space museum either. It’s a full on all day experience with tons of space artifacts like Apollo XIII. I’ve been a space nerd for a long time and never knew about this place. The extra cost to do the All Access was so worth it. The museum is currently adding new exhibits so we’ll for sure be back when those open.

Kimberly H — Google review

What a great day! I am just visiting the area when my grandson said he wanted to do something fun. I looked up fun things to do in Hutchinson and this came up. It was the best fun. The shows were a bit mature for my 5 yr old but he sat through them with some interest. The kids space downstairs is as fantastic, we left and came back to it several times throughout the day. Their cafe’ was cute and perfect for our educational breaks. I highly recommend this fun but educational museum.

Dorothy C — Google review

Totally loved this place, especially when you first walk in and see the SR71 and space shuttle! People have said they can spend 4 hours here, I say, how fast are you walking? We took a lunch break after 4 hours and then spent an additional 1 and a half hours and still could have spent even more time there. Don't miss the lab, it is so explosive! I almost forgot ... they also have an actual moon rock on display ... so cool!

Lyle G — Google review

The Cosmosphere is amazing! Our family had a wonderful time looking at all the exhibits and reading about the history. Touching part of the Berlin Wall was very cool considering all the history attached to it. The exhibits were both educational and very fun. The children’s area was also enjoyable for the kiddos. The cafe food was good but especially the fries were amazing. We saw Secrets of the Sea in the iMax theatre and it was also very good. I would definitely recommend visiting. The Cosmosphere is so full of history.

Antonia O — Google review

Family friendly time waster. I'm a fan of space and I enjoyed seeing the exhibits. They were undergoing renovations when I visited so I wasn't able to see everything. I appreciated the space rock sample. Much better than the one at Cape Canaveral in Florida which I'm pretty sure is just plastic. Lots of information to read but with the younger ones it's hard to hold their attention.

Imogen P — Google review

I still give it a 5 star because of the restaurant! I had one of the best meal in a museum there.

Min L — Google review

Such a great place to go. Love to show our family that visits here the museum!

Cheyenne C — Google review

We had a blast in Dr. goddard's lab. The simulation for the blue angels was cool and even better knowing they would be at an upcoming air show! Sad the museum was under construction, so half the exhibit was down. They said it should be completed in winter 2024, so hopefully, they will keep us posted. Overall fun experience, including the dome theater.

Caitlyn ( — Google review

I had no clue such a treasure was in the state of Kansas. They have a lot of artifacts and memorabilia from various flights as well as support assets and resources. We easily could have spent an entire day just going exhibit to exhibit. They have some good some videos and the science lab was fun and a break from standing. We really enjoyed the planetarium as well that was guided by the same guy who did the science lab. Give that guy a raise!There were authentic replicas and authentic craft present and it just really hits you what the space race was trying to accomplish and the work that went into achieving space flight for both manned and unmanned missions to the stars.The only thing is knock would be the moving flight simulator. We didn’t pay extra for it, but it was an attraction that was part of the all inclusive pass we got. If you have VR at home you’re probably better off. Again, not knocking them too much, but given our technological advancements over the past two decades I’d expect for this to be refreshed in the future.We drove 90 minutes one way from camping south of Wichita and I’d say it was definitely a worthwhile trip. If plan to spend at least 4-5 hours there if not more to really take it all in and read all of the exhibits and check out the artifacts/exhibits.

Larry M — Google review

Great place to experience the evolution of rockets and the space race of the 1950s to the Apollo missions. They have a good planetarium movie experience.

Craig G — Google review

I enjoyed this place very much. I went as soon as I moved to Kansas and found out there was a place like this. Parking is right in front of the building. There was even a space for wheelchairs. The inside is bigger than I expected. I went on a weekday, so the window was empty. Inside, each booth had detailed explanations and was very informative. This is a place where both adults and children can have fun!

ᑕᗩ R — Google review

A great museum regarding space exploration. Has a small kid area for hands on experiments as well as demo area to watch cool experiments regarding rocketsAlso has an indoor movie theater that shows science movies and random other ones.

Amberbugaboo — Google review

We took advantage of the sunflower summer app for this one. My kids were in the kids place forever playing with all the rocket stuff. I will go back once they have the new stuff done. The theater was awesome too.

Shane P — Google review

This is an unsung gem of the Central Kansas area. The Cosmosphere is affiliated with the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, and has an amazing collection of exhibits from the very beginning of rocketry and space exploration. We got the all access passes, which entitled us to go to the planetarium, the digital theater, and all the rest of the exhibits. We went on a Sunday, which seem to be lightly attended because of the State Fair. If you have anyone who is interested in the history of the space exploration, it would be worthwhile to take the trip. It's not quite an hour away from Wichita. We're sure glad we went!

Steve F — Google review

It was an amazing and enlightening visit; as someone from a country that was under a brutal dictatorship supported by President Nixon during the Space Age/Cold War era, I l had no idea that the Space Race had had such an impact on modern technology and the current state of life as we know it. There are so many things to do and see here at the Cosmosphere, I recommend to be there early (we arrived in the afternoon and missed a lot) and get the all-inclusive access pass.

Ma B — Google review

Little bit pricey for what is offered, but overall great experience and neat exhibits. They are also working on adding more exhibits. Will be back!

Raquel M — Google review

Absolutely wonderful experience! Surprised to find this gem in the middle of a small town in Kansas, but what a fun place. There is so much to see and do here. I would definitely recommend this place to people of all ages. Our visit included people from ages 7 to 75 and everyone had an amazing time!

Rebekah J — Google review

I've wanted to go here for two years and finally just decided to take a day and go. Found it didn't disappoint me. I walked to the ticket booth and asked for the package deal. Plus, the second movie. The package included "Admission to the museum, a ride with the blue angels, a choice of two different movies, the planetarium, and the cosmokids interactive play area and Dr. Goddard's lab, which I didn't go to either one. " I decided I'd go have lunch in the cafeteria before the movie and looked at the menu on the wall to only find snacks. But right next to me were menus of all the delicious foods they prepare. I had baked potato covered with chili, which was so huge I couldn't eat it all. But it was so delicious . While eating, I discovered that the planetarium had two different shows, and one of them was at the same time as the planetarium show, so I asked if I could change my movie time, they changeditwith no problem. I enjoy taking my time and really appreciating everything around me. I got there at 11:10 AM and left at 6:50 PM as they closed at 7 PM. Lots of parking right across the street, and lots to see if you're into space adventure. Loved both movies, it would be hard to say one was better than the other. Loved the total experience!

Roger H — Google review

If you have even a slight interest in the space race over the years, this is an incredible experience. Decent amount of things for kids too.

Ryan O — Google review

4.8

(2859)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (141)

4.5

(705)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (142)

1100 N Plum St, Hutchinson, KS 67501, USA

(800) 397-0330

23

Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad

Mentioned on

7 lists

Non-profit organization

Sights & Landmarks

Railroad company

Ghost Towns

Embark on a journey through time with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, where history comes to life aboard a vintage train. Enjoy a delightful Valentine's dinner and ride, complete with personable volunteers and an impressive spread. Explore the quaint town of Enterprise, visit a flour mill, and marvel at antique trains. Indulge in dessert, coffee, and entertainment by the talented Abilene choir.

My valentine and I joined the Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad yesterday for a Valentine's dinner and ride. The volunteers were so personable from beginning to end. We entered the train to an impressive spread and thoroughly enjoyed the dinner. When the train arrived in Enterprise, we were able to get out and explore a flour mill and some older trains that were parked there. On our way home, we enjoyed desert, coffee and entertainment from the Abilene choir. Those young adults brought both my husband and I to tears! It was an amazing event. I HIGHLY recommend this organization! They put great thought into the night to make us feel very special and comfortable. Great job all around.

Maggi D — Google review

I love the Old Depot architecture, an amazing structure well preserved and maintained. The gift shop inside has a great selection of souvenirs and items to purchase. The museum has plenty of history to view with lots of old railroad hardware, equipment, signals, and literature.

Marc F — Google review

🚨You can capture a picture, even just for a moment but truly capturing a piece of history is a rare gem to find. We had so much fun riding the rails of history🛤 The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Grist Mill was such a cute little shop. I love how they value local quality made items. The whole train ride experience was very relaxing and had many photo opportunities. The Frank W. Schmidt Railroad Museum was very informational too. We will definitely be back again. Sometimes you need to slow down on this fast tracked life and admire the beauty around🚂❤ Thanks for the adventure!

Sammy D — Google review

Fun ride.Great history lesson.Fun mill at stop in Enterprise.Must go and enjoy the old train engines and passenger cars with history that rolls you down the tracks.

L L — Google review

We were traveling from Minnesota to Junction City for a family event. We were here a couple of days. We came to this little town while sight seeing. What a great time and great job of knowing the way of life back then. The tour guide knows his history. In my opinion this would definitely be a great recommendation for a place to visit

Julie J — Google review

Lovely historic train ride! Unfortunately, there were some track issues and we needed to return to the station without the full tour. They did allow us to look inside the caboose and engine. The train museum has a model train and lots of information for the kids about railroading.

Alisa R — Google review

Very nice July 4th ride. Fun for the family. We'd recommend!

Rose-Marie B — Google review

The kids and I really enjoyed the steam excursion. It was worth the drive out to Abilene.

Amy — Google review

We had so much fun as a family on this train. The trip is a good 2 hrs. From start to finish. Recommend this

Chalais B — Google review

My wife and I recently took a ride on the Abilene & Smokey Valley Railroad for a mother's day ride that included dinner. The ride was about two hours.A couple things to note would be that the train moves at about 5 miles an hour so it's very slow. So two hours on a train that's barely moving was a little tough. We seriously considered catching at Uber at the half way point in Enterprise, Kansas where the train stops for about 30 minutes before heading back to Abilene. I kind of equated the experience to sitting in an airplane that's stuck at the terminal for some unknown reason.I will say that the staff was great and it was nice riding in a train car that was built in the 1940s but that fun feeling wore off about 5 minutes into the journey. The remaining part of the trip I found myself wondering why i had made such a foolish decision and whether or not my wife would still love me after such a grueling mental adventure. If you absolutely love trains, you might want to check this out. However, if your obsession is only skin deep, it might be better to find something else to do.If you have kids and want to do this; don't. They will grow up wondering if you really love them.

Dan L — Google review

Great little narrated train ride with friendly staff we really enjoyed the 5 mile escape

Roger R — Google review

Fun trek from Abilene to Enterprise via slow railway tour. It was a nice day for the train ride. Slow and a bit rough, but pleasant nonetheless.

Rhonda S — Google review

Very cute. Ride is about 40 minutes each way and you stop for 30 mins to shop in the little general store.

Jade W — Google review

Unfortunately, this attraction is run like a train wreck. Pun intended. Because we live so far away, we called a couple days ahead to make sure we would get tickets on the day we planned to come. They said to make sure to come by 1pm, because they have been known to sell out. They assured us that they do not sell tickets until one hour before each excursion. So, we got up earlier than usual and hit the road. Our van full of children were so excited! We pull up before 1 pm and are met with signs that the 2pm ride is sold out! We thought it had to have been left from the day before, because of what we were told. No, it wasn't. They told us that they already sold all the tickets to people who were waiting that morning in the rain. Look, I get it. I'm a mom, too. It would stink to wait like that, but would a store open early on Black Friday because people are waiting the in the icy rain or snow? I can tell you from experience: absolutely not! If you say you open at 1, you open at 1! How do I answer my children who are absolutely crushed and asking over and over, "Mommy, why did they lie to us?" I can't. Dishonesty is never excusable. What was most disconcerting, though, was the lack of empathy or any kind of resolution. They could have easily offered a mini excursion for all of us that "missed the train" when the 2 pm train got back. They could have let us cash in our Sunflower Summer tickets for a later date. If those were impossible, they could have offered a steep discount for a later date. On a final note, I hope they realize the importance of online reservations in this day and age. This would have prevented all of this! I really hope they do better next year. What a waste of time and money that we will never get back!

Amanda M — Google review

We had The Most Amazing Time visiting Snoopy, Charlie Brown and Lucy to. Still on ☁️ 9 to.

Jaynae S — Google review

We loved this little excursion. We only wished we could hear the history a little better while riding.

Whitney F — Google review

Great dinner train experience. Really cool to see a working steam engine that is over 100 years old. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable, sharing information about the train. The engineer even invited us up into the cab, explaining how the locomotive worked.For safety the train does not go very fast, at no fault of the museum. Just sit back and enjoy the view and time with friends/family.

Keegan G — Google review

The people were very nice. But, the train broke down about a mile after leaving, and we were stuck for an hour in super hot July weather. Then, we were towed back to the station, we didn't even make it to Enterprise. We used the Sunflower App to ride, so it was free, but we won't go again. A lot of people were mad and got off the train and walked back. Someone asked if this happens a lot, and they acknowledged that it is an old train and it happens. Again, the workers were really nice, and we enjoyed the Old Abilene Town next door. It was super disappointing though. If you're like us, and you have a new baby and a small child, I'd avoid this. Especially since they acknowledged that "it happens." I don't know how often it happens, but it was miserable!! We heard from someone else that was there (people who had to pay, and didn't use the Sunflower App) that they were denied a refund. So, ride at your own risk! We are from Wichita, and we spent 3 hours round-trip driving to go make a special trip to ride this train, and it was a huge disappointment. Again, everyone was nice, but like I'd avoid it with kids, especially when it's hot. It was free, but a huge let down and waste of a day and gas money. I feel bad for the people that paid and didn't even get a refund.

Molly S — Google review

Wonderful way to spend some spare time, especially if the steam engine 3415 is pulling the train. A nice relaxing trip through the Kansas countryside.

Ryan D — Google review

Pretty Good Ride,Definitely Worth Checking Out

Steve G — Google review

Amazing place! You get to learn lots of history on the ride!

Lexington B — Google review

Real nice job with the Great Pumpkin ride. Great staff and had some fun things for the kids. Nice leisurely train ride to the pumpkin patch and back. No hassles or rushing through and it didn't hurt that the weather was so good. Definitely come back for future events.

Lee J — Google review

This is a great little tourist railroad. Get to see an over a century old steam locomotive in action. The staff and crew are awesome, very friendly!

Brian L — Google review

My wife and daughter and I took the steam train ride on Memorial Day weekend, and we all really enjoyed it. We've lived in the area for over 7 years but this was our first time riding the ASVRR. My daughter loved it, especially the plane that buzzed around the train about halfway through the trip to Enterprise. The views were amazing, and all the volunteers were very friendly.

Lance T — Google review

We went for my son’s 8th birthday. Our trip was disappointing to say the least. The train goes very slow and we pretty much looked at corn fields the whole ride. The announcer was terrible. She was loud, mumbled and we couldn’t understand much of what she said. We chose to ride in an outside car on the way back so we didn’t have to listen to her. Two of the cars came unattached twice on the way back. It didn’t seem very safe. The only silver lining is that the staff was very friendly and accommodating.

Jared C — Google review

4.6

(388)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (143)

4.5

(393)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (144)

200 SE 5th St, Abilene, KS 67410, USA

(785) 263-1077

24

Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum

Mentioned on

11 lists

Museum

Historical place museum

History museum

Library

Specialty Museums

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum offers a well-curated experience that delves into the life of Dwight D. Eisenhower, from his humble beginnings in Abilene, Kansas to his role as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during World War II and his presidency. The museum features original furnishings from Eisenhower's boyhood home and provides a wealth of information about the 34th President and the historical context of World War II through the '70s.

It's wonderful to learn of the history of our country. Learning about this remarkable man who was a two-term president was very educational and valuable. Let's not forget how much he accomplished in his lifetime. The family home and furnishings are original. It stands in the same location as when it was originally built. Such a great tribute! Tour of the house started right on time.

Rhonda S — Google review

Very nice museum worth a visit. It does a good job outlining the life of Eisenhower without getting too bogged down in minutia. The website says to plan on 3 hours, but I saw the museum in about 1 (and no, I didn't hurry). There are quite a few pieces including the actual table where the D-Day invasion was planned. Lovely grounds that are also close to the other museums, so one could park here and visit most of the other museums in town with a very short walk.My main beef is that the boyhood home was closed, the gift shop was closed and the library was closed and yet they charge the full $15. In my opinion, if they are going to close half of the facility then they should charge half of that price.

Michael M — Google review

We took my 88 year old Mom and enjoyed our day at the museum/home/library tremendously!We thought we knew a lot about this man but we learned so much and could have spent even more than the 4 hours we stayed there. We brought a picnic lunch and ate on the picnic tables set up on the lawn, picturing Mr Ike living there with his 5 brothers and parents in old time America. The place really made us appreciate this caring, intelligent, hard-working man with amazing leadership abilities. The USA, and even the world, would not be the same today without his (and Mamie’s) giving of himself on behalf of his country. Well worth the drive and the cost of admission.

Denise — Google review

This is my 8th Presidential Library! I was in Olathe, KS for half marathon and went to Truman one day and Eisenhower today! The gift shop and visitor center staff are wonderful. The boy good home is closed and under “preservation.” The museum is absolutely amazing! I could have spent 3 hours alone just in the WW2 section! I learned SO MUCH about IKE and his military career! The D-Day table was one of the best pieces of history you will ever see. You truly do not understand the weight this man carried and the love for his country until you visit and read. The grounds are amazing. Peaceful. Quiet!

Sean F — Google review

Tremendous place to observe true American history as it is. This site is well worth the time spent to stop and take it all in. The museum is a well-spring of history and information of American leadership, strength, and resilience. The story of Eisenhower is very well set forth so as to display his legacy. The museum is worth the hour or two it takes to see all of the exhibits.

Randy P — Google review

Very interesting museum with a lot of exhibits covering President Eisenhower’s life from childhood, through war and presidency. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you are interested in history.

M?rton L — Google review

Amazing place. This is a great tribute to a true American hero and leader that stood for this country and everyone in it. From humble beginnings on (the wrong side of the tracks) to the leader of the free world. What a remarkable story and history that is told and unveiled for you when you visit. So much to learn and understand I would recommend a two day visit to see and learn it all about one of the greatest Generals and Presidents the US has ever had.

Joshua R — Google review

There is free parking at the entrance. You have the option to visit the museum or the museum in combination with a guided tour in the house where Eisenhower spent his childhood. We chose to only visit the museum. You can buy tickets at the visitor center. It is also there that an introductory film is shown. The museum has two main parts: His life until the end of World War 2 and his presidential period.

Peter S — Google review

Really enjoyed our visit. We did not schedule enough time to fully take it all in, we plan to return in the fall. First rate job in the museum so much information.

Stephen H — Google review

The museums are kind of split up so go can go look around and then let the kids run in the field before going to the next indoor space where they will need to be calmer. That part is nice but it doesn’t have much hands on moments for the kids. But mine did find an old phone and we could have sat there all day 🤣 everything is very clean and well done. Our kids were 3yo and 1.5yo

Laura H — Google review

This Presidential Library is probably the best one I have ever visited! It covers his life from young boyhood to death - and it is well done! I love that his boyhood home can be toured - and its furnishings are original to the home. The museum is a wealth of information, not just about the 34th President, but also WWII and throughout the '70s. Had someone presented history to me in high school like this I might have taken an interest in it... I wholeheartedly recommend visiting this site! If I'm back in Kansas again, I will revisit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library!

Cindy C — Google review

This should be a must for kids and adults to learn about history. We found the museum to be exceptional, informative, and very interesting. I thought I knew Eisenhower fairly well but was impressed by his life and achievements. And his wife, well, she was his rock! She had a great sense of humor, too! The library was filled with gifts various leaders around the world sent to the president. Some from surprising sources. The surprise, at least to me, was that the president and first lady were interned here on the grounds. It was a sobering moment to be in the Place of Meditation! I have been to the Richard Nixon Museum and birthplace in Yorba Linda, Ca, the Ronald Reagan Museum in Simi Valley, Ca and the Eisenhower Library and Museum rates right there with them both! A very enjoyable time!

Michael H — Google review

I was raised in the 50's and everyone knew IKE. My wife and I are traveling the US in our RV and we found our way to Abilene, KS and the Eisenhower library/museum. First, Abilene is well worth the visit. From the street the Eisenhower doesn't look like much. There is ample parking and the grounds are well maintained. The first you see is the welcome center and store. Lots of I Like Ike stuff and history books. A few steps away is the museum which is large, well presented and full of history. Photos, videos, dozens of displays from when Ike was the captain of his high school football team until his Presidency. While I knew Ike I had never put together what a remarkable man he was. From local hero to West Point to WWI to Supreme Commander of Allied Forces to win WWII to President. If you drive on the interstate - thank President Eisenhower. If you are aware businesses can ship goods from the great lakes to the Atlantic through the St. Lawrence seaway - thank Ike. Most are not aware that it was Eisenhower who first signed the Equal Rights Act. If you value what America is, then you must value Dwight David Eisenhower. So much to see and do.

Dave N — Google review

Magnificent library and museum with many artifacts along with a comprehensive history of the life of General Eisenhower and his family. Located at the grounds of the Eisenhower home where they also lay in eternal peace.

The P — Google review

Enjoyed touring the chapel and the library exhibit on famous women during the Eisenhower years. The Eisenhower boyhood home and the museum were the highlights. Great representation of IKE's early years, military, Presidential and later life achievements.

Karen T — Google review

Awesome Presidential Grounds for such a great President. This is well worth a two day visit to walk the grounds, buildings, chapel and library. The boyhood original home on the grounds is difficult to get tickets for as you can not purchase in advance and daily slots are limited. Also, you can no longer access the second floor due to structural concerns.

James S — Google review

A very well organized and interesting museum. The tour of the boyhood home is a must-see.

Susan D — Google review

You like Ike, I like Ike, everybody likes Ike. My brother and I visited Kansas and Missouri in November of 2023, and Eisenhower's Museum was one of the two major motivating factors to go out there.Seeing the museum was a wonderful experience. We started out by getting tickets to see the boyhood home which was done through a guided tour (I believe the tour took just around 20 minutes). From there, we visited the Place of Meditiation, where Dwight, Mamie, and Doud Eisenhower are interred. Then, we went to the museum itself and spent a little over 2 hours in the building. On a holistic approach, I would recommend spending around 3 hours on the museum grounds to see the whole thing. The museum has exhibits for Eisenhower's whole life - his military career and presidency chiefly among them - but also smaller things like a piece of cake from his and Mamie's wedding. The gift shop has a lot of cool memorabilia including $35 busts of the President.There are restrooms on site (in the gift shop, library, and museum). If you have a NARA Presidential Library/Passport, it gets stamped at the entrance to the museum; passports can also be purchased on site. There was even an interactive component when we visited; it was on November 10th, so we got the opportunity to write a letter to a WWII veteran. Of course, I would heartily recommend visiting this museum to anyone - both those who are history buffs, and those who are not.

Avinash V — Google review

This is a very well-curated museum about a little boy from Abilene, Kansas at a time this country was still young, simple, and yet sophisticated and technologically advanced at the same time, and how this boy became the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during WW II defeating the most-evil human enterprise invented by the Germans and their allies in Europe. (Their modern enterprise is the Euro € that has enslaved and impoverished the people of Europe now, except them!)The museum covers his life and the life of his wife and family including the years of his Presidency.After touring the museum my kids said, wished we had more people like Ike in government who would love and care for this country as he did.ALL the people in the museum, from the people at the ticket counter to the museum staff including security were very nice, cheerful, and helpful. I highly recommend visiting and plan to spend a long time there. Do not hesitate to ask security to remove loud and disruptive visitors, this is a place for you to enjoy in peace.I recommend learning some of the history of the era beforehand to help you appreciate more the things you will see.

Nik M — Google review

Wonderful museum for an extraordinary patriot 🇺🇸Learned so much about President Eisenhower. Left truly inspired.Loved the grounds. Loved that they’ve kept up the library , museum & meditation building so well, but have left it very much of its original design. The older architecture adds to the charm.Have always regarded the Eisenhower couple with great esteem, but the visit to the museum gave even more insight to their life & presidency.

J. A — Google review

Great Museum, much more inside than I thought. Boyhood home tour was worth the upcharge, tour guide was great!

Alan L — Google review

While this Presidential Library is in need of updates and modernization, it still is a spectacular place to visit. Eisenhower is unique in that he has a complex story from his military career but also an incredible story of a man who served as president when he was sorely needed.While it cost more to visit his boyhood home, it was worth it.I would plan on spending at least a half day here to soak it all in. You won't be disappointed.

Daniel R — Google review

Such a terrific history lesson that we should not forget. I wasn't alive when he was in office, but learned much of his contribution to this country in visiting here. This is the type of leader we need today!

Rhonda S — Google review

4.8

(492)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (145)

4.5

(955)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (146)

200 S E 4th St, Abilene, KS 67410, USA

(785) 263-6700

25

Rolling Hills Zoo

Zoo

Zoos & Aquariums

Conference center

Event venue

Expansive 60-acre outdoor zoo, with a variety of exotic & regional wildlife, plus a nature museum.

So glad to have visited here finally! Beautiful layout, great exhibits, the museum was wonderful, cute gift shop. Admission prices very reasonable and tram rides were only $3 per person. Great place for everyone of all ages with restaurant on site or a picnic area outside the zoo if you bring a picnic lunch. Definitely will be visiting here again!

Lee S — Google review

Awesome zoo!! Great layout, in a big circle, so it's easy to get around and not miss anything. Not overpopulated. The animals were all fairly happy and would greet you at the fences, that's not something I've seen at most zoos. The have 2 or 3 play areas and a playground for the kids to take a break in the middle of the trip and at the end. It was honestly a really nice trip! Wish we would had paid for the tram though, walking the whole place with a toddler was exhausting.

Ryan F — Google review

I really liked this zoo. Greatly surpassed my expectations. Visited on the way home just after visiting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and I was impressed. The museum walk through was also great and really well done. Walking through the entrance I could see this zoo is well maintained and cared for.

Aj D — Google review

Nice zoo. Cool gift shop. Has the stamped penny souvenir machine which I love. The restaurant is affordable and reasonable besides icecream/drinks but nbd. Animals were pretty sleepy it seemed for being noon. The glass viewing areas are the best viewing spots in my opinion and make opportunities for great shots of the animals.

Ashton U — Google review

They have sensory bags for free!! So thankful bc we forgot my daughters earmuffs. Took the tram and it was fantastic on a hot day. Loved the museum using the boards to find everything. Lots to look at. Really enjoyed the kids play area and I was really fond of the salt water tank. Next time we will walk.

Tonya W — Google review

Great zoo experience. Went close to closing time on a hot day so the tram was well worth it. Our driver (and all the other employees) were super friendly. Got to see all the animals easily with a few stops along the way to get closer views. Loved the museum as well!

Crazyusername0123 — Google review

It was fun, I went there with my family. The only problem was that the parks not really wheelchair friendly. I almost launched my mother into the koi/flamingo pin, plus the deer/pronghorn pin. Most of the animals I really wanted to see where missing, and the animals that live communal where by themselves and seemed sad. But other than that it was nice, the animals that had others in their pin where quite happy and it made it more entertaining to watch 07/16/21

Claw C — Google review

Great time as usual here! Zookeeper interactions are very informative, and the layout of the zoo is very good to walk. Museum and kids play areas are perfect for little ones.

Alan L — Google review

We love visiting Rolling Hills. Have visited many times before. During memorial day visit, all the vending machines sold out so it made it hard to get a drink, but besides that it was a perfect trip!

Audrey C — Google review

You know they have animals.... but the zoo also does a Fathers Day car chow every year!! The red car i posted here is owned by the Walker family who started the zoo! I added a couple more of my favorites for your pleasure! This is a great zoo and museum, thanks for putting on the car show!

Bob S — Google review

We spent an incredible afternoon walking through the museum and the zoo. My kids loved it and the family membership is super cheap.

Jaime N — Google review

Nice, well maintained zoo with a fabulous museum! I do not personally recommend the tram but the drivers were friendly and well informed. The zoo just isn’t that large unless you have a hard time walking. There are some zoo animal scooters for the adventurous types for a mere .35 a minute! lol. Admission was fairly priced and some great deals for Christmas gifts were found in the gift shop.

Kerry W — Google review

Amazing upgrades, and it looks like more to come. Clean and animals look healthy and amazing. Lots of animals and things to do for the kiddos. Bathrooms are clean and cool. Went mid afternoon and animals were super active.

Jesse D — Google review

We were rather disappointed with the zoo but we thought the museum was great. Most of the animals were no where to be found and the ones that we could see were very inactive. The museum had very nice displays very well put together.

JoTa S — Google review

Always a great zoo. They are not joking about the Rolling Hills though. If your knees/legs can't handle the walk, they do have a tram you can buy tickets for that does a great job. They even have a kids playground in the middle of the zoo so kids can just play for a little bit. Worth the drive. and don't forget to check out their museum

Kate W — Google review

This is a nice little zoo. The walkways are easy to navigate (but there are lots of of geese so watch out for the goose poop). When we visited, there were only a handful of other cars so we had the zoo more or less to ourselves for the visit. The enclosures all look clean and the animals appear to be in good health. This zoo doesn't have the largest variety of animals but we had a good time seeing what they do have. There is some construction and renovation going on and I look forward to seeing what it's like when it's done, especially the reptiles since that was closed when we came.What really impressed us was the museum. The dioramas are amazing! So many animals in dynamic poses. They even had a piebald fawn! I would come any day just for the museum!

Maryann B — Google review

They crated our dog for free and we loved our visit. We saw so many animals up close and wish we could have spent more time! All of the animal enclosures seemed clean and the animals looked healthy. Will definitely be back next time we’re driving through Kansas!

Jessica C — Google review

1st time coming here it was ok museum was good zoo however could use some help probably won't b back for a long time if ever honestly

C H — Google review

Love everything about Rolling Hills Zoo! The zoo is laid out great with a lot to see. The museum is just amazing and a highlight for every visit! All the staff are so friendly and fun to interact with. We've had two family events at Rolling Hills and just love the facilities! Can't wait to return for another!

Brian C — Google review

Go. This is worth the 10 minute stop off the I-135 & 70 interchange. Totally worth every penny. Family fun and interactive modern spaces. Space for large groups also!

Steve S — Google review

Wow! That museum is the best. I've seen natural history museum wildlife dioramas in many different cities (Denver, Los Angeles, and Chicago) as well as other countries (England, Sweden and Japan) but this one beats them all. We came for the zoo but decided to quickly walk through the museum. We did end up walking quickly but that wasn't my husband or mine's preference, it was because the exhibit scared our toddler. He was scared because it was so lifelike and had animatronic people that told stories related to the diorama. There was no glass between the diorama and the viewer which helped make you feel closer to the exhibit. The animals were posed in very life like poses (standing on a rock, eating a zebra, etc.) that it felt so real.The zoo was decent.

Laura N — Google review

Great little zoo that you can do a walk through or enjoy the Tram ride for a few dollars more. They have an indoor walk through exhibit that shows animals from around the world, never knew Polar Bears were that big.

IM B — Google review

The zoo was very nice, Monday was not busy, the zoo and natural history museum are a package deal and walkable in about 2 hours. More animals than I expected and all easily seen. When they’re in their indoor space you can go in and see them. Plenty of restrooms and water fountains/ water bottle filling stations. I’d highly recommend this place.

Dianne M — Google review

This place is awesome!! We all love the Rhinos! The landscaping around the zoo is very well done. One of the best features is the zoo museum that is full of taxidermy animals all set up in recreated habitats. It is very well done! It's wonderful that they have a tram for those who would like to ride instead of walk around the large zoo. Definitely worth the stop!

Amanda M — Google review

Perfect for cold days!! I loved that almost all animals were visible even though it was very cold. The zoo made it possible for visitors to see the animals while they took shelter from the cold winds, which meant we could warm up too. They have an amazing museum with dioramas or all kinds of animals! We went through twice! The food was good and priced well. We will be back in the summer for the new exhibit they are building!

Crystal W — Google review

Had an amazing day at the zoo with my fiance and my kids and my mom my sister and my nieces it was a nice day outside not to hot just the perfect weather will definitely be making more trips to this zoo

Tre O — Google review

On our trip, we saw a billboard for the zoo and decided to stop and look. They had a kennel for our dog to stay while we went through (so awesome!) The museum was amazing and well put together. We enjoyed walking through the zoo. There’s a petting zoo (no extra cost!) It’s a must visit!

Shianne H — Google review

4.6

(1660)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (147)

4.5

(222)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (148)

625 N Hedville Rd, Salina, KS 67401, USA

(785) 827-9488

I'll never travel to Hot Springs without this trip planner again

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26

Homestead National Historical Park

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (156)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (157)

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (158)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (159)

Historical place

Sights & Landmarks

Heritage center focusing on the Homestead Act of 1862, plus a 100-acre park of tallgrass prairie.

Homestead National Historic Park almost got scratched from our list of to-do as we traveled to Wyoming, but I'm certainly glad we decided to go. Not knowing a tremendous amount about the Homestead Act beforehand, we learned a lot during our visit. The visitors center is designed to resemble an old plow, and the walkway up shows the percentage of each state's land given to homesteading. Once inside the museum, you are surrounded by numerous displays from the beginning to the end of the Homestead Act. On the grounds, there are several historic buildings and trails to hike through preserved or reclaimed tall grass prairie. Down the road, there is another learning center, antique tractors, picnic area, and local art displays. Great place to learn about a piece of our American history.

B H — Google review

Quite interesting history of homesteading. FREE too, as it is a National Park! Older folks will really love this place, as in older than 70. Lots to look at & listen too. There is an elevator & restrooms 🚻 as well. Gift shop has great items & books. Art work is very fitting & quite well done. Handicap parking & entrance on South side. Worth the trip!

Anne K — Google review

Thoughtful, modest park showcasing an essential facet of our collective history. Definitely try to get out to the schoolhouse while you’re there. Ask a ranger. Lovely spot for quiet contemplation and a peaceful walkabout.

Bill W — Google review

Beautiful natural prairies, fun little walks, and great information about homesteading in America. Visit if you find yourself in southeast Nebraska!

Isaac A — Google review

Wonderful historical park. The computer stations set up for you to research ancestors that may have used the the Homestead Act was fascinating! The visitor center shape is one of the more uniquely modern designs I have seen in the national park system.

Tim P — Google review

This is one of those parks that is the middle of no where and you have too go a bit out of your way to get to. It is so worth it, its a fascinating stop that is so very well done and well worth a visit

Jon W — Google review

Great park with lots of history to learn. The staff were also very kind and knowledgeable.

Noah D — Google review

Spent more time here than I expected, very interesting. The new Visitors Center is beautiful and full of interesting exhibits. Well worth the stop. Just plan on spending more time. A few nice, shorter hikes also.

Mike L — Google review

Beautiful slice of history. Really interesting exhibits, some beautiful walks, and lots of wildlife. The rangers were knowledgeable and we were able to see everything. I definitely didn't think I would find it as interesting as I did.

Jacob A — Google review

This is a great example of how a museum should look. The exhibits centering around homesteading were amazing, and told the rich history of how our country came to be settled. I learned a lot and saw a lot, and was surprised at how difficult homesteading was for those folks. Do not miss!

Wendy M — Google review

I loved it here. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. Fun and educational. I will definitely visit again

Nicole C — Google review

An incredible experience - especially if you have homesteaders in your family tree! There are two main centers to visit: the heritage center and the education center. Both are worth your time. The rangers are always kind and helpful if you need assistance. The entire park is neat and very well-kept. Don't forget: Veterans get in for free

M. F — Google review

Spectacular experience! It was a chilly day but we hiked, did Jr. Ranger, not so Jr. Ranger, and spent over three hours here. If it had been warmer we would have stayed longer. So fun!

Elaine M — Google review

A beautiful visitor center, really nice staff, and gorgeous grounds to walk. Lots of birds for birders.

Mel A — Google review

Great place to learn more about American history. Good and bad lessons. It was too windy and hailing to walk but they had a lot of walking trails. The museum was well done as you can see from the pictures. The Rangers were very knowledgeable. There were 30 states that participated in the land grants including Alaska. Texas was not.??? Do your own research before you go to get the full story of the Homestead Act. The town of Beatrice was interesting too.

HR O — Google review

A great day out! Learn some history and did some walking around the trails. Nice listening to the birds and seeing some butterflies.

Jami S — Google review

The museum was wonderful, full of history and information. You can also check on several computers to see if your family was one of the first home stutters in America. The hikes were wonderful full of wildlife. I spotted seven species of birds during our walk trails were easy to follow and well-maintained. Will visit again.

Jody E — Google review

Any history buff needs to check this out. Very informative!

Robert S — Google review

Everything about this landmark is a tribute to our history as a nation. The design of the building to resemble an old fashioned horse drawn plow is very clever. A must see especially since it represents the horrible way our government treated the native American people. The ranger that was there was very informative and helpful.

Pat P — Google review

This nicely NPS-managed historical facility has far exceeded our expectations. The museum educates visitors the history of homesteading from multiple perspectives, including the stories of the successful and less fortunate and how the combination of delusional ideology and misleading advertising of railway companies promising rich soil and ideal climate affect the native people. There is also quite a collection of photos depicting life during the 'homesteading fever'. Don't miss the Freeman schoolhouse that was operational until the 1960s, as well as learning about farming equipment in the education centre down the road. Exiting the museum through a side door leads you to a reconstructed cabin with an amazing view of the prairie.

Small U — Google review

4.8

(630)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (160)

4.5

(176)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (161)

8523 NE-4, Beatrice, NE 68310, USA

(402) 223-3514

27

Hastings Museum

Museum

Arboretum

Gift shop

Movie theater

Displays illuminating Nebraska’s culture & natural history, plus a planetarium & theater.

Love this place! I go atleast once a year. If you can help if plan your trip around a planetarium show timeing. A variety of different info cook for adults. The gun exhibit is really cool. The children interactive zones are so great!

Lizzy C — Google review

The museum had a lot of variety of things from meteorites, animal figures to guns and antique cars and more but of course my favorite part was the Kool-Aid exhibit and the journey of how Kool-Aid came about to years of history. Reminiscent of some childhood and it was fun.

Michelle K — Google review

The mix of local, state and natural history throughout the museum is awesome. The planetarium is pretty cool and if the kids get bored, take them to the nature nook! They'll love it, mine do!

Dennis S — Google review

When I was a kid in the late 60's or early 70's my dad took the family to this museum on the way to Colorado from Illinois. I vividly remember one of the displays was a native American found mummified in a cave somewhere. He was in a reclined position and wearing a soldiers cavalry jacket.

Achterberg F — Google review

My goal was to actually see the Kool-Aid exhibit at this museum. But I was very impressed and surprised at the rest of the facility. There is a planetarium with regular shows. There are a bunch of antique vehicles in the basement area. Their dioramas with various animals on the main floor. It is quite a collection and well worth the admission price. There is an elevator for those who need that accessibility. It was interesting seeing the history of Kool-Aid. Museum included everything from a replica of a store to costumes of the pitcher. There are lots of photos and displays of advertising and products from that time. Including variations on kool-aid. Museum is easy to get to. It's adjacent to an arboretum which is another pleasant excursion. There was a nice museum gift shop. It's very well done.

Myron J — Google review

Decently priced for a great museum. There's 3 levels of displays, a small children's area, IMAX, planetarium, and gift shop. My Girl Scouts thought the Kool-Ade part of the museum was amazing and spent quite a while there. We also watched a planetarium movie...just make sure you sit in the back and not on the sides.

Debra R — Google review

The Hastings Museum was bigger than expected (3 floors)!! It was well worth the drive from Lincoln. The planetarium show was very interesting. The shows also have listening and captioning devices available for those who request them. Also a great place to go for Nebraska history, as they have displays of native species from thousands of years ago and fossils/bones of mammoths found in Nebraska. They also have replicas of local shops and newspapers from Hastings in the 1900s. They have so many things to see. In many of the exhibits there are draws below the top viewing area with just hundreds more things to see. Definitely a great place for families with kids, especially young ones. However it was still very fun as two adults going without children. Would highly recommend!!

Brittany B — Google review

Growing up here was a kid this was one of the coolest places around and it hasn't changed. With the addition of the super screen theater and a few new things over the years it's become a place my kids love to go as well.

Travis L — Google review

A wonderful museum, we enjoy museum's like this. A lot of history explained here. So glad we stopped here. Thank you for a wonderful time.

Douglas H — Google review

Kool, Man. Inventor of Kool-Aid left the museum as a legacy. A very nice museum with lots of exhibits, most NOT about Kool-Aid, for a small town (or even a big city). Exhibits will appeal to both young and old. A history of Kool-Aid and how it came to be is on a separate floor from the natural history exhibits.

Hank B — Google review

Horrible customer service. We had a guest visiting with us from West Virginia and right off the bat we were greeted by nobody but given rude stares from the front counter employees. Work on your customer service and act like you enjoy being at the museum. We felt like we were bothering the employees from the moment we got here!! Not a good first impression!

Brando's W — Google review

A pretty cool museum. We mainly went for the Kool-Aid exhibit and it was a good one, as far as museum exhibits go. Probably not worth the drive from Omaha…. But still fun, nonetheless.

Nick Z — Google review

All kinds of things to see and learn about here! From prairie settlers, to a planetarium, kool aid exhibit and lots of animals... we had lots of fun! An awesome employee offered us a tour and info about how things were acquired/ some of the changes that they hoped to make or add. This is a great inexpensive place to visit!

Shelby T — Google review

I love your museum but, please hold negligent parents more responsible and kick them out. Im a member, and was there with my 21mo old daughter, playing in the nature nook. A parent was in there, with head buried in her phone, paying no attention to her 2 boys, 6-7yrs old. They were running around like wild animals. One of them laid out my little girl. I told the kid and parent to be more cautious and responsible, and got no apology or remorse, for making my girl cry. And the kids and parent just carried on just as they were. We left within 10min of coming in, or I would’ve laid out the rude and careless parent.(not really )Attendees who are irresponsible and harm other people’s kids have no business being there. Hold them responsible, and kick them out.

Lamentations — Google review

I found it amazing that they had that much stuff inside the confines of the museum walls without being crowded. We gave it 3 hours on a Sunday and didn't see even half of the exhibits. Our next stop was Kearney, and on a day where one of our attractions fell through, we drove back to Hastings and spent another 4 hours going through the rest of the museum. I'm from Omaha, and our museums aren't half that well stocked. Hats off to Hastings for preserving the past! This was money well spent!

Robert D — Google review

It's been one of my favorite places to explore since I was a kid. The Planetarium is one of my favorite parts about this museum. The IMAX screen is also a great time to watch movies on. Very nice museum.

Justin G — Google review

4.6

(89)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (162)

4.5

(97)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (163)

1330 N Burlington Ave, Hastings, NE 68901, USA

(402) 461-2399

28

Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center

Mentioned on

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Visitor center

Nature preserve

Non-profit organization

Tourist information center

Located upstream of Grand Island, the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center is a prime spot for witnessing the awe-inspiring spring migration of sandhill cranes and millions of waterfowl. The center offers seasonal Sandhill Crane Migration Tours led by expert guides, providing an opportunity to observe these magnificent birds from prime viewing blinds along the river. Visitors can also enjoy year-round hikes and take part in craft activities for children while admiring beautiful artwork at the center.

Fantastic place to see the Crane Migration!10,000 cranes , once in a lifetime experience!Thank you to the Crane trust for a fantastic evening !Did the blind tourThumbs up ! The volunteers did a great job , full of information and will answer any questions!

George K — Google review

Great place to visit. Very friendly and informative personal. Craft activities for children and beautiful artwork. Bison roaming in the distance. Walking trails but it was raining lightly while we were there so did not get a chance to injoy that aspect. Very enjoyable experience.

Colette S — Google review

An unplanned but serendipitous stop along Interstate 80. We loved the art gallery, interpretive video and trails and footbridges on the Platte River. The Trust even maintains a small bison herd and monarch butterfly sanctuary. Before arriving we saw tens of thousands of sandhill cranes feeding in the cornfields along I-80 (late March), so when we saw the sign to the Crane Trust, we had to stop to check it out. We were warmly welcomed at the door, given a brief but thorough orientation to the setup of the building and then set free to roam the place. We ended up purchasing a large, framed photo for our living room to benefit the Trust before leaving. Wonderful place doing wonderful work!

Dan P — Google review

The volunteers were nice and very helpful. If you need a gift, they have a large selection! Stop here to stretch your legs and see the live buffalo herd (baby buffs too)

Cynthia A — Google review

What an excellent VIP tour and experience. The volunteers are so knowledgeable. The time in the blind at sunset and sunrise allows you to see the cranes flying to settle for the night and you watch them wake up and get moving.

Tara R — Google review

I have often driven past, this was my first time stopping as I made the drive down 80 to points East. I have 3 homeschooled children and would highly recommend this stop as fun and educational for families homeschooled or not! We refilled water, had a nice clean bathroom stop, made origami cranes, saw an educational film- that makes me likely to add this to Our Epic Road Trip as a Mar/Apr stop to see the migration full swing! We.found treasures in the gift shop and had some lovely conversation with the volunteers/staff. Picked up some coloring sheets and activities for 3 girls to do in the backseat when Nebraska seemed to get to be too "long" for them 😉! And the art, photos, taxidermy... just beautiful! Definitely recommend- do plan for a bit of time, they have hiking trails to stretch your legs!

Big B — Google review

Don’t miss out on an experience of a lifetime! It was fantastic and we can’t wait to go again. The staff was incredible. Big shout out to David Baasch for the tour, interview, and wealth of knowledge he provided.

Ashley H — Google review

Wonderful experience (we took the overnight VIP tour). Staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Presentations were highly informative and professional. The event was organized extremely well, with no glitches. Of course, the highlight was actually watching the cranes, which was amazing and worth the long drive and the expense. Overall, the organization is doing very important and good work. Highly recommended.

Ely E — Google review

This is for nature lovers. Saw different plants i haven't seen before in Nebraska. They have a bison family, with two cubs I believe. The front desk Lady its really friendly. I would go back to explore again. Have a nices small walking trail in the back.

Oscar — Google review

It was an amazing experience. The trails were easy to travel. My wife and I saw different birds.

Gust D — Google review

The staff was engaging and knowledgeable. The artwork was gorgeous and it was a wonderful visitor experience! Highly recommend!

Rhonda A — Google review

Went for crane viewing. Was great experience, people (staff) were great but windows in blinds were in either too high or too low places for taking photographs sadly. Angles and small openings made it tough for lots of people to take photos with out bending or stretching on tip toes. I'm 5'8" so I'm not short or tall.

BECKY D — Google review

This is a wonderful place to get out and stretch your legs. There are buffalo in a pasture. About a quarter mile walking trail. I didn't see any cranes, but I think it was the wrong time of day.Clean bathrooms. There are no paper towels in the restrooms. Just the air dryers. Refillable water station. Not much for food. The snack bar was not open. Snacks are available in the gift shop, but they looked pretty puny. Gravel parking lot.

Mrs. H — Google review

I did the VIP one night and it exceeded my expectations. The staff were so welcoming never minding the endless questions. The accommodations were super comfy, and the food was delicious, perfectly cooked and a broad selection for everyone's tastes. And then the cranes ... There are no words to describe it. No camera that can capture it. Just go.. sit in the blind next to this amazing show produced annually by nature. Watch these birds, wonder at their intelligence, their ability to adapt, and their beauty. A symphony of sorts, natures poetry, all live. A treat, right here in the US everyone that loves the outdoors must see. Just go!

Kymberli C — Google review

This visitor center has so much to offer! The lady at the front desk greeted me upon entering and was so kind and knowledgeable to all of my questions. They have art gallery, videos, gift shop, brochures, hiking trails with bison in pastures and informative signs along the way. It was beautiful!

Erika G — Google review

This place was a lifesaver! I was out running a hail storm and needed a quick rest. Stop just to gather myself and in the process. Learned all about cranes and some of the local ecology and got some great cool stuffed animals for friends who have kids so I can pass on the science virus to the next generation! If nothing else, stop at the gift shop. There's some cool stuff for science-minded people of all stripes.

Tim D — Google review

Incredible facility with amazing staff and volunteers running things. The scenic trails and the Buffalo Herd are amazing, I cannot wait to see the crane migration in the spring.

Kassie K — Google review

Visiting here is highly recommended. Every volunteer and member of staff I encountered was so passionate about the work they do I couldn't help but be excited at every turn. The migration of the cranes is an awe inspiring event that everyone should see in person. The VIP experience is a must do! The cabins have everything you could need, the meals were delicious, and the HEATED blinds made the whole event more enjoyable.

Shayla L — Google review

Really cool place with a really nice walking place near the river. Lots of things to see and buffalo were nearby. Volunteers were very nice. Except an employee kicked me out of the gift shop cuz they were closing in 10 mins instead of just giving me a heads up, which was upsetting. I was just going to buy a pop and an ornament of my favorite bird and couldn’t. Otherwise this is a really nice place to visit and I hope to come again!

Kelsey ( — Google review

4.7

(522)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (164)

4.5

(285)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (165)

9325 Alda Rd S, Wood River, NE 68883, USA

(308) 382-1820

29

Stuhr Museum

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (166)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (167)

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (168)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (169)

Mentioned on

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Museum

History Museums

The Stuhr Museum-Prairie Pioneer features exhibits of daily life in Nebraska for both settlers and American Indians dating back to the early 1800s. It's a unique museum that combines indoor exhibits with a vast outdoor living museum, showcasing how living conditions improved dramatically from 1860 to 1890 thanks to the railroad. The architecture and historical artifacts are beautiful, and there are plenty of friendly employees, volunteers, and educational tours available.

If you are in Grand Island, I strongly recommend this place to visit. It has some collections you will not see probably many places. There are good collections of electronics and agricultural equipments from nineteenth century to early twentieth centuries. My favorite is the switching machine.There were two buildings open when visited on Dec 26. 2021: the main building that houses the visitor center, the second building just opposite to main building - it has opera house.Please also don't forget to see the railroad village inside the stuhr museum. The place is currently going through renovation, but it is must see for those who has interest in railroad history.

Madan K — Google review

I so wanted to give this place a better review! I was there about 10 years ago and the place was much better maintained than it is now. In the village were informational signs missing or damaged, buildings locked, and there was just a general look of the village being unkept. The museum was beautiful and very well maintained. So I wonder if most of the money went into that?The farm wasn’t open to the public either, which was another disappointment. You could walk around it, but not go in the buildings.The staff were very kind and I truly enjoyed their hospitality. The hat maker was so sweet and chatted with my mom and I for a while.Dogs are allowed there if on a leash, but not in *any* of the buildings. So keep that in mind when visiting.It is also a good amount of walking, so bring good shoes and water.There are bathrooms in the museum and the village. To enter, the cost wasn’t too bad.

Abigail G — Google review

Love the unique architecture and beautiful historical artifacts. Friendly employees & volunteers, educational tours, and many buildings to explore. Canada geese around the water and park area, we saw 2 bald eagles as we left so keep your eyes peeled.

Carrie C — Google review

The Stuhr Museum is a great tribute to the prairie pioneers of the late 1800's and early 1900"s. From beautiful artwork to unique antiques displayed in the two main buildings to the pioneer village and well maintained grounds, this will be a learning experience for all ages.When you have worked up an appetite from strolling the village, have lunch at the bistro in the main building. Great food and very affordable.Kudos to the staff for a wonderful experience.

Paul G — Google review

Visited seprember 2021 & could have spent all day here, but only took 2 hours strolling the outside buildings and exploring the 1890 town. pretty cool place, the tin shop, the fancy hat shop and church graveyard were my favorites.

Deb K — Google review

We had an amazing time! We recently got married out at the church, Karly was amazing and super helpful! She would answer her phone everytime we called with our random questions 😂 it was absolutely amazing!

Sara N — Google review

Very interesting things to see and learn from back in the day! My kids enjoyed seeing how people used to do things and learn how to appreciate what they now have. Definitely recommend to visit!

Natalie Z — Google review

We didn't have too much time to spend here, so we will definitely be back. There is lots to see.The railroad town is a great place for kiddos. It is a living history area, so there are people to stop and talk to allowing for a different kind of learning experience.I missed the Prarie restoration area and the Pawnee home. Those are one my list for the next visit.The road inside the museum complex is one way. There is a way to get back to the beginning if you miss a turn off. There are several parking areas around the facility so one can choose to park and walk the grounds, or use a vehicle to get closer to areas of interest.

Angela L — Google review

There's so much to see and do here! We were hesitant to go with a 3yr old and 6yr old but I'm glad we went. There's so much to see that you can go to each little building in the railroad town and the little ones can learn something and move on to the next so they don't get bored. Would be good with older children so you can spend more time at each building. We spent about 2 hours there and didn't get to see everything. We'll definitely be back next time we're in the area!

Emily K — Google review

This was an awesome surprise in Grand Junction. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this place is a quiet and awesome collection of the history of this area. It would be easy to spend the entire day here. Very nice to see the many items preserved for current and future generations to see. Many items have stories and I’m sure many untold stories that go along with them. I’d love to go through this place with someone older, who may have had experience with some of the equipment and artifacts on display. Staff was so helpful in guiding us through an overview of the sprawling complex.

Joe D — Google review

Awesome place to learn about the past. A historic town of the 1840's

Jessie B — Google review

Stuhr Museum is one of the best we have visited....or maybe the best one. The collection on vintage buildings and items can be overwhelming. Everything is well kept, organized, vlean, neat.

Michael T — Google review

Was super lucky this was 2 miles up the road from my trailer drop. They even let me drive around the grounds in my semi truck tractor. This place was really awesome. Reminded me of a similar place in Germany with old medieval buildings that I got to see as a teen. Would definitely recommend. Takes a good 2 hrs to see it all.

Tim W — Google review

Terrific place to get a great history lesson! Be sure to see the bldgs with antique cars and tractors. You'll get a real sense of tractor and auto evolution... Wear good walking shoes... Don't be shy about asking for discounts for senior, military, etc...

Peter P — Google review

Awesome experience! The different buildings were so interesting and the period-dressed staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. It was neat seeing them working in the various shops as they would have 200 years ago. I wish I'd taken more pictures, but we'll DEFINITELY be back!

Will H — Google review

I was there a couple weeks ago for a birthday party at the ice skating rink and the most sweetest gentleman named Wayne was working that day. The connection he makes with every person that walked in that door was very heart warming. He was speaking Spanish with us and made us feel very welcome. He had an amazing attitude and great sense of humor. He made our day. Thank you Wayne the world needs more people like you!

Luna L — Google review

The Stuhr Museum was great! I did not expect so much to see and do, but the museum delivered. There was plenty to see and explore inside, but the real treasure was the outdoor experiences. My kids loved the old church and school the best. Would definitely go again; we spent the morning there and didn’t see everything.

Michael C — Google review

It was a quiet day in the off season but we enjoyed visiting and will be back when it warms up to experience everything Stuhr has to offer. The samtaff were great and very knowledgeable

Kassie K — Google review

4.7

(811)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (170)

4.5

(245)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (171)

3133 US-34, Grand Island, NE 68801, USA

(308) 385-5316

30

Chimney Rock Museum

Museum

Sights & Landmarks

Gift shop

Historical landmark

Geologic formation with a landmark spire & visitor center with exhibits about westward migration.

The museum is well thought out and has some great hands on educational displays. It provided fascinating details about the various pioneer groups and the perils they encountered, that somehow was whitewashed in history books. They have made some great improvements to the land/trails adjacent to this historical landmark.

Thomas S — Google review

Pleasantly surprised with the quality and interactive Ed’s with this museum. Lots of information on the Oregon trail and struggles of settlers. The best part of the museum was being able to fill up the interactive covered wagon with goods and supplies. Lots of fun

Ian P — Google review

Ultimately the visitors center is nice and very well cared for. However it did seem a little cash grabby.There is an admission price of 8 dollars for adults. We decided that rather than pay the price of admission we would stop by and pick up information on the site and get a different angle on a nearby road.The curator, who was very professional, noted they did not have pamphlets to give us. We asked, “if we take the nearby road does it get closer to the rock”. She responded “it will take you to a cemetery and it might be a little closer but not significantly”.When we took the rode we saw a much clearer, natural view, unimpeded by a gift shop. As well we saw many original headstones from the 1900’s and before. First picture is a view from the parking lot of the visitors center and the second is the view from the cemetery.

Patrick P — Google review

On my trip along the Oregon National Trail, Chimney Rock was a major landmark for the settlers. The Museum is small and there is a small admission fee. While I was there, we looked through the binoculars and saw Elkhorn sheep on the Rock. Awesome!

Mike M — Google review

Friendly and helpful guide; our party loved the hands-onn activities and the views were stunning! Nice themed gift shop attached and gorgeous collection of Chimney Rock-related artwork!

Barb U — Google review

Beautiful museum. Great displays. Plenty of room to move around and great lighting on all the well explained displays. Great gift shop. Good selection of paperback books explaining Nebraska history.

Dee H — Google review

It was an interesting place to visit, they have a museum and a gift shop.

Todd J — Google review

Nice new facility, and they only charge for museum tours. The gift shop a nice selection of souvenirs as as refreshments. Access to the trail & Chimnney Rock.

Brian G — Google review

The trails behind the museum were great! Very wide and well maintained. Dogs are allowed on leash. No shade, take water and watch for rattlesnakes. Chimney Rock is cool!

Sarah A — Google review

Beautiful walk to the Chimney Rock! It's an interesting site! We spotted a prairie dog and a bird that we later identified as a Meadowlark! We ended up not going through the museum as our interest was more for the rock formation than the Oregon Trail info provided in the museum.

Cindy C — Google review

Love the new trails. Would be nice to have some benches along the way to sit and enjoy the view. Also would be very helpful to have trial maps signs where 2 trials come together so you know where each trail goes.

Mary R — Google review

I loved this museum! It taught me so much about the history of the Native Americans of the area and the Oregon Trail. I also think that the interactive portions of the exhibit are some of the best I've seen in a small museum. Even the bathroom stalls were informative! Some other reviews say the ticket price was too expensive but I think it's well worth the money. After visiting the museum you can head further down the road to get a better view of Chimney Rock!

Lauren T — Google review

When a friend knew of my plans to visit Scott's Bluff, he recommended that I stop at Chimney Rock. Great advice! Don't miss it!

Todd L — Google review

An iconic location, but the walk is further than you might think. We arrived late, near sunset (so I got a really cool picture, of it silhouetted by the sun), and the visitor center was closed. We set out to walk to it, but despite jogging for 10 minutes we didn't seem to get much closer. I would guess that it would take 40-45 minutes to walk there at a moderate pace.

Pulaski — Google review

Nice staff and a really interesting Musuem for the size. "Wheel of Fate" is a nice touch!

Okie D — Google review

Fun detour off of I80 if you need to break up your drive. You can walk the entire complex in about 45 minutes. Spectacular views!

Joe Z — Google review

Small but nice museum for the Chimney Rock National Historic Site. Unfortunately the trails were closed when we were there but we could still get close enough for pics.

Annette B — Google review

The museums/visitor center is on the smaller side. They do have a few nice displays and there is a small gift shop. It cost $8 to get in. Most places similar to this are always free. Kind of a tourist trap. It is not worth the price of admission. I would skip this place altogether and drive past it directly up to the main parking area next to the cemetery.

Wyatt P — Google review

This was a much nicer stop than we were expecting. You do have to pay to get into the museum part, $8 a person. Which was a bit steep. However the museum is small but very nice. There is a lot of history and some hands on activities. We ended up enjoying it allot more than we expected. We spend maybe 30 or 40 minutes here. There's also a little gift shop. I would recommend it if you are interested in history about the Oregon trail.

Karissa E — Google review

We only visited the gift shop as it was near closing and we didn't want to pay $8 each for the museum. No senior discounts. National Park Pass not honored. This site is run by the state. Open till 5:00, but their web site states 4:00.Very nice view of Chimney from here. Gift shop has a nice selection of books and shirts to choose from.

Kenneth D — Google review

Awesome exhibit. Great place to bring kids

James P — Google review

Lady at the hut was great and answered all of our questions and even showed up the mountain sheep/goats through the telescope!

Arron H — Google review

4.4

(918)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (172)

4.0

(261)32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (173)

9822 County Rd 75, Bayard, NE 69334, USA

(308) 586-2581

32 Best Stops Between Clinton and Hot Springs (2024)
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