What
a fitting depiction Rodgers and Hammerstein penned for this truly
remarkable city. Located directly in the center of the state, Oklahoma
City stands as a modern marvel surrounded by the endless horizons of the
Great Plains.
The
city had an amazing beginning when a single gunshot was fired on April 22,
1889, signaling the opening of the territory to new settlement. A day
later, this barren prairie was home to ten thousand settlers.
In 1911, the capital was moved here and in 1928 oil was discovered, forever
changing the city. Unfortunately, tragedy is part of its history as
well. On April 19, 1995 a bomb killed 168 people at the Alfred P.
Murrah Federal Building. Today a museum stands to remember them and
that tragic day.
Easily
accessible, Oklahoma City sits at the intersection of two major Interstate
highways: I-40 from the east/west, and I-35 from the north and south,
making it a must stop location on any trip through the area. With the
overall weather conditions varying year round, it is never boring.
Will Rogers once quipped, "If you don't like the weather in Oklahoma,
wait a minute and it'll change."
It’s
not just the weather and history that make this city so appealing.
There are a host of attractions, events, and things to do as well.
One
of the most popular attractions for visitors and town folk as well is the
Frontier City Theme Park. Here you can stroll through an authentic
1880s western town and enjoy rides, shows, games and attractions. Visitors
can even experience the famous Gunfight at the OK Corral. For those
who like thrill rides, there are numerous roller coasters and water
rapid rides as well.
If
you prefer something a little less taxing, try Omniplex. Omniplex
provides an adventure in discovery of new worlds and galaxies, exploration
the sciences and arts, a chance to relive the past and peer into the future.
The complex houses several museums, galleries, gardens, greenhouses and a
planetarium, making this a must see attraction for the entire family.
Interesting
museums are plentiful as well. The National Cowboy and Western
Heritage Museum depicts the true Western spirit of the past and the rugged
individualism and romantic spirit of the frontier. This popular visitor
attraction features a collection of classic and contemporary Western
art, including works by Charles Russell, Frederic Remington, and the famous
18-foot sculpture by James Earle Fraser, The End of the Trail.
Visitors of all ages enjoy an adventure into the Old West at this national
memorial to the American cowboy.
There’s
also the Governor’s Mansion, the Zoo, the Fire Fighters Museum and many
more sites and events to occupy the visitor’s time, night or day.
Whatever
the reason for visiting, this historic truly western city has great appeal.
You may even see a cowboy on horseback tipping his hat to a passing
lady. Oklahoma City is where the Old West meets the New West, with country
style.
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