Citizen Potawatomi Nation offers many recreational activities for the entire family, but even more exist in the surrounding area. Make a full-fledged trip out of visiting the Tribe, and stay a few extra days. Tourist attractions in downtown Oklahoma City, the surrounding suburbs and Pottawatomie County make Oklahoma a top tier destination.
Downtown Oklahoma City
Bricktown: This special area of downtown OKC offers unique attractions unavailable anywhere else. Take a ride on the Bricktown Water Taxi, visit the American Banjo Museum, see a movie at Harkins Theatres or play laser tag at Brickopolis. With restaurants along the canal’s waterfront and hotels a few blocks away, Bricktown means family fun in the summer. Get details at bricktownokc.com.
Myriad Gardens: The Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory is one of OKC’s most beautiful places to spend the summertime. The outdoor area includes a playground, a dog park, splash fountains and more. The conservatory houses tropical and desert plants along with a waterfall, all viewable from a sky bridge. There’s more information at oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com.
Oklahoma City Streetcar: The streetcar is a new, fun way for visitors to travel around downtown OKC. There are two loops: one for the greater downtown area and another for Bricktown. The Arts District, Automobile Alley, Midtown, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Red Earth Museum and OKC National Memorial & Museum are all along the tracks. Find the routes at okcstreetcar.com.
OKCMOA: Cool off with a trip to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. With a wide variety of mediums and styles, there is something for everyone. It also houses one of the largest collections of glass artist Dale Chihuly’s work, displaying the beauty of light and color. This summer, the museum exhibits an assortment of French artwork with pieces by Van Gogh, Monet and more. Details at okcmoa.com.
Around the OKC metro
Adventure District: Located in northeast Oklahoma City, the Adventure District offers plenty of attractions. The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Science Museum Oklahoma and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum sit slightly down the road from one another, and each provide a memorable learning experience. Find out more at okcadventure.com.
National Weather Center: A state famous for its unpredictable weather, Oklahoma is the home of the National Weather Center on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman. The NWC accepts tours scheduled in advance, which include trips to the storm prediction center, the National Weather Service Norman Weather Forecast Office and a severe storm laboratory. Contact information at ou.edu/nwc.
Pelican Bay Aquatic Center: Located near Edmond’s EC Hafer Park, Pelican Bay Aquatic Center is a great place for fun in the sun. Cool off riding the slides or playing in the pool. The water park’s café offers snacks and meals ranging from quesadillas to snow cones. Pelican Bay also schedules cabana rentals for larger groups. Find out more at pelicanbayaquatics.com.
Elevation Trampoline Park: The Elevation Trampoline Park in Moore gives visitors the chance to jump for a slam dunk. Its sport courts give space for volleyball, dodgeball, dunkball and more — all in the air. Trampoline surface covers the floor and parts of the walls creating more than 7,000 square feet of jumping space. Visitors can also practice tricks and landing in its giant air bag. Details at elevationtp.com.
Pottawatomie County
Wes Watkins Reservoir: Less than a half-hour from CPN headquarters, Wes Watkins Reservoir in McCloud offers two recreation areas with tent and RV sites. Ramps into the water make boating easy, and overnight campers can walk to all of the amenities — grills, pavilions, restrooms with showers, docks and more. Search “Wes Watkins” on travelok.com for details.
Pottawatomie County Museum: Housed in the former Santa Fe Depot built around the turn of the 20th century, the Pottawatomie County Museum displays portions of the area’s past, which includes CPN. Native American regalia and a three-dimensional display of the railroad’s development through time are only a couple of pieces that make up its exhibits. Visit the museum’s website at pottcountymuseum.org.
Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art: The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art’s artifacts and artistic pieces from around the world take visitors through time. The ancient Egyptian mummies that are part of its collection make this museum a unique Oklahoma experience. Regalia and other Native American art on display also show the history of the museum’s land in Shawnee. Find more details at mgmoa.org.
Downtown Shawnee: Discover downtown Shawnee lined with local restaurants, art galleries, and shops selling everything from clothes to antiques. Grab lunch at Hamburger King, which opened over 90 years ago, sift through superheroes at Bibliotech Books and Comics, grab a coffee at CPN member-owned The Gathering Place or see a movie at the Hornbeck Twin. Find more at visitshawnee.com.