Travel to Oklahoma City

Travel to Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City is possibly most famous for the catastrophic bombing in 1995 of the Alfred P Murrah Federal Building, which claimed the lives of 168 people. In recent times, Oklahoma City has recovered its standing and self-confidence, offering visitors many attractions, such as the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The city is also well-known for its huge Red Earth event, the worlds largest Native American festival.

Transportation to Oklahoma City

There are a wide range of travel options for getting to Oklahoma City. Many travellers arrive by air from major air hubs nearby, such as Dallas and Tulsa. Oklahoma Citys Will Rogers World Airport offers a good network of domestic connections near the city centre. Trains arrive from destinations to the south, including Dallas and San Antonio, while the Greyhound bus company links the city to its vast network. By car, highways 35, 44, 240 and 40 form a ring around the centre of the city. Interstate 235 leads right through Oklahoma City and downtown is northwest of the I-35 and I-40 intersection.

In Oklahoma City itself, Metro Transit provides a good network of inner city buses, which also reaches the suburbs. Traditional style trolleys run throughout downtown, while guided trolley tours are also available. Other options include taxis and water taxis along Bricktown Canal.

What to see

Downtown is where the majority of visitors to Oklahoma City begin their voyage of discovery of the city, with well-known tourist attractions such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial, Bricktown Canal and the Myriad Botanical Gardens. The impressive Oklahoma State Capitol offers outstanding views when gazing up at the dome from the inside of the building. Other attractions for visitors to Oklahoma City include the numerous museums and historical homes, while sporting attractions such as watching the horse races at Remington Park or taking in a ball game at Bricktown Ball Park are also popular. If you wish to keep the children amused, dont miss out on the Oklahoma City Zoo.

Daytrips

Guthrie is 30 miles north of Oklahoma City and well worth a visit to see its Victorian architecture and historic homes. There is also a museum on publishing and the worlds largest Masonic complex. Located less than 100 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, Tulsa is a popular day trip destination. Acknowledged as a cultural centre, the town is influenced by the Art Deco movement and Native American culture.

Activities and leisure

The citys many parks offer ample opportunities for recreation and most offer facilities such as playgrounds, picnic tables and soccer and softball fields. Spectator sports include ice hockey and baseball, while horseracing and rodeos are equally popular.

Safety issues

While Oklahoma City is by and large a safe destination, visitors should be watchful in some areas of the city after dark. It is highly recommended that visitors to Oklahoma City take out adequate travel insurance.