Oklahoma City History and Architecture Walk Downtown

Oklahoma City , United States

Oklahoma City History and Architecture Walk Downtown

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(14 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

We begin storyteller-style with your guide's recounting of the city's epic founding during a Land Run. We then talk and walk through OKC history from territorial days to contemporary life. We enter the city's most historic skyscrapers and outdoor symbolic memorial grounds. Along the way we pass around vintage images to help you reimagine the bygone past. Come see OKC through our eyes and learn why we are such an up-and-coming city!

Available options

Oklahoma City History and Architecture Walk Downtown

What's included

Knowledgeable guide

Detailed itinerary

Understand how OKC's pioneer skyscraper was built and by whom.

Discover secrets of the Skirvin! Hear wild stories about how the hotel grew in size and infamy. Learn the facts about Mr. Skirvin and his socialite daughter and enjoy tales of mysterious hauntings that persist to present day. We explore the newly renovated lobby and point out original details dating back more than 100 years.

Understand the influence and contributions of Robert S. Kerr and what this land was before a park.

Pass the entrance to Automobile Alley and learn why this was the center of Oklahoma's auto industry 100 years ago and the entertainment offered nowadays..

Stop 5

Step into the manicured memorial grounds and understand what happened on Oklahoma's darkest day, the symbolism of the memorial's design elements, and how the community responded to the crisis. Museum admission is not included.

Enter what is arguably the most impressive building in the entire state. We'll guide you through dazzling Art Deco details inside and out of this former bank. Today it's a mixed use property with hotel, apartments, shops, and restaurants.

What's not included

Optional gratuity for guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.7

14 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Enter The National hotel at 120 N Robinson. Turn right at the elevator lobby and pass through into a room with seating called the Valet Lobby. We meet here.

About Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City, known for its rich Western heritage and vibrant arts scene, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. From the historic Stockyards to the contemporary Bricktown entertainment district, the city provides a diverse range of experiences for visitors.

Top Attractions

Bricktown

Bricktown is a vibrant entertainment district with a mix of restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions. The area is built on historic brick-paved streets and offers a lively atmosphere with waterfront views.

Entertainment Half day to full day Free to explore, activities vary

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

This memorial honors the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The museum and outdoor memorial provide a poignant and educational experience about the events and their impact.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to $20 (museum admission)

Myriad Botanical Gardens

A 155-acre urban park featuring beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a conservatory. The park offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (conservatory admission $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for children)

Oklahoma City Zoo

One of the top zoos in the United States, featuring a wide variety of animals, exhibits, and conservation programs.

Nature 3-4 hours $12 for adults, $9 for children (3-12), free for children under 3

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

This museum showcases the history and culture of the American West, featuring art, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.

Historical 1-2 hours $12.95 for adults, $10.95 for seniors, $7.95 for children (6-12), free for children under 6

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden fried chicken is a staple in Oklahoma, often served with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Main Course Contains gluten and allergens (egg, wheat)

BBQ

Slow-smoked meats with tangy sauces, a must-try for any BBQ lover.

Main Course Contains allergens (soy, mustard, etc.)

Chicken-Fried Steak

A Southern classic, a tenderized steak coated in flour and fried, served with creamy gravy.

Main Course Contains gluten and allergens (egg, wheat, milk)

Sausage and Egg Burrito

A hearty breakfast burrito filled with sausage, eggs, and cheese, wrapped in a flour tortilla.

Breakfast Contains gluten and allergens (egg, milk, wheat)

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Water Sports Spas Parks Gardens Museums Art Galleries

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city. However, spring can also bring severe weather, including tornadoes.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

CST (UTC-6) / CDT (UTC-5) (Central Standard Time / Central Daylight Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Oklahoma City is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates in tourist areas. However, it's always important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Will Rogers World Airport • 10 miles (16 km) southwest of downtown

By bus

Oklahoma City Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Embark operates an extensive bus network covering most of Oklahoma City. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around, with frequent services and a user-friendly app for schedules and routes.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Bricktown The Plaza District Paseo Arts District Autry Complex

Day trips

Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum

Downtown (within city) • Half day

A poignant and educational experience about the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, featuring an outdoor memorial and museum.

Lake Overholser

10 miles (16 km) west of downtown • Half day to full day

A scenic lake offering a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking.

Roman Nose State Park

50 miles (80 km) north of Oklahoma City • Full day

A beautiful state park offering a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and swimming.

Festivals

Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts • Early June Oklahoma State Fair • Late September to early October

Pro tips

Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum for a poignant and educational experience.
Explore Bricktown for a lively atmosphere with a variety of dining and entertainment options.
Take a ride on the Bricktown Water Taxi for a unique perspective of the district.
Try local Oklahoma cuisine, such as fried chicken, BBQ, and chicken-fried steak.
Check out the Oklahoma City Museum of Art for a diverse collection of artworks.