Norman Past and Present Downtown Walking Tour

Oklahoma , USA

Norman Past and Present Downtown Walking Tour

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About this experience

Enjoy a stroll through charming downtown Norman while exploring historic sites and modern culture. This guided tour along Main Street discusses the city’s transformation from a surveyor’s campsite to a modern-day football powerhouse. Learn about the town's founding, symbolism of colorful murals, and stories behind local landmarks. Perfect for history buffs and casual explorers alike, this 1.25-hour tour covers less than a mile while offering insights into Norman’s past and present.

Available options

Norman Past and Present Downtown Walking Tour

What's included

Knowledgeable guide

Detailed itinerary

We begin seated and indoors with an historic overview of Norman's founding in Oklahoma Territory.

Founded on this corner in 1936, a local retailer grew to more than 1,000 stores across the country and once outcompeted Walmart.

From this municipal lot, enjoy prime viewing of the oversized "Heart of Norman" murals that tell Norman's story from past to present.

Observe quirky architecture at this historic former post office. Don't miss the "cat antics" protruding from the wall!

Outside this popular restaurant, learn how the University of Oklahoma was founded on Main Street and hear conflicting accounts of their first football game in 1895.

This iconic theater was designed by a local architect and built with the finest materials and cutting-edge movie theater technology. Hear about confirmed sightings of an apparition that glides down the staircase.

Snap a photo with Norman's most famous Hollywood celebrity, memorialized here in bronze. Garner is best known for playing Bret Maverick in the Western TV series.

Pass the former gateway to Norman, Oklahoma Territory, where hundreds of settlers flooded into town on one eventful day in 1889. This historic red brick rail depot still serves Amtrak passenger trains today but is closed most of the day.

Town leaders lobbied hard to break away from Oklahoma County and become a county seat. This Art Deco building replaced earlier courthouses that we revisit through photos. From here we head to the end of the tour.

What's not included

Optional gratuity for guide

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

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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

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Must be able to stand for 1 hour

Meeting point

Meet inside the coffee shop. We'll be at a reserved table or in the back room.

About Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a state in the South Central region of the United States, known for its diverse landscapes ranging from mountains and prairies to mesas and forests. It offers a rich blend of Native American, cowboy, and oil boom culture, making it a unique destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

A poignant tribute to the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, this memorial and museum offer a powerful and moving experience.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (donations appreciated), Museum entry fee applies

Myriad Botanical Gardens

A beautiful urban oasis featuring a variety of gardens, a children's garden, and a conservatory with exotic plants.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated), Conservatory entry fee applies

Bricktown

A vibrant entertainment district in Oklahoma City featuring restaurants, bars, shops, and a scenic canal with water taxis.

Entertainment Varies, depending on activities Varies, depending on activities and dining choices

Philbrook Museum of Art

A renowned art museum housed in a historic mansion, featuring an impressive collection of European, American, and Native American art.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate, with discounted rates for seniors, students, and children

Guthrie Historic District

A well-preserved historic district featuring Victorian-era buildings, antique shops, and a rich history as the first capital of Oklahoma Territory.

Historical Half-day Free to explore, with costs for specific attractions

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fried Onion Burgers

A classic Oklahoma dish featuring a beef patty topped with a crispy fried onion ring, often served with lettuce, tomato, and special sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef and gluten (from the onion ring and bun)

Chicken-Fried Steak

A tenderized beef steak coated in flour and pan-fried, similar to a schnitzel, typically served with creamy white gravy.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef and gluten (from the flour coating and gravy)

Indian Tacos

A Native American dish featuring fried bread topped with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and other taco toppings.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef and gluten (from the fried bread)

Pecan Pie

A sweet and rich pie made with pecans, sugar, and corn syrup, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Dessert Contains nuts and gluten (from the pie crust)

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Camping Whitewater rafting Spa treatments Wine tasting Scenic drives Picnicking

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 sightseeing. The landscapes are particularly beautiful during these seasons.

15-27°C 59-81°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT), with some areas observing Mountain Time (MT) during daylight saving time.

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Oklahoma is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services.

Getting there

By air

Will Rogers World Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from downtown Oklahoma City
Tulsa International Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown Tulsa

By train

Oklahoma City Station, Tulsa Station

By bus

Oklahoma City Bus Station, Tulsa Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

EMBARK operates a network of buses and a streetcar system that provides reliable and affordable public transportation in Oklahoma City.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Bricktown The Plaza District Autry Complex

Day trips

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

180 km (112 miles) from Oklahoma City • Full day

A beautiful and scenic wildlife refuge featuring rugged mountains, rolling prairies, and a diverse range of wildlife, including bison, elk, and prairie dogs.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

0 km (0 miles) from Oklahoma City • Half day

A poignant tribute to the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, this memorial and museum offer a powerful and moving experience.

Tulsa

180 km (112 miles) from Oklahoma City • Full day

A vibrant and culturally rich city featuring a diverse range of attractions, including museums, parks, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene.

Festivals

Oktoberfest • September to October Tulsa International Mayfest • Late April to early May Red Earth Festival • Late June

Pro tips

Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum for a powerful and moving experience.
Explore the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge for a scenic and relaxing way to experience the natural beauty of Oklahoma.
Sample the state's unique cuisine, including fried onion burgers, chicken-fried steak, and pecan pie.
Take a water taxi ride in Bricktown for a unique perspective of Oklahoma City's entertainment district.
Check the schedule for seasonal festivals and events, such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial Marathon and the Red Earth Festival.