The 9 Best Museums in Oklahoma!

Narrowing down a list of just the 9 best museums in Oklahoma is no easy feat. Oklahoma is home to a variety of different places to explore the heritage of its people and life in the American West. Oklahoma was the 46th state to enter the Union. Approximately 374 miles of the historic U.S. Route 66 runs through it. The state has an immensely rich Native American history, and that’s just the beginning of it. The culture of the state and its historic events are commemorated across a variety of museums. Here are the 9 best in Oklahoma to explore.

Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK

Although Science Museum Oklahoma was designed to be kid-friendly, adults will enjoy the hands-on science activities, the planetarium and the model train exhibit. Younger children will want to play in Kidspace, a safe place with bubbles, puppets and slides. Don’t miss the second floor, which features beautiful artwork and a gymnastics play space.

J. M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum, Claremore, OK

You don’t have to be a gun or military enthusiast to appreciate this collection of more than 14,000 guns. In addition to the numerous firearms, the museum houses a unique stein collection from Germany, Will Rogers memorabilia and other choice weapons, such as canes, knives and swords from all over the world. One aisle is dedicated to the hangings of infamous criminals, and another aisle is devoted to horses and ranchers, displaying items used on the cattle drives. Come on the first Saturday of the month to see a high noon cowboy shootout. 

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, OK

Step into another world from the moment you enter this museum. As you pay your ticket, you’ll see the iconic statue by James Earle, the End of the Trail, a Native American and his horse. Weave through the many galleries, featuring artwork by Frederic Remington and other western artists who captured the spirit of the American West. Don’t miss the John Wayne room or the display of barbed wire.

Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, Norman, OK

A kid-friendly museum with more than 50,000 square feet of exhibit space featuring life sciences, earth sciences and social sciences. Learn how the food chain works. Dig up dinosaur bones. Understand world cultures and enjoy the hall of natural wonders where you can walk-through a limestone cave and experience bats, crayfish and other animals that live in total darkness.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma City, OK

The Dale Chihuly glass exhibit may be the most spectacular display in the entire museum, but the OKCMOA houses a number of stunning pieces of modern art and photography. Featuring such prominent artists as Georgia O’Keeffe, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Anne Truitt, you could spend the entire day studying the masters. Stop by the museum café for an innovative meal that focuses on fusion cuisine. 

Woolaroc, Bartlesville, OK

Featuring the Phillips family mausoleum, this museum north of Tulsa also has a petting zoo, an extensive collection that documents the history of the Oklahoma oil industry and a huge Native American center. Explore the 3,700-acre wildlife preserve to observe elk, bison and longhorn cattle, which are native to Oklahoma.

Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa, OK

One of the top 50 museums in the United States, not only does the Philbrook contain an extensive art collection of modern and contemporary art, it also houses a unique Native American collection of artifacts and artwork. Explore Asian, African and European art before taking a walking tour of the beautiful gardens. Visitors enjoy strolling through the sensory garden, featuring sculptures, bridges and meditative niches. The gardens are handicap-accessible and open all year long, but the best time to go is in the late spring when many flowers are in bloom.

Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, Seminole, OK

Give your child new ideas about career goals when you bring your family to this hands-on museum in Seminole. You’ll have the opportunity to explore science and math ideas, discover new ideas about healthcare and enjoy a 12,000 square foot castle maze. Children must be accompanied by a parent, but you’ll learn to play again when you come out and join in the fun.

Stafford Air & Space Museum, Weatherford, OK

Located in western Oklahoma, this interactive aviation gallery teaches visitors about the history of flight. It’s a Smithsonian Affiliate and displays over 3,500 artifacts, including actual aircraft and replicas. One of its newest acquisitions is the NASA’s primary Shuttle Fixed-Based Simulator (FBS). See the Gemini Space Suit and Gen. Stafford’s FLOWN Apollo X Space suit up close.

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1900 West MacArthur, Shawnee, OK
Hours of operation: Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday: 1:00 - 4:00 pm History In 1903, while on a trip to the Holy Land, Fr. Gerrer... Read More
614 East Main Street, Shawnee, OK
Museum History: Historical Society of Pottawatomie County Timeline February 18. 1926: Concerned that the colorful history of the area was passing... Read More
1714 Highway 9 West, Seminole, OK
Children natually love to play in the grown-up roles of their parents. Our special place provides children an environment in which they can explore... Read More
2801 Northeast 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK
About Us:The National Softball Hall of Fame is the ultimate goal for any player, coach, umpire or administrator who aspire to greatness in the spor... Read More
2716 North East 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum building was completed in 1969 and houses the Museum and the offices of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Associat... Read More
3400 North East Grand Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK
History:The Central Oklahoma Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) was founded in 1972 by railroad enthusiasts, who had interes... Read More
750 N Main Street, Perkins, OK
The Cimarron Valley Railroad Museum was established by the Read family - Robert F. Read, Mazie Cox Read, and their son, Bob Read, Jr., in 1970 with... Read More
2145 North East 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK
The 45th Infantry Division Museum is funded by the State of Oklahoma through the Oklahoma Military Department and the 45th Infantry Division Associ... Read More
1700 North East 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK
Mission StatementThe National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum preserves and interprets the evolving history and cultures of the American West ... Read More
431 South Boulevard, Edmond, OK
Mission: Step through the front door of the Edmond Historical Society Museum and you immediately enter the community's history. The museum is hous... Read More
800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK
Our Mission: The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and... Read More
1721 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK
Mission: Our mission is to preserve the historic Harn Homestead and to educate the public about the territorial years of Oklahoma. Read More
9 East Sheridan Ave, Oklahoma City, OK
In an ongoing effort to honor the pioneers of the four-string banjo - as well as contemporary figures who carry on the traditions of their predeces... Read More
9 East Sheridan Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK
About Us:The American Banjo Museum is a $5 million, world-class 21,000 square foot facility honoring the rich history, vibrant spirit and unlimited... Read More
6 Santa Fe Plaza, Oklahoma City, OK
About Red Earth : Red Earth’s work falls in three main areas: The Red Earth Museum hosts a respected permanent collection of more than 1,400... Read More
620 North Harvey Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK
Mission Statement: The Mission Statement was the cornerstone document in shaping the meaning and guiding the design and development of the Memorial... Read More
415 Couch Drive, Oklahoma City, OK
Mission: Our mission is to enrich lives through the visual arts. History: The Oklahoma City Museum of Art's roots trace to early statehood effor... Read More
555 Elm Avenue, Norman, OK
MissionThrough its growing collections, diverse exhibitions, and programs, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art creates opportunities for the Universit... Read More
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