Oklahoma History Center
Oklahoma History Center
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Bring the past alive at the Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma’s state museum of history. At the Oklahoma History Center discover the people and stories that truly make Oklahoma unique. From oil and gas to aviation; from the Dust Bowl to space exploration; from tornadoes to the Land Run; from Native American Indians to Route 66, there’s a story of triumph and tragedy, hope and heartache, famous and infamous around every corner.The Oklahoma History Center is a testament to the indomitable spirit that built Oklahoma. With four permanent galleries and a special exhibits hall, guests will explore the more than 200 hands-on interactives and 50 subjects that tell the stories of Oklahoma and its people. We truly have something for everyone, with special events that appeal to all ages. From Civil War Day to Rockabilly concerts, there is always something going on!After visiting our galleries, enjoy lunch at the Winnie Mae Café located on the third floor. Be sure to visit our gift shop, stocked with items from local artists, educational games, souvenirs and much more, it is the perfect place to shop for your Oklahoma fix.Conveniently located in the Capital Complex, the Oklahoma History Center is adjacent to the State Capital and the Governor’s Mansion, both within easy driving or walking distance. The History Center is conveniently located off of I-35 and I-40, with easy passenger pick, drop-off and free motor coach parking.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles223 reviews
Excellent
140
Very good
65
Average
15
Poor
2
Terrible
1

Sherry R
Phoenix, AZ47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Solo
I spent 4 hours here and only got through half of the museum. It is divided into four galleries in addition to outdoor gardens and history plaques.

The economic history and development of Oklahoma was fascinating. I was also interested in the gallery about native Americans. I had to just skim information about the Sooners. And I missed all together the oil and gas gallery.

I only wish that there had been an audio guide rather than having to read each information sign. You can read things on your telephone by scanning the QR codes, but there weren't many of these and no audio accompanied them.

I came to this museum to learn about Oklahoma history since I am moving to Oklahoma City.
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

scott r
Silver Spring, MD701 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
I've found these state sponsored history museums run the gamut - some states really spend money and others are dusty relics everyone has forgotten about (i.e. here's a pair of boot that look old!) This one is most firmly the former. 2 hours is not enough - plan 3. If you read everything, plan more :) Comprehensive, soup to nuts, with lots of large scale displays that are visually intereting for those who want photos but don't want to labor over the fine print. I've been to a bunch of these across the country and this is a top contender. If you're skeptical - go. If you've got kids in tow - go. If you want to leave something more in depth - go as well, just be prepared for those kids, lol.
Written 25 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

blackjackmarcy
Caldwell, TX250 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
Take time to visit this interesting museum. It holds the interest of children and adults as well. Must see
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hrobinson1114
Nashville, TN2,788 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Solo
I’ve been assigned to work out in Oklahoma the last few months, so I’ve been learning about it. So far, the Oklahoma History Center has been one of my favorite spots. I got the whole rundown, beginning to present, for 10 bucks!

First of all, the staff is so nice. The volunteer who greeted me (I think his name was Fred?) was great. He gave me an overview of the whole museum and let me know how to make my way around.

There are several sections on Oklahoma history, including the natural habitat, industry, and innovation. They cover famous Oklahomans, the role Oklahoma residents played in the various wars of the country and world. There is a section on the musical Oklahoma, a famous Oklahoma steam ship. There is also a space exhibit featuring a real portion of a space shuttle. There are a surprising number of Oklahoman astronauts!

My favorite part of this museum, besides Fred and his enthusiasm, was the large section on First Americans peoples (indigenous people). Unlike some other area museums, they were honest and comprehensive in teaching what these people faced. They have a very good video that explains how natives were forcibly removed, tortured, betrayed, and assimilated. I applaud them for this.

I toured this museum toward the end of a very busy day, and my brain was overloaded. I only spent just over an hour here, but it deserves at least two probably.

Great place to learn about Oklahoma.
Written 21 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lorna B.
Bechtelsville, PA766 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021
My husband and I recently drove from our home in southeastern PA to OKC to spend a week learning about OK’s history, settlement, flora & fauna, etc. We always seek out state museums to visit when exploring a state that is new to us; as it happens, this museum is one of the best state history museums we have visited in all our travels.

We enjoyed all the galleries here, including OK’s native peoples (including the fruitful efforts of missionaries to spread Christianity among them), OK’s air & space involvement, and the exhibits about the Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical “Oklahoma!” and the 1950s Kitchen (which wasn’t too long before our time). Our favorite gallery was Crossroads of Commerce: A History of Free Enterprise in OK. It was interesting to learn about the state’s attainment of wealth and advancements following WWII and to learn about the many successful business ventures and industrial leaders from OK.

All in all, we spent just over two full hours here, exploring at a leisurely pace; it was time well spent. This museum is housed in a beautiful, large building and was easy to find; plentiful free parking was provided. The third-floor café was not open, but vending machines were available, as were tables & chairs, so I think you could “brown-bag” it. There are some items to see outside, but we skipped those since our time was short.
Written 24 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dianna P
Independence, Missouri798 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021
We wished we would have had more time. This was one of the best museums we have seen. It was very well laid out and there was so much information!
Written 7 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

okiesooner09
Oklahoma381 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021
As the name says, this is THE center for Oklahoma history. There are huge exhibits on outer space, the land runs, the Indian tribes, military, local business that are known nation wide (like Sonic) and famous Oklahomans. There are many informative videos. Lots of hands on exhibits. It has a beautiful gift shop with affordable books.
Written 17 November 2021
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Nancy A
240 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
Another great place. They had a special exhibit on Oklahomans and Space. They covered the Indian history, oil and gas but then had info on African American’s in Oklahoma, Law and Order, Farming, the musical Oklahoma and other things. Lots of fun, be sure to check out the Century Chest.
Written 30 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

VanEsq12
Dallas, TX2,457 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020 • Friends
This museum is ALL things Oklahoma. The museum is divided into sections, so in one you may learn about early peoples, in another, Oklahoma's path to statehood, in another its natural resouces, and in another, its innovation and inventions. This is a beautiful, informative museum. You will come away with a deeper appreciation of Oklahoma and its journey by going through this museum.
Written 12 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kenpasha
Bellingham, WA647 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
We're visiting our daughter and although I had driven through OK years ago we don't know a lot about the state. Therefore, we found this center right by the state capital worth an hour or two. We especially liked the wall of outlaws -- don't miss that! And the free enterprise exhibit. I learned that sonic burgers were started up here. I also didn't know about willie may flying around the world in 1935. The display on the women's movement in the meeting hall is also good.
You should have plenty of room for strolling around as we were the only ones in the place when we visited yesterday.
I always think of Oklahoma as a big oil state, but they don't stress that here.
Be sure to take the "ride" on braniff airlines! Now that is fun...
Enjoy.
Written 19 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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OKLAHOMA HISTORY CENTER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Oklahoma History Center

Oklahoma History Center is open:
  • Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:00


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