Some of the most famous attractions in Oklahoma find their home in the big OKC or Oklahoma City. There’s so much more to the state and to the many cities than just what’s in the big city. From The Blue Dome in Tulsa to a hidden Mona Lisa, there are incredible finds all over the state.
The Blue Dome
202 S Elgin Ave, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74210
If you’ve seen the Hagia Sophia then this blue dome is something of a surprise. What once started as a gas station is now home to art shows and more. Along the infamous Route 66, The Blue Dome was designed to look like the Hagia Sophia and draw in travelers during an era of beautiful Art Deco.
Oklahoma Centennial Prairie
2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, Oklahoma, 73072
Not exactly an attraction but something of historical importance is the Oklahoma Centennial Prairie. This prairie is home to a few rare Oklahoman species of plants and it is one of the few preserved areas that still has the natural and native grasses of the area.
Oklahoma City Farmers Market
311 S Klein Ave, Oklahoma City, OKC 73108
One of the more well known areas, what makes this a hidden gem is the sheer amount of events that go on at the market. Built within a historic building there’s more to this place than just a farmer’s market. There’s an antique mall, wedding venues, and more! For those looking to test out the marijuana community, this is what is called a safe sesh space. For more information on medical marijuana in the state, check here.
Mona Lisa
22600-22698 E 360 Rd, Chelsea, Oklahoma, 74016
Not exactly much to talk about but a lot to see off of the side roads, take a quick little venture off to the side of one of the major roads in Chelsea and you’ll find a massive Mona Lisa painted on the side of a barn. Not much is known about why she is there, but what a brilliant way to use the side of a barn!
Sod House Museum
4628 OK-8, Aline, Oklahoma, 73716
One of the only standing sod houses to have made it this far in history, the house of Marshal MCully built in 1894 is a standing show of the fortitude of the pioneer. The museum is run by a single person so it is best to check in ahead of time to make sure that the museum is open.
Parallel Forest
Meers Rd, Lawton, Oklahoma, 73507
As a way to combat the severe dustiness of Oklahoman plains this forest was constructed by the government with very exact original dimensions that were used to break down the sweeping dust storms. The trees were planted exactly six feet from one another creating a perfectly parallel forest.
Heavener Runestone
18365 Runestone Rd, Heavener, Oklahoma, 74937
What started as an obsession by Gloria Farley soon became proof of the existence of vikings or viking like cultures in the area of Oklahoma. The inscription is seen as a marker and something of historical import. At one time it was thought that the Choctaw in the area had made the inscription but Gloria’s research soon disproved this.
Mister Ed’s Grave
13634-13644 OK-82 Tahlequah, Oklahoma
If you grew up with a love of horses or watching black and white shows, then the name of Mister Ed is probably very familiar to you. The infamous horse was an animal actor who portrayed a talking horse and his owner. Their many antics earned a place in the hearts of many Americans which has made the beautiful tombstone a favorite place for Mister Ed fans to visit.
The American Pigeon Museum
2300 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73111
Often unsung heroes, the homing pigeons of World War I and II are forgotten by most. The American Pigeon Museum, originally established in 1973 as the American Homing Pigeon Institute, refused to forget these flying heroes.
From mounted wings to awards, to donated paraphernalia from those who practiced the art of raising pigeons, the 10 plus acre facility works to tell the true story behind pigeons and their heroic nature.
Showmen’s Rest
Mount Olivet Cemetery, Hugo, Oklahoma, 74743
An incredible tombstone stands tall in the Mount Olivet Cemetery as a representative of all of the circus performers who worked to bring joy and life to those around them. It was originally purchased after the death of Kelly Miller, the owner of the Kelly Miller circus. It now stands as a tribute to “all showmen under God’s big top.”
Conclusion
These ten lesser known attractions are some of the most historical locations that you can visit. Even though the history seems lost, it is instead housed within the tombstones, the museums, and the ways in which the land and people are honored.
