List of museums in Oklahoma facts for kids

Oklahoma is a state in the United States known for its rich history and diverse culture. One great way to learn about Oklahoma is by visiting its many museums!

A museum is a special place where people collect and take care of interesting objects. These objects can be about art, science, history, or different cultures. Museums then share these collections with everyone, so we can all learn and explore.

This guide will tell you about some of the cool museums you can find in Oklahoma. Get ready to discover amazing things!

Discovering Oklahoma's Cool Museums

Oklahoma has many museums that are perfect for young explorers like you. They cover everything from fast cars to ancient history!

Explore the World of Aviation and Space

If you love planes and space, Oklahoma has some exciting places to visit.

Soar Through Aviation History

• 99s Museum of Women Pilots in Oklahoma City: This museum celebrates the amazing history of women who fly planes. You can learn about their bravery and achievements in aviation.
• Alva Regional Airport Museum in Alva: Discover the history of flying in this area, including stories from a World War II prisoner of war camp that used to be in Alva.
• Oklahoma Museum of Flying in Bethany: See military aircraft being restored and learn about the history of flight. It's located at Wiley Post Airport.
• Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford: Named after astronaut Thomas P. Stafford, this museum explores aviation, space travel, and rockets. It's a great place to see real space artifacts!
• Stillwater Airport Memorial Museum in Stillwater: Learn about aviation history right at the Stillwater Regional Airport.
• Tulsa Air and Space Museum in Tulsa: Dive into the world of aerospace with exhibits on planes and space exploration.

Step Back in Time with History Museums

Oklahoma's history is full of exciting stories, from pioneers to Native American cultures.

Uncover Local and State History

• 14 Flags Museum in Sallisaw: Learn about the different flags that have flown over Oklahoma throughout its history.
• Bartlesville Area History Museum in Bartlesville: See displays about early settlers, Native Americans, and the oil industry in the Bartlesville area. You can even see a one-room schoolhouse!
• Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill: This center tells the story of the Cherokee Nation. It includes a museum with a "Trail of Tears" exhibit, Native American art, and even a recreated historic village called Diligwa.
• Cherokee National Prison Museum in Tahlequah: Explore a late 19th-century prison that was the only one in the Indian Territory for many years.
• Cherokee Strip Museum in Alva: See exhibits about pioneer life, Native American art, and old business displays.
• Cherokee Strip Museum in Perry: Learn about the history of the Cherokee Outlet and the people who lived there.
• Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid: This museum tells the story of the famous land run that settled the Cherokee Strip. It also has the Humphrey Heritage Village, showing pioneer life.
• Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum in Tahlequah: Visit a mid-19th century building that was once the judicial center for the Cherokee Nation.
• Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur: Discover the rich history and culture of the Chickasaw people through interactive exhibits.
• Chisholm Trail Historical Museum in Waurika: Learn about the famous Chisholm Trail, where cowboys drove cattle across the plains.
• Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan: Explore Western heritage, art, and the daily life of those who traveled the Chisholm Trail.
• Chisholm Trail Museum in Kingfisher: This open-air museum shows the history of the Chisholm Trail and includes a pioneer village with old buildings like a bank, schoolhouse, and jail.
• Choctaw Nation Capitol Museum in Tuskahoma: Learn about the history and culture of the Choctaw Nation in their historic capitol building.
• Cimarron Heritage Center in Boise City: This open-air museum has exhibits on local history, including the Dust Bowl, and features a 1920s schoolhouse and a ranch house.
• Eastern Trails Museum in Vinita: See exhibits on a local Civil War battle, ranching, and the influence of the Cherokee people.
• Edmond Historical Society Museum in Edmond: Explore the history of Edmond and its people.
• Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee: This museum focuses on the art, history, and culture of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole tribes.
• Fort Gibson Historic Site in Fort Gibson: Visit a reconstructed frontier fort and see original buildings and exhibits.
• Fort Reno in El Reno: Learn about the history of this military fort through artifacts, photos, and tours of historic buildings.
• Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum in Fort Sill: Discover the long history of this important military fort.
• Fort Supply Historic Site in Fort Supply: See original buildings and replicas of a stockade and tipi at this historic military site.
• Fort Towson Historic Site in Fort Towson: Explore the ruins of an early 19th-century fort and its visitor center.
• Fort Washita Historic Site in Durant: Visit restored mid-19th century fort buildings and museums.
• Gaylord-Pickens Museum in Oklahoma City: This museum features the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, celebrating famous people from Oklahoma's past and present.
• George M. Murrell Home in Park Hill: Step into a mid-19th century home and log cabin with living history demonstrations about Cherokee life.
• Harn Homestead in Oklahoma City: Experience what pioneer farm life was like at this historic homestead.
• Heartland of America Museum in Weatherford: See exhibits on family life, military history, Route 66, and vintage cars.
• Henry Overholser Mansion in Oklahoma City: Tour a beautiful 1903 Victorian home that belonged to an important social and civic leader.
• Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History in Chandler: Learn about pioneer life in Lincoln County, including a fun marionette theater.
• Museum of the Western Prairie in Altus: Discover the history of southwest Oklahoma through detailed displays and dioramas.
• National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City: This large museum showcases the art and artifacts of the American West, including rodeo history, barbed wire, and saddles.
• Oklahoma City National Memorial in Oklahoma City: A powerful memorial and museum dedicated to the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995.
• Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City: Explore the entire history of Oklahoma, from ancient Native American tribes to today.
• Oklahoma Territorial Museum in Guthrie: Learn about Oklahoma's territorial period, before it became a state.
• Old Greer County Museum and Hall of Fame in Mangum: See pioneer and Native American artifacts, cowboy items, and displays of old businesses.
• Old Town Museum in Elk City: This open-air museum includes the Pioneer Museum, a Farm and Ranch Museum, a Livery Stable, and a Train Depot, showing what Old Town Elk City was like.
• Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum in Pawnee: Visit the home of Wild West showman Pawnee Bill and his wife, May Lillie. See their historic home, barn with wagons, and even buffalo!
• Pioneer Woman Museum in Ponca City: This museum celebrates the lives of pioneer women and other women who made important contributions in various fields.
• Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum in Woodward: Learn about the history of the Plains Indians and early pioneers.
• Sod House Museum in Aline: See a preserved sod house, a type of home built by early settlers on the treeless plains.
• Spiro Mounds in Spiro: Visit ancient ceremonial mounds and a visitor center with artifacts from a significant Native American site.
• Territory Town Museum in Okemah: Explore recreated old western town storefronts with exhibits on the Civil War, Wells Fargo, and Indian artifacts.
• Three Rivers Museum of Muskogee in Muskogee: Learn about the local history of Muskogee and the surrounding area.
• Three Valley Museum in Durant: Discover the local history of the Durant area.
• Washita Battlefield National Historic Site in Cordell: Visit the site of the Battle of Washita, a significant event in Native American history, and its visitor center.
• Will Rogers Birthplace in Oologah: See the post-Civil War home and ranch where the famous entertainer Will Rogers was born.
• Will Rogers Museum in Claremore: Learn about the life and legacy of Will Rogers through artifacts and memorabilia.

Dive into Science and Nature

Curious about the natural world or how things work? These museums are for you!

Explore Natural Wonders

• A. D. Buck Museum of Science and History in Tonkawa: See birds and animals from North Central Oklahoma, along with local history exhibits.
• Beavers Bend Wildlife Museum in Broken Bow: See mounted wildlife displays in dioramas, showing animals in their natural settings.
• Elsing Museum in Tulsa: Part of Oral Roberts University, this museum has collections of gems, minerals, natural art, and Native American artifacts.
• Goddard Youth Museum in Sulphur: Operated by Goddard Youth Camp, this museum features animals, dinosaurs, fossils, and other nature exhibits.
• Kenton Mercantile Museum in Kenton: This unique place is a general store and museum combined, with dinosaur exhibits and a collection of jars and bottles.
• Midgley Museum in Enid: Discover a fascinating collection of gems, minerals, and other unique objects.
• Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City: This museum is all about skeletons! See exhibits of animal and human skeletons from around the world.
• Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton: Learn about the cultural and natural history of the Great Plains region.
• Northwestern Oklahoma State University Natural History Museum in Alva: See mounted birds, mammals, and fossils.
• Richard O. Dodrill's Museum of Rocks, Minerals & Fossils in Cushing: Explore a private collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils.
• Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman: A large museum with extensive collections of natural history, including dinosaurs, fossils, and Oklahoma's diverse ecosystems.
• Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City: This hands-on science museum is packed with interactive exhibits. It also includes the Kirkpatrick Planetarium and the Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame.
• Timberlake Rose Rock Museum in Noble: Learn about rocks and minerals, with a special focus on the barite rose rock, which is Oklahoma's state rock.
• Tulsa Geoscience Center in Tulsa: Explore geology, earthquakes, and the oil industry.
• Wildlife Heritage Center Museum in Antlers: See mounted wildlife displays.

Art, Culture, and Unique Collections

From beautiful art to quirky collections, Oklahoma's museums offer something for every interest.

Discover Artistic Expressions

• Alexandre Hogue Gallery in Tulsa: An art gallery run by the University of Tulsa's School of Art.
• Ataloa Lodge Museum in Muskogee: Part of Bacone College, this museum features Native American artifacts and art from North and South America, including ceramics and weavings.
• Eliza Cruce Hall Doll Museum in Ardmore: A charming museum with a collection of dolls.
• Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman: Part of the University of Oklahoma, this museum has collections of American, Native American, Asian, Contemporary, and European art.
• Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa: Known for its art of the American West, this museum also has art and artifacts from Central and South America.
• Goddard Center in Ardmore: A performing arts center with four art galleries and a sculpture garden.
• Henryetta Art Association Museum in Henryetta: See local art during special shows or by appointment.
• Jacobson House Native Art Center in Norman: An art gallery focusing on Native American art, located in a historic house.
• Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art in Shawnee: This museum has diverse collections, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and medieval objects, as well as Native American, African, and Eastern cultural artifacts.
• Oklahoma City Museum of Art in Oklahoma City: Features American and European paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photography, and glass art by Dale Chihuly.
• Oklahoma Contemporary in Oklahoma City: A museum dedicated to contemporary art.
• Owens Arts Place Museum in Guthrie: An art museum with various collections.
• Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa: A beautiful art museum with diverse collections housed in a historic villa.
• Pickens Museum in Ponca City: Features Native American turquoise jewelry, African American art, Native American art, and bronze sculptures.
• Red Earth in Oklahoma City: Celebrates American Indian arts and culture, including fine art, pottery, basketry, and beadwork.
• Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art in Tulsa: Explores Jewish culture, history, religion, and art.
• Willard Stone Museum in Locust Grove: Showcases the art of Cherokee sculptor Willard Stone.
• World Organization of China Painters Museum in Oklahoma City: Features beautiful art painted on porcelain objects.

Unique and Fun Collections

• American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City: Discover the history of the banjo in America and see a large collection of these instruments.
• American Pigeon Museum in Oklahoma City: Learn about the history of pigeons, including their role in World War I and II as message carriers.
• Afton Station Packard Museum in Afton: See a showroom with 18 Packards and other vintage cars, plus Route 66 memorabilia.
• Darryl Starbird Rod and Custom Car Hall of Fame Museum in Afton: If you love classic hot rods and custom cars, this is the place to be!
• George's Antique Auto Museum in Enid: Features antique automobiles displayed in settings that make you feel like you're stepping back in time.
• Mac's Antique Car Museum in Tulsa: Another great spot for antique car enthusiasts (check if it's still open).
• Muscle Car Ranch in Chickasha: See a collection of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and automotive signs on an old dairy farm.
• Townsend's Classic & Antique Auto Collection in Shawnee: A collection of classic and antique cars.
• D.W. Correll Museum in Catoosa: This museum has a bit of everything: antique cars, bottles, rocks, minerals, seashells, and local history items.
• J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum in Claremore: Home to an incredible collection of over 20,000 guns, plus knives, beer steins, and music boxes.
• National Route 66 & Transportation Museum in Elk City: Learn about the history of travel along the famous Route 66 across all eight states.
• Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton: Another museum dedicated to the history and memorabilia of Route 66.
• Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum in Miami: See a collection of vintage motorcycles and bicycles.
• Twister Museum in Wakita: Fans of the movie Twister will love this museum, which features items used in filming the movie.
• Toy & Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley: Explore the art and sculpting behind action figures. It's a fun place for anyone who loves toys!
• Woolaroc Museum in Bartlesville: This museum has Western paintings and sculptures, Native American art, Colt firearms, and tells the story of oilman Frank Phillips.

Sports and Entertainment

Celebrate Oklahoma's sports heroes and famous entertainers.

Cheer for Sports Legends

• International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City: Located inside the Science Museum Oklahoma, it honors famous gymnasts from around the world.
• National Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City: Celebrates the history of softball and its greatest players.
• National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater: Honors wrestling legends and the history of the sport.
• Oklahoma Sports Museum in Guthrie: Also known as the Territorial Sports Museum, it showcases Oklahoma's sports history.
• Oklahoma State University Heritage Hall in Stillwater: Learn about the history of athletics at Oklahoma State University.

Remember Famous Figures

• Carl Hubbell Museum in Meeker: Located in City Hall, this museum is dedicated to the famous baseball player Carl Hubbell.
• Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum in Gene Autry: See memorabilia from the singing cowboy Gene Autry's films, TV shows, and radio career.
• Jim Thorpe House in Yale: Visit the home of the legendary athlete Jim Thorpe.
• Roger Miller Museum in Erick: Learn about the life and music of singer and composer Roger Miller.
• Tom Mix Museum in Dewey: Dedicated to the movie cowboy Tom Mix.
• Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa: Explore the life and music of the famous folk singer Woody Guthrie.

Museums Just for Kids!

These museums are designed especially for young visitors to learn and play.

• Jasmine Moran Children's Museum in Seminole: A fun, interactive museum where kids can learn through play.
• Leonardo's Discovery Warehouse in Enid: Another great children's museum with hands-on exhibits.
• Oklahoma WONDERtorium in Stillwater: A children's museum focused on discovery and wonder.

Other Interesting Museums

• Cimarron Valley Railroad Museum in Cushing: Housed in an old Santa Fe depot, this museum features railroad cars, equipment, and memorabilia.
• Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City: Explore real train cars and learn about railroad history.
• Yukon's Best Railroad Museum in Yukon: Another museum dedicated to the history of railroads.
• Oklahoma Frontier Drug Store Museum in Guthrie: See artifacts and memorabilia from old frontier pharmacies and drugstores.
• Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum in Oklahoma City: Discover antique fire trucks and equipment.
• Oklahoma State Penitentiary Museum in McAlester: Learn about the history of Oklahoma's prison system through artifacts.
• USS Batfish in Muskogee: Tour a real submarine that served in World War II, now a museum ship and war memorial.

Defunct Museums

Some museums that used to be open in Oklahoma are now closed. These include:

• Center of the American Indian, Oklahoma City
• Ida Dennie Willis Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys, Tulsa
• Indian City USA Cultural Center, Anadarko
• National Lighter Museum, Guthrie