6 Destinations to see in OKC

Oklahoma City, OK boasts some of the largest western equine shows or events in the nation every year but the city provides more entertainment for equine enthusiasts than just the shows. With the University of Wyoming Horse Judging team, I travelled to each of these locations while visiting for a contest during the 2018 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity. With my second trip to Oklahoma City in 2019 I started to find my way around a bit better. Check out the map below to pick which locations you would like to see that are in the same areas.

Map Link

The destinations are in an personal order from most important to least when you have your first visit to Oklahoma City. Do notice though, that many of these can be equally as exciting, thrilling or impactful.

• State Fair Park hosts not only the NRHA Futurity, but also the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Show. These events mainly take place at the Jim Norick Arena, which is known as the “Horse Show Capital of the World.” With plenty of parking and a full-service café right next to the horse barns, it is the perfect venue for any equine event.

• National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is an amazing experience for cowboys, cowgirls and fans of the culture. This beautiful museum also boasts the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. They also host the Western Heritage awards each year and induct new members into the hall of fame when needed. Although there is a small fee for entry it is definitely worth it.

• Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum was the site of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. Although somber and not cowboy related it is worth the stop. To see the damage and destruction one person can cause, then see how the community recovered is a beautiful experience that everyone should take the time to see.

• Remington Park is home to some of the best entertainment in the city. They host many parties to celebrate the nation’s largest horse races along with boasting a live racetrack, casino and over four ways to enjoy your meal while watching the races. You have to be over the age of 18 to get into the casino and few of the restaurants so this is probably the least family friendly stop on my list.

• Heritage Place Inc. Not only does this beautiful facility boast some of the best AQHA racehorse sales, they also have a racetrack to test the youngsters on before they sell. It is a beautiful venue for many other events such as the NRHA Collegiate Judging Awards Presentation. They also allow some touring of the grounds where breeders have permanent booths advertising their equine bloodlines and years of hard work. Passion for the equine industry runs strong at Heritage Place and it is most definitely worth the stop.

• Tener’s Western Outfitters is your one stop shop for all things western clothing. From shirts and jeans to a good hat and a pair of boots, they’ll get you gussied up in anything you need to fit in. Even check out the sale rack for some sweet deals! Don’t forget to top off your outfit with a wild rag in the winter or a little turquoise in the warmer months. If you can't make it to see them in person just order online!

The stops on this list are the gems for the touring cowboy or cowgirl to seek out on their visit to the big city. So, as you make your first journey to the “Horse Show Capital of the World” don’t forget to get out of the state fair park and see what else the city has to offer.