Every city has their own unique attractions that are iconic to that city and Oklahoma City is no different. If you’re visiting OKC for the first time there are some sights that should simply not be missed. Most of them are free or require only a small admission fee.

Below you will find Oklahoma City’s top sights and attractions quintessential to the Sooner City that are perfect for the first time visitor’s itinerary. You can easily see all of these attractions in one day. If you have more time or if this is not your first trip, see this post on 23 best things to do in Oklahoma City for more ideas.

Can’t Miss In Oklahoma City

---

Myriad Botanical Gardens and Conservancy

The Myriad Botanical Gardens and Conservancy is a 17 acre botanical garden and interactive urban park located in downtown Oklahoma City. The Gardens are home to multiple tiers of densely landscaped areas that surround a sunken lake.

The main attraction is the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, a 224-foot living plant museum featuring towering palm trees, tropical plants, flowers and waterfalls.

This beautiful glass building is home to an astounding 750 varieties of plants! Whether you visit the Crystal Bridge Conservancy or not, the grounds of the Botanical Gardens are a must see.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. The museum collects and preserves an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts to educate and promote interest in the legacy of the American West.

At the museum you will find a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits that explore Native and American heritages along with numerous activities for children.

One of the best exhibits here is a replica of a turn-of the century cattle town featuring life size buildings and rooms that guests may explore which transport you to the bygone era. The museum is open to visitors seven days a week.

Bricktown

The Bricktown District is one of Oklahoma City’s biggest attractions and is a popular area with locals and visitor’s. This thriving downtown area is home to over 45 restaurants, bars, and retail shops including Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse and the Bricktown Brewery.

The Bricktown Canal is the center piece of the Bricktown district and there is even a water taxi that will take you on entertaining and historically-themed narrated cruises through the heart of downtown.

Other attractions in the area include the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, the Bricktown Canal and a movie theatre. Bricktown is one of Oklahoma City’s biggest attractions and should not be missed.

Skydance Pedestrian Bridge

The Skydance Pedestrian Bridge is an iconic landmark in Oklahoma City and visitors from across the state and country travel just to see and photograph this magnificent structure.

The bridge design was inspired by the ‘sky dance’ of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher which is Oklahoma’s state bird.

The 380-foot long pedestrian bridge soars over Interstate 40 with the sculptures wings reaching 185 feet into the air. The bridge is made of 412 tons of steel and is illuminated nightly by LED lights which are changed remotely for special events and holidays. The visually stunning structure is a beautiful sight for pedestrians and drivers alike.

Ferris Wheeler Park

Ferris Wheeler Park is home to the former Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel which was purchased on eBay in 2008 and transported to Oklahoma City. The Ferris wheel which stands 100 feet tall has been featured in films such as Titanic and Forest Gump.

From the top of the Ferris wheel you will see fantastic views of downtown Oklahoma City and Oklahoma River. You will also find the giant and iconic OKC sign which makes a great backdrop for your travel photos.

You can visit Ferris Wheeler Park at the old downtown Air-Park on western avenue. Tickets can be purchase as single rides, all day rides or as a season pass.

Centennial Land Run Monument

The Centennial Land Run Monument commemorates the opening of the unassigned land in Oklahoma Territory with the Land Run of 1889. The Land Run took place on April 22nd, 1889 when a cannon was fired at noon and 50,000 people scrambled to lay claim to a piece of the two million acres available.

The spectacular monument which depicts the frenzied rush during the Land Run was created by artist Paul Moore. It is one of the world’s largest bronze sculptures featuring 45 land run participants, horses and covered wagons as they race to claim new homesteads once owned by Native Americans.

You can find the Centennial Land Run Monument in the Bricktown District of Oklahoma City. It is located in a city park and open to the public year round.

Read More On Oklahoma City:

• 23 Best Things To Do In OKC
• Foodies Guide To Oklahoma City 
• Dallas To Oklahoma City Road Trip
• Best Day Trips From Oklahoma City

Have you visited any of these Oklahoma City attractions? Please share your experiences in the comments below. Join our facebook travel group for more weekly USA destination inspiration.