Oklahoma’s list of defining features runs long and wide, with many of its signature activities and attractions available to groups.
The lineup of must-do group outings includes rafting and climbing, touring world-class museums and art deco architecture, shopping for a perfect pair of cowboy boots and singing along to This Land is Your Land.
Following are eight great ideas that groups shouldn’t miss in the Sooner State.
Boathouse District, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s Boathouse District is a great place for visiting groups seeking a team-building outing.
According to M. Elizabeth Laurent, senior director, marketing and sales for OKC Boathouse Foundation, the attraction offers activities to improve collaboration, build trust and energize teams to work together more effectively.
“Our newest attraction is whitewater rafting, which opens in May,” Laurent says. “Do your meetings in the morning in one of our state-of-the art meeting facilities, then get out in six-person rafts and ride the rapids.”
The group can also experience activities like paddling as a team to the beat of a drum on a 10-person dragon boat on the Oklahoma River or, if attendees prefer a land-based adventure, they could check out SandRidge Sky Trail, which features challenges including rope bridges and balance beams.
Stockyards City, Oklahoma City
“Oklahoma’s ties to the Old West run deep and nowhere in the state are those ties more evident than Stockyards City,” says Meriruth Cohenour, member of the Stockyards City Main Street Promotions Committee. “While the district is still home to the largest stocker/feeder cattle market in the world, it’s the merchants in the area that make this a must-see destination for visitors.”
Attendees interested in shopping for unique items will appreciate time to explore Stockyards City, where they’ll find purveyors of Western clothing, cowboy boots and hats, refurbished furniture, jewelry, soaps, candles, homemade fudge and more.
“A juicy steak at the world-famous Cattlemen’s Steakhouse will complete your Stockyards experience, and if you are here on a Saturday night, check out the Rodeo Opry for high-quality entertainment,” Cohenour says.
She adds groups have arranged scavenger hunts here, and there is meeting space at the Cattlemen’s Event Center.
“Most businesses would be happy to have a special event in their store as well,” she says.
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was established to remember those killed, and the survivors and rescuers at the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995.
The museum provides an interactive learning experience using dozens of touch screens, hundreds of artifacts and hours of videos.
“Experiencing both the museum and outdoor symbolic memorial puts human faces on the tragedy and gives insight into what the people of Oklahoma City stand for—kindness, resilience and hope,” says Kari Watkins, executive director of the memorial and museum.
While groups can visit any time of day, the outdoor memorial is particularly memorable in the evening when it’s lit up.
Woody Guthrie Center, Tulsa
The aim of the Woody Guthrie Center is to both showcase the history and influence of a legendary musician and to demonstrate how one voice can change the world.
“Woody's message was one of social justice, and his guitar was his weapon to fight for the rights of those who felt powerless,” says Deana McCloud, executive director of the center.
The attraction, which is located in the Brady Arts District, has interactive digital components that engage visitors, as well as traveling exhibits featuring other artists like Bruce Springsteen.
“The space is a beautiful venue for event rental, with several areas or the entire gallery available for guests to explore,” McCloud says, adding group tours are available upon request.
Tours of Tulsa’s Art Deco Tour
Tulsa is home to one of the greatest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the country and, according to Kelly Gibson, tour guide for Tours of Tulsa, groups can book an outing to learn about these iconic structures.
“These skyscrapers, all on the National Register of Historic Places, were going up during Tulsa’s ‘Oil Capital of the World’ days,” she says, adding visiting groups should “see the beautiful ‘Black Gold’ lobbies that were built with oil money.”
Among the sites the group will see on the tour are the Philcade Building, Philtower Building, Mid-Continent Tower and the Atlas Life Building.
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Norman
The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma houses collections strong in French Impressionism, Native American art, art of the Southwest and contemporary American art.
“Group tours that explore the museum’s permanent collections and temporary exhibits are available with two weeks notice,” says Michael Bendure, director of communication at the museum. “These docent-led tours highlight specific works and artists, and help provide insight into art themes, styles and inspirations.”
The museum also offers multiple spaces that groups can rent for lectures, receptions and seated dinners.
“The museum makes the perfect setting for a unique event,” Bendure says. “Priceless art and elegant surroundings make a sophisticated setting for memories to be made.”
Climb Up Gym, Norman
Groups interested in teambuilding activities that foster trust and problem-solving skills should check out the recently opened Climb Up Gym, where people of all skill levels can try, among other activities, bouldering, during which they climb above a padded surface sans ropes and a harness. Another option is top-roping, which employs a belayer to catch and lower the climber.
“If you are looking for an experience that is different than your regular outings, something that gets attendees moving and off the ground, Climb Up is the perfect destination for groups,” says Aaron Gibson, owner of Climb Up. “Our space offers a large open area that is perfect for large groups, and we can even rent out the entire facility for special events.”
Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Shawnee
Founded in 1919, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is one of the oldest museums in Oklahoma.
According to the museum’s director, Dane F. Pollei, its collection documents more than 8,000 years of human creativity, including art from ancient Egypt.
“The two Egyptian mummies are favorites of many visitors, especially Tutu, a late-period mummy,” Pollei says, adding other highlights of the museum include European paintings, American landscapes, and African and Native American art.
Two meeting spaces are available and group tours can be arranged.
