Oklahoma City is an area known for its rich history, as well as its growing cultural scene. As the state’s capital, it’s also a political hub, home to government buildings and historical landmarks.
But if you dig a little deeper, there are some quirky things that top the list of things to do in Oklahoma City.
For example, there’s the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which is coincidentally one of the many senior-friendly attractions in the city. So if you’re interested in cultural activities for seniors, read on. This article tells you what’s available at this museum.
About the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is located at 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111. It was founded in 1955, and as the name suggests, it showcases art and artifacts that honor the legacy of the American West. Every year over 10 million people come to learn all about American cowboys and Native American culture.
The museum is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sundays from noon to 5:00 pm. The admission is as follows:
- Adults: $20
- Seniors and military: $17
- Students/children 6-17: $12
- Children five and under: free
There are also museum memberships available, starting at $75. You’ll get year-round admission, a quarterly museum newsletter, discounts at participating places, and access to member-exclusive exhibition previews.
Accessibility
The museum is wheelchair-friendly, with elevators and ramps throughout. If you need a wheelchair or scooter, they’re free to rent on a first-come, first-served basis. You’re also allowed to bring your service animals.
The museum is also a certified autism center. There are sensory kits available if you or a loved one needs them. The kits have tools for easing anxiety, such as noise-canceling headphones and weighted lap pads.
Should you need an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, you can arrange one at no additional charge. Do note that you’ll need to give the museum at least four weeks’ notice.
All of the above make this museum one of the most accessible travel destinations in the state!
Now that you’re more familiar with it, let’s go through what you can do here.
Start at the Visitor Information Desk
The visitor information desk is just inside the entrance, so it’s hard to miss. Here, you can grab a museum map so you can check the daily schedule for any special events.
This is also the place to ask about wheelchair rentals if needed, as well as discounts on admission.
See the Collections
In the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum are multiple galleries. They include:
- American Cowboy
- American Rodeo
- Art of the American West
- Find Your West Immersive
- Fine Firearms
- Liichokoshkomo
- Museum of the Frontier West
- Native American Art
- Native American Gallery
- Prix de West
- Prosperity Junction
- Sculpture
- Western Performers
In each area, you’ll view paintings and sculptures by top artists from different periods. It’s a peaceful and inspiring way to appreciate history. There are many benches to sit and admire the works if you can’t walk for long.
There are also three Halls of Fame & Awards. They honor great people who have enriched the facets of Western heritage. The highlights here include:
- Western Heritage Awards
- Great Western Performers
- Great Westerners
- Chester Reynolds
- National Rodeo Hall of Fame
- Ben Johnson
- Tad Lucas
- PBR Heroes and Legends
- Annie Oakley
- Prix de West
- Small Works, Great Wonders
Check Out the Exhibitions
In addition to the permanent collections, this museum has temporary exhibitions too. As far as history museums go, this one has some fascinating displays that you won’t see anywhere else.
For instance, it currently has an exhibition of cowboy boots, and it’ll run through May 4th, 2025. You’ll get to admire the craftsmanship that goes into making this type of footwear, as well as learn how they evolved from their original 19th-century appearance to their modern-day looks.
There’s also the Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale, which is a special event, as it showcases outstanding works of Western art that you can marvel at. And if you like any of them enough, you can even bring them home! This is an art sale weekend where you can put money down to get your hands on unique art pieces.
Go See Prosperity Junction
Prosperity Junction is a life-sized replica of a 19th-century Western town. When you step into this area, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time and that you’re a cowboy yourself! Within this replica town are shops, offices, a one-room schoolhouse, a church, and a doctor’s home, as well as a railroad, blacksmith, and livery.
If you’ve got a special day coming up, you can even rent out Prosperity Junction as an event space. It’ll be an unforgettable experience!
Learn Through Fun Activities
There are several fun activities you can do at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum as a family, so if your grandkids live nearby, or visit you often, a day out at the museum can be what you need for quality bonding time.
Children can exercise their reactivity by participating in the “Choose Your Adventure!” sessions. Those who have older grandchildren can sit and listen to guest speakers during Code of the West Discovery Table sessions.
The museum also has special events like Indigenous Foodways. Not only can you learn about traditional foods in indigenous cultures, but you’ll also get to sample these dishes.
Visit the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is an amazing treasure trove of history, art, and culture. It can already be a blast to visit on your own, but it can be an even more outstanding experience if you bring your family along.
There’s lots of comfortable seating and accessibility features, so you can walk around and learn without worrying that you can’t rest easily. Those searching for a relaxed yet enriching experience won’t be disappointed at this museum.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about senior living in Oklahoma City. Morada Lake Hefner is a pet-friendly community with a packed schedule of activities.
