Although Oklahoma City shares many characteristics with other American cities, its unique location and history make it an obligatory stop for anyone interested in Western culture. For years, Oklahoma City has been at the center of American cattle production, which has also made it one of the capitals of cowboy culture. So don your Stetson and your boots, and get ready to learn all about the American West at any of the following locations throughout the city.

Your first stop might be the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, which plays host to an impressive collection of Western art. The museum showcases everything from paintings of western scenes and gear worn by cowboys of bygone eras to antique Native American objects. Also featured at the museum is a replica cattle town of the 1890s, furnished with all of the buildings associated with a burgeoning turn-of-the-century town, including a school, church, and train depot.

If looking at everything the museum has to offer gets you in the mood to see a modern cowboy experience, a few minutes outside Downtown Oklahoma City is Stockyards City. Here, in the home of the world’s largest cattle auction, you can watch real cowboys go to work every Monday and Tuesday. If you happen to visit on a Saturday night, you can also enjoy a Western music concert that celebrates one of the nation’s most storied musical genres. After taking in these spectacles, it’ll be no surprise if you want to purchase your own western clothing, jewelry, or tack. At Stockyards City, you can actually watch artisans as they produce every piece of cowboy equipment you can think of, from handcrafted saddles to durable boots and spurs. You can cap off your visit with a trip to Cattleman’s Steakhouse for an outstanding steak dinner.

Of course, Western culture doesn’t just consist of cowboys and cattle production. Oklahoma is also a land rich in Native American cultures, with about 40 tribes that call the state their home. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum includes historical articles created by Native Americans, but if you want to experience the living, breathing spirit of their cultures, head to the Red Earth Festival, which is held every June in downtown Oklahoma City. Representatives from tribes throughout the plains states and beyond gather in one of the largest Native American events in the nation. You’ll be able to watch traditional dance competitions and a parade, as well as enjoy a selection of delicious food. Even if you can’t schedule a June visit, you will still have the opportunity to drop by the accompanying Red Earth Museum, which is open throughout the year and features a collection of about 1,400 artifacts you can observe.

Even if you’re not a big fan of old Western movies, it might be worth your while to drop by any of these locations during your trip to OKC so you can learn a little about some of the cultures and lifestyles that shaped much of the country.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to travel.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to travel. http://www.laserspinelocations.com/oklahoma-city/

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to travel.

Category: Travel
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