Oklahoma City National Memorial
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On April 19, 1995, domestic terrorists bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. One hundred sixty-eight people died, over 600 people were injured, and more than 300 buildings in a 16-block radius were damaged or destroyed. The attack changed the city--and the country--forever. On the fifth anniversary of the attack, the Oklahoma City National Memorial was dedicated. The memorial not only tells the stories of the people and places affected on that fateful morning but showcases the city's resilience in its recovery.
Things To Do Near Oklahoma City National Memorial
Located in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, the memorial is at once a solemn tribute to the bombing's victims and an expression of recovery's hope. The city itself has a rich history dating back to the first days of western settlement, reflected in its many museums and cultural centers. For RVers, a stop in the city that's considered a central gateway to the southwest U.S. is worth the time.
Hiking Trails
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Bluff Creek Park Trail
This trail is popular with both hikers and bicyclists. Although surrounded by a city, the quiet wooded trail makes it easy to leave the urban world outside. Although the course itself is relatively flat, some heavy bike and foot traffic may slow you up a bit.
Location
11301 N Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City OK 73162
Length
3.4 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Lake Hefner Trail
Located in northwestern Oklahoma City, this trail circles Lake Hefner, a favored recreation area. Although hikers share the paved trail with bicyclists, there is a separate bike lane. You can see beautiful fields of wildflowers or watch model airplanes fly at the nearby remote control airfield.
Location
4491 S Lake Hefner Dr, Oklahoma City OK 73116
Length
9.4 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Oklahoma River Trails
These trails bracket the north and south shores of the Oklahoma River. The northern trail connects with the Bricktown Canal Trail for those wanting to check out the trendy Bricktown neighborhood. Make sure you take a side trip to see the uniquely designed SkyDance pedestrian bridge.
Location
701 S Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73129
Length
13 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Field of Empty Chairs
In the footprint of the Murrah Building, this striking display of 168 chairs stand empty, one for each person killed in the bombing. They are arranged in nine rows to represent the building's nine floors and placed according to where the victims were on those floors. Nineteen smaller chairs represent the children who died that day, and five chairs set outside the rows are for those who died outside of the building.
Location
620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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Survivor Tree
This American elm tree was planted around 1920 and was gravely damaged in the bombing. Today, it still flourishes and is surrounded by a small plaza where visitors can take in the memorial. Saplings from the tree are distributed every year on the anniversary of the bombing and have been planted all over the U.S.
Location
620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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Survivors Wall
All that remains of the original Murrah Building are these two partial walls from the north and east sides of the building. Granite pieces saved from the building were made into panels, which have been inscribed with the names of over 600 survivors of the bombing. The walls stand near the Reflecting Pool, which was once NW Fifth Street.
Location
620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Museums
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Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum
On the memorial's grounds and housed in a former newspaper building damaged in the bombing, the museum displays thousands of artifacts from that terrible day and its aftermath. Part of the museum's second floor was deliberately not repaired so that visitors can get an idea of the extent of the devastation. Note that the museum charges admission fees.
Location
620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City OK 73102
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National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Originally known as the Cowboy Hall of Fame and Museum, the museumholds one of the world's largest rodeo photographs and memorabilia collections. Its galleries contain works from famous Western artists such as Frederic Remington as well as Native American artists. It also holds lectures and various shows to educate visitors on the past and present of the American West.
Location
1700 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City OK 73111
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Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
Thirty minutes from the memorial, this museum on the University of Oklahoma campus houses collections ranging from Baroque drawings to modern photography. Collections include Native American art, French Impressionism, and Eastern Orthodox icons, among others. The museum is considered to be one of the most extensive university art museums in America.
Location
555 Elm Ave, Norman OK 73019
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Kitchen No. 324
If breakfast and brunch are your favorite meals, you won't want to miss this restaurant in the historic Braniff Airlines building. It bakes its own pastries and rotates its menu with the season. Don't miss its signature dish, fried chicken pot pie.
Location
324 N Robinson Ave, Oklahoma City OK 73102
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Leo's BBQ
Leo's has been dishing up ribs, hot sausage links, and smoked bologna for nearly 50 years to barbecue fans from everywhere. Meats, however, are just part of its specialties. Fans rave over the spicy baked beans and the famous strawberry banana cake.
Location
3631 N Kelly Ave, Oklahoma City OK 73111
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Jumpin Jackalope Mercantile
Modeled on the general stores found in the Old West, this is the place to find uniquely Oklahoman products. It's particularly known for its house-made beef jerky, truffles, and fudge. It's got a little bit of Oklahoma everything, so browse to your heart's content!
Location
208 Johnny Bench Dr, Oklahoma City OK 73104
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Scissortail Gifts
Named for Oklahoma's state bird, the scissor-tailed flycatcher, this shop features creations from over 60 local artisans and craftspeople. Regional foods, clothing, and housewares are just some of the items you'll find here. It's a great place to find that one-of-a-kind Oklahoma souvenir.
Location
3421 N Walnut Ave, Oklahoma City OK 73105
How To Get To Oklahoma City National Memorial
Interstate 235 is the nearest highway to the memorial. From there, you can exit onto NW 6th Street from the north or NW 4th Street from the south to get to Harvey Avenue and the memorial. The memorial has a parking garage that is free for museum visitors with validation.
Address
620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City OK 73102
Fee: Entry fee $0
Oklahoma City was forever altered by the events of April 19, 1995. Far from being a place of sadness, though, the Oklahoma City National Memorial both honors the victims and displays the strength and perseverance shown by the city afterward. An RV trip is a great way to take in this soul-stirring memorial.
