When you visit Shawnee, Oklahoma, eventually someone will say “I’m hungry!” and ask “What’s to eat?” Shawnee boasts a wide variety of dining options including recognizable national chains. But where do the locals eat? And where are must-eat local stops during your visit(s)? We list the top must-try restaurants in Shawnee. Van’s Pig Stand is Oklahoma’s oldest barbeque restaurant continuously owned and operated by the same family. They’ve been doing Bar-B-Q right since 1930. You’ll find quality smoked meats steeped in tradition and great, deep flavor. There’s two Shawnee locations. The one on Highland is the original. The Hamburger King has been "famous for hamburgers since 1927." The King serves up food in a dining area filled with 1950s-style decor. This restaurant features a unique way to order – after perusing the menu, you pick up a phone at your table and "call in" your order. Then a server brings your food right to your table. For more barbecue and steaks, look for Billy Boy's BBQ , Paul's Place Steakhouse . Theopolis Social Club is a “brasserie-style destination in the heart of the Depot District where wine, cocktails, food & culture collide in a modern, eclectic space.” The neighborhood restaurant makes all of their food from scratch using as many local ingredients as possible. You’ll enjoy the atmosphere almost as much as the food and drinks! The Lunch Box is a sandwich shop serving sandwiches and not your typical sandwiches! What they create for sandwiches is art. Also serving soups, salads, and desserts. (Hello! DESSERTS!!) It’s not deli... it's deli-cious. The Owl Shoppe is a small family-run restaurant established in 2012. Stepping in you may question eating there. But good luck getting a table ‘cause the locals LOVE the Owl. It’s the healthier menu in Shawnee with vegan and gluten-free options. Frateli's serves Shawnee's best Italian food made according to family recipes brought over from the old country more than two decades ago. Sure there’s familiar faves – pizza, calzones, and pasta dishes – but their specialty dishes are what you will want to order! Firelake Fry Bread Tacos is Oklahoma’s ONLY dedicated fry bread taco restaurant. These aren’t the carnival or county fair kind, but authentic offerings. Choose from grilled chicken, ground beef or ground bison. Pile on either black, chili or pinto beans, fresh vegetables and an assortment of cheeses, sour cream and salsa. Accompany it with a meat pies or finish with fry bread with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, powered sugar, cinnamon and honey. All recipes were created by a Potawatomi tribal member, so you can be sure your fry bread taco is an authentic piece of Native American cuisine.

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art “This is a gem of a museum with an encyclopedic collection of art and artifacts spanning history from ancient Egypt to modern times. The biggest draw is the mummy, but the Medieval, Renaissance, and 19th century collections are also fantastic. Great representations of Indigenous American and African art as well.” - Donna M. Pottawatomie County Museum Complex The complex includes a beautiful, historic train depot that looks like a castle. That in itself makes it a must-visit. Go inside adjacent Milburn Center for exhibits on Pottawatomie County and railroad memorabilia. On the grounds is the Beard Cabin . Built in 1892, it is considered to be the first home built in Shawnee! Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center Shawnee is home to four tribal governments, each with their own cultures, languages and traditions. The Potawatomi Nation has developed a Cultural Heritage Center which preserves and interprets artifacts relevant to indigenous Great Lakes cultures, with an emphasis on the Anishinabe Potawatomi. Gift Shop inside the museum offers unique Native American made jewelry, ceremonial items, traditional native attire, a vast array of Pendleton blankets, jackets, clothing, bags and more. Painted Horses In celebration of Oklahoma's centennial year (2007,) the community took on a project to place hand-painted fiberglass horses around Shawnee. There are nearly three dozen of the stallions to see, and each is unique. And to answer your question before you ask, the horse is a significant part of local culture, such as the International Finals Youth Rodeo and other Western-style events Shaw-"neigh" hosts annually. That’s why! Murals The public art goes beyond the painted horses. Throughout Shawnee, there are also murals designed and painted by local artists . They wanted to capture the beauty of downtown and inform people of the unique history of Shawnee. Most are Downtown. Grave Site of Dr. Brewster Higley While born in Indiana and a long time Kansas resident, the otolaryngologist wrote “Home on the Range,” which is the Kansas state song. Dr. Higley’s travels brought him to Shawnee where he passed away. He is buried in Fairview Cemetery. Historic signage marks where he is buried. “Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam. Where the deer and the antelope play.” - Dr. Brewster Higley St. Gregory’s Abbey and Monks' Marketplace Saint Gregory's Abbey is home to a monastic community where monks live together, work together, and pray together. The monks gather seven times a day in the church for the liturgy of the hours and Eucharist. The church is also used for liturgical functions for other occasional special events. Guests may visit the abbey by appointment or shop the Monks' Marketplace which specializes in handcrafted and locally grown products from the Abbey and volunteers. There’s so many sights to see, events to attend, and local shops to shop. And because Shawnee sits at the crossroads of America on Interstate 40, just minutes from Interstates 44 and 35, there is plenty to experience around Shawnee as well. We hope to see you soon in Shawnee, Oklahoma!

Shawnee currently has four trails for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. All of Shawnee's trails are paved, free and open to the public. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails. Click a trail to skip to its map & details: Airport Trail Avedis Park Trail Boy Scout Park Trail Bryan Street Trail Airport Trail Length: 3.21 miles (5K) Trail type: Asphalt, divided path loop Shawnee's premier trail for running, walking, and cycling, this 10-foot wide divided path circles Shawnee Regional Airport, passing three parks along its route -- Dean Weigant Park , Lion's Club Park , and Sister Cities Peace Garden -- as well as a mulched workout station. A fun feature of this trail is the north leg, where the trail descends briefly underneath the runway of the airport through a lit tunnel! This trail is lit from dusk to dawn all the way around, so it is safe and permitted to run or bike at night. An off-shoot path from the loop also goes west on MacArthur, allowing pedestrians to walk or bike to the OBU Green Campus (formerly St. Gregory's University), where there is a walking labyrinth, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art , and St. Gregory's Abbey . Click on the map above to see the route map larger. Avedis Park Trail Length: 1 mile Trail type: Concrete loop This paved trail is located on Union Street beside and behind Shawnee Middle School, and is completely ADA accessible! Located in Shawnee's newest park , this 1-mile figure eight trail loop starts at the tennis and basketball courts before winding down into a wooded area and creek, around the outdoor amphitheater, and back. There is some up and downhill in this trail, but it is even pavement throughout. This park was a gift to the community from the Avedis Foundation . Boy Scout Park Trail Length: 0.5 mile Trail type: Asphalt loop This half-mile track winds through Boy Scout Park and is almost entirely shaded by mature trees, making it an ideal walking trail in the hotter months, especially if you stop off at the adjacent splash pad in the park! The trail also includes a StoryWalk for the littles, featuring new stories seasonally thanks to the Pioneer Library System. This is the only trail with restrooms available. Bryan Street Trail Length: 2 mile Trail type: Asphalt, divided path out-and-back This asphalt divided-path trail follows a large stretch of Bryan Street, from MacArthur St to Highland St. It is two miles from beginning to end, four miles if walked out-and-back. Looking for more outdoor adventures in Shawnee? Look no further! Want to know more about how Shawnee is building a healthier community? Learn more about the Avedis Foundation and their goal to measurably increase quality of life in Pottawatomie County:

Searching for Shawnee's Convention and Visitor's Bureau (CVB), Chamber of Commerce, or Department of Tourism? You've come to the right place! We've gathered the most frequently asked queries about who we are, what we do, and why below. What is Visit Shawnee? Visit Shawnee is the Tourism department of the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma which was formed in June 2019. It is our department's primary focus to grow the visitor economy through destination marketing and management. This department is funded entirely by the occupancy tax collected from hotels and motels. Why does Shawnee have a Tourism Department? Tourism is Oklahoma's third largest industry . Our department closely with regional and state partners along with our local businesses to bring the most value to Shawnee through Oklahoma's blossoming visitor economy. We represent Shawnee on a national stage, enticing would-be visitors to stay the night in our city and visit our museums, restaurants, shops, lake, and other destinations. We also work directly with event organizers and film producers to base their projects here. You can see our latest research and strategic plan here . Shawnee, OK Convention & Visitors Bureau or Chamber of Commerce Visit Shawnee serves visitors, event organizers, and destination proprietors of Shawnee, OK much like a convention and visitor's bureau and chamber of commerce in many respects. However, unlike a traditional convention and visitor's bureau or chamber of commerce, our services are completely free to destination proprietors and event organizers and do not require a membership or fees of any kind. If you are looking for information and assistance in bringing an event to Shawnee, we are ready to help your event thrive in Shawnee! If you are looking for support in ensuring your business succeeds in Shawnee, we can help in a myriad of ways as long as your business is a potential visitor-serving place to stay, eat, shop, or play (some restrictions do apply). If your business does not fall into these categories, our friends at Shawnee's economic development office, Shawnee Forward , would be glad to help! Shawnee, OK Tourist Information Center We love to welcome new & familiar visitors to our town year-round! In June 2021, we opened a new Welcome Center facility just north of Oklahoma Baptist University at 2820 N Kickapoo Avenue. Whether you're deciding to visit from near or far (or even if you call Shawnee home), our Welcome Center hosts a wealth of information to make sure you find your next great adventure in Shawnee! Shawnee Exposition Center Visit Shawnee does not manage Shawnee's Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center, but we do work closely with Expo staff to ensure that the events they host have everything they need to thrive in Shawnee. If you are interested in booking the Shawnee Expo for your events, please visit their website at ShawneeExpo.com ! Shawnee Special Event Permits Visit Shawnee also manages special event permitting for the City of Shawnee, OK. Events that utilize public resources (parks, public parking lots, streets, etc) or that have special considerations (carnivals, concerts, food vendors, etc.) must acquire a special events permit. We're here to help make it easy for great events to flourish in Shawnee. View the event permit FAQ and find the online application at VisitShawnee.com/event-permits. Shawnee Film & Music Office Shawnee was one of the first cities to complete the Oklahoma Film and Music Office's Film Friendly City certification . The film industry is booming in Oklahoma, and several film productions have already been to Shawnee, with many more scouting us for the future! Visit Shawnee also functions as the Shawnee Film & Music Office. Learn more about the film industry and Shawnee on our Film Office website . Our History and Accomplishments The Tourism Department of the City of Shawnee was formed in June 2019. Previously, the organization was an independent not-for-profit organization that performed CVB functions. City leadership felt that the work could be more financially sustainable and accessible to proprietors as a municipal department, and so we have been growing and learning as a part of Shawnee's municipality ever since. Shawnee's first Director of Tourism Stacy Cramer Moore was brought onboard in July 2019. Although slowed by the pandemic during her first year in office, Stacy laid a foundation that enabled the department to bloom quickly as the pandemic slowed, and open the new Welcome Center on Kickapoo by June 2021. In 2022, Visit Shawnee was given Oklahoma's highest honor for the tourism industry, the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association's Redbud Award for Tourism Organization of the Year. We also took home a Redbud for Best Tourism Website in 2022, and supported the Citizen Potawatomi Nation in accepting a Redbud for Best Event for the Fireflight Balloon Festival, which takes place in Shawnee each August.

While Shawnee was historically a small town (we are rapidly growing, with a population nearly 32,000 as of the 2020 census), many of Oklahoma's best and brightest hail from the area or earned their education in Shawnee's local universities or spent a meaningful portion of their life and work in this historic city. While there are many more, here are a selection of the most widely recognized and appreciated persons who have called Shawnee home. Prerna Gupta Top 10 Most Influential Women in Tech Gupta grew up in Shawnee, graduating from Shawnee High School and then Stanford. She is an investor, mentor, and advisor to many tech start-ups as well as a writer and CEO in her own technology companies. Learn more about Prerna Gupta. Brad Pitt Oscar-Winning Actor This beloved, storied actor was born Shawnee, although he and his family moved to Missouri while he was still very young. He still has family in the area and is rumored to have introduced several of his famous girlfriends and wives to Shawnee's local favorite cafes and hangouts. Learn more about Brad Pitt. Gordon Cooper Astronaut & Adventurer A Shawnee native, he went to space in Mercury 9 and Gemini 5 during the race to the moon, proving that humans could make the journey safely. He was the first American to sleep in space, and the last launched on a solo orbital mission. Learn more about Gordon Cooper. Brad Henry 26th Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the son of Charles Henry, a prominent judge and former state representative. After graduating from Shawnee High School in 1981, Henry attended the University of Oklahoma as a President's Leadership Scholar and earned a bachelor's degree in economics in 1985. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. In 1988, he was awarded his J.D. degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he served as managing editor of the Law Review. Henry practiced law in Shawnee, Oklahoma before running for the Oklahoma State Senate. He served as a state senator from 1992 until he became governor. Learn more about Brad Henry Aloysius Larch-Miller Rights Activist Moved with her family from Tennessee to Shawnee in 1903. In 1918 while battling influenza, she debated ratification of the 19th amendment and won; she died of her illness just weeks later, and Oklahoma ratified the amendment the month she died. Shawnee honors her through a park named after her located on Broadway. Learn more about Aloysius Larch-Miller. Captain Robert "Bob" Lloyd Ford American Hero, Author, Philanthropist & Businessman Did you know Captain Robert “Bob” Lloyd Ford flew over 1000 combat missions as a UH-1 Huey helicopter pilot from July 1967-July 1968 in the Vietnam War? He and his brother Bill were instrumental in the creation of the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial that now stands in Woodland Park in historic downtown Shawnee. Learn more about Captain Ford. Dr. Brewster Higley, VI Author, Home on the Range "Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam..." You might not know his name, but you definitely know the song. Higley penned the poem that became an anthem of the west. Shawnee is his final resting place. Learn more about Dr. Brewster Higley, VI. Father Gregory Gerrer Artist, Academic, and Collector of Treasures Father Gregory Gerrer's colorful and adventurous life led him many places, entering the monastic life at Shawnee's Sacred Heart Abbey. Throughout his life and travels he studied, collected, and traded for art and his collection now resides in Oklahoma's oldest art museum, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. Learn more about Father Gregory Gerrer here. Jim Thorpe Greatest All-Around Athlete of the 20th Century Considered by many to be the greatest all-around athlete that ever lived. Though no birth certificate exists, Jim referred to the Shawnee/Prague area, Indian Territory, as his birthplace. He was raised Sac & Fox and called Wa-Tho-Huk (Bright Path). Learn more about Jim Thorpe. Robert S. Kerr Environmentalist & Statesman Robert S. Kerr (1896 - 1963) was Oklahoma’s first native-born governor, a wealthy oilman, and eventually a powerful U.S. senator, elected three times. Senator Kerr believed strongly in the promise of Oklahoma, and that it was possible to heal her land and conserve her natural resources. While Kerr was born in Ada, Oklahoma, he attended Oklahoma Baptist University and later became a major benefactor of the school. Learn more about Statesman Kerr. Creed Humphrey Kansas City Chiefs Born and raised in Shawnee, Creed is a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and graduated from Shawnee High School. He went on to play football at OU and then was drafted into the NFL in 2021 by the Kansas City Chiefs, where he played and won in his first Super Bowl in 2023 and his second in 2024 at Center for the Kansas City Chiefs. Learn more about Creed Humphrey. Carl Hubbell Major League Baseball's Master of the Screwball Although he never lived in Shawnee proper, Carl Hubbell lived in the small neighboring town of Meeker, Oklahoma from the age of 13. He had a long and storied career as a pitcher for the New York Giants in the MLB, and earned the title of "Master of the Screwball" for his ability to strike out the greats, including Babe Ruth. The Carl Hubbell Museum sits inside of Meeker City Hall just 10 minutes north of Shawnee. Learn more about Carl Hubbell. Wade Hayes Award Winning Country Music Artist Wade Hayes was born and raised in Bethel Acres, Oklahoma and graduated from Bethel High School. Hayes had learned to play mandolin, but later switched to guitar after his father bought him one. After high school and college, Hayes moved to Nashville, where he began recording demo tapes and writing his own material. Wade Hayes became one of the best know lead guitar players in Nashville. Hayes had 20+ songs on the Country Music charts, including two songs reaching #1 and six in the Top 10. Learn more about Wade Hayes Darrien Gordon NFL Player 2x Super Bowl Champion He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1989 where he was an All-State football player and two-time state champion wrestler as well as an honor student. Before his NFL career, Gordon played college football  for the Stanford Cardinal , since the NFL Scouting Combine  began in 1985, he is one of three players who have been drafted in the first round  after not being invited to the combine. American former professional football player who was a cornerback for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) (1993–2002). He was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 1993 NFL Draft . During his NFL career, he played for five teams, San Diego Chargers (1993–1996) Denver Broncos (1997–1998) Oakland Raiders (1999–2000) Atlanta Falcons (2001) Green Bay Packers (2002) Oakland Raiders (2002) appearing in four Super Bowls, winner twice with the Denver Broncos . Learn More about Darrien Gordon Joe Cobb Actor-Our Gang Series Born in Shawnee, Oklahoma , on November 7, 1916, Cobb auditioned for producer Hal Roach 's Our Gang comedy series at the age of five in 1921. He first worked with the series in 1922, appearing in The Champeen (1923) and The Big Show (1923). Joe Frank Cobb (November 7, 1916 – May 21, 2002) was an American child actor , most notable for appearing as the original "fat boy" in the Our Gang comedies from 1922 to 1929. Learn More about Joe Cobb Louise Fluke Oklahoma Flag designer She moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma with her family at a year old with her family later. As a young girl she received art lessons from Marjorie Dodge Tapp. After graduating from Shawnee High School, she continued her art lessons at Columbia University and the Chicago Art Institute . After returning to Shawnee, she married George Fluke on December 18, 1924. While sewing her own wedding gown, she learned that the state organization of the Daughters of the American Revolution had announced a contest to design a new state flag. Her fiancé encouraged her to take the time to enter the contest. She took three weeks to study artifacts at the Oklahoma Historical Society , and entered five different designs. The Daughters of the American Revolution judges picked one of hers as the winner. The legislature approved Fluke's flag proposal on March 25, 1926. Learn more about Louise Fluke

If you’re thinking about spending your Spring Break, we’ve compiled 6 great adventure starters for you around town, maybe including some things you haven’t considered. 1. Shawnee Twin Lakes About eight miles west of town will take you to the Shawnee Twin Lakes, a lovely destination for both Shawnee residents and visitors looking to unwind at the waterfront. Go for a swim or grab your reel and go fishing. The lakes are stocked with bass, crappie, sand bass and channel catfish. There's even a fully enclosed fishing dock, so you can test your angling skills regardless of weather. Fishing is allowed in both lakes, but you'll need to purchase a permit. Make sure you check with the headquarters office; you can double check information about the lakes, as well as pay any fees for boating, camping, or fishing. If you happen to get lucky and are enjoying a warm-weather Spring Break, stop by Kayak Cove to rent a kayak and get out on the water without getting wet! 2. Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center If you're interested in learning more about Native American history, the CPN (Citizen Potawatomi Nation)'s CHC ( Cultural Heritage Center ), will tell you their story. Not only does the CHC have a research archive full of tribal information and records, they also display a museum full of exhibits curated to teach both tribal members and the public about the history of the CPN. Best of all, visiting this state of the art cultural center is completely free! After you've been awed by the story of this ancient people, take home a souvenir from the Potawatomi Gift shop ! 3. Coffee Break Shawnee has several local coffee shops, from sit-down and read vibes to paint and sip! Visit Comma Cafe in downtown Shawnee for a fine selection of handcrafted espresso beverages and a plethora of pastries. If you're on the other side of town, try Elevated Grounds ; in addition to coffee, they serve Asian hot teas and Boba teas. Coffee N' Crafts lets you paint while you sip, and Heavenly Grind's will keep you going without forcing you to leave your car; their "tornado" will deliver a deliciously bold dose of espresso. 4. Specialty Shopping Looking for something to do while you're resting up from all your exciting Spring Break outings? Bibliotech Books and Comics sells books and comics (hence the name!), but they also carry graphic novels, board games, and collectible trading cards. To browse a store full of kitchen gadgets and gizmos you didn't even know you needed and fine oils and vinegars, check out Savvy Bites ! 5. Indoor Adventures Not exactly feeling like spring outside just yet? We got you! Solve puzzles to solve a mystery or escape the room in less than an hour at House of Hints escape rooms, or practice your aim at Lumberjack Johnson's Axe Throwing & Smash Room just down the street. 6. Selfie Stops Explore Shawnee in a creative way by looking for the best places to take a picture. There are many scenic vistas around town, and whether you’re a selfie star or a photography enthusiast, there’s no shortage of great places to pose. Try one of our university campuses which feature buildings over a century old. Better yet, find your favorite painted horse sculpture around town and use it to make a statement. Tag your selfies with #VisitShawneeOK to be featured on our social media sites or your photo might even end up in one of our brochures! Explore other options for what do while you're here by looking at the various sections of our website or by following us on Facebook or Instagram ! Our visitor guide and maps are available at the Welcome Center located at 2820 N Kickapoo Avenue-- we’re open 9 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. See you soon in Shawnee!

You don't have to spend a lot to experience a lot! And in some cases in Shawnee, you don't have to spend at all. There are many free things to do and see in the Redbud City -- learn about native cultures; see nature and the animals that inhabit it. Take a hike. See the arts! Here are 20 free things to do in or around Shawnee. 1. At the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Cultural Heritage Cente r learn about the historical and contemporary aspects of the tribe by seeing the newly renovated galleries which feature tribal history ranging from pre-contact history to present day. It’s free to visit, but you may want a commemorative item or two from the gift shop. 2. Also at the Center is the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Eagle Aviary . A permanent home for eagles (and other birds) that have sustained injuries serious enough that they cannot live in the wild, the Aviary shares with visitors the spiritual and cultural significance of these majestic animals. While free, this adventure does require booking in advance! 3. See art from nearly 100 Oklahoman artists at two different galleries, The Arts at 317 and Community Art Gallery (but we don't blame you if you find a piece of artwork you just HAVE to buy!) 4. While there’s a nominal fee to enter the Pottawatomie County Museum , the grounds are free to walk. See the Beard Cabin built in 1891, and iconic the Santa Fe Depot across the lawn! 5. Get outdoors at Shawnee's Twin Lakes Reservoir . Sure the fishing and boating require permits at a cost, but between the two lakes, there’s 25 miles of shore to explore which is free. 6. Also outdoor are the multiple parks in Shawnee. Sister City Park includes the Japanese Peace Garden; Dean Weigant Park features two playgrounds; Boy Scout Park a splash pad, basketball courts, pavilions, and walking trail! 7. The Arboretum on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University includes 154 different species of trees and more than 630 trees and shrubs. Explore the campus and see the beauty of nature. 8. The Butterfly Garden at the OSU Pott Co Extension is where you can find, well, butterflies. There’s many species of butterflies and moths, bumble bees, and honey bees (Spring & Summer are the best times to visit). 9. Back on OBU’s campus is an 18-hole disc golf course . At each tee pad area, you will find a map for that particular basket number. An overall course map is also available. Sure you’ll need to invest in a disc or two, but play is free. 10. Look to the stars at Ten Acre Observatory at Tribbey. the primary viewing location of the Odyssey Astronomy Club, view the night sky using the 13" Coulter Optics and Starmaster 20" Telescopes. 11. Find all 34 of Shawnee's iconic Painted Horses ! 12. The MGMOA Gallery at SSM Health is located on the north side of the SSM St. Anthony's Shawnee Hospital. Artwork is displayed in the gallery by different local artists from around the region in diverse forms and genres. 13. Attend the Fireflight Balloon Festival the second weekend in August! Entry is absolutely free to the festival, including parking. There's also a free-to-enter Outdoor Expo that runs annually during the festival on the same grounds. 14. In April and early May, check out the scores of redbud trees blooming across the city, and see why Shawnee is the Redbud City of Oklahoma . 15. Explore more art by finding Shawnee's two dozen murals , tucked all around town. 16. Take the pups for a fun time at one of our pet-friendly parks and shops. 17. Attend Shawnee's legendary Halloween Festival, Monsters on Main (formerly Boo on Bell) for a downtown carnival, vendor fair, and trick or treat, and more. 18. See the prettiest, fastest, or most nostalgic cars and bikes at one of Shawnee's premier car shows and cruise-ins , most of which are free to onlookers. 19. Visit the Welcome Center for even more information and ideas on fun things to see and do in Shawnee, OK, USA! Work up an appetite with all the free fun? The money you saved allows you to grab a bite. Here's where the locals eat . And who knows, you may find there's too much to do in one day. Grab a hotel room and make a weekend of it! :)

Shawnee is an RV'ers paradise! With a wide variety of RV parks, RV and group friendly restaurants and attractions, we are a great weekend getaway just 30 minutes east of OKC on I-40 where you can bring your home away from home along for the adventure! Best Times to RV in Shawnee, OK One of the best times to travel to Shawnee in an RV is during the spring bloom of the Redbuds -- late March to early April. Another popular time is the second weekend in August, when many travel to attend the Fireflight Balloon Festival and Outdoor Nation Expo ! Shawnee is also especially welcoming in autumn, when we have over 50 fall festivals and trick or treats from September through early November, and the leaves at Oklahoma Baptist University's nationally recognized Arboretum are putting on an incredible show. Top RV Parks in Shawnee Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center's RV Park One of the state's largest with over 700 sites in 50 and 30 amp and four comfort stations in addition to a conference facility, catering, and other amenities to ensure your stay is a hit! Online reservation and check in available, and laundry service. 1700 W Independence | (405) 275-7020 | shawneeexpo.com/rvpark Rolling Stone Stables & RV Park Located just north of Shawnee on I-40 off a gravel road, this unique and beautiful park features rentable stables with RV spaces surrounding, alongside a 5 acre fishing lake. 5927 Fountain Lake Dr | (405) 318-3303 | rollingstonestables.com Shawnee RV Park Simple gravel RV park right off Hwy 18 just a few minutes north of I-40. Full hooks at every site, with 30 & 50 amp available. Coin-operated laundry. 8975 N Harrison St | (405) 878-5799 | shawneervpark.com Country Hollow Campgrounds Located on the south side of Shawnee minutes from downtown and Firelake Casino and Arena, Country Hollow is a gated park full of mature trees, with river access. Online reservation and check in available. 1703 E Farrall St | (405) 706-8472 | countryhollow.net Happy Acres 5 minutes north of I-40 featuring 62 concrete sites with full hookups! The park is beautiful and shaded with many mature trees, and also has some walking trails in addition to fire pits. Laundry & restrooms under construction. 9513 N Harrison Ave | (405) 434-9955 | visitshawnee.com/happyacres RV & Trailer Service in Shawnee Prestige RV Center 37311 W 45th St | (405) 275-3555 | prestigervcenter.com Trailer Depot 5 Westgate | (405) 214-2700 | oktrailerdepot.com Have your next RV Rally in Shawnee! Shawnee has over 1,000 RV spots to suit your needs; from small and quiet to big and lively we've got just the park for your group. We also have a menu of group-friendly restaurants and attractions and are here to support you in planning a successful RV Rally in Shawnee. For more information and assistance planning your rally in Shawnee, contact Stacy at (405) 275-9780 or tell us about your event via email at info@visitshawnee.com .

Shawnee's Twin Lakes Reservoir is located on South Deer Creek in Pottawatomie County, just 1 mile south of Grand Casino / I-40. Between the two lakes, you can boat, fish, ski, swim, hunt, and camp! Whether you need a fishing permit or you're planning to camp, consider this your resource for all the info on finding your adventure at Twin Lakes. Click a topic to skip to it: Parks at Twin Lakes Fishing Swimming Boating & Skiing Camping Hunting History of Twin Lakes Zebra Mussels Info Parks at Twin Lakes Twin Lakes features two multi-use parks, which are open daily from 7 am - 9 pm. Isaac Walton Park, established after the opening of Lake 1 in 1935, has a pavilion, 15 camp sites, 8 picnic areas with grills, swimming, restrooms, lighting, and parking. Glenn Collins Park (formerly called "Stonehenge") was developed by city crews, and is located between the two dams with a pavilion, picnic areas with grills, swimming, restrooms, lighting and parking. To reserve one of the covered pavilions, contact the Shawnee Parks Department at (405) 273-1960, or reserve it online here ! Fishing Fishing (according to the State of Oklahoma's fishing regulations) is allowed on both lakes, and a City of Shawnee fishing permit is required for anyone under 65. Juglines are permitted on Lake 2 only. Click the button below and then select the blue Shawnee Lakes tab to purchase your fishing permit online. If you'd like to host an event on the lake such as a fishing tournament, there is a special event permit for that which you can apply for online at VisitShawnee.com/event-permits. Swimming Shawnee Twin Lakes has two designated swimming areas located on Shawnee Lake 1. Swimming is only allowed in Lake 1 from 7 am - 9 pm, and is free of charge. Isaac Waltons Park located at the dead end of Lake Rd on the east side of Lake 1 Glenn Collins Memorial Park located on the West side of Shawnee Lake 1 All children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult before entering a swimming area; all children 8 and younger must wear a regulation life preserver when in the wat Boating and Skiing Motorized boating is allowed on both lakes, while skiing, tubing, and personal watercrafts are allowed on Shawnee Lake #1 only. All of these activities require a boating permit, which you can obtain by using the button below. Kayaks and canoes are allowed on both lakes and do not require a permit at this time (6/8/2022). Camping There are 15 designated primitive campsites located at Isaac Walton Park at the dead end of Lake Rd. Camping is limited to a maximum of 7 days. Campsites may hold up to 2 tents each. No reservations; first come, first serve. Occupy the site, then pay online at the link below, or use the onsite cash envelopes and drop box. These campsites and the restrooms onsite are not open all year (primarily they are closed in the winter). Call (405) 273-1960 for more information. Hunting Hunting is permitted within these boundaries on Lake 2 only, and a City of Shawnee permit is required for anyone under the age of 65. Hunting of deer, turkey, and geese is prohibited. History of Shawnee Twin Lakes Twin Lakes is a municipal reservoir owned and operated by the City of Shawnee! Lake #1 was built in 1935, covers a surface area of 1,336 acres and has 16 miles of shoreline. Lake #2 was built in 1960, has a surface area of 1,100 acres and 9 miles of shoreline. The lakes are connected by a 10-foot-deep canal constructed in 1962. Zebra Mussels Information Unfortunately, in April of 2022 it was confirmed that Zebra Mussels had gained a foothold in Shawnee's Twin Lakes Reservoir. Read more about Shawnee's response to zebra mussels in Twin Lakes here. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife recommends draining all bilge water, live wells, and bait buckets before leaving the lake, scrape off any zebra mussels or aquatic vegetation found on watercraft, and dry the boat for at least a week before entering another waterway. These precautions help stifle the spread of this invasive species. We appreciate your help in stopping the spread of zebra mussels.

Check out the calendar below for a list of all events taking place in historic downtown Shawnee! This downtown-only event list is excerpted from the calendar at VisitShawnee.com/events , which includes all events in the Shawnee area. New events are added every Wednesday, and anyone can add events to the calendar! Visit Shawnee is the City of Shawnee's Department of Tourism. We do not organize these events, but work to promote the events of organizers to a wider audience.