A visit to Shawnee is more than our art, historic sites, and Native American culture. It’s daytrips to see more of Oklahoma. Plan to spend an extra day or two. Southeast of the Redbud City, are music-buff’s destinations, cultural and art centers, and play adventures all within an hour of Shawnee. The Okfuskee County Historical Society and Museum in Okemah is housed in a 1926 Masonic temple. The museum features exhibits and displays about Okfuskee County's past. Plan your trip to Shawnee and Okfuskee around the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival . The annual festival celebrates the life and musical legacy of one of America's greatest folk music songwriters and troubadours, Woody Guthrie. Okemah was Guthrie's hometown. This festival held mid-July offers music, plays, children's activities, poetry readings, craft vendors and more. The Holdenville Society of Painters and Sculptors Art Gallery features the works of local Oklahoma artists. The center features a permanent collection, as well as works for sale. Ron Allen Studios in Wewoka features fine art, sculpture, paintings, collage and assemblage art for your collection. Also in Wewoka is the Seminole Nation Museum . This museum documents and interprets the history and culture of the Seminole Nation. Artifacts, historic photographs, and interpretive exhibits chronicle the captivating events and stories that shaped the Seminole people. The Maud Historical Museum has a large display of Rock-a-Billy singer Wanda Jackson, who was born in the Oklahoma town. St. Louis Oklahoma . No big arch. No Cardinals baseball games. No brewery tours. But at least you can stop through St. Louis Oklahoma and brag you’ve been to one of the eight St. Louises in the United States! (FYI: California, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Virginia; 17 total in the world.) The Ravine Outdoor Adventure Park in Macomb gets you outdoors exploring their 80 acres of Oklahoma beauty! Whether on foot, bike, or off-road vehicle - the land is very diverse, ranging from open prairie to woods, to some of the coolest ravines and small canyons outside of a state park. There are extremely challenging places to explore, as well as plenty of family friendly places to explore and play with little ones. The Tecumseh Historical Museum is in a 100-year-old building that was formerly a bank, hat shop, and insurance office. Seeing this historic building is worth the stop alone. While in Tecumseh, no trip is complete without a stop at the Farmer’s Daughter Market . This combination dining and shopping destination offers two eateries, a bakery, and two shops containing everything from home decor and gifts to furniture and antiques. The kids ready to play? The Jasmine Moran Children's Museum in Seminole offers the unique experience for children of all ages to pretend to be everything from a surgeon to a pilot! There are hands-on activities like duck races, a bubble factory, dinosaurs, the Jasmine Ark and Playground Towers, and a 16-foot climbing labyrinth. With more than 35,000 square feet of indoor adventure (and even more outdoor,) there's a day's worth of kid-friendly fun at the Jasmine Moran. Animal lovers will flock to Nomad's Animal Encounter . It’s a fully hands on petting zoo with an experience you can’t get just anywhere. Unlike other zoos, Nomads take you into each of the animals’ enclosures to interact with and feed all the animals. Whew! You will need a hotel room in Shawnee to rest in after your day-trip(s)! Order a visitors guide or call one of the friendly travel ambassadors to start planning your visit to Shawnee!

Need help finding your way around Shawnee, OK? For an overview of how Shawnee is laid out and where our biggest attractions and historic landmarks are, scroll to view it right here in your browser, and use the button below to download your own copy:

With four lakes, 30 parks, golf courses, and an arboretum in and around Shawnee, there’s plenty to enjoy outdoors ! We welcome all to visit and fish, hike, kayak, swim, or simply be outdoors. To preserve the areas for others and for many years to come, we ask you and those with you to follow these outdoor manners for visiting Shawnee. • Your goal is to leave no trace of having even been in the outdoors (other than selfies and social media posts!) That means you help keep trash and garbage out of lakes, streams, fields, woods and roadways. • Take all of your garbage with you after a hike, campout or picnic. • Remember the adage ‘Leave It Better Than You Found It.’ • Be careful with fire. Only build fires in permitted and appropriate areas. • When finished using a fire be sure that the fire is cold out. Put the fire out with water and ensure that it is cold before leaving. • Leave a clean fire ring or remove all evidence of fire. • Camp and hike on durable surfaces. Hike on the trails provided so there is less impact on our environment. • Choose camping sites that do as little damage as possible to plants and animals. For example, when you pitch your tent try and not to do it over plants, it will damage the plants and possibly your tent. • Be conservation-minded and help conserve our environment. Reduce: plan the foods you bring on a hike or campout wisely so you will have very little waste or garbage, Reuse: use a reusable water bottle instead of plastic disposable water bottles; reuse damaged equipment by learning to repair it instead of buying new items and throwing away repairable ones, and Recycle: if you do have a lot of plastic at the end of a camp-out, recycle it so that it does not get thrown into a landfill or left around to find its way into our waterways. If we all t reat the outdoors as a heritage and abide by these outdoor manners, we can keep these fun outdoor areas in and around Shawnee in good condition for ourselves and others so that generations to come can enjoy what God has given us.

The Historic Ritz Theater in downtown Shawnee, OK became an icon of entertainment in the early 1900s as a movie theater, and continues that tradition today as a venue for live music, comedy, and more! Upcoming Shows at the Ritz

Road trips are fun, but if you are traveling with your furry friend then it can make things a little more tricky to plan. For many Americans – approximately 40% of them, in fact – the idea of boarding their fur baby is inconceivable. As traveling with pets becomes more common, the demand for pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, etc. increases! Fortunately, Shawnee has a variety of pet-friendly hotels for you and your fur baby – including LaQuinta Inn & Suites and Super 8 . All 5 of our RV parks are pet friendly, as well! Also, if you are traveling with your furry friend then you might be interested in some of these stops and events in Shawnee. The Doggie Spot The Doggie Spot is THE spot to find the ultimate treat for Fido. With a variety of treats, toys, and bones available it is easy to find something special for your pet. They even carry gluten-free and raw food for the truly pampered pet and their treats are proudly “Made in the USA.” The Doggie Spot also offers services such as day camp, grooming, and training by a stellar staff that is knowledgeable and passionate about pets. Dog Parks After hours of riding in the car, let your fur-baby stretch her legs at Mary Maxine Williamson Dog Park just across the street from the Shawnee Expo Center. The park, which is divided into separate sections for big dogs and little dogs, allows for pets to socialize off the leash with others and offers ample room to run. There is also plenty of shade and even a pup-sized water fountain to keep your pet cool. If you're only stopping for a moment along I-40, the Domino Dog Park will be just what you need! A smaller park ideal for a quick potty break for the pups and a short walk to stretch your legs on the winding walkpath, it's located less than a half-mile south of I-40 on Harrison. Theopolis Social Club This downtown eatery serves up fine-dining level fare Tuesday - Sunday that sources local produce and flour year-round, and their covered patio and "backyard" dining spaces are good dog friendly! Check their Facebook page here for specials and info on events. Pet Events in Shawnee Doggie Dip Day at Shawnee Splash Help your canine pal beat the dog days of summer by taking them to Doggie Dip Day at Shawnee Splash . The special event, which runs the last Saturday of the season, gives pet owners the chance to bring their dog to the pool for a day of water fun. For safety reasons, big dogs and small dogs are scheduled for separate swim times and owners must show proof of vaccination. No humans are allowed in the pool – this special event is for canines only! Bark in the Park Each spring, Bark in the Park features treats and activities for you and your furry friends. Check out Pogo's Facebook page each spring for info on the next Bark in the Park.

Shawnee's murals range from several historic advertisements painted on brick buildings to new, modern and colorful designs on sheet metal. Find them all below - more added regularly! Looking for more art to see while you're in Shawnee? Check out the Painted Horses ! Mural memoriam One of our historic advertisement murals was unfortunately lost when the building (an historic saloon which had been vacant since the 70s) caught fire in December 2021 and was destroyed. It lives on through photographs like this one, which was submitted in our 2019 photo contest by Steve Mills:

If you’re from out of town, one of the first things you’ll probably notice about Shawnee driving around are the large, painted horse sculptures : Scattered throughout town on street corners overlooking sidewalks, either standing strong or bucking wildly, all with bold and unique designs. Maybe you’ve seen similar public art initiatives elsewhere, like the painted bison in Oklahoma City or the penguins in Tulsa. Regardless, Shawnee’s painted horses have a story behind them, and their legacy has become the talk of visitors and residents alike, with businesses asking to sponsor new horses every year. So, how did the painted horses get their start? Back in 2007, Shawnee mayor Chuck Mills saw an opportunity for a great public art project to coincide with the State of Oklahoma’ Centennial Celebration. The original project was a public art and civic pride partnership, designed to range from September 2007 through February 2008. Initially titled “Horses in the City”, the spirit of the project hoped to celebrate the civic pride and artistic creativity of Oklahomans in a way that all Oklahomans can enjoy. As it is originally described in its formative documents, “Horse in the City is a citywide public art presentation designed to enliven cultural activity and increase tourism to Shawnee. The horses are to be sponsored by companies, organizations, and individuals, and be transformed into multimedia works of art by local artists and craftspeople.” The original framework made it an officially recognized partner with the State Centennial and allowed room for up to 100 painted horses. While the project landed a little short of that milestone, horses continued to be sponsored far beyond its original timeframe. The project was meant to simultaneously accomplish three things: 1. Introduce art to the public 2. Express Shawnee’s heritage via an emblematic animal symbol 3. Bring artists and sponsors together to collaborate in order to enrich the community around them. The documents continue to explain the motivations behind the project: “Horse in the City is an exciting way to introduce art to the general public. Life-size fiberglass horses will make an impression hard to miss around Shawnee as some of the region’s most talented artists ‘bring to life’ these magnificent ambassadors and icons of times past and present.” Not meant to be advertisements, but an initiative for public beauty, the original vision for the painted horses was to allow sponsors to have their identity worked into the artist’s design. “It is extremely important for both the artist and the sponsor to understand that we are promoting public art as our number one goal.” “The horse is the perfect icon for this project,” the documents elaborate. “They are easily recognizable symbols of our state. Big and powerful, yet peaceful and quiet.” Horses are also a significant part of local culture, such as the International Finals Youth Rodeo and other Western-style events Shawnee hosts annually. The popularity of the horses is enduring, and while one is occasionally retired, there are over thirty horses on display in the city of Shawnee as of 2021, and new horses are added each year! Check out an interactive map of the horses here!

This year, we hope you plan to visit Shawnee and many other great destinations in Oklahoma! While you are here enjoy the arts, culture, outdoors, or one of our signature events, but most importantly, take advantage of the benefits—boosting morale, reducing stress, and preventing burn out—of planning for an unforgettable adventure. That’s what National Plan For Vacation Day -- January 30, 2024 -- is all about. “It is never too early to start planning a trip, and those days on the calendar are something we all can look forward to,” says Visit Shawnee Director Stacy Cramer-Moore. Here are fun ways to kick-start your brainstorming: 1. Peruse the Plan page on VisitShawnee.com On the Plan page , we share helpful Blog posts, not-to-miss annual events, our newsletter, transportation and weather tips, and our social media links to stay up to date on what’s happening. It’s THE place to start. 2. Order the free Visit Shawnee Visitor’s Guide. It’s all there – things to see, things to do, things to eat in Shawnee. We spotlight our painted horses and annual events. Order yours here . We’ll send it right to your door, or you can browse it online. (And did we mention it’s free?) 3. Stay in the loop with our newsletter. Sign up for our weekly newsletter for more regular doses of inspiration: deals, upcoming events, and fun trip-planning fodder—like pet-friendly attractions, where the locals eat, and our interview with a mummy. 4. Follow us on social media. Whether you’re on Facebook or a tweeter, we’ve got you covered on your favorite social media platform. Connect with us for daily inspiration. When you post or tweet, use #ShawneeOK so we can find you! Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube TikTok 5. Plan a visit around the must-see annual events. Hot air balloons. Rodeos. Car shows. Halloween. Yes, Halloween. You need to see how Shawnee does trick-or-treat! Find an annual event that excites you and plan your visit around the event leaving an extra day or two to discover more of Shawnee. 6. Make the most of a “nearcation.” Want to stay close to home? There’s lots to see around Shawnee. Get a hotel room then day trip around Shawnee to see wild animals, Oklahoma history, Native American culture, art, and, well, we’re still not quite sure what this is! Need more inspiration? Visit our Welcome Center at 2820 N Kickapoo Ave. With on-site experts on all things Shawnee as well as a library of Shawnee specific and statewide travel guides, we can help you find exactly what you're looking for. No matter where this year takes you, find undeniable joy in the process of planning. Celebrate National Plan For Vacation Day, January 31st, and be inspired to visit Shawnee and Oklahoma!

The Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma (LOCO) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promotion and enjoyment of large (1/8th, to be exact!) scale model railroading. Their rail is located just off of Shawnee's Twin Lakes and is open once a month for public rides, and can also be booked for parties of all kinds. Open to the public (no reservation needed!) on the first Sunday of every month, from 1 - 4 pm, as well as special events like Train Rides with Santa in December of each year.

The City of Shawnee’s Department of Tourism and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation took top honors at the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association’s Red Bud Awards, Tuesday, June 14th at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. The Red Bud Awards are the highest level of tourism awards given in the State of Oklahoma. Shawnee’s Director of Tourism, Stacy Cramer Moore, became emotional as the City of Shawnee was named Oklahoma’s Tourism Organization of the Year . “In 2019, the City took a huge step in developing tourism when it created the department under city leadership. There have been many hurdles as we build a solid foundation to grow private and public tourism revenues. Tourism finally has the broad base of resources to discuss, plan and implement projects that not only increase tourism, but also visitor enjoyment and community pride. I am so thankful to our partners that helped us over these few years. This is a huge night for us to be presented this award by our colleagues and peers in the travel industry.” Another emotional moment happened, as the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s (CPN) FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest was named Oklahoma’s Best Event. Fireflight Balloon Fest is in its fifth year and takes place south of Shawnee at the CPN Pow Wow grounds. Jennifer Bell, CPN Public Information Officer, was there to accept the award. “We work so hard to make this the best event for our tribal citizens, our community, and our guests. Considering all of the top tier events taking place in Oklahoma, this is thrilling. We plan to continue to improve upon the event and hope to become Oklahoman’s most anticipated event each year.” Other awards of note for the evening, the City of Shawnee was recognized for Outstanding Tourism Website for their 2021 complete revision to VisitShawnee.com utilizing software developed by Shawnee Travel Industry Communications Manager Erica Bass, with contractors Astro Panda Studios and Cyber Blacksmith , all of Shawnee. The Merit Award for Best Publication under $10,000 went to the city for a collection of pieces highlighting niche markets including, Fly to Shawnee, Vintage/Resale, 5 Casinos – 4 Tribes – 1 City, Twin Lakes, and 10 Things to Do in Shawnee. “The community of Shawnee has really come together. This is a great example of the City and Tribe working together towards common goals and how much we can achieve. We barely sat down and got called up for another award, it was great!“ proclaimed Shawnee Mayor Ed Bolt. The City and Citizen Potawatomi Nation signed a historic agreement in 2021 to join forces on projects of common benefit for the citizens of both organizations. “We love seeing CPN succeed, as much as we appreciate them being there for us.” "Tourism finally has the broad base of resources to discuss, plan and implement projects that not only increase tourism, but also visitor enjoyment and community pride." - Stacy Cramer Moore, City of Shawnee's Director of Tourism What’s next for Shawnee? City Commissioner and owner of downtown restaurant Theopolis Social Club , Cami Engles, chimed in, “I’m especially excited about the future for downtown with our historic depot visioning sessions, the new emphasis on cultural placemaking and the expansion of diverse opportunities for all kinds of interests to come and explore and enjoy Shawnee. After the pandemic, it is a perfect time to get out and visit.” Fireflight Balloon Fest takes place August 12th and 13th in conjunction with the Outdoor Nation Expo. To learn more about events and activities in the Shawnee area, subscribe here for the weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox. Tourism is the third largest industry in Oklahoma behind only Oil & Gas and Agriculture. The latest statistics from 2020 show in Pottawatomie County, tourism employs nearly 2000 people, resulting in $92.4 million dollars in direct spending and $15.8 million in state and local tax revenues. Pott Co ranks 22nd in overall tourism spending in Oklahoma.