Recently, staff at Visit Shawnee interviewed Oklahoma's oldest lady - a mummy from ancient Egypt! Her name is Tutu , and she can be found at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art on the OBU Green campus of (formerly St. Gregory’s University). Here's what she had to say about ancient Egyptian life, the mummification process, and scaring college students: 1. How old are you? Records weren’t really kept well back in my day but I am about 2,400 years old. 2. I must say that you look great for being more than 2,000 years old. What can you tell us about your life before you became a mummy? I was wealthy and had a great life. I had at least one child and lived to be in my 40’s which was a long full life in my day. 3. Can you tell us a little about the mummification process and why it was important to ancient Egyptians? Back in my time, we believed that you would need your body in the afterlife. Therefore it was important that it be preserved. Mummification was a process that took well over 100 days to complete. My brain was removed and then discarded as we didn’t think it was an important organ. My internal organs were removed, dried, wrapped in linen and then placed back inside my body. My body was dried with salt and then wrapped in hundreds of yards of linen bandages. In my time, people would save linen their entire life so that it could be used to mummify them after they died. 4. Besides the mummy (obviously), what could you expect to find in an ancient Egyptian tomb? I would have had everything I needed in the afterlife in my tomb. Some things would be real, like food and jewelry. Other things like servants would be representational. The amount of wealth you had in life determined how much you would have with you in your tomb. 5. I heard that you used to terrify freshmen at St. Gregory's University. Is this true? Many years ago, the museum was located in the main building at St. Gregory’s University. My sister mummy and I were sometimes used as pranks to scare the students. It was great fun. I’m too old for that now. 6. I also heard that you had an MRI scan at one of the hospitals. What was that like? I think going to St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital for my CT scan was one of the coolest things ever! I had been there in the early 1990’s for x-rays and a scan but the technology is so much more advanced. A company from Fort Worth, Nerwin & Martin, sent three art moving experts to help get me there. It’s hard for me to believe that I’m a work of art. There was also a forensic anthropologist from the University of Tulsa and Egyptologist Omar Zuhdi there to help. I was taken there in a climate controlled container and even had an escort from the Shawnee police department. It really made me and my sister mummy feel important. There were news stories about the event all around the country ! The radiology staff at the St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital were the best. I think we all had fun as they watched me go through the CT scanner. Chuck Skillings, who runs the hospital, made all of this possible. St. Anthony Radiologist Dr. Ryan Skinner did a full report of the results and scientists at the Akhmim Mummy Studies Consortium are still studying the results of the scan. It turns out that there are a lot of mummies from my time and place in Egypt in museums all over the world. I’m one of the first to have this level of imaging. For many years I will be the base line of information as the other mummies are studied! That means if a mummy similar to me in Europe or Egypt or anywhere in the world has a CT scan, scientists will compare the results with me. Isn’t Shawnee a wonderful place? To learn more about Tutu and keep up with her life at the museum, visit her in person at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art on the OBU Green campus (formerly St. Gregory's) or check out the museum’s website at mgmoa.org !

Visitors to the Shawnee area during early July might be mystified to see signs for businesses everywhere proudly displaying the message “Welcome IFYR” on their signs and marquees. What is IFYR? Why, it’s only the biggest annual event that our city has the pleasure of hosting! The International Finals Youth Rodeo brings in some of the world’s best young rodeo talent, coming from as far away as Australia. With the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center as their battlegrounds, the event runs for over a week as young riders and ropers compete for the best times and achievements! As an event sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association , many of the greatest names in the rodeo world have had their roots in the IFYR, having made their pilgrimage to the Redbud City of Oklahoma . Including these buckaroos, their families and rodeo enthusiasts from all over, the event brings in thousands of visitors annually! With such a great pedigree, it’s no surprise that the rodeo has grown to such a size. In fact, the rodeo has touched the lives of approximately 1.5 million people, from competitors and their families to spectators and volunteers. Established in 1993 with 309 contestants from 13 states, the IFYR has grown to average over a thousand contestants annually from all around the world. The event has come to be known as “ the world’s richest youth rodeo ,” as contestants compete for more than $250,000 in prize money, plus scholarships, nightly jackpots and championship saddles and buckles. Additionally, competitors who earn either the All-Around Cowboy or Cowgirl titles gain the use of special championship trailers! What kind of rodeo competition can visitors expect? Events for the youth rodeo contestants include barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, goat tying, team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, saddle bronc riding and bareback riding. City slickers might not recognize or fully understand all these terms, but rodeo enthusiasts know exactly what we’re talking about. All these events take a great deal of athleticism, tenacity, and skill; if you want to learn more, attending the IFYR would be the perfect opportunity to brush up on your rodeo lingo! The action at the IFYR is non-stop, with events held in three arenas running simultaneously, providing an abundance of thrill for competitors and those excitedly cheering from the grandstand. Each year, the schedule can be found at www.ifyr.com. Not only can visitors to the IFYR expect to see some high-stakes action in the arena, but they can also visit the Tin Star Market inside the adjacent Conference Center to do some shopping; imagine a thoughtfully curated flea market with a distinctly Western flair. Visitors can shop for the coolest duds and unique jewelry, high-end Western apparel, artwork and handmade items, home décor and plenty else. Open daily, the trade show is fully air-conditioned, making it a great way to get out of the heat! Whether you’re from out of town or a Shawnee resident, a die-hard cowboy or simply curious, there’s bound to be something at the IFYR to entertain hearts and souls from all over! For more information, you can head on over to the rodeo’s website or find them on Facebook .

Its place in Shawnee's skyline is absolute; if you're anywhere near Shawnee’s downtown district, you'll be able to easily pick out the Aldridge Building, a structure that carries a significant amount of history. Known as Shawnee's first "skyscraper," the building is ten stories tall, and is currently used as housing for seniors in Shawnee's community. In some ways, the Aldridge has lived a life like many of its current residents. It has had its share of peaks and valleys, has had its day in the limelight as a luxurious destination hotel that hosted civic events, suffered in the Great Depression, and has changed hands multiple times in a period where its destiny was uncertain. If these walls could talk, they would tell of Shawnee's own history, and the many ups and downs the city itself has faced. Even now, it stands as a symbol for the city's past prosperity, its current strength, and its hope for a prosperous future. In the early 1900s, Shawnee was a happening railroad town, one of two in the state, and even pulled enough popularity to be considered for the state capitol. As we know, things didn’t turn out that way. Nevertheless, the railroads continued to stop in Shawnee, and the community enjoyed a comfortable prosperity in the time before the Great Depression. It was just before then that the Hilton Phillips Hotel was built, the result of a $750,000 investment from oil baron named Phillips. The hotel opened its doors a mere nine months before the Great Depression. This name would fade away as the economy took a dip and Phillips was forced to sell it off to the Aldridge Hotel Co. in 1930. Back at the height of its glory, the Aldridge Hotel was a modern marvel. Host to 200 rooms (each with window views of the city!) and full of amenities, the hotel included a proprietary water system, bakery, laundry and coffee shop, as well as several dining and banquet rooms. The hotel's venues were beloved, and quickly became Shawnee's center for civic functions and social gatherings. Unfortunately, the Aldridge Hotel would begin to show its age with time. The U.S. Department of Labor discovered the presence of asbestos in the boiler room, and the building was closed in 1994. While it was placed on the register of historic buildings in 2000, the Aldridge was vacant at the time, save for a handful of pigeons staying on the roof. But the building's story doesn't stop there. Seven million dollars’ worth of remodels were done to update the structure, and in 2005, the Aldridge Hotel reopened as the Aldridge Apartments. Owned and operated by Express Management Inc., the complex is for seniors 62 and older, and has one- and two-bedroom apartments. The ways in which the Aldridge has been renewed and repurposed are a microcosm of Shawnee’s greater downtown district and the extensive efforts taken to revitalize it. Beautiful new streets and walkways, park signage, wayfinding and many renovated buildings will stand out to both visitors and long-time residents alike. Yet, even amidst these improvements, the history of the district is still plain to see. The Aldridge is but one prominent example. The lobby and barbershop are open to public visits, and the Aldridge's historical ballroom is often still available for public booking (though it is currently going through renovations). For more information, call The Aldridge at 275-9500. Want to enjoy more of Shawnee's excellently preserved historic downtown? Check out all the things do in this guide to downtown !

Whether you need to “wine down” or schedule some “shopping therapy,” a sweet escape with the girls is the perfect excuse to unplug and enjoy some time together! Keep scrolling to read about all the fun and fabulous goodness you and your best gals can look forward to in Shawnee, Oklahoma, when you visit for a day or a weekend. Shawnee shopping boasts unique boutiques and the big brands you know. Stroll Downtown Shawnee for arts, fashion, home décor, and gifts. A few can’t miss include Cuckoo Bird & Dashing T for fashion you can't find anywhere else; Savvy Bites has kitchen equipment and gadgets; Okie Dokie Mercantile features Made In Oklahoma and Native American made items. The Shawnee Mall features the national brands you love. If you plan a trip on the right weekend, you can enjoy one of the markets or craft fairs. Junk Utopia and Sassy Dames both host markets regularly at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center . If your crew loves to thrift, you have to check out the nearly dozen places to find antique treasures and vintage clothing and furniture across the city. Check out the full list here. If you and the girls need pampering, book your relaxing time at the Lifestyle Day Spa for a day of pampering and relaxation. More active activities could include art classes at one of Shawnee’s many galleries , exploring the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center , or the outdoors. Parks and trails are a plenty in Shawnee. Shawnee's Twin Lakes lets you get out on the water, and you can even rent a kayak from Kayak Cove on the weekends! Breaks from the fun include dining on the local flavor. The Lunch Box serves gourmet sandwiches, soups, and salads. Owl Shoppe also has gourmet sandwiches, soups, and salads. The Owl’s seafood lunch specials are unlike any other. Italian? Frateli’s (currently remodeling). More upscale dining can be found at Theopolis Social Club . Their executive chef provides a fresh rotating menu of thoughtfully-constructed meals and appetizers featuring local ingredients. Theopolis is also one of the night-life spots. Live music is performed at the Club. Additional live music spots include the Brickhouse Saloon and the Guitar Vault . Vibes (located inside Brickhouse) has DJs mixing the perfect dance mix! You and your besties won’t even miss the boys during your chick trip in Shawnee. Book your rooms at one of our hotels and start planning your weekend!

Grab the tent, sleeping bag, and fishing poles for lakeside camping and fishing at Shawnee Twin Lakes ! Swimming, boating, kayaking, and skiing are all on the table. In season, you can hunt the Reservoir for deer and duck. Wanna just shoot? Clay Bird Sports is just off the lake and offers 4 trap fields with Canterbury voice releases throwing White Flyer clays. Still outdoors but less adventurous is a round of golf at Firelake Golf Course . Well, hunting for your ball with your slice may still make it adventurous. The outdoor adventures continue at The Ravine Outdoor Adventure Park . Its Oklahoma's new home for hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading on ATVs. Watch racing at the Red Dirt Raceway in nearby Meeker. Dirt Track Racing every Friday Night at 7:30 p.m. The cars at OK Classics Car and Memorabilia aren’t racing but they’re beauties! They deal in Classics and Muscle Cars and vintage memorabilia with regular auctions through the year. Other events to watch for is the cowboy action at the Expo. Roping. Rodeo. Barrel Racing. Bull Riding. Nearly every weekend has some sort of action. Plan your weekend around the shows by watching our Calendar of Events . Before you go though, a stop at Tener's Western Outfitters is a must. They've been outfitting cowboys since 1930. Other place to stop is Shepherd’s Men’s Wear . They have been providing the best men’s wear for more than 100 years! All this fun making you boys hungry? Many options! Steaks at Paul’s Place , Santa Fe Cattle Co or Branding Iron . Oklahoma original BBQ at Van’s Pig Stand . And it’s not just dinner. Fuel your days with big breakfasts a Jimmy's Egg or local favorite Sunnyside Up . Pack your air guitar! There’s regular live music at the Brickhouse Saloon or the Guitar Vault . Bigger concerts are held at the Ritz or area casinos. Five – yep, FIVE casinos around Shawnee. What’s your game of choice? Try your luck at each of the gaming centers. You and the boys won’t even miss the girls during your guys weekend in Shawnee. Start planning your weekend. Oh, and thank her for letting you go with some romance in Shawnee .

OBU has been awarded a level I accreditation by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum, for achieving particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity and professionalism. OBU is also now recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants. Additionally, OBU is the only body to be accredited within the state of Oklahoma. The OBU arboretum began collecting trees in 2002, planting 50 different species in an area between the university’s first campus building that opened in 1915, Shawnee Hall, and the main administrative building, Thurmond Hall. The arboretum has dedicated irrigation to all trees, and all are mulched and tagged. The university seeks to help students develop an appreciation for trees and shrubs, participate in planting and caring for them, and then take that knowledge with them upon graduating. The arboretum has since expanded to include the entire 226 acre campus with 134 different species of trees and a database of more than 300 trees and shrubs. OBU’s collection includes many unique trees, such as a Weeping Bald Cypress, Giant Leafed Redbud, Contorted Filbert, William Penn Barberries, Netleaf Oak, Turbinella Oak, Crow Pillow Tree, Tree Lilac, Persian Parrot Tree, Tamarix, Seaside Alder, Chitalpa, Dawn Redwood and an American Elm that is a seedling of the Survivor Tree from the Oklahoma City bombing. ArbNet is an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta. ArbNet facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and other resources to help arboreta meet their institutional goals and works to raise professional standards through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program, sponsored and coordinated by The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, in cooperation with American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International. Standards include planning, governance, public access, programming and tree science, planting and conservation. Haines is pleased with this accreditation and is thankful for the hard work of many members of his team in caring for the university’s arboretum. “ArbNet accreditation is an important step in reaching our goal of being recognized as one of the top arboretums in the state,” he said. “Accreditation means we have met a rigorous set of professional standards that arboreta world-wide have to achieve. As part of the ArbNet world-wide community of arboreta, we can share knowledge, experience, and other resources to help us improve and grow.” The committee is continuing to work toward meeting standards for Level II accreditation, as well as working toward recognition as a Tree Campus USA. They hope to achieve both by next year. This article was originally published in OBU News, here . The OBU Arboretum is now a Arboretum II Designation.

80 years ago, Shawnee, Oklahoma, was named the Redbud City of Oklahoma. This designation was adopted by the Shawnee City Council on April 9, 1940, and was confirmed with a resolution by the Oklahoma Legislature that was signed by Oklahoma Gov. Leon Phillips on Feb. 19, 1941. (Shawnee itself is much older having been incorporated in 1894.) The Shawnee News Star tells who was responsible for this designation: The Shawnee Council of Garden Clubs was responsible for this recognition. Beginning in the late 1930s club members ordered thousands of bare-root Eastern Redbud trees and sold them to the public for twenty-five cents each. They were planted at homes, churches, schools, and public parks. The park receiving the most redbud trees was named Red Bud Park . It is in the 900 block of Broadway and extends to Beard Street. The Eastern Redbud tree is the Oklahoma State Tree. It tends to grow wild in woods as an understory tree. Many new trees develop from the seeds dropped during the summer. In the book, Putting Down Roots, Cercis Canadensis, describes the trees: Oklahoma’s state tree, the redbud is prized for its striking physical characteristics and adaptable nature. The shiny, heart-shaped leaves are attractive on the low branching stems and emerge after the spectacular blooms of spring have faded. Redbuds make wonderful trees for urban areas, due to their moderate size, broad-spreading canopies, and low maintenance requirements. However, this tree needs consistent care during the establishment period of at least the first three years. To help school children know and remember their state tree, in 1999 through 2001 the former Shawnee Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee distributed small redbud trees to 3rd and 4th grade students along with a booklet “How to Plant My Baby Redbud Tree.” The book was illustrated by Brian Borth, a Shawnee High School student. Shawnee continues to help people know and remember the tree through the Redbud Festival held annually. Where do you see Redbuds? A drive around town, especially through older neighborhoods will provide a beautiful sight. Be sure to include Rose Garden Park in the 2000 block of North Broadway. It features Oklahoma Redbuds at the corner and Eastern Redbuds to the west along Franklin Street. Shawnee Milling has a row of Oklahoma Redbuds along 7th street between Bell and Beard Streets. For a spectacular sight, drive by St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 10th and North Beard. The church is bordered on two sides with beautiful redbuds. As you visit Shawnee and take pictures of the redbuds, be sure to tag us or use #ShawneeOK so we can see and share your pictures.

Shawnee is stock full of ghostly tales and haunted buildings. In honor of the Halloween season, here are some haunted places in the area to check out… if you dare . The Ritz Theater Originally a dry goods store and later a boarding house, the Ritz was built in 1897. The Ritz became a theatre in 1926 and is possibly haunted by Leo Montgomery, the projectionist who worked there for many decades. Leo died of a heart attack during a movie and voices and flickering lights have been said to be caused by him. Another ghost, named Amelia, also haunts the Ritz. She is believed to have died when the Ritz was still a boarding house. I recently had the opportunity to take tag along on a paranormal investigation of the Ritz when Investigating Oklahoma’s Paranormal and Tulsa News Channel 8 came to town. Not only did I get to see the tools they use for investigations but also got to take part in one in the auditorium of the Ritz. I can’t say that we came away with concrete evidence that Leo and Amelia walk the halls but there were definitely some spooky sounds and shadows. Downtown Shawnee Downtown Shawnee seems to be a particularly active spot for spooky activity. In addition to the Ritz Theatre, there have been experiences at other downtown businesses including The Fifth Element, a building near the Santa Fe Depot, and the KIRC Radio Station. There have been numerous spooky sightings in the KIRC building over the years. The basement is especially active and there have been reports of seeing a man and woman in the area. People have also reported being scratched while touring the building. Experience it for yourself during the ghost tours that are offered every year during Boo on Bell for $10 per person. Sacred Heart Mission & Cemetery, Konawa The Sacred Heart Mission was originally built in 1876 but the site burned down in 1901. The mission was rebuilt but ruined structures are still visible today. There have been several spooky encounters reported on the site, including seeing ghostly priests and monks walking the premises, animals vanishing into thin air, and strange floating lights. Visitors have also reported hearing cries, screams, and growls in the nearby cemetery. Note : If you do decide to explore any haunted building or site, make sure that you have proper permission! Never visit a site after hours or if it is explicitly forbidden. Safety first! Trespassing is frowned upon by both ghosts and landowners.

If you're looking for a fun, informative resource to help introduce your kids or students to Shawnee's most iconic area attractions, then we've got just the thing! Check out these coloring sheets featuring Tutu at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum , the Santa Fe Depot , and even a do-your-own Painted Horse . Stop by Shawnee's Welcome Center at 2820 N Kickapoo Avenue to grab some of these coloring sheets as well as some crayons if you need them. Have a printer? You can download the images in a high resolution to print them out yourself at home!

From incredible fine art galleries and studios to contemplative public art installations and multi-dimensional art-related events, art lovers will want to visit Shawnee. Here is a virtual guide to some of the Red Bud city’s best artistic expressions. Art Galleries & Art Classes Music & Entertainment Live Theatre Murals & Sculptures Art Museums, Art Galleries & Classes In addition to museums, Shawnee's art community features several art galleries, each with a unique character where you can view, purchase, and even make your own masterpieces! The Arts at 317 A self-proclaimed "home for the arts," this gallery features the work of over 50 Oklahoman artists from glasswork and ceramics to fine oil paintings. They host monthly third Friday block pARTies featuring a new artist or author each month, and host fine art workshops and classes in multiple mediums throughout the year. Advance registration required for classes and workshops. theartsat317.com Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center Inside the CPNCHC's Long Room, a rotating gallery features photography and art demonstrating present-day tribal life alongside the permanent tribal veterans exhibit. Tribal art and culture workshops regularly. potawatomiheritage.com Community Art Gallery 100+ rotating artists sell diverse works in this large Shawnee Mall gallery. Home to some of Oklahoma's biggest art shows! Group classes available. All ages open paint during regular mall hours. VisitShawnee.com/cag Coffee N' Crafts A classic coffee shop experience plus canvas, wood, and ceramics you can purchase and paint while you sip. Special classes held regularly, and private events available. coffee-n-crafts.com The Inkwell Gallery Step into another world and let your imagination take flight with this collection of fantastical artisan crafted items. The Inkwell Gallery features local art and other unique items in historic downtown Shawnee, opening April 2023. theinkwellgallery.com Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art Oklahoma's oldest art museum and home to Oklahoma's only mummies, the MGMoA brings internationally acclaimed exhibits, classes and lectures year-round to their rotating gallery. MGMoA showcases the founder's collections of artistic and ethnological objects of value from his travels to Europe, Africa and South America. The featured object is the Egyptian Mummy, Tutu . Advance registration required for classes and workshops. Meeting space available. mgmoa.org MGMoA Gallery at SSM Health Inside the SSM St. Anthony's Hospital, this long hall gallery features a new artist regulary, curated by the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. facebook.com/mgmoa Oklahoma Baptist University Student & Faculty Galleries Student and faculty art shows happen throughout fall & spring semesters in two galleries on the OBU Campus, in the Art building and in the student union. instagram/obu_art_and_design Live Theatre Shawnee Little Theatre Shawnee's community theatre has been producing quality live theatre since the 1960s. This beautiful "little" theatre in the round seats 250 and is home to a fresh season of live musicals and plays each year. Season details at shawneelittletheatre.com . OBU Fine Arts Department Oklahoma Baptist University's Fine Arts program is one of the best in the nation, with student and faculty performances throughout the school year. To see what's playing next: Art music: okbu.edu/arts/music/events Theatre performance: okbu.edu/arts/theatre Music & Entertainment Music, film, live theater, and even opera ring out at arenas, stages and patios across Shawnee most every Friday and Saturday night. Whether you want to grab a beer at a downtown saloon and jam or watch a theatrical masterpiece live onstage, it's here in Shawnee. Live music in Shawnee ranges from orchestral and jazz performances by OBU students to contemporary. Local bands frequent numerous bars and restaurants. The Ritz puts on a variety of shows ranging from jazz to rock, comedians and popular tribute bands. National artist tours stop at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center and Firelake Arena ! Brickhouse Saloon is a classy downtown watering hole on historic, bricked Bell Street with top acts in country, rock, and more every weekend. See who's performing next . Firelake Arena is home to the Potawatomi Fire pro basketball team, the first ever tribally owned professional basketball team. Firelake Arena also hosts a variety of musical acts, fighting competitions, exhibitions, car shows, and more. See what's next: firelakearena.com . The Grand Casino Hotel & Resort's event center holds everything from top artists' national tours to pro bowling, and is located just 2 miles outside Shawnee on I-40. See what's on the schedule at grandresortok.com . Shawnee's premier event complex, the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center holds new acts and adventures nearly every weekend, from the circus to concerts of all genres. See what's coming up at shawneeexpo.com ! A recently renovated 1920s theater, The Ritz hosts music, comedy, mediums, and more from around the nation. One of Oklahoma's most haunted venues, many believe some of the Ritz' patrons and employees never left... See who's playing next: ritzshawnee.com . In the "backyard" of Theopolis Social Club is a small outdoor venue that features some of OK's finest talent in cozy shows year-round. Find out who's playing on at fb.me/TheopolisSocialClub . Murals & Sculptures Painted Horses Nearly 3 dozen beautiful horses stand proud throughout Shawnee, hand-painted by local artists. Each horse shares a unique story and approach to craftsmanship. Designed by mostly local artists, the horses creatively showcase Shawnee's history and prominent places in history. Find them all at VisitShawnee.com/horses . Murals Shawnee's murals range from historic advertisements painted on brick buildings to new, modern and colorful designs on sheet metal. Find all the murals on our regularly updated list at VisitShawnee.com/murals . The murals capture the beauty of downtown thus, most murals are downtown. Take a stroll downtown to discover the great things in and learn of the unique history of the city of Shawnee.