3 Oklahoma Tourist Spots I Tried to Hate (But Ended Up Loving)

I'm not one to avoid popular attractions, but I do reserve some skepticism before visiting some of them. Will it be crowded? Why is it so popular? Will I be wasting my time visiting? These and other questions come to mind, especially when an attraction is far away and takes time and effort to reach. However, despite my apprehension about visiting popular spots, I typically end up loving them! Here are several popular tourist destinations in Oklahoma that you will love, too!

1. Blue Whale of Catoosa

Located along Route 66 is the iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa. I am a huge fan of anything related to Route 66, and I find this stop to be incredibly fun, despite my initial reservations. This delightfully nostalgic attraction will make anyone smile. However, keep in mind that you may have to wait a while to snap a photo in front of it, as it can be pretty crowded with other road trippers. This is also a fantastic pit stop, featuring a restroom, picnic area, and gift shop. You can visit the City of Catoosa website for more, including hours and location.

2. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City

This large museum is among the most popular in the state, and it's easy to see why. Now, as someone who was never all that interested in the history of the western U.S. or cowboys, I find this museum utterly fascinating! The exhibits showcasing the art and artifacts of both are incredibly well done and informative, and the museum itself is beautiful. Not only does the museum showcase Old West and cowboy culture, but it also features Native American artifacts and history. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum website.

3. The Toy & Action Figure Museum - Pauls Valley

As someone with two children, I've visited more kid-friendly museums around the country than I ever thought imaginable. Now, a place like The Toy & Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley seems to be just for kids—at least that's what I thought, but is it? No! This is such an enjoyable spot for adults, too, especially for those of us who grew up surrounded by pop culture and toys from our favorite cartoons. A visit to this museum as an adult can evoke a feeling of nostalgia for us today. The Toy & Action Figure Museum is filled with over 13,000 action figures, most of which come from the museum's founder, Kevin Stark's impressive personal collection. If you're like me, you may find some toys from your childhood in the 80s and 90s. I have to say, this is one museum that everyone in the family can enjoy! For more information, including days, hours, and admission fees, visit The Toy & Action Figure Museum's website.

Which must-see attractions in Oklahoma have you visited, and did they live up to the hype? If you have a favorite attraction in the state, please tell us all about it by filling out our nomination form. For those who prefer less popular attractions, check out these hidden gems in Oklahoma.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.