6 Historic Places to Visit Around Oklahoma City

Have you ever wondered how Oklahoma City became the beautiful, thriving place that it is today? The area has a rich history, and the best way to learn more is to visit some of these historic sites in the city.

1. Henry Overholser Mansion
405 NW 15th St.

Constructed in 1903 by Henry Overholser, the so-called Father of Oklahoma City, this mansion was purchased by the Oklahoma Historical Society in 1972. Inside, you can embark on a guided tour where you'll learn about the Overholser family, life in the early 1900s, and how the mansion was constructed. Tours are given hourly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

2. The Gold Dome
1112 NW 23rd St.

The Gold Dome, designed by Buckminster Fuller, dates back to the 1950s and has a monumental role in shaping Oklahoma City's architectural identity. This large geodesic dome was only the fifth of its kind in the world. It was originally home to Citizens State Bank, and now houses various restaurants and shops.

3. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Monument
620 N Harvey Ave.

This thought-provoking museum and monument is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Oklahoma City bombing in April of 1995. The exhibits tell the stories of individuals affected by the event. There's a wall with the victims' names displayed and an interactive tour that takes visitors through the day's events.

4. Centennial Land Run Monument
Bricktown Canal South End

This large bronze attraction was built to memorialize the claiming of land when Oklahoma was first settled. The series of 45 bronze sculptures is actually one of the largest in the world. Walk through the surrounding park, and perhaps bring a picnic lunch to make an afternoon of your visit. A docent on the grounds will give you an oral account of the sculptures' history and meaning.

5. Oklahoma State Capitol
2300 N Lincoln Blvd.

A tour of the State Capitol is a great way to not only learn about the history of government in Oklahoma, but also the state's current government. This is the only state capitol building in the world with functional oil wells on its grounds, and its massive, breathtaking dome is a site to behold.

6. St. Joseph Old Cathedral
307 NW 4th St.

This ornate cathedral was built in the late 1800s and continues to tower over the street with its brick construction and stained glass windows. It was badly damaged in the 1995 bombing, but much of the church has since been rebuilt. A monument toward the back of the property is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the attack.

Have you visited any of these historical sites or do you have other favorites you'd recommend new residents visit? Let us know in the comments below!