Find the Heart of Oklahoma City in These 4 Lesser-Known Attractions

Are you having out-of-town visitors this summer, or just planning your own vacation activities? You've done Bricktown, visited the zoo and toured the museums. It's time to dig deeper into the heart and soul of Oklahoma City and check out some other fascinating attractions. Here are some places to add to your summer itinerary.

Stockyards City
1305 S. Agnew Avenue
Oklahoma City 73108

This district that grew around the Oklahoma National Stockyards, originally known as "Packingtown," provides an authentic look into the city's rich Western heritage. See the workings of the livestock industry at the public cattle auctions held each Monday and Tuesday. The shopping area is far from a tourist trap. You'll find yourself alongside honest-to-goodness cowboys getting fitted for a new pair of boots or buying a saddle.

American Pigeon Museum & Library
2300 NE 63rd
Oklahoma City 73111

Do you think of pigeons as nothing more than an overhead nuisance? You'll have a change of heart when you visit this facility that uses documents, artifacts and other materials to educate the public about the American pigeon. Learn surprising facts such as how pigeons were a major form of military communication during both World Wars. Their new state-of-the-art building that opened in 2014 has plenty of room for browsing the exhibits.

Red Earth Art Center
6 Santa Fe Plaza
Oklahoma City 73102

Native Americans have been a part of Oklahoma City's story since the beginning. Red Earth, Inc., an organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing Native American arts, opened the center to house a permanent collection of more than 1,400 items. Represented art forms include painting, pottery, beadwork and textiles. The center also features a sales gallery where many one-of-a-kind works may be purchased.

Oklahoma Regatta Festival
Boathouse District

Get a head start on fall fun by putting this exciting event on your calendar. The four-day festival spotlights rowing, kayaking and dragon boating events, including stunning night sprints. There is also live entertainment, food trucks, kids' activities and nightly fireworks shows. This year's festival takes place October 1-4 and admission is free.

Have you discovered a new favorite activity or attraction in Oklahoma City to add to this list? Share it with us in the comments!