Shawnee Oklahoma, just outside of Oklahoma City, has a heritage that stretches back much farther than Oklahoma statehood, which happened a century ago. A rich array of museums, visitor amenities, Shawnee hotels, and things to do make visits rewarding.

Historic Shawnee Oklahoma and its downtown buildings can be discovered on a walking tour. Along the way, those who added this activity to their Shawnee travel plans can see the hospital where Brad Pitt was born, the hotel where Eleanor Roosevelt was an honored guest, and the final resting place of the man who penned "Home on the Range."

The historic Santa Fe Depot, built in 1904, is still a part of Shawnee travel traditions. While it's no longer a transportation hub, the depot features a museum and hosts several events throughout the year, such as a quilt show and woodcarver's festival. Another downtown fixture, the Ritz Theatre brings a full schedule of engaging productions to its stage.

Oklahoma Map

Other museums in and around Shawnee Oklahoma include the Tecumseh Historical Society Museum, where visitors can learn about the Land Run days and more current history. At the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, visitors can explore one of the oldest museums in Oklahoma. Building on the collection of a Benedictine Monk who traveled extensively, the collected works includes many interesting objects, including Egyptian mummies.

The Jasimine Moran Children's Museum, one of the Shawnee attractions designed for younger visitors and their families, captures imaginations with a play town, a climbing maze, train rides, science exhibits, and even a T-rex dinosaur. With the virtual hospital, youngsters can step into the role of doctors are learn more about health and how the body works.

The list of Shawnee attractions also includes the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center, where visitors can connect with the history, culture, and bright future of these Native Americans. The museum displays artifacts that reflect what makes the Potawatomi distinct from other nations and offers genealogy and other programs.

In addition, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation manages several enterprises, including casinos, shopping, golfing, and miniature golf, and other Shawnee attractions visitors can enjoy. One of the newest things to do in Shawnee, the latest accomplishment of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, the FireLake Grand features more than 125,000 square feet of gaming space with 1,800 slots and table games. Guests also can enjoy fine dining and big-name entertainment. Travelers also an include the FireLake Casino in their Shawnee travel plans for 24-hour gaming, complete with first-rate service and complimentary ice cream.

Shawnee Oklahoma visitors also can spend time outside in all four seasons. Both the Country Cottage Primitive Lavender Farm and the Shawnee Maze & Pumpkin Patch welcome visitors in season. There's also a long list of parks where visitors can go hiking, view gardens, and enjoy other forms of recreation. Shawnee Twin Lakes, two lakes connected by a channel, are favorite places for fishing, boating, and ambling along the shoreline.

With a short trip to the nearby community of Prague, travelers can experience Old World traditions in the new. The birthplace of Olympian Jim Thorpe is home an interesting history museum, an annual festival the first weekend in May, and the National Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague.