What to See and Do in Oklahoma City’s Stockyards City

Oklahoma City is a fantastic blend of history and culture where visitors can learn about native traditions and western lifestyle, and experience a beautiful natural landscape. The city is composed of many different regions each offering their own unique perspective on Oklahoma City life, like Stockyards City, a historic part of the city connecting visitors with settlers who helped make the city what it is today.

The area was once used as a cattle yard, and today it is a welcoming attraction showcasing the city’s Western history. The area is still used for its original purpose, as one of the largest cattle markets in the world, and visitors go here to experience first-hand the fast-paced excitement of a cattle auction. The auctions, held every Monday and Tuesday at Oklahoma National Stockyards, are not just authentic but also free to attend.

If you’re country at heart, you’ll feel right at home, and if you are city-born and -raised, you’ll enjoy this glimpse into a different way of life. While there, visit one of the shops selling fashionable Western wear for a cowboy hat or a pair of boots. Or stop in at one of the area’s restaurants for the perfect steak before grabbing a refreshing beer at a local brewery.

The area is also home to some quirky attractions, like OKC Rattlesnake Museum, which lets you view all of Oklahoma’s venomous snakes and lizards up close and personal without the risk. There are plenty more creepy and crawly things to see, like scorpions, centipedes and turtles, and you can hold or pet snakes or just admire them from a distance.

You can also visit National Museum of Horseshoeing Tools, a fun little spot showcasing a specific niche of the area’s Western heritage. The museum doesn’t just house a collection of items from the horseshoeing profession, but it also features plenty of artwork depicting the life of the horse shoer and the Old West.

A day in Stockyards City will give you a unique perspective on life in Oklahoma City, providing  a great segue into exploring all the other wonderful things the city has to offer. Whether you want to learn about working like a cowboy, dress like a cowboy or simply eat like one for a day, this historic destination will ensure your trip to Oklahoma City will be a memorable one.