Despite its natural beauty and cozy getaways, Oklahoma remains one of the least-visited states in America, claiming its "underrated" status once again. And those who do come here rarely venture outside the capital, which, while beautiful and home to livable neighborhoods that promise safe streets, parks, and a relaxed lifestyle, still doesn't have the same friendly charm found in smaller hubs not too far away. We're talking about none other than Norman, a place that strikes the perfect balance between
suburban serenity and urban access, and that's conveniently located less than 20 miles south of the state capital.
The nearest major airport is Will Rogers, the drive from which takes less than half an hour. If driving's out of the question, your options include the Embark bus system, which offers free local routes within Norman and express lines to Oklahoma City, and Amtrak from OKC to Norman (usually takes less than 25 minutes). With all that said, having a car on hand is the most convenient way to explore the area, so consider grabbing a rental if you're flying in for a visit.
Read more: The 5 Best Parks Where You Can See Bison Roam (Other Than Yellowstone), According To Visitors
Norman's College City Charm And Cultural Flair
As the proud home of the University of Oklahoma, Norman's collegiate spirit runs deep. And there's no better way to start your tour of the campus than with a visit to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, a place that houses over 20,000 unique artworks that include everything from impressionist paintings and ceramics to Native American art and contemporary pieces. The admission fee is pretty modest, and the museum is open every day but Monday until 5 p.m., so it shouldn't be too hard to find a place for it in your itinerary.
Another must-see, especially for natural history lovers, is the Sam Noble Museum. With its dinosaur skeletons and immersive exhibits, it takes you through a 4-billion-year journey that's guaranteed to impress all visitors regardless of their age, and it's located right on campus, too! You'll still have to pay for a ticket here, but considering the place's thousands of stellar reviews, chances are your money will be well spent (just make sure to, once again, avoid coming here on Mondays since it's closed).
And if you still haven't gotten your culture fix, you can always check out the Walker Arts District downtown. Bonus points if you come here in the spring, since that's when the Norman Music Festival comes to life. It's a free, three-day explosion of indie, folk, electronic, and hip-hop that takes place across West Main Street, and it's one of those events that's worth changing your schedule for. After all that's said and done, try to make time for a day trip to the nearby town of Stillwater. This is yet another walkable Oklahoma charmer with diverse dining and youthful vibes, also dubbed America's "friendliest college town." The drive should take around 80 minutes.
Fun Lake Days And Bold Bites In Norman
Norman's draw extends well beyond the museums and street festivals, especially for those looking for a relaxing lakeside retreat. East of downtown but still within city limits, you'll find Lake Thunderbird State Park, a local gem with a lengthy shoreline, boat ramps, swimmable beaches, hiking trails, campsites, and even a Nature Center that offers educational opportunities. Camping is available year-round, so regardless of when you visit, you can wake up close to nature. For those who can't get enough of the lakeside charm, it's worth driving the 20-something minutes to Purcell, too. The underrated Oklahoma town is a treasure trove of antique stores, local festivals, and old-country charm.
And while Norman's food scene is great in its entirety, places like Charleston's Restaurant manage to stand out. It serves your classic pub fare, but customers are still constantly impressed by its prime rib, pork chops, and roasted chicken. Since it's such a popular place, though, you might want to join its virtual waitlist to get in as soon as possible, especially during peak hours. Those craving Mexican food, on the other hand, can't go wrong with Juan del Fuego, a casual, family-run establishment that has some of the best tamales and enchiladas around, not to mention reasonable prices. This is more of a breakfast or lunch place, as it closes in the early afternoon.
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