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Musko-gee, You Gotta See These! Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit

The Five Civilized Tribes Museum is the reason to come to Muskogee. Over 13,000 artifacts covering the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee and Seminole nations, in the town that sat at the middle of Indian Territory. That is not a small thing. The submarine is the other surprise here, and Honor Heights Park in April is the third.

Planning a trip to Muskogee, Oklahoma and wondering what fills the days? You are in luck. Muskogee runs a genuine spread of activities and attractions. The city’s history through to the outdoors, and both are covered here.

History buffs do well in Muskogee. The city holds several historical sites, the Five Civilized Tribes Museum and the Grant Foreman Historic Home and the Muskogee War Memorial Park among them. You can also catch a show at the historic Roxy Theater or go through the USS Batfish, a World War II submarine on display here.

For time outdoors, Muskogee has options. Head to Honor Heights Park for the gardens and the views, or the Muskogee Creek Nation Wildlife Refuge for the wildlife. You can also float the river at the River Country Water Park or play a round on one of the city’s courses.

Key Takeaways

• Muskogee offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
• History buffs will love exploring the city’s rich past, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.
• From museums and theaters to parks and golf courses, there’s something for everyone in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

A Stroll Through History

Looking for a fun and educational day in Muskogee? Take a walk through the history here and work through the museums and historic sites. Native American art through to American history, and both are covered properly.

Five Civilized Tribes Museum

Start at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, where the history and culture of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole tribes are laid out. With a collection of over 13,000 artifacts, you get the heritage of these tribes and their part in the Indian Territory at first hand.

Three Rivers Museum

Next, the Three Rivers Museum and the history of Muskogee itself. From the city’s founding through to its role in the Civil War, this museum is full of exhibits and artifacts that put the town in order.

Muskogee War Memorial Park

The Muskogee War Memorial Park is the somber stop. The park holds the USS Batfish, a World War II submarine that played a real part in the war. You can go through the submarine and read its history. And there is a memorial on the site to pay respects at.

Bacone College

For Native American history, stop by Bacone College. This historic college was founded in 1880 to provide education to Native American students and it continues to serve that purpose. Take a tour of the campus and the college’s history comes with it.

Ataloa Lodge Museum

For Native American art, head to the Ataloa Lodge Museum. This museum holds a collection of over 1,300 pieces, pottery and baskets and textiles among them. And with a knowledgeable curator on hand, you get the cultures that produced the work as well as the work itself.

The Grant Foreman Historic Home

Finish with the Grant Foreman Historic Home. This beautiful home was built in 1905 and belonged to Grant Foreman, a prominent historian and author. Take the tour and you get Foreman’s life and work alongside the history of Muskogee.

So put on the walking shoes and work through Muskogee’s history properly. It is a good day and an educational one.

Fun in the Great Outdoors

Muskogee is good ground for anyone who likes being outdoors. With the parks, the walking trails and the waterways, the list does not run out. These are our favorite outdoor activities in Muskogee:

Honor Heights Park

For a beautiful park with walking trails, picnic areas and gardens, Honor Heights Park is the place. The park runs the annual Azalea Festival, which is the event to catch if you are in town in the spring. There is also a butterfly garden, the Canadian geese, and a long leisurely walk through the whole thing.

River Country Water Park

When the weather turns hot, head to River Country Water Park. This park runs a lazy river, water slides and plenty of space to sit in the sun. And for something more adventurous, the FlowRider, which simulates surfing on a wave.

Three Forks Harbor

For a day on the water, head to Three Forks Harbor on the Arkansas River. The harbor takes fishing, boating and kayaking. Look at the cypress trees along the riverbank and see what wildlife turns up. And there is a restaurant on site doing seafood and other fare.

Hiking, biking, fishing, or a leisurely stroll through a park, Muskogee covers all four. So grab the sunscreen, put on the walking shoes, and get outside.

Entertainment and Events

Looking for fun in Muskogee, Oklahoma? You are in luck. Muskogee runs a range of entertainment options and events for the whole family. These are the places not to miss:

Castle of Muskogee

Step back in time and take on the American Frontier at the Castle of Muskogee. This unusual attraction runs events through the year, the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival and the Castle Christmas among them. And you can tour the USS Batfish, a World War II submarine permanently docked at the Castle.

Muskogee Little Theatre

For a night of laughs, head to the Muskogee Little Theatre. This performing arts center runs shows through the year, classic plays through to modern musicals. The theatre also hosts local events and tours, so check the schedule.

Roxy Theater

For a movie, head to the Roxy Theater. This historic theater has been a Muskogee staple since 1948 and it runs films through the year, Hollywood blockbusters through to independent work. And the decor and the seating make it a better room than the multiplex.

Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame

For music lovers, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame is the stop. This museum runs exhibits on famous Oklahoma musicians, Woody Guthrie and Vince Gill among them. There are also live performances and events through the year, which makes it work for a night out.

Family-friendly fun or a night out with friends, Muskogee covers both. And do not miss the Okie from Muskogee plaque or the historical film at the Midland Valley Railroad Depot while you are working through the list.

Food and Drink

Muskogee runs enough food and drink to satisfy most cravings. Local cuisine, wine tasting, or bar hopping. All three are covered here.

Local Cuisine

Food lovers will do well with the local cuisine in Muskogee. Classic American dishes through to international flavors, and there is more range than you expect. And you cannot leave Muskogee without trying the famous Chick-fil-A sandwich. It is good enough that people take extras for the road.

For a taste of the South, head to The Pink House. This restaurant does traditional Southern comfort food, fried chicken and mac and cheese and collard greens. And for something spicy, the Cajun food at Gino’s Italian Restaurant. The gumbo and the jambalaya are the orders to make.

Wine Tasting

Wine drinkers have options in Muskogee. Head to Whispering Vines Vineyards & Winery for a relaxed afternoon of tasting, where the reds, whites and blushes will suit most palates. And for something more unusual, the wine slushies at Pecan Creek Winery. They are the right answer on a hot summer day.

Bar Hopping

For a night out, Muskogee has plenty of bars. Start at The Barrel House, a local favorite known for craft beer and live music. For a dive bar, The Office, which is cheap and laid-back and makes no apologies. And end the night at The Rail Taproom, which runs a wide selection of beers and cocktails.

Whatever the mood, Muskogee has the food and drink for it. So grab your friends and go.

Muskogee splits three ways. The history is by some distance the strongest part of it. The tribal museum, the Three Rivers Museum, the Grant Foreman house, and a World War II submarine sitting several hundred miles from any ocean. The outdoors is Honor Heights Park and Three Forks Harbor out on the Arkansas River. And the third group is the Castle, which runs a Renaissance festival and a Christmas event and fits nobody’s expectations of Oklahoma.

Shopping and Specialty Stores

Antique Shops

If you’re a fan of all things vintage, Muskogee has got you covered. The town is home to several antique shops that will transport you back in time. Check out Old America Antique Mall (Yelp), a treasure trove of unique finds. You can spend hours browsing through their collection of vintage clothing, antique furniture, and other knick-knacks.

Another great option is The Speckled Hen Antique Mall & Flea Market (Yelp). This place is a haven for antique lovers and bargain hunters alike. You’ll find everything from vintage toys to antique jewelry to old-fashioned kitchenware.

Shopping Malls

If you’re looking for a more modern shopping experience, head to one of Muskogee’s shopping malls. Shadow Wood Mall (Yelp) is a popular choice. It has a variety of stores, including a jewelry store, a flea market, and a store that sells CRT TVs and VHS tapes. You never know what you might find here!

For a more traditional shopping experience, check out Arrowhead Mall (Tripadvisor). This mall has a mix of national and local stores, including clothing stores, shoe stores, and more. It’s a great place to spend a lazy afternoon shopping and people-watching.

Whatever the shopping style, Muskogee covers it. So grab your wallet and get on with it.

Family-Friendly Activities

Muskogee works well with family and there is plenty to keep everyone busy. These are the best family-friendly activities in Muskogee:

Playgrounds

For somewhere to let the kids run and burn off some energy, Muskogee has plenty of playgrounds. The best include:

• Rotary Park: This park has a large playground with plenty of equipment for kids of all ages. There are also plenty of benches and picnic tables for parents to relax and watch their kids play.
• Civic Center Park: This park has a great playground with a splash pad and plenty of shade. There are also restrooms and water fountains nearby.
• Chandler Park: This park has a large playground with plenty of equipment, including a zip line. There are also plenty of picnic tables and shade trees.

Splash Pads

When the weather turns hot, nothing beats a splash pad. These are the best splash pads in Muskogee:

• Civic Center Park: This park has a great splash pad that’s perfect for younger kids. There are plenty of benches and shade trees nearby.
• Rotary Park: This park has a small splash pad that’s perfect for younger kids. There are also plenty of picnic tables and shade trees nearby.
• River Country Family Water Park: This water park has plenty of splash pads, water slides, and pools for kids of all ages. There are also lockers and a concession stand.

Playgrounds, splash pads, or other family activities, Muskogee has all three. So pack up the kids and go.

Local Art and Culture

Looking for art and culture in Muskogee? You are in luck. This city runs a real arts scene built on the history and traditions of the Muscogee Creek and Seminole Nations.

Art Galleries

First, the art galleries. For Native art, the Ataloa Lodge Museum on the Bacone College campus. This museum holds a fine private collection of Native American work, pottery and baskets and jewelry among it.

For something quirkier, head to the Muskogee Art Guild. This gallery shows work by local artists, paintings and sculptures and even handmade Cochina dolls.

Public Library

For some quiet, head to the Muskogee Public Library. This beautiful building holds books, magazines and newspapers alongside secure computer access.

But that is not all. The Muskogee Public Library also runs events through the year, author readings and book clubs and writing workshops among them. Curling up with a book or widening the reading, both are covered there.

So what are you waiting for? Get out and work through the art and culture of Muskogee.

Exploring the City

City Tour

You cannot really claim to have visited Muskogee without taking a city tour. The city is full of sites and small finds that a guide will get you to faster. You see everything from the Five Civilized Tribes Museum and the Grant Foreman Historic Home through to modern attractions like the River Country Water Park. And the history and culture come with it.

For something more unusual, try a Segway tour. It is a fun way to see the city, and you will turn heads gliding past pedestrians.

Biking Trails

For the outdoorsy type, Muskogee has biking trails to work through. The city is ringed by good country, so a scenic route is never far. The Three Forks Harbor Trail is the popular choice, with long views over the Arkansas River. And for a challenge, the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area Trail. It is a drive from Muskogee and it earns the trip with the views over Tulsa.

Just bring plenty of water and sunscreen, because Oklahoma summers are brutal. And bring a friend along for the ride, because everything is better with company.

History buff, adrenaline junkie, or someone simply after some good country, Muskogee covers all three. So grab a friend, get on a bike, and work through what the city has.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with The Castle of Muskogee?

You might be wondering what a castle is doing in Oklahoma. Well, the Castle of Muskogee is a medieval-themed attraction that hosts the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival and the Castle Zombie Run. And it opens during the Halloween season for the spooky version. So grab your suit of armor and go.

Are there any museums worth visiting in Muskogee?

Yes. Muskogee has several museums worth the time. The Five Civilized Tribes Museum covers the history and culture of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek and Seminole tribes. The USS Batfish & War Memorial Park is the submarine museum, built around a World War II boat. And the Thomas-Foreman Historic Home is a restored Victorian-era house that gives you Muskogee’s past at close range.

Where can I find the best shopping in Muskogee?

For retail therapy, check out the Arrowhead Mall. It is the largest shopping center in Muskogee, with stores like JCPenney, Dillard’s and Bath & Body Works. And the Muskogee Farmers’ Market handles the fresh produce and the handmade goods.

What are some unique date ideas in Muskogee?

Looking for a date idea? Take a stroll through Honor Heights Park, which has the gardens and a scenic overlook. Or visit the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame for the state’s musical history. And for something more adventurous, the Escape Room Muskogee, where you have to work together to get out.

Can you escape the Escape Room in Muskogee?

The Escape Room Muskogee challenges you to solve the puzzles and get out inside a set time. It works with a group of friends or with family, and it is genuinely fun. So can you escape it? There is one way to find out.

What’s the tastiest restaurant in Muskogee?

For good food in Muskogee, check out Gino’s Italian Restaurant. It is a local favorite doing pizza, pasta and calzones. The other option is the Boomerang Diner, a classic diner running burgers, fries and shakes.

Frequently asked questions about Muskogee, Oklahoma

Why is there a submarine at the Muskogee War Memorial Park, of all places?

Because it was brought here and then kept here. The USS Batfish is a World War II submarine and it now sits at the Muskogee War Memorial Park, several hundred miles from the nearest ocean in any direction. You can go inside it and walk the whole length of it. There is a memorial standing on the same site.

When should you go to Honor Heights Park?

April, for the Azalea Festival, which is the one weekend a year that the whole town turns out for something. The rest of the year it is walking trails, picnic areas, gardens and a butterfly garden, and the Canadian geese are out there regardless of the season. Free. Go in the morning, before the heat arrives properly.

Which Muskogee museum should you do first?

The Five Civilized Tribes Museum, because it frames everything else in the town for you. Over 13,000 artifacts covering the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee and Seminole nations, which is a serious collection by any standard at all. The Three Rivers Museum covers the city itself and takes rather less time out of the day. Do them in that order.

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