Norman is the third largest city in Oklahoma, located 20 miles south of downtown Oklahoma City. It is the county seat of Cleveland County and is part of the larger Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The population was 128,026 at the 2020 census. There are several things to see and do in Norman, OK.
Old Route 66 Filling Station
A local family is preserving the old Route 66 filling station in Norman. The family wants to restore the station so that it can serve as a destination for visitors, and they’re raising money to do it. Ultimately, they hope to recreate the filling station’s old-fashioned charm and serve as a gathering spot for the community.
The service station was once a safe haven for immigrants, but it closed down decades ago. Today, the family who owned the filling station and their cousin, Edward Threatt, are working to restore and preserve this historic site. Their hope is to bring this story to the younger generation.
The old Route 66 Filling Station was built in 1915 from sandstone quarried from the Threatt family’s property. It was the first black-owned business on the famous highway. It was also home to the Reverend Allen Threatt III, who helped the family run the business. The family’s vision was to create a place where people of any race could stop and buy gas.
When the old Route 66 was built, Oklahoma was known as the Sundown State, where blacks and whites remained separated after a set time. This is also the time when the first black professor at OU, George Henderson, was hired.
Lake Thunderbird State Park
Lake Thunderbird State Park is a 1,874-acre state park located in the Cleveland County area of Oklahoma. It’s about 12 miles east of Norman on State Highway 9. The park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. It has several picnic areas and hiking trails, and the area is a popular spot for scuba diving and fishing.
The state park offers many recreational opportunities. Visitors can swim at the lake’s two beaches, go for a hike, go fishing, or try your hand at archery. There are also picnic areas, playgrounds, and restroom facilities on-site. There is also a boat launch and marina. Those who wish to dine in the park can also enjoy a meal at the park’s on-site restaurant.
Another great place to visit in Norman is Native Spirits Winery. The winery is located nearby Lake Thunderbird State Park, and offers a relaxing wine tasting experience. While it specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, it also offers a range of other varieties of wine.
Lake Thunderbird State Park has a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and hiking. The park also has a sailing school and hosts competitive sailing races. It hosts a special fishing derby for developmentally disabled children every year. Hiking trails offer spectacular views of the lake, as well as a chance to observe wildlife. Sunset hikes are especially spectacular.
Art galleries
If you’re looking for a unique experience, art galleries are a great place to start. In Norman, the city has several to choose from. The Norman Art Center hosts a variety of changing gallery exhibitions throughout the year. In addition, you can enjoy the area’s historic campus corner district, which has a number of shops and restaurants.
The Norman Arts Council was formed in 1976 to promote cultural and artistic growth in the community. They also sponsor educational programs and events for the public. The Norman Arts Council is located on Main Street between University Boulevard and Ponca Avenue. This arts district attracts locals, students, and visitors alike.
The 2nd Friday Art Walk is a unique opportunity to explore art and culture in Norman. Every month, thousands of residents and visitors enjoy this free event that features local, regional, and national artists. The city also hosts live performances and poetry readings at the Sooner Theatre. Public art is also abundant in Norman, and visitors can see a sculpture dedicated to the late actor James Garner. Art galleries in Norman are a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, and you can even get your fill of local music and food while you’re there.
Norman is home to the Cimarron Circuit Opera Company, a regional musical theater company with a rich history. The company features a variety of music, from classical to contemporary, and even dance performances. This theatre is also a hub for community events and offers acting workshops to local youth.
Breweries
When it comes to finding a good brew in Norman, there are plenty of options. This midwestern city is home to eight craft breweries. Those interested in visiting Norman should consider visiting Black Mesa Brewing Company and 405 Brewing Co. Taproom, which are located at 1716 Topeka Drive and 109 E. Tonhawa St., respectively. Other local breweries include Equity Brewing Co. and Brewhouse, located at 110 W. Main Street. And there is also Lazy Circles Brewing, which is located at 422 E. Main Street.
Another local brewery is Bricktown Brewery. This Veteran owned business has a large outdoor patio where visitors can relax while sipping a craft beer. The brewery offers 12 different taps, all brewed on site. You can sample core beers as well as rotating brews, which are named after various military terms. The brewery also offers several varieties of food.
The brewery is considered a pioneer in the Oklahoma City craft beer scene. It offers core beers in almost every style, including a blonde ale, Belgian-style DNR, and hop-filled F5 IPA. If you are planning a visit to Norman, be sure to check out the brewery’s diverse menu.
Mardi Gras Parade
If you’re looking for a family-friendly event this weekend, you should head to the 22nd annual Norman Mardi Gras Parade. The parade is a fun Cajun tradition that features parade floats, musicians, dancers, and quirky characters. Thousands of revelers come to Norman to watch the parade, raise their glasses to the King and Queen of Mardi Gras, and enjoy the spirited festivities. The parade begins at 7 pm, and is a great place to bring your children to see the festivities.
Mardi Gras is a traditional celebration that takes place before Lent, the forty days leading up to Easter Sunday. The Norman Mardi Gras Parade is one of the oldest and largest in Oklahoma, and is the original night parade. The parade features floats, music, and food trucks. It’s also family-friendly and dog-friendly.
After the parade, you’ll have a chance to celebrate with a party and local craft beer. Afterwards, you can join the afterparty at venues along Main Street. If you want to experience Mardi Gras in Norman in a new way, try some of the Mardi Gras food and beverage options.
The second Friday Art Show is another fun event to attend in Norman. The event features local musicians, artists, poets, and artisans. It is a year-round event that is an excellent place to learn more about the local culture. Norman also hosts the Norman Music Festival, an annual event featuring over 200 concerts over three days.
Medieval Fair
If you are looking for a fun weekend filled with educational activities, medieval entertainment, and medieval food, the Medieval Fair in Norman, OK is for you. This annual event is one of the largest events of its kind in the state, drawing an estimated 300,000 visitors. This event is produced by the Norman Arts Council, with generous support from the City of Norman and a hotel tax grant program.
The 39th Annual Medieval Fair in Norman, Oklahoma, takes place March 27-29 in Reaves Park, and is free to attend. The event is a great opportunity to get to know local history, and it’s a great place to get your hands on medieval art and crafts.
This festival also features many different types of entertainment, including costumed characters and musicians. The famous turkey leg lunch is a staple at the fair, and you can see a falcon display and try your hand at jousting. The Medieval Fair also provides face painting and other activities for children to enjoy.
There are several stages at the Medieval Fair, including the Royal Court, where you can watch a joust between two horsemen. You can also watch a human chess match, which is similar to regular chess but uses people as pieces, with each person fighting for a square.
