Attractions and Places To See around Shawnee - Top 18

Shawnee offers several natural attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. Shawnee Mission Lake is a 120-acre lake perfect for fishing, boating, kayaking, and features scenic trails and picnicking spots. You can also explore the 200-acre urban oasis of Corporate Woods Park, which has diverse wildlife, hiking and biking trails, and outdoor sculptures. Additionally, the city boasts over 40 diverse parks, including Rose Garden Park and Kid Space Park, and the Shawnee Twin Lakes offer a serene public destination for various water activities.

Yes, Shawnee has several family-friendly options. Shawnee Mission Lake and Corporate Woods Park are great for families, offering trails, picnicking, and open spaces. For a refreshing experience, Shawnee Splash Water Park provides a shallow play area, regulation pool, spray ground, and slides, open seasonally. Kid Space Park features a nearly 7-acre playground, and the Pottawatomie County OSU Extension Office grounds host a butterfly garden.

Shawnee is rich in history and culture. The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art houses an extensive collection from ancient Egypt to modern times, including an ancient Egyptian mummy. The Pottawatomie County Museum Complex (Santa Fe Depot Museum) preserves local history, featuring railroad memorabilia and the historic Beard Cabin. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center offers deep insights into the Potawatomi people's history and customs. You can also visit St. Gregory's Abbey for historic architecture and serene gardens, or the Shawnee Veterans Memorial at Woodland Park for reflection.

Yes, the Gary L. Haller Trail is a notable option. This 13-mile trail runs through several parks and across multiple landscapes, and it is wheelchair accessible with multiple access points and parking.

Shawnee offers extensive trail systems for hiking and cycling. Popular options include the Tomahawk Creek Trail, where deer sightings are common, and the Gary L. Haller Trail, which spans 13 miles. The Indian Creek Trail is another great option, stretching 26 miles with asphalt and concrete surfaces ideal for cyclists. For more detailed routes, you can explore guides like Hiking around Shawnee or Cycling around Shawnee.

In natural areas like the Tomahawk Creek Trail and Corporate Woods Park, deer sightings are quite common. The region's parks and green spaces also support diverse wildlife, and the Pottawatomie County OSU Extension Office grounds feature a registered Monarch Waystation, attracting butterflies.

Beyond historical sites, Shawnee has a vibrant local scene. The Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center hosts various events, from rodeos to antique markets. For entertainment, FireLake Casino offers gaming, restaurants, and live shows. You can also visit local establishments like Vortex Alley Brewing or The Arts at 317, and for a fun challenge, try House of Hints Escape Rooms.

Downtown Shawnee is a point of interest itself, characterized by its historic architecture and murals by local artists. It offers a variety of vintage, antique, and thrift stores for shoppers. The area also celebrates its unique culture with events like the International Finals Youth Rodeo, reflected in the 'Painted Horses' public art project.

Yes, the Shawnee Twin Lakes offer public swimming beaches, providing a serene destination for water activities. Additionally, Shawnee Splash Water Park is open seasonally and features a regulation pool, spray ground, and diving area for a refreshing experience.

For beginners, the Gary L. Haller Trail offers sections that are suitable for easy walks, and it's also wheelchair accessible. Many of the city's over 40 parks, including Rose Garden Park and Kid Space Park, provide paved paths and gentle trails ideal for a leisurely stroll. You can find more easy routes in the Hiking around Shawnee guide.

Visitors appreciate the diverse mix of natural spaces and cultural sites. Many enjoy the opportunities for outdoor activities at places like Shawnee Mission Lake and the extensive trail systems. The rich history preserved in museums and landmarks, along with the vibrant local culture, also receives positive feedback from the community.

Yes, the Oklahoma Baptist University campus is a significant site. It features picturesque architecture and green spaces, and is home to Oklahoma's only nationally accredited arboretum. This arboretum boasts 134 different tree species and 150 shrub varieties, including a sapling descendant of the Oklahoma City bombing's Survivor Tree, offering a unique educational and reflective experience.