The Chickasaw Cultural Center

Oklahoma, a Native American word meaning "Red Man" and home to 32 Native American Tribes, 25 of which were forced to come through the dreaded Trail of Tears. One of these tribes was known as the Chikashsha (Chee-kaw-shaw) tribe which was later translated to "Chickasaw (chick-uh-saw)."  As stated in the Chickasaw tongue, "Chuckma (chook-ma)", which means "Hello" or "Welcome" to the Chickasaw Cultural Center.  Here you will learn about the life, growth, and advancement of the Chickasaw Tribe.  At the Chickasaw Cultural Center, you will learn the story about the origin of the world as told by the Chickasaw Story Tellers.  Additionally, learn about the various treaties, made and broken, between the Chickasaw Nation and the United States Government.  For instance, the Treaty of Hopewell stated that if any citizen of the United States attempted to settle land owned by the Chickasaw Nation, that person would relinquish protection from the U.S. Government and the Chickasaw Tribe had full legal rights to do with that person anything they wished.  Unfortunately, such support for the Chickasaw Tribe, as well as the other tribes, didn't last long.

Be sure to walk through the Spirit Forest to learn about the origin of many animals, as told by the Chickasaw Story Tellers.  Once you travel through the Spirit Forest, journey with the tribe through the dreaded Trail of Tears.  Hear actual stories as passed down from survivors of the actual tragedy.  At the end of any trail there is hope and this tunnel demonstrates that very well and exhibits show how the tribe has flourished over the years, and later became part of the Five Civilized Tribes producing valuable members.  For instance, the Indian code talkers, where the languages of the Chickasaw and other Native American Tribes used their languages and developed a coded language in which to pass military message among the Pacific forces of World War II.  The code was never broken and the service they provided the war effort contributed greatly to the defeat of the Japanese forces.  Additionally, in today's times, citizens of the Chickasaw nation have contributed significantly to the sciences and to our communities.  Consider Astronaut John B. Herrington, the first Native American in space, and Representative Lisa Billy, who faithfully represents the citizens of Oklahoma's 42nd Legislative District.  The Chickasaw Nation has certainly made significant contributions to the American Culture.  Finally, there are several locations throughout the Museum  where you can learn the Chickasaw word for various objects and phrases.  At these locations, you will also have the opportunity to repeat the Chickasaw word.

At 11:00 every day, Chickasaw Dancers demonstrates a dance known as the Friendship Dance, in which they welcome visitors to the Chickasaw Cultural Center.  Afterwards, members of the audience are invited to join with the dancers as they participate in the Snake Dance.

For lunch, visit the Aaimpa' Cafe. Sit down in a comfortable and clean atmosphere and enjoy some authentic Chickasaw food.  Here you can eat a very tasty Indian Territorial Burger and fries.  Or try their Indian Taco's which are very tasty, indeed.  However, if you are really adventurous, try the Native American meal known as Pashofa (paw-show-fa) and finish up with grape dumplings as a dessert.  Before you leave, visit the gift shop. As with every gift shop, they offer shirts, mugs and key chains.    However, they also sell several different types of jams and relishes as well as buffalo jerky.

If you need to do some research for a school project, be sure to visit the Research Center for various sources on Chickasaw history. You may also be able to trace your ancestral lineage to see if you have any Chickasaw blood running through your veins.  Last, but not certainly not least, visit the Honor Garden to see the names of famous Chickasaw who have made significant contributions in bringing recognition and accolades to the Chickasaw Nation.  The Chickasaw Cultural Center is a place to learn about the history of a proud people who have overcome various obstacles throughout history and, from the ashes of the past, have risen into a bright future.

In the Chickasaw language, there is no word for Good-bye.  Instead, they say "Cho Pisa Lacho" which means "See You Later".

Entertainment: 3
Educational: 5
Gift Shop: 3
Cafe: 5
Price: 4
Overall: 4

Additional Information

Address
867 Cooper Memorial Dr. Sulpher, OK 73086

Hours of Operation
Monday: Closed
Tues - Fri: 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Prices
Adults: $6
Students, Military, Seniors: $5
Kids under 12: $3
Kids under 3: Free
Chickasaw Citizen: Free

For More Information: visit www.chickasawculturalcenter.com

Oklahoma City Zoo

Lions and tigers and....bison? Oh My! Okay so that's not exactly how the saying goes, but that's exactly what you will see at the Oklahoma City Zoo.  Everything from Alligators to Zebras is at this decently sized zoo. They are always updating old exhibits and bringing in new ones as well. The most recent exhibit is the Oklahoma animals exhibit.  Ever seen a buffalo?  Let me just say those beast are nothing short of massive in size.  What about a mountain lion?  When these ferocious felines aren't lazing around, they are usually getting up close to the spectators in curiosity.  When you go through the exhibit you will also have the opportunity to see creatures of the night including a certain creature that you pray to God you never hit with your car or else you might get a "smelly" surprise.

After the Oklahoma Animals Exhibit, provided your not afraid of snakes, be sure to visit the Herpetarium. In this exhibit you will be able to see many types of snakes of all sizes and both venomous and non-venomous as well as as various other reptiles. See the jaw dropping size of the anaconda, the camouflage of the tree snakes, and the amazing color changing chameleon. The picture below contains a venomous snake that blends in with its surroundings...can you find it?

What zoo is complete without some sort of Ape Exhibit? At the Great EscApe, you will be able to see everything from Chimpanzees to the great silver-back gorilla, with his harem of females. The zoo has acquired several young apes that love nothing more than to swing and play so of course they are sure to put a smile on anyone's face. 

Of course seeing animals behind plexi-glass windows isnt all the Oklahoma City zoo has to offer. Various shows and rides are available to maximize your experience  If its a hot day, be sure to check out the sea lion show for some wet fun.  A ride on the carousel is a way to treat your kids to some new memories, and yourself to relive some old ones.  There is even a Childrens Zoo made especially for kids.  New to the zoo is the Giraffe feeding experience and the elephant shows.  The youngest elephant, born in early 2011, is sure to be a thrill.  Also, Rex, the 43 year old Indian Elephant, is always eager to strike a pose.

If after touring the zoo you acquire an animal appetite  be sure to visit one of the zoos six cafe's. The food is hot and delicious , and the price isn't bad either.  And when you leave, visit the gift shop for some various trinkets ranging from t-shirts to stuffed animals.  If you would like, you may even purchase a bird feeder or two so you can start your own zoo.  At the end of the day, the visit to the Oklahoma City Zoo will be a lasting memory and might even tire you and your family out just as much as this young grey fox.

Entertainment: 4 

Educational: 4

Price: 4

Cafe: 3

Gift shop: 3

Overall: 4

Additional Information

Address 

2101 N.E. 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK

Hours of Operation

Sun - Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Closed on Major Holidays

Prices 

Adults: $8

Kids: $5

Seniors (65+): $5

Military Discount: 50% off for member, spouse and up to five dependents

For more information, Visit  www.okczoo.com

Museum of Osteology

Bones! We all have them, and at times, we all break them. But some people deal with more bones on a regular basis than most people would care to handle. No, I'm not talking about doctors. I'm talking about the people at The Museum of Osteology. This one of a kind museum isn't your normal kind of museum. Here, you will find over 400 skeletons ranging from the small finch bird to the massive humpback whale. 

Ninty percent of the bones are real, and any replicas are marked so you will know the difference between the artificial and the real bones. The skeletons in the middle of the exhibit are touchable. When you first walk in, you can actually see how the bones are cleaned with beetles. There are two floors with multiple categories. On the bottom floor are the touchable skeletons, and a few of the galleries which include those of human, primate, birds, and animals indiginous to Oklahoma.  There is also a section called Cultural Exhibits.

In the Cultural exhibits section, you will be able to witness how certain cultures around the world have used bones for either ceremonies, tools, or as a fashion style. In the human exhibit you will see various types of skulls and skeletons including a dwarf skeleton, a skull with a bullet wound, and even the elongated skull used by several South American cultures thousands of years ago.

On the second floor, you will find the snake, bat, and African animals exhibit. At the conclusion of the exhibit you will be able to test what you have learned by trying to identify 3 different skulls. Each skull has three hints.  Additionally, there is also a table in which you can handle several animals skulls such as the bear, the bobcat, and the raccoon. Finally, don't miss the video that tells the story of the people behind the scenes that make all this possible, Skulls Unlimited International. Here, you will be able to see how they take the rotting carcass of an animal, clean it, and then prepare it for display or shipping.

 By visiting this museum, in addition to the great opportunity you will have to learn about bones in general, you will have a chance to learn a great deal about bones of specific animals, some you may have never heard of.  For instance, have you ever heard of the Potto or the Sifaka?  Both are types of monkeys. Or, what about the Aye-Aye, an animal that has been debated for years on whether it is a rodent or a primate.  You will also hear of the Black Footed Ferret, who for years has been on the endangered species list, but which has made a remarkable comeback.  Before you leave, be sure to visit the gift shop for even more of an experience. Just like most other museum gift shops, they have T-shirts, necklaces, key chains  and similar items of those types.  But what makes this gift shop really unique is that you can buy bones. Yes, I said that correctly.  You can buy various skulls and bones, ranging from a finger bone to an human skull.  However, these bones do not come at a cheap price. They can range anywhere between $10 - $350. The Museum of Osteology is a one of a kind experience that will make you appreciate the bones we carry around with us and which helps us to stand up, walk, and just generally be animated.

Entertainment: 3
Educational: 4
Price: 4
Gift shop: 4
Cafe: N/A
Overall experience: 4

Additional Information

Address 
10301 S. Sunnylane Rd. Oklahoma City, OK

Hours of Operation
Mon. - Fri.: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m..

Sat.: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sun.: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Prices
Adults: $6

Children under 13: $6

Military (with ID): $5

For more information visit their website: www.museumofosteology.org

Introduction

Welcome to the World of American Tourist Attractions. Please note that this page is ALWAYS being updated with new attractions and information. This site is for information of tourist hot spots  Each location will be given with hours of operation, addresses, a review, pictures, and ratings. Here is how the rating system works. Each location is rated on a 1 - 5 scale; 1 being the worst, 5 being the absolute best.  There are Category Ratings in 6 different areas:  Entertainment, Educational, Price, Gift shop, the Cafe if applicable, and an Overall rating. These should give you an idea if an attraction is worth your time and money. Please note that a 5 rating is very rare. In order to earn a 5 in one or more of the Categories, that Category must be jaw dropping, mind blowing, and eye popping amazing.  The Overall Rating will be an average of the Category Ratings total.  Because I am based in Oklahoma, the majority of the locations starting off will be in, of course, Oklahoma. Also, I do not list theaters as they are a well known attraction in and of themselves UNLESS they depict a certain style, such as a 40's era type movie theater. I also will not do casinos since all people do there is gamble, wheres the fun in that?

Picture Credit: www.postthisinc.com/images/touristcrossing.jpg