With its fun and family-friendly seasonal celebrations, vibrant musical legacy and rich Native American history, Muskogee offers a welcoming weekend getaway for everyone.
Two hours east of Oklahoma City, Muskogee sits among the rolling hills of Oklahoma’s ‘Green Country.’ The city’s small town charm and modern attractions draw visitors year-round to experience the spirit, sounds and stories that make Muskogee unique.
Pack your bags and make plans to explore these Muskogee favorites.
Must-See Seasonal Celebrations
As the city’s ‘crown jewel,’ Honor Heights Park spans 132 acres and offers fun for the entire family. The park features picnic areas, trails, fully accessible fishing docks, a playground and splash pad, open play areas and tennis courts.
In April, visitors can experience an explosion of spring during the park’s annual Azalea Festival. The park’s 30,000 azaleas in 625 varieties are in full bloom and celebrated throughout the festival’s events, including a chili cook-off, parade, 5K and Fun Run and live music venues.
In addition, on May 2 the park hosts The Papilion Garden and Crafts Market featuring a variety of arts, crafts and plant vendors. From Mother’s Day weekend (May 10) to Sept. 30, the park’s Papilion Gardens and Butterfly House welcome visitors to its open-air, captive sanctuary, home to more than
two dozen species of butterflies. Throughout the summer, guests can view the amazing metamorphosis of butterflies up close as well as explore the garden’s enchanting children’s area, where kids are invited to take part in a fun scavenger hunt. And to beat the heat, just a few minutes away from the park, Muskogee’s River Country Family Water Park is the perfect place for families to cool down and enjoy water slides, a lazy river and other water features.
Worth a visit in December, the park presents its Garden of Lights tour every evening from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Featuring more than a million lights with many set to music, it’s a dazzling display and a highlight of the holiday season. Visitors can drive through or park and walk the paths, as well as grab a hot cocoa and sweet treat. Hayrides are available with advance reservations and the park hosts the Garden of Lights 5k and Fun Run, an active way to experience the festive display.
Another must-see sight is the Castle of Muskogee.
Every spring the castle comes alive with the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival, an immersive experience with themed weekends set within the Renaissance era. From April 25 to May 31, the festival brings to life the ‘Realm of Castleton’ with royal feasts, bustling markets, jousting knights and one-of-a-kind arts and entertainment.
Other well-known castle events include the Halloween Festival and Castle Christmas. Every weekend in October, the castle’s Halloween Festival features uniquely themed haunted attractions, delicious food, creepy shops and live entertainment. Then, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, it’s the Castle Christmas festival. Visitors can drive through one of the largest collections of whimsical holiday inflatables and be amazed by thousands of twinkling lights and creative holiday displays. On weekends, the castle is a winter wonderland with indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.
Where Oklahoma’s Music History Lives
Beyond its seasonal celebrations, Muskogee’s cultural richness includes honoring Oklahoma’s musical legacy. The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame pays tribute to the many Oklahomans who have impacted musical culture.
From Merle Haggard (who brought notoriety to the town with his infamous song, ‘Okie from Muskogee), Pattie Page and Woody Guthrie to Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood and Kristen Chenoweth, Oklahoma has produced exceptional and diverse musical talent. Throughout the year, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame hosts induction ceremonies and concerts showcasing music from all genres.
In addition, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame houses a museum with memorabilia donated by past inductees, including Merle Haggard’s Fender guitar, Becky Hobb’s pink cowboy boots and one of Neil Schon’s custom electric guitars. For even more arts and entertainment options, check out the upcoming event listings at the historic Roxy Theater, Muskogee Little Theatre and Muskogee Civic Center.
Culture at the Crossroads
To delve into Muskogee’s Native American heritage, take the time to tour the Five Civilized Tribes Museum located near the entrance of Honor Heights Park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Five Civilized Tribes Museum is dedicated to preserving the art, history and cultures of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee and Seminole tribes. The museum hosts new exhibits throughout the year alongside its permanent collection of traditional art by renowned Native American artists. Among its collection is the largest display of Jerome Tiger originals, including his famous ‘Stickballer’ sculpture.
Three rivers converge near Muskogee, the Arkansas, Grand and Verdigris, giving the area its ‘Three Rivers’ name — and the Three Rivers Museum commemorates this unique geography.
Housed in a mission-style railroad depot built in 1916, the Three Rivers Museum traces the region’s journey from the 1800s to the present day, exploring its diverse history, economic impact, and its role within the path to statehood.
Fun fact: In 1917, Muskogee’s first Girl Scout troop, the Mistletoe Troop, formed and began making and selling cookies, creating the model for the Girl Scout Cookie Program nationwide. The museum’s special ‘Cookie’ exhibit shares the history of the Mistletoe troop, and a sculpture titled ‘A Promise Kept,’ depicting a young Girl Scout, stands in front of the building to memorialize the troop’s impact.
In any season, Muskogee offers memorable fun for all ages. And for those overnight stays, the city has several hotels and delicious dining options, making this an easy family trip. You might even find yourself wishing YOU were an ‘Okie from Muskogee.’
