Discover Shawnee, OK, through festivals, food, and family fun. From the FireLake FireFlight Balloon Fest and youth rodeo thrills to KidSpace Park, Twin Lakes, Route 66 eats, world-class art, Native culture, and iconic Painted Horses, Shawnee blends small-town charm with big personality.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Pow Wow Grounds
Hosted by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, FireLake FireFlight Balloon Fest occurs each August, bringing in more than 60,000 people over the two-day event. Balloons from all over the country appear, as well as vendors, fireworks, amazing tribal foods, and so much more. Balloon Fest truly brings out the community!
See MoreKidSpace Park
Shawnee is home to Oklahoma's largest playground and 5th largest park! The award-winning Kid Space Park completed a $4M+ renovation in 2023. With areas for toddlers to senior citizens, it is easy to see why Kid Space Park has become a regional favorite for school groups and family reunions. Voted Oklahoma's Attraction of the Year!
See MoreHeart of Oklahoma Exposition Center
The International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR), held at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center, showcases the best youth rodeo athletes in the world vying for those gold buckles. Bringing in competitors and spectators from around the globe, IFYR, now in its 34th year, is a Shawnee staple.
See MoreShawnee Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes Reservoir is located west of Shawnee. Serving as Shawnee's primary water source, visitors and residents enjoy fun summer outings while respecting the natural viability of the area. Local favorites include "boat parades," fireworks, and fishing. The Pottawatomie County Kayak Club boasts over 1000 members.
Visiting Shawnee over the Fourth of July holiday, you would be treated to three huge fireworks shows hosted by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and the Kickapoo Nation of Oklahoma. A local favorite is to float out onto Shawnee's Twin Lakes reservoir and watch not only the fireworks in the sky, but the reflection on the smooth summer waters.
See MoreVan's Pig Stands
Head a few blocks north of downtown to Van's Pig Stand, Oklahoma's oldest family-owned bar-b-que restaurant, now in its 5th generation. Van's celebrates 100 years in 2030! Van's claim to fame was having the county's first soft serve ice cream machine, making this tasty treat available year-round. According to legend, Mrs. Van created the very first twice-baked potato, right here in Shawnee.
See MoreHamburger King
Main Street's Hamburger King will celebrate 100 years of family ownership in 2027. Use your table-top phone to call in your order to the operator. Potato wedges are a must!
See MoreSt. Gregory's Abbey
Oklahoma's largest order of monks is found at Saint Gregory's Abbey. This Benedictine order has a rich history and an intriguing relationship to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Founded by the "wandering monks," these monks have a fascinating history of overcoming obstacles and creating a home in this wild land.
See MoreMabee-Gerrer Museum of Art
The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art was founded in 1919 by Father Gregory Gerrer. Father Gerrer, a Benedictine monk and an artist, had traveled to Europe, Africa, and South America, and collected art, bringing it back to Shawnee, and now displayed in the museum. The museum's permanent exhibitions include Egyptian, Greek and Roman objects; art from the Renaissance through the early 20th century; and large holdings of Native American, African, pre-Columbian, and Eastern cultural artifacts.
See MoreCitizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center
Unique, even in Oklahoma, Shawnee is home to four sovereign tribal nations; Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, Sac & Fox, and Absentee Shawnees.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Cultural Heritage Center exists to educate tribal members, the greater Native American community and other visitors about the historical and contemporary aspects of the tribe. The newly renovated galleries feature tribal history ranging from pre-contact history to present day. Tours are available for schools and groups. Admission is free.
See MoreSurprise Finish - Horse in the City
Shawnee features dozens of "Horses in the City" scattered throughout town. The painted horses were part of a public art installation that have stayed long past the original project. Walk around town and find all the horses with fun names like "Surprise Finish," "To the Stars," "Big Blue, " and many more!
See MoreFireLake Arena
Did you know Shawnee has a pro basketball team? The Potawatomi Fire is the first professional basketball team owned by a Native American tribe (Citizen Potawatomi Nation) in Oklahoma. Check out www.potawatomifire.com for a full schedule!
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