3 hotels near Norman, OK, USA

The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History offers permanent and traveling exhibits, activities and programs bringing visitors closer to the natural world. Ancient life, natural wonders, the people of Oklahoma, world cultures and Paleozoic galleries all draw you deeper into the story of this place. Check out special programs like the Native American Youth Language Fair and participation in a “paleo expedition” that sounds pretty irresistible.If you would like some information that is more up-to-date than the Paleolithic, then the National Weather Center is for you. The University of Oklahoma, NOAA and state agencies all work together to improve understanding of the weather and future weather events. The Center is strict about who is allowed in the building, so you will need to contact them in advance to arrange your tour.For those who prefer art, visit the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Like the natural history museum, this also is part of the University of Oklahoma, and the good news is that admission is always free. It has one of the most important French Impressionism collections in the United States, a collection of Native American art that includes more than 1,000 kachinas, and displays of Asian art, art of the Americas, photography and contemporary art.Your children are probably by now asking what they can do in Norman, so delight them with a trip to Andy Alligator’s Fun Park. Speedway go-karts, bumper cars, the frog-hopper, and even the Bayou Blaster Bumper Boats are standard for such venues, but why not try water wars, a two-person game involving getting one’s water balloon through the opponent’s defenses.Oklahoma has a long Native American history, and tribal art is represented at the Tribes 131 Native American Art Gallery. Here more than 30 Native American artists show paintings, pottery, sculptures, beadwork, jewelry and more. An extremely knowledgeable staff and surprisingly large inventory of art will keep you riveted.And no visit to Norman would be complete without paying attention to its collegiate sports history, in this case via a visit to the Legends Lobby at the Barry Switzer Center, which hosts a museum dedicated to the history of Oklahoma Sooners football. Included in the collection are all five Oklahoma Heisman Trophies, every Sooner Bowl Championship Trophy, individual awards, championship rings and a mural illustrating Sooner history and tradition. If you are here during the Fall, experience the football madness yourself by catching a game at the Oklahoma Memorial Stadium!Even if you are not already a fan, Norman will convert you to cheering on Oklahoma’s prized collegiate sports teams. And with so much more to see, nothing is better after a long day than a cozy room nearby. Check out Choice Hotels in Norman, OK and book today!