10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Enid, Oklahoma
If you’re planning a trip through north-central Oklahoma, don’t skip
Enid. This small city in
Garfield County has a big heart, a rich history, and more to do than many travelers expect.
Whether you’re road-tripping across Route 81, visiting family on one of the nearby farms, or just looking for a new weekend getaway from Oklahoma City or Wichita, Enid is an easy place to slow down and enjoy real Oklahoma hospitality.
Below are
10 fun things to do in and near Enid, OK, written with first-time visitors in mind.
1. Step Back In Time At The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center
If you do just
one thing in Enid, make it this.
The
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center brings the story of the Land Run of 1893 to life. It’s all about how thousands of settlers rushed into this area and built new towns almost overnight.
Inside the museum, you’ll find:
- Immersive exhibits about the Land Run and early homesteaders
- Stories of Native American tribes and their experience
- Artifacts like wagons, tools, and photographs
Outside, there’s a living history town called
Humphrey Heritage Village. You can wander among:
- A 1905 family home
- An old schoolhouse
- A church and other historic buildings
It’s the kind of place where kids can actually see how people lived, not just read about it.
Travel tip: Plan at least 1–2 hours here. It’s one of the top things to do in Enid if you love history, families, or just good storytelling.
2. Catch A Show Or Concert At The Stride Bank Center
Right in downtown Enid, the
Stride Bank Center is the city’s main spot for live events. Depending on when you visit, you might find:
- Country or rock concerts
- Family shows and kids’ events
- Basketball, rodeo, or other sports
- Comedy acts and touring performances
If you like to mix a little nightlife into your small-town trips, check their schedule before you go. You may be able to plan your weekend around a show.
Example: I once rolled into Enid on a quiet Sunday and found a big-name country artist playing that night. It turned a simple overnight stop into a trip highlight.
3. Stroll Through Downtown Enid’s Public Art And Murals
Enid’s downtown has a fun surprise: lots of
colorful murals and public art pieces tucked along its streets and alleys.
You can:
- Wander by foot and spot murals on brick walls and corners
- Stop for coffee or ice cream at a local shop between photos
- Grab a bench and people-watch for a while
The art ranges from Western themes to abstract designs. It’s an easy, free thing to do in Enid and a great way to stretch your legs on a long drive.
Photo idea: The murals make great backdrops for family photos, couple shots, or that “We found this cool little town” Instagram post.
4. Visit The Simpson’s Old Time Museum & Enid’s Movie History
Love old Westerns? Then you’ll get a kick out of the
Simpson’s Old Time Museum.
This quirky Enid attraction is part museum, part old movie set. Inside you’ll find:
- Western movie props and costumes
- Re-created saloon and jail scenes
- Information on Western films shot by the owners
It’s small and personal, the kind of place where you’re likely to chat with someone who helped build the displays. Kids tend to love the pretend jail and “cowboy town” feel.
Travel tip: Call ahead or check hours online. It’s a great stop to pair with downtown shopping or a meal.
5. Experience Vance Air Force Base History And Aviation Around Enid
Enid is home to
Vance Air Force Base, where U.S. Air Force pilots train. While it’s an active military base and not a typical tourist attraction, its presence shapes the town.
Ways to enjoy the aviation theme:
- Watch training aircraft in the sky from public areas around town
- Check for open-house events or air shows (offered on some occasions)
- Visit local aviation displays and community events that honor the base
For aviation fans, just seeing the planes taking off and landing in the distance can be a highlight.
Note: Always respect posted security rules and boundaries around the base.
6. Relax And Play At Meadowlake Park
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to unwind in Enid, head to
Meadowlake Park. It’s a classic local park with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
You’ll find:
- A small lake with ducks and geese
- Walking paths for a quiet stroll
- Playgrounds and picnic spots
- Seasonal mini train rides and amusement-style fun for kids
On a warm evening, you’ll see locals fishing, families grilling burgers, and kids burning off road-trip energy on the playground.
Travel tip: Pack a simple picnic and enjoy the Oklahoma sunset from one of the park benches. It’s a low-cost, low-stress stop in Enid.
7. Discover The Railroad And Milling History Of “Wheat Capital” Enid
Enid is sometimes called the
“Wheat Capital of Oklahoma”. The huge grain elevators you’ll see as you drive in are not just for show—they’ve been central to the city’s identity for over a century.
To dive deeper:
- Look for interpretive signs and displays near downtown
- Ask locals about the history of grain elevators and shipping
- Combine this with a visit to the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center for context
You don’t need a long stop here—just take a few minutes to notice how the rail lines, elevators, and agriculture shape the landscape. It’s everyday life for Garfield County, but for a visitor, it’s a window into how the Great Plains feed the country.
Thought to ponder: How many other towns have grain elevators taller than many city buildings?
8. Shop Local And Sip Coffee In Downtown Enid
Downtown Enid is walkable and relaxed, with local businesses that give the city its charm.
You can:
- Browse locally owned boutiques and gift shops
- Pick up Oklahoma-themed souvenirs or handmade items
- Settle into a café for a hot coffee or iced drink
If you’re on a long drive through Oklahoma, downtown Enid makes a perfect to break up the miles. Grab lunch, stretch your legs, and see what small-town life here feels like.
Travel tip: Ask your barista or shop owner what
they recommend doing in Enid. Locals almost always know a hidden gem or two.
9. Enjoy Seasonal Events And Festivals Around Garfield County
One of the best ways to experience Enid and Garfield County is to time your trip with a local event.
Depending on the season, you might find:
- Holiday celebrations and downtown light displays
- County fairs with rides, livestock, and fried food
- Farmers’ markets showcasing local produce and crafts
- Community concerts and outdoor movie nights
Events change year by year, so it’s worth checking the city or tourism websites before you travel.
Why it’s worth it: Festivals are where you really feel the community—kids running around, neighbors greeting each other, and visitors welcomed like old friends.
10. Take A Scenic Drive Through Garfield County’s Back Roads
Sometimes the best part of visiting a place like Enid is what you see just outside town.
Garfield County is full of:
- Wide-open fields of wheat and other crops
- Big-sky sunsets and stormy skies (this is Oklahoma, after all)
- Country roads perfect for a relaxed afternoon drive
If you have an hour or two:
- Head out along a county road and simply drive
- Stop safely to take photos of barns, fields, and endless horizons
- Watch how the light changes over the land toward evening
It’s simple, but it feels deeply peaceful—especially if you’re used to busy city life.
Planning Your Trip To Enid, Oklahoma
Here are a few quick pointers to make your visit easier:
- Location: Enid is in north-central Oklahoma, about 85 miles northwest of Oklahoma City.
- Best for: Road-trippers, families, history lovers, small-town explorers.
- Time needed: A full day hits the highlights, but a weekend lets you slow down and see more.
- Getting around: You’ll want a car; Enid and Garfield County are spread out.
Enid may not shout for attention like bigger cities, but that’s exactly the charm. It’s the kind of place where you can learn real history, talk with locals, and feel the rhythm of everyday life in rural Oklahoma.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Enid Favorites!
Have you been to Enid or somewhere else in Garfield County?
- Do you have a favorite Enid restaurant, café, or local bar?
- Is there a park, shop, or annual event you never skip?
- Any road-trip tips for driving through north-central Oklahoma?
I’d love to hear from you.
Drop a comment with your own tips, stories, or questions about things to do in Enid, Oklahoma. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a road trip or looking for a new small-town getaway.
The more we share these “under-the-radar” places, the more travelers get to enjoy them.
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