Be a Know Before You Go Traveler

I am a Know Before You Go traveler.  I study YouTube videos about what there is to do in the area.  I Google an area. I plan a detailed itinerary for my trips.  I want to pack in as much of what there is to do as time and money allow.  Who knows if I’ll ever get back, so I don’t want to miss anything. 

If you want to be a know before you go traveler with FOMO (fear of missing out) then, I’m sure you’ve reviewed and made notes after viewing Geraldine’s Facebook posts and reading Jonel’s blog encouraging you to stay after the International Convention.  So, you may ask oh seasoned traveler – where are you going with this?  Well, here in one convenient blog are the Top 10 Things to do in Oklahoma City- Microsoft CoPilot AI vs. VisitOKC.com.

CoPilot’s list is:

1. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.  Geraldine shared a post highlighting this meaningful memorial dedicated to the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing.  I encourage you to stay to see the memorial at night. 
2. Scissortail Park Scissortail Park – For Everyone. By the Omni:  Roller skating at the Sky Rink. A golf car tour around the park.  Or maybe the Scissortail Boathouse for a paddle boat for 4 rental or a canoe or kayak rental.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball (ok CoPilot picked basketball because it is basketball season.  But how about the Oklahoma City Comets, a Triple A Farm team for the Los Angeles Dodgers at their stadium in Bricktown. They are in town during the convention. For more information go to: Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark | Comets
4. Factory Obscura’s Mix-Tape: Mix-Tape — Factory Obscura. “Factory Obscura is an Oklahoma City-based COLLABORATIVE COMPANY creating immersive experiences that awaken wonder, build community, and make the world better” Every third Thursday the museum stays open late for 18 and older.  In February the event is Wicked Trivia night. Check their website for the options on 06/19/2025.
5. First Americans Museum. Home – FAM.  The museum houses the collective histories of 39 distinctive First American Nations in Oklahoma today. First Americans Museum shares the cultural diversity, history, and contributions of the First Americans. It honors the ancestors who lived there before it was Oklahoma. 
6. Oklahoma City Zoo’s Sanctuary Asia. Sanctuary Asia. See Asian elephants, Indian rhinos, Komodo dragons, Red Pandas and other Asian animal habitats.  Central to Sanctuary Asia is Lotus Pavilion, a vast two-level restaurant and event venue with floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the animal habitats and unique menu items.
7. Conestoga Wagons & Teepees at Orr Family Farm. Conestoga Wagons & Teepees at Orr Family Farm | Oklahoma City, OK. Offers a one of a kind overnight glamping experience in a Conestoga wagon or Teepee (for after the convention). 
8. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum – Oklahoma City, OK.  The museum offers two museums for a $30 ticket that includes the First American Museum. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture.
9. Boathouse District. OKC Boathouse District – Riversport OKC– See Independence Day in a floating film on 06/20/2025.  Or get a RiverSport day pass and surf OKC or try your hand at white water rafting.
10. Bunker Club. The Legendary Oklahoma City’s Bunker Club – The Bunker Club in OKC. A unique bar in Oklahoma City that is in the Tower Theater building reminiscent of the 1950s and the cold war with cold war décor and themed drinks.

So that is what AI recommends. How about Visit OKC?  Their top 10, includes many of the same and a few others:

1. Bricktown Water Taxi– I have done this and it is a great way to enjoy an evening in Bricktown and OKC.  It takes you through the Bricktown Canals, past the Bricktown Ballpark and past the Centennial Land Run Monument.
2. Conestoga Wagons & Teepees at Orr Family Farm– Glamping.
3. Factory Obscura– Immersive Art Experience.
4. First Americans Museum– A museum of the ancestors who were there before it was Oklahoma.
5. Myriad Botanical Gardens See Geraldine’s Facebook post or follow the link.
6. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum– Celebrating Western Culture, history and Art.
7. Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Do you love Chihuly? 
8. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum= Memorial for the 168 victims of the Oklahoma City Bombing.
9. Oklahoma City Zoo– Sanctuary Asia is the newest area.
10. Riversport – The Boathouse District.
11. Science Museum Oklahoma -World class planetarium. The smART Space is an art exhibit that combines art and science.
12. Scissortail Park– Roller skating or paddle boating.
13. Stockyards City . It’s home to the Oklahoma City Stockyards and several shops specializing in all things western. Get some new boots at Little Joe’s boots or a steak at Cattleman’s Steakhouse. Or belly up to the bar at McClintock Saloon and Chop House.

So, whether you want to explore all that AI recommends or what the Visit OKC staff recommend, you’ll still have a great time and  be a Know-Before-You-Go Traveler at the IAIP International Convention, June 19-22. 2025 in Oklahoma City.

About the Author: Brenda McDermott, CPCU, CLP, SCLA, CIIP, SCLA, ARM, AIDA, AIC is a workers’ compensation claims specialist in The Hartford’s Major Case Unit. She is a past International Rookie, Claims Professional of the Year, Risk Management Professional of the Year and International CWC Speak-Off winner. She was the 2022 Region V Insurance Professional of the Year. She has been a long-time member of IAIP and served in multiple offices at the local, state, and regional levels. A Past Region V RVP she is currently serving as the Region 5 Marketing Director and Assistant to the RVP. She is Co-Chair of the International Marketing and Today’s Insurance Professional Committee. She is an MAL in Region 5 from Missouri.