The American West is brimming with immersive opportunities to learn and explore. Bring your classroom to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and discover the history and adventure of the Best of the West. Ascertain frontier history, Western art, and cowboy culture. With interactive exhibits, extensive collections of artifacts, and captivating displays, all the classrooms will feel like a cowboy, providing an educational experience unlike any other.
Explore the rootin’-tootin’ relics through engaging and insightful exhibits offered by the museum. Cowboy Boots: From Roundups to Runways, presented by Lucchese Bootmaker, takes visitors on a journey through history, exploring the evolution of cowboy boots from their practical 19th-century origins to their iconic status in fashion today. Students can also tour the Prix de West. Prix de West is the nation’s leading Western art exhibition and sale, featuring original works spanning historical portrayals of the American West to contemporary and impressionistic pieces.
Student groups can follow along with any of the guided tours happening throughout the museum. Animal Tales invites elementary school learners to explore the world of animal folklore, fostering imaginative learning and critical thinking. American Cowboy takes the class on a journey through the rich history of cowboy culture, from its early roots to the high-energy world of modern rodeo. Experience the challenges of a cattle drive and explore the tools and technology that have shaped the cowboy lifestyle. For high schoolers, Oklahoma History guides students through an exploration of Indigenous cultures, pioneer life, cattle ranching, the oil boom, and statehood. Student groups will learn about the events and people that shaped Oklahoma’s unparalleled heritage through unique artifacts and captivating stories. Self-guided tours are also available at the museum.
Students can gain real-life experiences with the cowboy and western lifestyle with hands-on opportunities. American Cowboy explores the evolution of cowboy culture, from its storied beginnings to the excitement of modern rodeos. Take on a cattle drive challenge and explore the essential tools and technology that shaped this enduring way of life. In the Cattle Drive Simulation, visitors can experience the challenges of a cowboy’s life by guiding cattle and utilizing tools such as lassos and ropes. Meanwhile, the Boot-Making Workshop offers a chance to explore the craftsmanship behind cowboy boots, where participants can design their own unique imprint on a boot-shaped canvas, learning about the intricate process of boot-making.
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is the perfect field trip to immerse your students in the world of being a Western Cowboy for the day. From engaging exhibits and historic artifact tours to interactive activities that get the whole classroom excited. Everyone will be walking out with a cheerful “yee-haw!”
