Known for its location on the historic Chisholm Trail, Enid provides the perfect family getaway with its blend of historic attractions and contemporary culture. Spend a weekend in northwest Oklahoma’s largest city with this itinerary full of fun for all ages.
Friday
Book your stay at the contemporary Glo Hotel Enid, which is conveniently located next to several restaurants and Stride Bank Center, a year-round destination for concerts and performances.
Let the kids stretch their legs and expend some energy at Meadlowlake Park. Children of all ages can enjoy park attractions including a miniature train ride and a carousel, along with biking trails and picnic areas. Meadowlake is also home to the annual Christmas in the Park event, featuring decorated pavilions full of holiday activities for all ages.
For dinner, head to Café Garcia, located within walking distance of Glo Hotel Enid. This local favorite for Mexican cuisine serves up classics like fajitas, carne asada tacos and chicken quesadillas in a family-friendly environment. If weather allows, enjoy your meal on the outdoor patio.
Close out the day with a walk through Under Her Wing Was the Universe, a large-scale sculptural pavilion sitting on 2.5 acres of native prairie grasses. This photo-worthy installation by artist Romy Owens showcases Oklahoma’s expansive night sky with a canopy of 1,000 stars shining overhead.
Saturday
Spend a full day in Enid exploring some of the town’s cultural institutions. From living history villages to Western movie sets, these museums and attractions invite you try on different hats and explore new worlds.
Adventure awaits at Leonardo's Children's Museum & Adventure Quest, featuring a three-story play castle. This hands-on museum has been inspiring creativity in children of all ages since 1995 with spaces that include an indoor animal habitat, a giant Lite-Brite wall and Adventure Quest, the world’s largest community-built outdoor playground. Little ones can explore different career paths in the medical clinic, discover the exciting world of nanotechnology or build their own creations in the Tinkering exhibit.
Right around the corner from Leonardo’s and a prime spot for family photo ops, Simpson’s Old Time Museum & Movie Studio transports visitors back to the Old West with 11 life-sized movie sets. Channel your inner John Wayne in settings like an 1880s-style saloon, a quiet chapel or an old-fashioned general store. Simpson’s also houses several distinctive collections, including more than 1,800 dolls, antique saddles and historic Enid memorabilia.
When it’s time for a break, walk over to Cafe Volare for brunch and a caffeine boost. Located in Enid's historic Independence Tower, the cafe offers a full menu full of artisanal coffee drinks and cocktails. Enjoy delicious dishes like the Crab Cake Eggs Benedict or Monte Cristo sandwich in the stunning Art Deco-themed environment.
After lunch, continue your walk through history at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center. This museum stands on one of the most famed spots in the American West – the historic Chisholm Trail. Learn about Oklahoma’s early days with a vast collection of photographs, artifacts and interactive exhibits. Experience life as a homesteader at the center’s Humphrey Heritage Village, a living history experience that tells the story of the 1892 Land Run. Walk through four historically significant buildings in the village, including the only remaining 1893 U.S. Land Office. The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center also hosts History Alive! events on the first and third Saturday of each month. Visitors can interact with living history characters throughout the village while learning different skills and trades of the pioneer era.
Wrap up the day with dinner at Enid Brewing Company & Eatery, a family-friendly, farm-to-table eatery. Adults in your group can enjoy a variety of craft libations, such as the citrusy Little Sahara Wheat or the German-style Harvest Hefeweizen. Visit the Maine Street Market, an outdoor farmers market with local vendors, food, music and art.
Sunday
Sunday morning in Enid calls for breakfast at Wee Too Restaurant, a time-honored diner known for fluffy pancakes and hearty omelets. Snag a table early here, as this popular establishment is often packed on weekends. Other fantastic breakfast or brunch options include Farmhouse Fresh or Willow Inn Café.
After breakfast, venture back out to Enid’s downtown area for a self-guided tour of the town’s many colorful murals. You’ll find hidden gems like artist Rick Sinnett’s vibrant Butterfly Project at the intersection of Oklahoma and Grand Avenue, and the bright yellow David’s Doodles mural on the Ezzell woodshop building at East Randolph Avenue. Catch a glimpse of the cheerful Painted Plains mural on the alley-facing side of PaneVino Wine & Steak or snap a photo with Tox Murillo’s eye-catching Jim Morrison mural on North Independence Avenue.
On your way out of town, you might spot other public art pieces sprinkled throughout Enid, like Michael Shuck’s multi-sculpture Lazy Circles in the Sky on Grand and Garriott or the humorous East Maine Shark Bridge mural by artist Wayne Shearon to help warn drivers of the 1908 low-clearance bridge.
