MuskogeeUSA » Things to Do

Azalea Arts and Crafts Show

admin — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:50:45 +0000

Lawns are beginning to green, trees are putting on leaves, dead skunks are littering the roads, and… arts and craft shows. All these are signs Spring is looming.

The Muskogee Civic Center is preparing for the Azalea Arts and Crafts Show on April 2 and 3 from 9am – 5pm. They are asking potential vendors to reserve booth space now. Call 684-6363 to secure your space.

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Muskogee Noon Lions Pancake Day

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 04:02:03 +0000

The Muskogee Noon Lions Club, which has been serving Muskogee for 95 years, will be hosting a Pancake Day Friday, February 25, 2011 from 6am – 1pm at the 4-H Building at the Muskogee Fairgrounds.

Tickets are $5 each and you get all-you-can-eat pancakes with Griffin’s Syrup, Blue and Gold sausage, and drink.

2010 projects funded by the Noon Lions Club are:

Oklahoma School for the Blind
Muskogee County 4-H
Ark of Faith
Murrow Indian Home
Kelly B. Todd Cerebral Palsy Center
Scholarships for three high school students
Eyeglasses and exams for over 30 needy Muskogee residents
Leader dogs for the blind
Lions World Services for the Blind (a Muskogee resident is currently a student
Oklahoma Lions Club Foundation (funds Lions Boys Ranch and Lions Eye Bank)

Be sure to join the Muskogee Noon Lions Club at the 4-H building Friday, February 25 and help them help Muskogee!

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2011 Bedouin Shrine Basketball Tournament

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:10:59 +0000

Well, the first two nights of the 2011 Bedouin Shrine Classic Basketball Tournament are complete, but don’t worry, there are still three nights left. Thursday and Friday nights, teams are playing at Muskogee High School gym and the Muskogee Civic Center from 4:30pm until the games are over, usually no later than 11:00pm.

Saturday morning, teams play at Muskogee High School, Hilldale High School and the Civic Center from 9am – 3pm, then it all moves to the Muskogee Civic Center for the finals beginning at 4:30pm.

Not only will you enjoy seeing some really great teams play, you will also be helping a great cause. The Shrine Tournament helps raise money for the local shrine to help pay for transportation costs for children who are burn victims, have spinal cord injuries, orthopedic conditions, and cleft lip and palate conditions to one of 22 hospitals located around the country. These hospitals accept these children regardless of the family’s ability to pay.

You can also purchase a chance at winning a 55″ Samsung flat screen television for $1 each.

So, come on out and watch some great basketball and have a chance to take home a new television.

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Muskogee: What’s so good about it anyway?

admin — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 22:30:03 +0000

A person I work with asked me today about the positive things Muskogee has to offer. So, I started thinking about this. I know Muskogee isn’t perfect, and, quite a bit of this is my opinion, but, that’s the way it is.

Education

Muskogee has 2 public school districts, Muskogee Public Schools and Hilldale Public Schools. Both schools have excellent teachers and are actively using new technology in the classroom. Indian Capital Technology Center is a public vocational and technical school situated in Muskogee. Northeastern State University (4 year) and Connors State College (2 year) both have campuses in Muskogee and are both public colleges. The oldest college in the state of Oklahoma is the private four-year Bacone College.

Crime

According to Wikipedia, the overall crime rate has fallen 45% since 1995 in Muskogee. The Muskogee Police Department keeps their officers well-trained and boasts a higher number of officers per-capita than most other cities and towns in Oklahoma.

Attractions / Points of Interest

Muskogee has a very unique history which is reflected in many of its points of interest. Muskogee hosts a total of 18 parks listed on its web site: Honor Heights Park, Spaulding Park, Beckman Park, Bill Pool Park, Civitan Park, Douglas-Maxey Park, Elliot Park, Grandview Park, Gulick Park, Love-Hatbox Sports Complex, King Park, Langston Park, Optimist Park, Palmer Park, Robison Park, Rooney Park, Rotary Park, and Turner Hill Park. Each park has its own unique attributes including play areas, trails, splash pads, pools, shelters, and more.

The River Country water park at Love-Hatbox Sports Complex allows people to float the Lazy River, fly down a water slide, or just soak up some rays. The water park has something for kids of all ages. The sports complex features 10 lighted baseball fields, 8 lighted softball fields, 2 lighted football fields and 13 soccer fields. There also is an outdoor skate park and the 3.1 mile Centennial Trail.

Museums include: Three Rivers Museum, Ataloa Lodge Museum, Five Civilized Tribes Museum, USS Batfish (WWII submarine) and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.

The Farmer’s Market is held twice weekly in the parking lot of the Muskogee Civic Center.

Fort Gibson Lake is just 15 minutes away, so if fishing, boating, camping and swimming are your thing, Muskogee has what you need and want. Three Rivers Harbor is located just East of the Arkansas river and provides a state-of-the-art marina and boat launching right out to the river.

Shopping

Muskogee is a regional shopping hub with Arrowhead Mall, WalMart Super Center, Best Buy, K-Mart, and several shopping centers. Muskogee has several national chain restaurants such as Applebee’s, El Chico, Golden Corral, Western Sizzlin, as well as some more local flair such as Okies, Mahylon’s Barbecue, My Place Barbecue, Zollies Restaurant and nearby Martin’s Restaurant in Okay. You will never go hungry at El Charro, Gino’s, Beacon Drive-In, Little Italy, Hunan Chinese Restaurant, Napoli’s, and more.

If you can’t find it in Muskogee, Tulsa isn’t too far away.

Entertainment

Muskogee has 2 movie theaters with a total of 16 screens showing a wide variety of movies. The Muskogee Little Theater has several stage plays throughout the year featuring local talent – and boy does Muskogee have talent. Muskogee Skate Center is the perfect place for the young and young-at-heart to enjoy some indoor physical activity. If skating isn’t your thing, then come bowl a few lines at Green Country Lanes.

The Roxy Theater in downtown Muskogee hosts several variety shows a year. The Muskogee Civic Center features larger shows such as the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, Shrine Circus, Tough Man and various concerts. There is usually something going on every week at the Civic Center.

Newly re-opened Thunderbird speedway in Muskogee gives race fans a night of fun. Also close by is Outlaw Motor Speedway, just a few miles South of Muskogee, with a wide variety including NASCAR.

The Muskogee Fair has returned in recent years and gets better each year.

Economy

While the East and West coast were floundering in this current recession, Muskogee was holding its own. Muskogee saw only a small impact while the coasts saw huge downturns. The economy here is much more stable than other regions of the US. The cost of living is much more affordable here than most other places.

It’s just a great place to live, work and play

If I thought Muskogee wasn’t a great place to live, work and play, I would not have raised my family here, sent them to school here, or work here. A large part of my summer is spent at Lake Fort Gibson. I do most of my shopping locally, most of my eating out locally, and most of my entertainment locally. So, what’s so great about Muskogee? Almost everything.

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Les Gilliam at the Roxy

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:53:11 +0000

Les Gilliam

The Oklahoma Balladeer will be at the Roxy on August 14, 2010 at 7:00pm. Les Gilliam is the official “Oklahoma Balladeer”. He is a singer, song-writer and recording artist currently based in Ponca City, Oklahoma and entertains as a solo act with his guitar, with his trio, or with his band, The Silver Lake Band.

Les’ concerts of cowboy, western swing, country and gospel music includefascinating stories about the songs and the artists who performed them. His country dances feature great western swing music and fun activities for the audience. He always includes original songs and humorous material, adding a touch of nostalgia and good ol’ fashion patriotism.

Tickets are on sale now at the Muskogee Civic Center for $15.00. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Muskogee Civic Center at 918-684-6363.

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New baby buffalo at Sequoyah Bay

admin — Sat, 01 May 2010 22:06:10 +0000

Sometime between last Sunday evening and Monday morning (4/25 – 4/26), a new buffalo was born at Sequoyah Bay State Park. I waited until I got pictures before I posted anything. Not sure yet if it is male or female since mom and dad are VERY protective and won’t allow anyone near.

But, the light brown calf was happily romping between mom and dad this afternoon allowing us to get some great photos. No news on a name, yet, but as soon as I hear, I’ll post a follow-up.

If you get a chance and live close, come on out and see the new baby.

GPS: LAT 35.886261, LON -95.277530

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Thunderbird Speedway to re-open

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:03:51 +0000

I remember when I was growing up, we lived in Oklahoma, Florida and Texas. When we lived out of state, we would still spend the summers in Muskogee. Then, later, I married and settled in Muskogee. I remember the warm summer Friday nights filled with the sounds from Thunderbird Speedway.

Depending on how the wind was blowing determined the volume, but you could hear the races all over Muskogee. I was very sad when it closed down. Even if you weren’t at the track, it was still exciting to listen to the cars accelerate and decelerate with a popping sound.

In the meantime, Outlaw Motor Speedway opened South of Town and has gained quite a following, so the question is: Can Muskogee support a track inside city limits again?

Stanley Slader is re-opening Thunderbird this month. Personally, I will welcome the Friday night sounds again, but I realize that some people will not, especially those living close to the fairgrounds. It will be interesting to see what happens that first race night as far as how many people complain about the noise.

I wish Mr. Slader the best of luck in re-opening this track and I plan to attend races there again.

For more information:

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Free Concert at Honor Heights Park

admin — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:00:39 +0000

Join us Saturday, June 6 at 7:30pm, for Symphony in the Park at Honor Heights Park in Muskogee. Featuring the Muskogee Community Band and the City Singers of Muskogee, this event promises to be an entertaining evening for all. For more information on this and other activities, check out the Muskogee Parks Department

website.

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Vacation or Staycation? Muskogee Offers Fun Close By! Part 1

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 19:45:51 +0000

With most of us still reeling from the economy and waiting for the rebound, we wonder if there is a vacation in our future, or if we will be keeping closer to home. The word staycation may not be in the dictionary, but it is certainly in the news … a lot!

Vacations are nice. It is fun and relaxing to go somewhere you’ve never been and seeing and doing new things. Most of us, however, have been to some great places but are ignorant of our own back yards. The Muskogee area, Green Country, Oklahoma and surrounding states all have fun things to do that will not break the bank.

In part 1, we will be exploring attractions in or near Muskogee.

Muskogee area:

City Parks are great places for an afternoon outing. Bring a picnic lunch and watch the kids play or swim. For more information, see the Muskogee Parks website.
River Country Water Park at the Love Hatbox Sports Complex will provide an afternoon of cool water fun. Adults can enjoy the water park as well by floating the lazy river. Lifeguards are on duty to keep everyone safe. For more information, see the Muskogee Parks website.
Three Rivers Museum at the old Midland Valley Depot is a wonderful learning experience for the entire family. Exhibits show the development of Muskogee and its role in the Indian Territory and statehood. Adult admission is $3 and children are only $1.50.
Ataloa Lodge Museum is located on the Bacone College Campus at 2299 Old Bacone Rd., This museum contains a vast privately-owned collection of Native American art.
Five Civilized Tribes Museum contains exhibits on the art, history and culture of the Five Civilized Tribes housed at the historic Union Indian Agency Building at the top of Honor Heights Park.
Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Oklahoma and Muskogee have a rich musical heritage that is celebrated each year at the induction ceremony.
USS Batfish War Memorial Park Museum is Muskogee’s very own submarine. The USS Batfish sank three enemy subs and eleven other vessels during her commission. Located at the Port of Muskogee, visitors can tour the submarine and war park.
Fort Gibson Historical Site was established in 1824, Fort Gibson served as a starting point for several military expeditions that explored the west and sought peace between the tribes in the region. Tour the fort and historical site for only $3 for adults and $1 for students. Seniors are $2.50 and children 5 and under are free.
Fort Gibson National Cemetery is located in Muskogee County, one mile northeast of Fort Gibson, Okla. It is situated on land that was once part of the military reservation and is within the limits of the Cherokee Nation. Records indicate the area was probably called Ketona prior to 1824.
Fort Gibson Lake is nearby to provide camping, boating and swimming activities for all. Sequoyah Bay State Park, Western Hills Guest Ranch and Sequoyah State Park and Corps of Engineers camping and sporting activities. Campsites are clean and accessible, bath houses are clean, and boat ramps are plentiful.

There’s plenty to do right around home and the best part is you don’t have to pay for a hotel room. However, if you are visiting Muskogee from out of town, we do have plenty of hotels to fit your needs and your budget.

Check back for Part 2 of this series where we will venture out a little further from Muskogee and see what’s there.

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