Discover 6 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Shawnee (United States). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, The Arts at 317, and Pottawatomie County Oklahoma Museum & Historical Society. Also, be sure to include Bibliotech Books & Comics in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Shawnee (Oklahoma).
Table of Contents
Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art
Museum in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is a non-profit art museum in Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA. It is located on the Oklahoma Baptist University Green Campus, being the campus of the former St. Gregory's University. The museum operated independently of St. Gregory's and survived its closure.
The museum’s collection includes over 3,500 artworks, and spans over 6,000 years of art, and represents cultures from around the world including ancient Egyptian, Chinese, pre-Columbian, African, Native American, European, and American art. The museum houses the official portrait of Pope Pius X and Oklahoma’s only Egyptian mummies. The museum includes a gift shop that sells educational toys, publications related to their exhibitions and arts and crafts from local artisans. The MGMoA is a member of the Oklahoma Association of Museums and a member agency of Oklahoma City's Allied Arts. The museum hosts the annual festival Arts Trek.[1]
Address: 1900 W MacArthur St, 74804 Shawnee
The Arts at 317
Gift shop, Art gallery, Museum, Shopping
Address: 317 E Main St, 74801-7011 Shawnee
Pottawatomie County Oklahoma Museum & Historical Society
Museum
Address: 614 E Main St, 74801-7018 Shawnee
Bibliotech Books & Comics
Library, Shopping
Address: 123 E Main St, Shawnee
Beard Cabin
Historical landmark in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The Beard Cabin is a historic cabin listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Built in 1892, it is considered to be the first home built in Shawnee.
The cabin was built by Etta Ray and her father, P.H. Ray. Assisting were Etta's future brother-in-law, John Beard as well as John's sister, Lola Beard. Etta later married Henry Beard and they were the first inhabitants. Sleeping quarters are located on the upper floor of the cabin. The home is furnished and may be toured by making arrangements at the Santa Fe Depot Museum.
In 1999, the cabin was restored and moved to its present location, near the Santa Fe Depot on Main Street, after being damaged in a windstorm at Woodland Park in Shawnee. The Cleo Craig Foundation provided the funds for the relocation.[2]
Governor's Mansion
Tourist attraction in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The Governor's Mansion in Shawnee, Oklahoma was built in 1903, on the speculation that Shawnee would be selected as the state capital and that this structure would become the Governor's official residence when Oklahoma became a state. However, Oklahoma did not attain statehood until 1907, and the Legislature chose Guthrie as the first capital, before naming Oklahoma City as the permanent state capital in 1910.
The house was built in an area known as Shawnee's first neighborhood, "...where the first generation of merchants, town leaders and early professionals lived."
The house was never used as the Governor's Mansion. Once it was clear that Shawnee would not become the state capital, the mansion became just another private residence. It is also known as the Giza House, because it was once owned by Zygmund O. Giza. It is still considered a local landmark and local residents still refer to it as the Governor's Mansion. It was registered with the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.[3]