Norman, OK

Travel Guide

Bizzell Library showing a park and heritage architecture
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art showing interior views and art
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art featuring interior views and art
Bizzell Library featuring heritage elements and interior views
Bizzell Library showing heritage elements and interior views

With a range of attractions for sports fans, a cluster of casinos and an assortment of interesting museums, this small college town has lots to offer visitors. 

Although it’s not particularly well known on the tourist circuit, Norman has a nice collection of compelling attractions to keep visitors entertained. Attend a college football game,gaze at a giant dinosaur skull at a well-regarded natural history museum and test your luck in one of the area’s many popular casinos.

Like neighboring Oklahoma City, Norman has its origins in the 1889 Land Run, which saw white settlers rush to claim “unassigned” land. Prior to this, the land had been part of what was then known as Indian Territory.

As the home of the University of Oklahoma campus, Norman has a sizable population of students who help bring youth and vitality to the town. Attend a “Sooners” football game at the Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and cheer alongside the screaming masses. Head to Heisman Park to see life-size bronze statues of previous Heisman Trophy winners. This trophy is awarded annually to the top player in U.S. college football.

Discover a fascinating collection of museums in Norman. Inspect the giant skull of the Pentaceratops skeleton at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. This dinosaur’s remains were found in New Mexico in 1941. It is thought that when it was alive, the Pentaceratops weighed as much as 13,000 pounds (6,000 kilograms).

For culture, visit the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, whose collection features works from French, Native American and American artists. Examine treasured pieces by such well-known artists as Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet.

Visit Lake Thunderbird State Park for outdoor recreation. Swim and sunbathe at the park’s beach, sail around the serene lake or follow the hiking trails that weave through the park.

Norman is located about 20 miles (30 kilometers) south of Downtown Oklahoma City. The nearest major airport is just west of the city. For convenience, rent a car to get around. Public bus routes do serve parts of Norman, but are not always regular.

Where to stay in Norman

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Historic Campus Corner District

When in Historic Campus Corner District, you can plan a visit to Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and Bizzell Library, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Historic Campus Corner District
Stone Hill Norman, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Stone Hill Norman, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
3 out of 5
3100 Medical Park Pl, Norman, OK
$87 nightly
The price is $102 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$102 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Norman. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,130 reviews)
Great place to stay
"Hotel staff was super friendly, helpful and attentive. Everything was clean and in great condition. The breakfast attendant was sweet and helpful. I have stayed here before and will continue to choose this hotel for future trips to Norman."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Stone Hill Norman, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oklahoma City Norman
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oklahoma City Norman
3 out of 5
930 Ed Noble Drive, Norman, OK
$69 nightly
The price is $80 total per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
$80 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Norman. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,272 reviews)
"It was very nice and clean property. There were a few downsides such as door card readers not always working properly, fire alarm went off and we were evacuated but not by the hotel staff, y our on accord, and hey do not allow you to change towels but every three days. Overall it was really a nice ..."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oklahoma City Norman
Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center
Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center
3.5 out of 5
2501 Conference Center Drive, Norman, OK
$127 nightly
The price is $148 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$148 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Norman. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,111 reviews)
"There was one elevator working so the wait was very long."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Crimson & Cream
Crimson & Cream
Norman
Stay at this vacation home in Norman. Popular attractions Riverwind Casino and Sooner Theatre are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Great place
"This is a very nice place to stay with a good location. Street is not to busy and easy to get into parking lot. Plenty of parking spaces available. The only downside was the beds. Mattresses did not have box springs and one of the queen beds pushed both people to the center of the bed. There was ..."

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

Crimson & Cream
SOONER SUITE - 5 Min From OU - Media Room & Fire Pit - 7 Guests
SOONER SUITE - 5 Min From OU - Media Room & Fire Pit - 7 Guests
Norman
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Norman. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Riverwind Casino and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"The house was cozy, clean and in a cute neighborhood."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

SOONER SUITE - 5 Min From OU - Media Room & Fire Pit - 7 Guests
The House with the Blue Door
The House with the Blue Door
Norman
Stay at this vacation home in Norman. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Riverwind Casino and Sooner Theatre are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
Meeting grandson
"We loved staying in this home. The AC was perfect for weather. It has the very welcome/ home feeling. Definitely will rent again"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

The House with the Blue Door
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Norman

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
328
5 - Excellent 46%
4 - Good
313
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
65
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
10
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Love Norman BOOMER SOONER!!! My precious man is from Norman lol

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

I think i will avoid this area next time

3/5 - Okay

mike

Really great heritage and OU is a great place to visit.

4/5 - Good

Louise

Oklahoma City is a pleasant city to visit especialy the centro with the: charming ' Bricktown Canal . '

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Lots of stuff to do just didn't have time

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I enjoy norman

Cities near Norman