Norman, OK

Travel Guide
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art showing interior views and art
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.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oklahoma City Norman
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oklahoma City Norman
2.5 out of 5
930 Ed Noble Drive, Norman, OK
The price is $71 per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$71
per night
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Norman. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The property was fine however in the bathroom, at the bottom of the tub there was a permanent sheet placed there. I assume it’s there because of a problem but I think the tub should be replaced instead. Everything else was good"

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2023

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oklahoma City Norman
NCED Conference Center & Hotel
NCED Conference Center & Hotel
3 out of 5
2801 E State Highway 9, Norman, OK
The price is $93 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$93
per night
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Norman. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Jimmie Austin Golf Course and National Weather ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"The breakfast buffet was excellent. Staff very friendly. Good choices for in-house dining. My only objection with the property was my bed springs, which seemed old, soft, and squeaky, but otherwise, this place is a great DEAL! Would stay again."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2023

NCED Conference Center & Hotel
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $135 per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
$135
per night
Oct 8 - Oct 9
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Norman. Enjoy free breakfast, a free shopping center shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,162 reviews)
"Really friendly people"

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2023

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.
Norman Bungalow, walk to campus!
Norman Bungalow, walk to campus!
Norman
Stay at this vacation home in Norman. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a patio. Popular attractions Barry Switzer Center and Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
Great stay!
"Very nice place!! Have stayed at several on Norman, but this one is definitely my favorite! Will look this one up when I come back."

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2023

Norman Bungalow, walk to campus!
Large luxury Home - Walk to Campus/Stadium in the Heart of Norman
Large luxury Home - Walk to Campus/Stadium in the Heart of Norman
norman
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Norman. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Barry Switzer Center and Gaylord ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
Perfect
"Perfect location and size for our family."

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2023

Large luxury Home - Walk to Campus/Stadium in the Heart of Norman
Amazing unique castle experience “Scarlet Manor” 5 bedroom/ 5 bath
Amazing unique castle experience “Scarlet Manor” 5 bedroom/ 5 bath
Norman
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Norman. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Sooner Mall and Tribes 131 Native ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Beyond Amazing
"Pam is incredibly responsive and helpful. She went out of her way to stop by the house to show us how lights, music, etc work. We had a fantastic experience staying at this Vrbo property. The house truly felt like a European castle, and it was a unique and memorable stay. The outdoor pool was a highlight, ..."

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2023

Amazing unique castle experience “Scarlet Manor” 5 bedroom/ 5 bath
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 45.682451253481894%
4 - Good
313
" "4 - Good 43.5933147632312%
3 - Okay
65
" "3 - Okay 9.052924791086351%
2 - Disappointing
10
" "2 - Disappointing 1.392757660167131%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.2785515320334262%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 28, 2020

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

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Mar 20, 2020

I think i will avoid this area next time

3/5 - Okay

mike
Mar 14, 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Louise
Mar 11, 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 10, 2020

Lots of stuff to do just didn't have time

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 10, 2020

I enjoy norman

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