Manchester OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Manchester, Oklahoma.
1. Twister The Movie Museum
ICONIC FILM MEMORABILIA
Twister The Movie Museum showcases memorabilia and exhibits from the 1996 blockbuster film that was partially filmed in Oklahoma. Visitors can explore authentic props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes photographs that document the making of this iconic disaster movie. The museum offers a nostalgic experience for film enthusiasts and tornado chasers alike.
2. Salt Plains State Park
CRYSTAL DIGGING ADVENTURE
Salt Plains State Park, located near Manchester, features the unique opportunity to dig for selenite crystals in designated areas. The park encompasses a portion of Great Salt Plains Lake, offering fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Nature lovers can enjoy wildlife viewing, particularly during spring and fall migrations when thousands of birds visit the adjacent wildlife refuge.
3. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
MIGRATORY BIRD HAVEN
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge provides essential habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife across its 32,000+ acres of varied terrain. The refuge is known for its salt flats, which create a striking white landscape visible from miles away. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, photography, hunting, and fishing throughout different seasons.
4. Rhea Antique Pump Organs
MUSICAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Rhea Antique Pump Organs houses an impressive collection of restored antique pump organs from various eras. This unique museum allows visitors to see and hear these historical instruments that were once the centerpiece of many American homes. The knowledgeable staff provides demonstrations and shares the fascinating history behind these beautiful musical pieces.
5. Chisholm Trail Heritage Center
HISTORIC CATTLE TRAIL
The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center preserves the rich history of the famous cattle trail that spanned Oklahoma in the post-Civil War era. Interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations bring the cowboy experience to life for visitors of all ages. The center features both indoor and outdoor displays, including sculptures depicting trail life and a theater showing the story of this important piece of Western history.
6. Sod House Museum
PIONEER PRAIRIE LIFE
The Sod House Museum preserves the last remaining original sod house in Oklahoma, built by homesteader Marshall McCully in 1894. This unique structure offers visitors a glimpse into the harsh realities and innovative solutions of pioneer life on the Oklahoma prairie. The museum's exhibits showcase period furnishings and tools that illustrate the daily challenges faced by early settlers in the region.
7. Manchester Opera House
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Manchester Opera House stands as a testament to the cultural aspirations of this small Oklahoma community, dating back to the early 1900s. Once hosting traveling shows, community events, and local performances, this historic venue has been preserved as an important landmark. Visitors can appreciate the architectural details and imagine the bustling social scene that once centered around this important gathering place.
8. Citizens State Bank Building
HISTORIC FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
The Citizens State Bank Building represents Manchester's economic development during the early territorial and statehood period. The structure showcases typical early 20th century small-town commercial architecture with its distinctive façade and interior features. This historical building offers a window into the financial systems that supported agricultural communities across northwestern Oklahoma.
9. Cherokee Strip Museum
LAND RUN HERITAGE
The Cherokee Strip Museum documents the dramatic 1893 land run that opened the Cherokee Outlet to settlement, including the area where Manchester was established. Exhibits feature pioneer artifacts, historical photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region's transformation. The museum provides context for understanding how communities like Manchester were founded and developed during Oklahoma's territorial period.
10. State Line Grain Elevator
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SITE
The State Line Grain Elevator stands as a monument to Manchester's agricultural roots and its connection to the railroad industry. This towering structure once facilitated the storage and shipment of locally grown wheat and other grains from farms throughout the region. Visitors can appreciate this industrial landmark that represents the economic backbone of many small Oklahoma farming communities.
11. Manchester Mercantile
LOCAL GOODS EMPORIUM
Manchester Mercantile offers visitors and locals a selection of regional products, handcrafted items, and everyday necessities in a charming small-town setting. The shop features locally produced honey, jams, crafts, and Oklahoma-themed souvenirs that showcase the area's culture and agricultural heritage. This community hub provides both shopping opportunities and a friendly atmosphere where visitors can connect with local residents.
12. Country Kitchen Restaurant
HOMESTYLE RURAL DINING
Country Kitchen Restaurant serves traditional American comfort food with a distinctly Oklahoman flair in a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere. Diners can enjoy hearty breakfasts, farm-fresh lunches, and home-style dinner specials that reflect the agricultural bounty of the region. The restaurant has become a gathering place for both locals and travelers seeking authentic small-town dining experiences.
13. Great Salt Plains Lake
RECREATIONAL WATER DESTINATION
Great Salt Plains Lake offers visitors a variety of water-based recreational activities including fishing, boating, swimming, and water skiing. The lake spans over 8,000 acres and is known for its unique saline waters that support several species of fish including sand bass, catfish, and saugeye. Surrounding the lake are camping facilities, picnic areas, and trails that make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts near Manchester.
14. Manchester Historical Society
COMMUNITY HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Manchester Historical Society maintains a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents chronicling the town's development since the 1893 Cherokee Outlet Opening. Exhibits showcase the evolution of this railroad community, from its newspaper publishing origins to its agricultural and manufacturing developments. Visitors can explore the personal stories of early settlers and learn about significant events that shaped this small Oklahoma border town.
15. Leonardo's Children's Museum
HANDS-ON LEARNING CENTER
Leonardo's Children's Museum provides interactive educational exhibits and activities for families within driving distance of Manchester. The museum features two floors of hands-on science, art, and history displays designed to engage young minds through play and exploration. The adjacent Adventure Quest outdoor science playground complements the indoor experience with three stories of climbing structures, science activities, and creative play spaces.