Planning Your Visit
It is recommended that you allow at least 1 hour for the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial and approximately 2 hours for the Memorial Museum. Please remember that pets are not allowed on the Memorial Grounds or in the museum. Taking pictures is allowed on the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial, but are prohibited in the Memorial Museum. Please be aware of extreme weather conditions and prepare accordingly. Drinking adequate amounts of water in the summer and wearing layered clothing in the winter is recommended. For younger visitors, Junior Ranger and other programs are available. Ask for a National Park Service Ranger on-site to obtain details.
Directions
Interstates 35, 40 and 44 intersect in Oklahoma City. From Interstates 40 take Interstate 235 North, exit Harrison Avenue, which merges into Sixth Street. From Sixth Street, the site is located between Robinson and Harvey Streets on the east and west, and between Sixth and Fourth Streets on the north and south. Parking meters and several pay lots and garages are located around the Memorial.
Operating Hours & Seasons
The Memorial grounds are accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rangers are on-site daily from 9:00a.m.-5:30p.m. and on-site from 9:00a.m.-9:00p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to provide information from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and from 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Labor Day through Memorial Day. Rangers will not be available on Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Days.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum is open 7 days a week between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday and 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday with ticket sales stopping one hour prior to closing.
Fees & Reservations
Memorial Museum-Adult
Fees: $10.00
Details:
The Oklahoma City National Memorial is an affiliate of the National Park System, owned and operated by the Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation. The Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation does not receive any annual federal or state appropriations. The Memorial Museum is not a fee station under the National Park System and does not sell or honor Golden Eagle, Golden Age or Golden Access Passports. However, the National Park Service, located in the new federal building across the street sells the Annual, Access and Senior Passes. For more information, you may call 405/609-8855.
Tickets are sold until one hour prior to closing (5:00 p.m.) Groups may schedule in advance for special group pricing. For more information, please call the Memorial Group Reservation Coordinator, Monday - Friday, at 405-235-3313, ext. 222.
Memorial Museum-Child (5 years and under)
Fees: Free!
Memorial Museum-Senior
Fees: $8.00
Memorial Museum-Student
Fees: $6.00
Details:
(6-17, or college students with valid ID)
Group Rates Available
OUTDOOR SYMBOLIC MEMORIAL
Fees: Free!
Details:
There are no fees to visit the OUTDOOR SYMBOLIC MEMORIAL.
Accessibility
ADA approved restrooms and trails are accessible for those in wheelchairs. Best site access points are off Harvey Street, on the west side of the Memorial. There is ADA approved parking off of Sixth Street near Harvey at the NW corner of the Memorial.
Weather
The average annual temperature is 60 degrees with an average rainfall of 33.36 inches and an average snowfall of 9 inches per year. Coldest months are January thru March and the the hottest month are July and August, with high humidity as well.
Public Transportation
Plane: Will Rogers World Airport is served by seven major airlines.
Railroads: Amtrak Heartland Flyer.
Bus Service: Greyhound, Trailways, and M.K.&0.
We come here to remember
those who were killed, those who survived
and those changed forever.
May all who leave here know the impact of violence.
May this memorial offer comfort, strength,
peace, hope and serenity.
Oklahoma City National Memorial honors the victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were changed forever on April 19, 1995. The outdoor Symbolic Memorial, which consists of the following segments on 3.3 acres, can be visited:
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The Gates of Time: Monumental twin gates frame the moment of destruction - 9:02 - and mark the formal entrances to the Memorial.
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The Reflecting Pool: Gently flowing water soothe wounds with calming sounds and providing a peaceful setting for quiet thoughts.
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Field of Empty Chairs: The 168 chairs stands as a poignant reminder of each life lost, articulated as the absence felt by family members and friends.
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Children's Area: A wall of hand-painted tiles painted by children sent to Oklahoma City in 1995 and a series of chalkboards creates an opportunity for children to share their feelings.
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Rescuers' Orchard: A grove of fruit and flowering trees surrounds and protects the Survivor's Tree.
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The "Survivor Tree:" A 90 year old American Elm bears witness to the violence of April 19 and now stands as a profound symbol of human resilience.
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The Memorial Fence: Originally installed to protect the sacred site, the Memorial Fence continues to display items left by visitors, which are dedicated to all involved.
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The National Memorial Museum: The Memorial Museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.. The Museum Center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days.
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The National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism: For more information about MIPT and it's Terrorism Flag, please visit their website at www.mipt.org or call (405)278-6300.
Oklahoma City In Depth
News from the Parks
Obama's Chili Recipe
January 7, 2009 - 1:14pm
By now it's a well-known fact that Hillary doesn't bake cookies, but Barack has been known to brag about his chili, and today Good Morning America ran the recipe. Obama Family Chili Recipe 1 large onion, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped Several cloves of garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound ground turkey or beef 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground oregano 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/4 teaspoon ground basil 1 tablespoon chili powder 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar Several tomatoes, depending on size, chopped 1 can red kidney beans Saute onions, green pepper and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add ground meat and brown. Combine spices together into a mixture, then add to ground meat. Add red wine vinegar. Add tomatoes and let simmer, until tomatoes cook down. Add kidney beans and cook for a few more minutes. Serve over white or brown rice. Garnish with grated cheddar cheese, onions and sour cream.
January 7, 2009 - 1:14pm
By now it's a well-known fact that Hillary doesn't bake cookies, but Barack has been known to brag about his chili, and today Good Morning America ran the recipe. Obama Family Chili Recipe 1 large onion, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped Several cloves of garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound ground turkey or beef 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground oregano 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/4 teaspoon ground basil 1 tablespoon chili powder 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar Several tomatoes, depending on size, chopped 1 can red kidney beans Saute onions, green pepper and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add ground meat and brown. Combine spices together into a mixture, then add to ground meat. Add red wine vinegar. Add tomatoes and let simmer, until tomatoes cook down. Add kidney beans and cook for a few more minutes. Serve over white or brown rice. Garnish with grated cheddar cheese, onions and sour cream.
Colorado Section of Vast Bike Network is 1,000 Miles
January 5, 2009 - 12:43pm
More than 1,000 miles of the 50,000-mile bikeway being spliced together throughout North American lies in Colorado. The Colorado portion is part of the Great Parks section, which includes 2,518 miles from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, to Mesa Verde National Park outside of Durango.
January 5, 2009 - 12:43pm
More than 1,000 miles of the 50,000-mile bikeway being spliced together throughout North American lies in Colorado. The Colorado portion is part of the Great Parks section, which includes 2,518 miles from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, to Mesa Verde National Park outside of Durango.
Ranchers Oppose Yellowstone Bison Relocation
January 5, 2009 - 12:32pm
Ranchers are voicing concern about plans to relocate some Yellowstone Park bison to Indian reservations in Montana and Wyoming. The ranchers are worried about the animals' history of carrying brucellosis, a disease that causes domestic cows to miscarry.
January 5, 2009 - 12:32pm
Ranchers are voicing concern about plans to relocate some Yellowstone Park bison to Indian reservations in Montana and Wyoming. The ranchers are worried about the animals' history of carrying brucellosis, a disease that causes domestic cows to miscarry.
A Trip to Yosemite National Park via YARTS is a Must for Valley Residents
January 5, 2009 - 12:31pm
The YARTS bus sped up Highway 140 from Merced into the foothills. It passed Mariposa and stopped at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. A sign read, “Chains required.” The driver parked, and deftly fitted the chains over the tires. A horde of enthused travelers lined up outside the bus, but there were no more seats. Instead of turning them away, the kindly driver allowed them to board the bus and stand in the aisle for the remaining 13 miles of the trip.
January 5, 2009 - 12:31pm
The YARTS bus sped up Highway 140 from Merced into the foothills. It passed Mariposa and stopped at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. A sign read, “Chains required.” The driver parked, and deftly fitted the chains over the tires. A horde of enthused travelers lined up outside the bus, but there were no more seats. Instead of turning them away, the kindly driver allowed them to board the bus and stand in the aisle for the remaining 13 miles of the trip.
Nene Killed on the Road in Haleakala National Park
January 5, 2009 - 12:21pm
An adult nene was killed on the road at Haleakala National Park on Dec. 28. Motorists traveling to the park are asked to drive slowly and cautiously. Visitors reported the dead nene to Visitor Use Assistant Tony Manion at 7:30 a.m. Park Ranger Chad Riggin retrieved the dead nene from the road near mile marker 16.
January 5, 2009 - 12:21pm
An adult nene was killed on the road at Haleakala National Park on Dec. 28. Motorists traveling to the park are asked to drive slowly and cautiously. Visitors reported the dead nene to Visitor Use Assistant Tony Manion at 7:30 a.m. Park Ranger Chad Riggin retrieved the dead nene from the road near mile marker 16.
