Welcome to MUSKOGEE
Culture and History
As the famous Merle Haggard song proclaims, we’re proud to be “Okies from Muskogee.” Our history stretches back thousands of years to the native peoples who built their villages and burial mounds along the three rivers, the Arkansas, the Grand and Verdigris. Later, European and American explorers and fur traders built some of the west’s first trading posts along these rivers. Since our inception in 1872, Muskogee has been a cultural and historical centerpiece of Oklahoma. From the rich Native American past to the storied times of the early American expansion, Muskogee has a unique story to tell.
War Memorial Park and Museum and USS Batfish
The USS Batfish is a genuine WWII submarine, located at the War Memorial Park in Muskogee. The Batfish is open for tours; experience the vessel that sank three enemy submarines and eleven other enemy vessels during her tenure in battle. See up close and personal the tight spaces the crew lived land worked in, including the crew cabins and torpedo room. The park also includes an army tank, cannons and missiles, as well as the Walk of Honor, a moving tribute to veterans.
Location: Port of Muskogee, War Memorial Park
Hours: Summer Hours March 15th – October 15th Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays; Winter Hours October 16th – March 14th Thursday – Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Closed Monday – Wednesday
Admission: Adults $5.00, Children $2.00, Senior Citizens $3.00, Children under 6 are free
http://www.ussbatfish.com/wm-park.html
Three Rivers Museum
The story of the American West can be found at the Three Rivers Museum, located in the restored Midland Valley Railroad Depot. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the American frontier in the Three Rivers area of Eastern Oklahoma. Climb aboard a 1940s era diesel switch railroad engine and enjoy artifacts from the multi-ethnic history of the region, located in what were once the passenger and freight areas of the depot.
Location: Midland Valley Railroad Depot, Muskogee
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Admission: Adults $3.00, Students $1.50, Children under 6 are free
Five Civilized Tribes Museum
The beauty and grace of traditional Native American art can be seen at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. The museum offers an extensive collection of traditional art produced by artists of the Five Civilized Tribes, the Cherokee, Chicksaw, Choctaw, Muscogee, and Seminole. Included are permanent pieces, as well as rotating exhibits, and pieces from the several art competitions held each year.
Location: Honor Heights Park
http://www.fivetribes.org/index.html
Ataloa Lodge Museum
Showcasing one of the finest collections of Native American artifacts in the country, the Ataloa Lodge Museum is dedicated to sharing the history and culture of local Native American tribes. Visitors can see art, pottery, clothing and other relics as well as browse through authentic Native American made gifts in the gift shop. Great care is taken to strictly adhere to the customs and laws of each tribe in the handling, preservation and display of each item.
Location: Bacone College, Muskogee
Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Saturday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Sunday
Admission: Adults $3.00, Students $2.00, Elders $1.50, Children under 6 are free
http://www.bacone.edu/ataloa/index.html
