Norman Past and Present Downtown Walking Tour

About this activity

Enjoy a stroll through charming downtown Norman while exploring historic sites and modern culture. This guided tour along Main Street discusses the city’s transformation from a surveyor’s campsite to a modern-day football powerhouse. Learn about the town's founding, symbolism of colorful murals, and stories behind local landmarks. Perfect for history buffs and casual explorers alike, this 1-hour tour covers less than a mile while offering insights into Norman’s past and present.

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 · 10 min

   We begin seated and indoors with an historic overview of Norman's founding in Oklahoma Territory.

2. Stop 2 · 5 min

   Founded on this corner in 1936, a local retailer grew to 1,000+ stores across the country and once outcompeted Walmart.

3. Stop 3 · 5 min

   From this municipal lot, enjoy prime viewing of the oversized "Heart of Norman" murals that tell Norman's story from past to present.

4. Stop 4 · 5 min

   Observe quirky architecture at this historic former post office.

5. Stop 5 · 5 min

   Outside this restaurant, learn how the University of Oklahoma was founded on Main Street and hear conflicting accounts of their first football game.

6. Sooner Theatre · 10 min

   This iconic theater was designed by a local architect and built with the finest materials and cutting-edge movie theater technology. Hear about confirmed sightings of an apparition that glides down the staircase.

7. James Garner Statue · 5 min

   Snap a photo with Norman's most famous Hollywood celebrity, memorialized here in bronze. Garner is best known for playing Bret Maverick in the Western TV series.

8. Stop 8 · 5 min

   Pass the former gateway to Norman where settlers flooded into town on one eventful day in 1889. This historic brick rail depot still serves Amtrak trains but is closed most of the day.

9. Stop 9 · 5 min

   Town leaders lobbied hard to break away from Oklahoma County and become a county seat. This Art Deco building replaced earlier courthouses that we revisit through photos. From here we head to the end of the tour.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: We end across the street from the starting point.

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Must be able to stand for 1 hour

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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