Shawnee Oklahoma Conventional & Visitor's Bureau

Three Shawnee groups exist today: the Absentee Shawnee, the Loyal Shawnee (Cherokee Shawnee), and the Eastern Shawnee. The United States Government Coined the designation, Absentee Shawnee, because a division of traditional Shawnee absented themselves from the Kansas reservation in 1845 when a treaty was about to be signed to move the Shawnee to Indian Territory. The tribe now consists of two bands, the White Turkey Band and the Big Jim Band.

Tuberculosis became a prevalent health problem taking a heavy toll among both youth and elders. The Shawnee Indian Sanatorium was opened to its first patients on December 10th, 1924. The world's largest sanatorium for tubercular patients was closed in 1962 and reopened as an Indian Health Clinic until 1979. In 1989 the Absentee Shawnee began using the old sanatorium for their governmental operations. Today there are numerous tribal operations located on the complex grounds.

For more information on Absentee Shawnee attractions or to schedule a personal tour please contact the Cultural/Historical Preservation Department at 405.275.4030.

The Potawatomi Tribal Museum is located on tribal grounds south of downtown Shawnee. The name "Potawatomi" is an Algonquin word which means "People of the Place of the Fire." The Potawatomi Nation was originally part of a larger group consisting of the Chippewa and Ottawa Nations. When this group moved out of Canada, ir split into three individual nations with the Potawatomi moving south down the shores of Lake Michigan. From the large nation of Potawatomi, many bands were later formed. The Citizen Band are called so because after being removed to Kansas, they elected to take the U.S. Government's offer of citizenship and allotments in the Indian Territory, now called Oklahoma.

Today, the Potawatomi are known as the "Keepers of the Fire." You can learn more about their history and culture by visiting the tribal administration building, and viewing cultural artifacts which are on display throughout the facility. Guests are also invited to visit the gift shop located inside FireLake Discount Foods, the Entertainment Center with bingo and off-track betting, the golf course, or the mini putt-putt course.

Jasmine Moran Children's Museum is one of America's largest, most unique children's museums. In an imaginary town, 2 to 12 year-olds begin to better understand the world and form ambitions as they role play in dozens of occupations. An 18-foot climbing maze brings out the adventurer in everyone or enjoy a ride on the great SuperSONIC Express.

Tues - Sat 10 am - 5 pm; Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
Closed Modays and the first two weeks after Labor Day

Admission: Children 2 & under free; Ages 3-60  $8.00; Seniors $7.00
Group rates and children's party packages available.

Widely known as the home of the Egyptian mummies and ceremonial objects, this is one of the oldest museums in Oklahoma. The museum was founded by Fr. Gregory Gerrer, O.S.B., a Benedictine monk of considerable artistic talent who traveled throughout the world collecting objects of artistic and ethnological value.

Tues - Sat 10 am - 5 pm; Sun 1 pm - 4 pm; closed Mondays and major holidays

Admission: Adults $5, Sr. Adults 65+ $4, Children 6-17 and students with I.D. $3;
children under 6 free. Group rates and arrangements available.

Glimpse into the history of Pottawatomie County at this turn-of-the-century landmark. Built in 1904, the Depot's Romanesque style resembles a castle, providing a memorable backdrop for photo enthusiasts. Home of the Pottawatomie County Historical Society, the Depot is one of the most photgraphed buildings in Oklahoma.

Tues-Fri 10 am - 4 pm; Sat & Sun 2 pm - 4 pm

Admission: Suggested donation adults $2, children/students $1
The museum is funded entirely by donations/membership