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Shawnee offers a wide variety of events year-round. Celebrations of the arts and cultures, showing off classic cars, rodeo competitions, and family friendly holiday festivals fill our calendar of events . Plan your weekend in Shawnee around one or two of these annual events. Independence Day Celebrations Each year, Shawnee is home to nearly a week of fireworks displays highlighted by Grand Casino’s show which shines right over Shawnee’s Twin Lakes. Grab your sparklers, don your red, white, and blue, and join us! More here. International Finals Youth Rodeo 'It's bulls and blood, dust and mud, boots and chaps, cowboy hats, the ropes and the reins and the joy and the pain, and they call the thing rodeo.' Shawnee annually hosts the IFYR. Each July, come see the best of the future of rodeo! ifyr.com Fireflight Hot Air Balloon Festival & Outdoor Nation Expo One of Shawnee's iconic events, Fireflight offers hot air balloon rides and mesmerizing glows. Free open-air concerts entertain between flights and glows. There is also a giant interactive outdoor expo and kid’s zone. It is fun for the entire family. Hosted by the Potawatomi Nation the second weekend in August. firelakeballoonfest.com Pottawatomie County Free Fair Once an annual social ritual centered on agriculture and education, county fairs in Oklahoma have become iconic celebrations packed with mouthwatering foods and endless entertainment. In September, visit Shawnee and return to small-town simplicity with the rush of a thrilling carnival ride, the sweet aroma of hot kettle corn, and the sound of a crowd coming together to sing a classic country tunes. freefair.org Firelake Casino Car Show Another car show for auto enthusiasts. With nearly 30 car classifications, you are guaranteed to see something that gets your motor running! Held in October. firelakecasino.com Monsters on Main Downtown Halloween Festival Shawnee’s annual spooky season celebration includes Monsters on Main (formerly Boo on Bell) which is held Downtown on historic brick-lined Bell & Main Streets. You’ll find a carnival, vendors, live performances, and of course, trick or treating! Sunshine Shelly’s Pumpkin Patch and Nightmare Harvest Pick your pumpkin from the vine at this 15-acre pumpkin patch. Other kid-friendly - not scary - activities include hayrack rides, a kiddie corn maze, a corn pit, inflatables, and movies at sundown. Nightmare Harvest is for those that want to get spooked. It’s Sunshine Shelly’s haunted corn maze. Consider yourself warned! OK Classics Car & Memorabilia Auction One of the biggest car shows in Oklahoma. This annual events gives car lovers a chance to see classic cars and trucks of all makes and models. Even if you don’t bid on any, you’ll enjoy seeing them before they are put on the block. Held in November. More details here. Nighttime Christmas Parade Oklahoma’s largest nighttime Christmas parade on historic Main Street in Downtown Shawnee features live music, a classic parade complete with Santa on his sleigh, and a fireworks finale. More here. Citizen Potawatomi Nation Reunion The annual Family Reunion Festival of Citizen Potawatomi Nation is a celebration of Native culture for the Potawatomi. A powwow is held with group, social, and competition dances including men’s traditional, women’s traditional, jingle dance, and more. Held in June, this is a tribal-members only event. Find these and more fun events on our Calendar of Events . Stay in-the-know about what's happening in Shawnee, OK with our weekly newsletter. Sign up here.

“Ooooo-klahoma where the wind comes sweeping down the plain!” Rodgers and Hammerstein definitely knew what they were talking about when they wrote the opening words to the famous musical. Around 1,000 tornadoes touch down in the United States each year and a large number of those twisters seem to strike right here in Oklahoma. Born and raised Okies barely flinch when tornado sirens blare, but springtime can be understandably stressful for visitors who might not be familiar with tornado safety. Don't let the weather keep you from visiting Oklahoma - instances of severely damaging tornadoes are rare! Below are some tips to help keep you safe (information from the National Weather Service). Please note that this list is not comprehensive and in the event of severe weather you should tune in to a local weather station and do as they advise. You can also sign up to receive local weather alerts from The Weather Channel. SHAWNEE STORM SIGNAL TESTS If you're in town on a Saturday, you may hear tornado sirens right at noon -- don't worry! This is our regular weekly test of the sirens to ensure they stay in working order. Where is “Tornado Alley”? Tornado Alley is used to describe northern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and parts of Colorado, where tornadic activity is high. It is important to note, however, that tornadoes can occur anywhere and even though they are most likely to occur in the spring, can happen any month of the year. March through May is widely known as “tornado season” but November is known as “second tornado season.” It is just important to be weather aware no matter what time of the year you are traveling. Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning The difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning is very important. A tornado watch indicates that the potential for the development of severe weather exists. A tornado warning, on the other hand, signals that a severe thunderstorm has already developed and has either already produced a tornado or radar has indicated high potential for one. If you encounter a tornado while on the road: If at all possible, get off the road and find safety If that is not an option, then try to get lower than the level of the roadway – lie down in a ditch and cover your head. Be aware of potential flooding Stay away from trees, cars, and anything that can become flying debris Never try to out-drive a tornado. Never take refuge under a highway overpass NOTE: Remember, if possible, seek shelter indoors in a sturdy building. Remaining in your car or lying down in a ditch is a last resort! Tips for traveling during severe weather season: Ask about the hotel’s or venue tornado safety plan upon arrival If possible plug in your smart phone so it is fully charged in case the power goes out If you are especially concerned about power outages, consider traveling with a NOAA weather radio In the event of severe weather: If there is not a designated safe place or basement, take shelter in an interior hall on the bottom floor Stay away from windows and outside walls Cover yourself with blankets or a mattress if possible OKC Metro News Resources The local OKC news stations do a wonderful job of covering severe weather, and their weather prediction technology is very precise. Any of the major stations will be able to tell you exactly where the tornado problem areas are, and you will have enough time to get to a safe place The City of Shawnee has a weather alert system that will send e-mails or text messages to anyone that signs up If the power goes out, all of the local TV stations live stream their coverage, so you will be able to watch on your phone News 9 Facebook KFOR Facebook Local stations have also developed weather apps to help keep you safe during a storm. Download one of these apps so that you can watch live radar in the event of a power outage KFOR 4Warn Me App – this app offers a live stream of breaking weather events KOCO News First Alert Weather App – this app features a live interactive radar, livestream broadcast, and school and business closings These are just a few tips for being safe during severe weather. The most important thing to do is stay aware of the weather in the area where you are staying. For more information on tornado safety visit the National Weather Service .

Founded in 1919, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is the oldest art museum in Oklahoma! Its namesake, Father Gregory Gerrer, was a colorful Benedictine monk who collected objects throughout his travels to Europe, Africa and South America. It is home to Oklahoma's only Egyptian mummy, in addition to an exquisite collection of artifacts and art from over 8,000 years of human history. The museum hosts limited exhibits throughout the year in addition to workshops and other events to bring art and art history to people of all ages. Upcoming Events at the Mabee-Gerrer Check out the full list of events, exhibits, and workshops available at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art!

Looking for local-grown produce? Want fresh eggs that come from chickens that peck their happy lives away in the sunshine? Skip the big-city lines and find farm fresh foods in Shawnee, just east of the OKC metro. Farmers Markets located east of OKC Crow's Market on Main features fresh-from-the-farm produce all year round in their brick and mortar "farm to main street" Market, open 6 days a week. Alongside Crow's own produce, you can shop a variety of meats, dairy, and eggs from local farmers. Crow's also sells fresh-baked breads and goodies as well as carrying a wide selection of take-and-bake meals they prepare fresh in house with their home-grown ingredients. Shawnee's weekend outdoor 177 Farmer's Market is open on Saturdays late spring - early fall from 9 am to 2 pm just off of Hwy 177, on the west side of Shawnee. with a wide variety of vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, fresh eggs and dairy, and more along the parking lot of Phelps Equipment Rental. Food trucks also onsite most Saturdays. Find them on Facebook to see which vendors are coming each weekend! Monks' Marketplace sells locally-grown beef and honey from bees raised onsite at St. Gregory's Abbey, alongside other monk and nun-made goods from monasteries across the U.S. Farm to Table places to eat If you're looking for the farm-to-table experience and Made in Oklahoma fare, look no further than Theopolis Social Club , whose dishes include seasonal produce from Crow's Market on Main throughout the year as well as baked goods powered by Shawnee Mills flours, milled just down the street from Theo's. You can also enjoy the locally-raised beef from St. Gregory's Abbey in the form of delicious burgers at Hamburger King , a family owned and operated diner that's been serving up burgers in Shawnee for nearly a century! Looking for more great places to eat in Shawnee? We can help.

KidSpace Park, the $3.6+M state-of-the-art, fun-filled park opened on June 23rd in Shawnee, which is located just a half hour east of Oklahoma City. Park-goers of all ages are enjoying this 7.6-acre park surrounded by an ADA accessible 4/10- mile trail. About the Playgrounds at Oklahoma's newest Premier Park No need to worry about the equipment getting too hot to the touch, because it’s made from aggregate materials to keep the playground safe for play year-round. And be sure to take off your shoes to see how the turf not only looks but also feels like real grass. With two playgrounds, there’s a multitude of play equipment for all age groups, including areas specific to 2–5-year-old as well as 5-12-year-old children. There is a Ninja challenge course and a 40-yard dash with timers for older children and adults. Rounding out the park are areas for passive and active recreation including picnic areas, shaded seating, four pavilions, a basketball court, two Pickleball courts, Ping Pong, and other outdoor games. Also included is a new, completely ADA accessible restroom and additional parking on the south side. “Planning for park upgrades has been underway since 2017. Shawnee voters supported the plan and passed a 0.5% sales tax in June 2018 to fund public safety, roadway, and parks and public facilities improvements,” said Ed Bolt, Mayor of Shawnee. “KidSpace Park has far surpassed what we had envisioned. It will bring smiles to all ages for many, many years to come.” How did Shawnee build KidSpace Park? “The citizens requested and voted for improved parks and public facilities. The design firm and construction contractors, along with City of Shawnee Engineering and Public Works staff, delivered a first-class park that cities many times larger than Shawnee would be proud to have in their community,” said Andrea Weckmueller-Behringer, Shawnee City Manager. “It has been a privilege for PDG to be a part of the KidSpace Park Improvements Project. This project took the existing park that was in a state of needing major repairs and upgrades, to a park that will be one of the top five largest playgrounds in the State of Oklahoma,” said Geoffery Evans, PDG, Principal/Project Manager for the Kid Space Park design. Media Information for KidSpace If interested in a tour, please contact City of Shawnee, 405-273-1950 Looking for directions to KidSpace Park? Take I-40 exit 186. Head South on Highway 18/Harrison Street and go approximately 2.5 miles to Independence. Turn left on Independence and go to Center Street (4-way stop). Turn right on Center. KidSpace Park will be on the left, just past the Fairview Cemetery.

When you visit Shawnee, Oklahoma, eventually someone will say “I’m hungry!” and ask “What’s to eat?” Shawnee boasts a wide variety of dining options including recognizable national chains. But where do the locals eat? And where are must-eat local stops during your visit(s)? We list the top must-try restaurants in Shawnee. Van’s Pig Stand is Oklahoma’s oldest barbeque restaurant continuously owned and operated by the same family. They’ve been doing Bar-B-Q right since 1930. You’ll find quality smoked meats steeped in tradition and great, deep flavor. There’s two Shawnee locations. The one on Highland is the original. The Hamburger King has been "famous for hamburgers since 1927." The King serves up food in a dining area filled with 1950s-style decor. This restaurant features a unique way to order – after perusing the menu, you pick up a phone at your table and "call in" your order. Then a server brings your food right to your table. For more barbecue and steaks, look for Billy Boy's BBQ , Paul's Place Steakhouse . Theopolis Social Club is a “brasserie-style destination in the heart of the Depot District where wine, cocktails, food & culture collide in a modern, eclectic space.” The neighborhood restaurant makes all of their food from scratch using as many local ingredients as possible. You’ll enjoy the atmosphere almost as much as the food and drinks! The Lunch Box is a sandwich shop serving sandwiches and not your typical sandwiches! What they create for sandwiches is art. Also serving soups, salads, and desserts. (Hello! DESSERTS!!) It’s not deli... it's deli-cious. The Owl Shoppe is a small family-run restaurant established in 2012. Stepping in you may question eating there. But good luck getting a table ‘cause the locals LOVE the Owl. It’s the healthier menu in Shawnee with vegan and gluten-free options. Frateli's serves Shawnee's best Italian food made according to family recipes brought over from the old country more than two decades ago. Sure there’s familiar faves – pizza, calzones, and pasta dishes – but their specialty dishes are what you will want to order! Firelake Fry Bread Tacos is Oklahoma’s ONLY dedicated fry bread taco restaurant. These aren’t the carnival or county fair kind, but authentic offerings. Choose from grilled chicken, ground beef or ground bison. Pile on either black, chili or pinto beans, fresh vegetables and an assortment of cheeses, sour cream and salsa. Accompany it with a meat pies or finish with fry bread with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, powered sugar, cinnamon and honey. All recipes were created by a Potawatomi tribal member, so you can be sure your fry bread taco is an authentic piece of Native American cuisine.

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art “This is a gem of a museum with an encyclopedic collection of art and artifacts spanning history from ancient Egypt to modern times. The biggest draw is the mummy, but the Medieval, Renaissance, and 19th century collections are also fantastic. Great representations of Indigenous American and African art as well.” - Donna M. Pottawatomie County Museum Complex The complex includes a beautiful, historic train depot that looks like a castle. That in itself makes it a must-visit. Go inside adjacent Milburn Center for exhibits on Pottawatomie County and railroad memorabilia. On the grounds is the Beard Cabin . Built in 1892, it is considered to be the first home built in Shawnee! Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center Shawnee is home to four tribal governments, each with their own cultures, languages and traditions. The Potawatomi Nation has developed a Cultural Heritage Center which preserves and interprets artifacts relevant to indigenous Great Lakes cultures, with an emphasis on the Anishinabe Potawatomi. Gift Shop inside the museum offers unique Native American made jewelry, ceremonial items, traditional native attire, a vast array of Pendleton blankets, jackets, clothing, bags and more. Painted Horses In celebration of Oklahoma's centennial year (2007,) the community took on a project to place hand-painted fiberglass horses around Shawnee. There are nearly three dozen of the stallions to see, and each is unique. And to answer your question before you ask, the horse is a significant part of local culture, such as the International Finals Youth Rodeo and other Western-style events Shaw-"neigh" hosts annually. That’s why! Murals The public art goes beyond the painted horses. Throughout Shawnee, there are also murals designed and painted by local artists . They wanted to capture the beauty of downtown and inform people of the unique history of Shawnee. Most are Downtown. Grave Site of Dr. Brewster Higley While born in Indiana and a long time Kansas resident, the otolaryngologist wrote “Home on the Range,” which is the Kansas state song. Dr. Higley’s travels brought him to Shawnee where he passed away. He is buried in Fairview Cemetery. Historic signage marks where he is buried. “Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam. Where the deer and the antelope play.” - Dr. Brewster Higley St. Gregory’s Abbey and Monks' Marketplace Saint Gregory's Abbey is home to a monastic community where monks live together, work together, and pray together. The monks gather seven times a day in the church for the liturgy of the hours and Eucharist. The church is also used for liturgical functions for other occasional special events. Guests may visit the abbey by appointment or shop the Monks' Marketplace which specializes in handcrafted and locally grown products from the Abbey and volunteers. There’s so many sights to see, events to attend, and local shops to shop. And because Shawnee sits at the crossroads of America on Interstate 40, just minutes from Interstates 44 and 35, there is plenty to experience around Shawnee as well. We hope to see you soon in Shawnee, Oklahoma!

Shawnee currently has four trails for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. All of Shawnee's trails are paved, free and open to the public. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails. Click a trail to skip to its map & details: Airport Trail Avedis Park Trail Boy Scout Park Trail Bryan Street Trail Airport Trail Length: 3.21 miles (5K) Trail type: Asphalt, divided path loop Shawnee's premier trail for running, walking, and cycling, this 10-foot wide divided path circles Shawnee Regional Airport, passing three parks along its route -- Dean Weigant Park , Lion's Club Park , and Sister Cities Peace Garden -- as well as a mulched workout station. A fun feature of this trail is the north leg, where the trail descends briefly underneath the runway of the airport through a lit tunnel! This trail is lit from dusk to dawn all the way around, so it is safe and permitted to run or bike at night. An off-shoot path from the loop also goes west on MacArthur, allowing pedestrians to walk or bike to the OBU Green Campus (formerly St. Gregory's University), where there is a walking labyrinth, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art , and St. Gregory's Abbey . Click on the map above to see the route map larger. Avedis Park Trail Length: 1 mile Trail type: Concrete loop This paved trail is located on Union Street beside and behind Shawnee Middle School, and is completely ADA accessible! Located in Shawnee's newest park , this 1-mile figure eight trail loop starts at the tennis and basketball courts before winding down into a wooded area and creek, around the outdoor amphitheater, and back. There is some up and downhill in this trail, but it is even pavement throughout. This park was a gift to the community from the Avedis Foundation . Boy Scout Park Trail Length: 0.5 mile Trail type: Asphalt loop This half-mile track winds through Boy Scout Park and is almost entirely shaded by mature trees, making it an ideal walking trail in the hotter months, especially if you stop off at the adjacent splash pad in the park! The trail also includes a StoryWalk for the littles, featuring new stories seasonally thanks to the Pioneer Library System. This is the only trail with restrooms available. Bryan Street Trail Length: 2 mile Trail type: Asphalt, divided path out-and-back This asphalt divided-path trail follows a large stretch of Bryan Street, from MacArthur St to Highland St. It is two miles from beginning to end, four miles if walked out-and-back. Looking for more outdoor adventures in Shawnee? Look no further! Want to know more about how Shawnee is building a healthier community? Learn more about the Avedis Foundation and their goal to measurably increase quality of life in Pottawatomie County:

Searching for Shawnee's Convention and Visitor's Bureau (CVB), Chamber of Commerce, or Department of Tourism? You've come to the right place! We've gathered the most frequently asked queries about who we are, what we do, and why below. What is Visit Shawnee? Visit Shawnee is the Tourism department of the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma which was formed in June 2019. It is our department's primary focus to grow the visitor economy through destination marketing and management. This department is funded entirely by the occupancy tax collected from hotels and motels. Why does Shawnee have a Tourism Department? Tourism is Oklahoma's third largest industry . Our department closely with regional and state partners along with our local businesses to bring the most value to Shawnee through Oklahoma's blossoming visitor economy. We represent Shawnee on a national stage, enticing would-be visitors to stay the night in our city and visit our museums, restaurants, shops, lake, and other destinations. We also work directly with event organizers and film producers to base their projects here. You can see our latest research and strategic plan here . Shawnee, OK Convention & Visitors Bureau or Chamber of Commerce Visit Shawnee serves visitors, event organizers, and destination proprietors of Shawnee, OK much like a convention and visitor's bureau and chamber of commerce in many respects. However, unlike a traditional convention and visitor's bureau or chamber of commerce, our services are completely free to destination proprietors and event organizers and do not require a membership or fees of any kind. If you are looking for information and assistance in bringing an event to Shawnee, we are ready to help your event thrive in Shawnee! If you are looking for support in ensuring your business succeeds in Shawnee, we can help in a myriad of ways as long as your business is a potential visitor-serving place to stay, eat, shop, or play (some restrictions do apply). If your business does not fall into these categories, our friends at Shawnee's economic development office, Shawnee Forward , would be glad to help! Shawnee, OK Tourist Information Center We love to welcome new & familiar visitors to our town year-round! In June 2021, we opened a new Welcome Center facility just north of Oklahoma Baptist University at 2820 N Kickapoo Avenue. Whether you're deciding to visit from near or far (or even if you call Shawnee home), our Welcome Center hosts a wealth of information to make sure you find your next great adventure in Shawnee! Shawnee Exposition Center Visit Shawnee does not manage Shawnee's Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center, but we do work closely with Expo staff to ensure that the events they host have everything they need to thrive in Shawnee. If you are interested in booking the Shawnee Expo for your events, please visit their website at ShawneeExpo.com ! Shawnee Special Event Permits Visit Shawnee also manages special event permitting for the City of Shawnee, OK. Events that utilize public resources (parks, public parking lots, streets, etc) or that have special considerations (carnivals, concerts, food vendors, etc.) must acquire a special events permit. We're here to help make it easy for great events to flourish in Shawnee. View the event permit FAQ and find the online application at VisitShawnee.com/event-permits. Shawnee Film & Music Office Shawnee was one of the first cities to complete the Oklahoma Film and Music Office's Film Friendly City certification . The film industry is booming in Oklahoma, and several film productions have already been to Shawnee, with many more scouting us for the future! Visit Shawnee also functions as the Shawnee Film & Music Office. Learn more about the film industry and Shawnee on our Film Office website . Our History and Accomplishments The Tourism Department of the City of Shawnee was formed in June 2019. Previously, the organization was an independent not-for-profit organization that performed CVB functions. City leadership felt that the work could be more financially sustainable and accessible to proprietors as a municipal department, and so we have been growing and learning as a part of Shawnee's municipality ever since. Shawnee's first Director of Tourism Stacy Cramer Moore was brought onboard in July 2019. Although slowed by the pandemic during her first year in office, Stacy laid a foundation that enabled the department to bloom quickly as the pandemic slowed, and open the new Welcome Center on Kickapoo by June 2021. In 2022, Visit Shawnee was given Oklahoma's highest honor for the tourism industry, the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association's Redbud Award for Tourism Organization of the Year. We also took home a Redbud for Best Tourism Website in 2022, and supported the Citizen Potawatomi Nation in accepting a Redbud for Best Event for the Fireflight Balloon Festival, which takes place in Shawnee each August.

While Shawnee was historically a small town (we are rapidly growing, with a population nearly 32,000 as of the 2020 census), many of Oklahoma's best and brightest hail from the area or earned their education in Shawnee's local universities or spent a meaningful portion of their life and work in this historic city. While there are many more, here are a selection of the most widely recognized and appreciated persons who have called Shawnee home. Prerna Gupta Top 10 Most Influential Women in Tech Gupta grew up in Shawnee, graduating from Shawnee High School and then Stanford. She is an investor, mentor, and advisor to many tech start-ups as well as a writer and CEO in her own technology companies. Learn more about Prerna Gupta. Brad Pitt Oscar-Winning Actor This beloved, storied actor was born Shawnee, although he and his family moved to Missouri while he was still very young. He still has family in the area and is rumored to have introduced several of his famous girlfriends and wives to Shawnee's local favorite cafes and hangouts. Learn more about Brad Pitt. Gordon Cooper Astronaut & Adventurer A Shawnee native, he went to space in Mercury 9 and Gemini 5 during the race to the moon, proving that humans could make the journey safely. He was the first American to sleep in space, and the last launched on a solo orbital mission. Learn more about Gordon Cooper. Brad Henry 26th Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the son of Charles Henry, a prominent judge and former state representative. After graduating from Shawnee High School in 1981, Henry attended the University of Oklahoma as a President's Leadership Scholar and earned a bachelor's degree in economics in 1985. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. In 1988, he was awarded his J.D. degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he served as managing editor of the Law Review. Henry practiced law in Shawnee, Oklahoma before running for the Oklahoma State Senate. He served as a state senator from 1992 until he became governor. Learn more about Brad Henry Aloysius Larch-Miller Rights Activist Moved with her family from Tennessee to Shawnee in 1903. In 1918 while battling influenza, she debated ratification of the 19th amendment and won; she died of her illness just weeks later, and Oklahoma ratified the amendment the month she died. Shawnee honors her through a park named after her located on Broadway. Learn more about Aloysius Larch-Miller. Captain Robert "Bob" Lloyd Ford American Hero, Author, Philanthropist & Businessman Did you know Captain Robert “Bob” Lloyd Ford flew over 1000 combat missions as a UH-1 Huey helicopter pilot from July 1967-July 1968 in the Vietnam War? He and his brother Bill were instrumental in the creation of the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial that now stands in Woodland Park in historic downtown Shawnee. Learn more about Captain Ford. Dr. Brewster Higley, VI Author, Home on the Range "Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam..." You might not know his name, but you definitely know the song. Higley penned the poem that became an anthem of the west. Shawnee is his final resting place. Learn more about Dr. Brewster Higley, VI. Father Gregory Gerrer Artist, Academic, and Collector of Treasures Father Gregory Gerrer's colorful and adventurous life led him many places, entering the monastic life at Shawnee's Sacred Heart Abbey. Throughout his life and travels he studied, collected, and traded for art and his collection now resides in Oklahoma's oldest art museum, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. Learn more about Father Gregory Gerrer here. Jim Thorpe Greatest All-Around Athlete of the 20th Century Considered by many to be the greatest all-around athlete that ever lived. Though no birth certificate exists, Jim referred to the Shawnee/Prague area, Indian Territory, as his birthplace. He was raised Sac & Fox and called Wa-Tho-Huk (Bright Path). Learn more about Jim Thorpe. Robert S. Kerr Environmentalist & Statesman Robert S. Kerr (1896 - 1963) was Oklahoma’s first native-born governor, a wealthy oilman, and eventually a powerful U.S. senator, elected three times. Senator Kerr believed strongly in the promise of Oklahoma, and that it was possible to heal her land and conserve her natural resources. While Kerr was born in Ada, Oklahoma, he attended Oklahoma Baptist University and later became a major benefactor of the school. Learn more about Statesman Kerr. Creed Humphrey Kansas City Chiefs Born and raised in Shawnee, Creed is a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and graduated from Shawnee High School. He went on to play football at OU and then was drafted into the NFL in 2021 by the Kansas City Chiefs, where he played and won in his first Super Bowl in 2023 and his second in 2024 at Center for the Kansas City Chiefs. Learn more about Creed Humphrey. Carl Hubbell Major League Baseball's Master of the Screwball Although he never lived in Shawnee proper, Carl Hubbell lived in the small neighboring town of Meeker, Oklahoma from the age of 13. He had a long and storied career as a pitcher for the New York Giants in the MLB, and earned the title of "Master of the Screwball" for his ability to strike out the greats, including Babe Ruth. The Carl Hubbell Museum sits inside of Meeker City Hall just 10 minutes north of Shawnee. Learn more about Carl Hubbell. Wade Hayes Award Winning Country Music Artist Wade Hayes was born and raised in Bethel Acres, Oklahoma and graduated from Bethel High School. Hayes had learned to play mandolin, but later switched to guitar after his father bought him one. After high school and college, Hayes moved to Nashville, where he began recording demo tapes and writing his own material. Wade Hayes became one of the best know lead guitar players in Nashville. Hayes had 20+ songs on the Country Music charts, including two songs reaching #1 and six in the Top 10. Learn more about Wade Hayes Darrien Gordon NFL Player 2x Super Bowl Champion He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1989 where he was an All-State football player and two-time state champion wrestler as well as an honor student. Before his NFL career, Gordon played college football  for the Stanford Cardinal , since the NFL Scouting Combine  began in 1985, he is one of three players who have been drafted in the first round  after not being invited to the combine. American former professional football player who was a cornerback for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) (1993–2002). He was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 1993 NFL Draft . During his NFL career, he played for five teams, San Diego Chargers (1993–1996) Denver Broncos (1997–1998) Oakland Raiders (1999–2000) Atlanta Falcons (2001) Green Bay Packers (2002) Oakland Raiders (2002) appearing in four Super Bowls, winner twice with the Denver Broncos . Learn More about Darrien Gordon Joe Cobb Actor-Our Gang Series Born in Shawnee, Oklahoma , on November 7, 1916, Cobb auditioned for producer Hal Roach 's Our Gang comedy series at the age of five in 1921. He first worked with the series in 1922, appearing in The Champeen (1923) and The Big Show (1923). Joe Frank Cobb (November 7, 1916 – May 21, 2002) was an American child actor , most notable for appearing as the original "fat boy" in the Our Gang comedies from 1922 to 1929. Learn More about Joe Cobb Louise Fluke Oklahoma Flag designer She moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma with her family at a year old with her family later. As a young girl she received art lessons from Marjorie Dodge Tapp. After graduating from Shawnee High School, she continued her art lessons at Columbia University and the Chicago Art Institute . After returning to Shawnee, she married George Fluke on December 18, 1924. While sewing her own wedding gown, she learned that the state organization of the Daughters of the American Revolution had announced a contest to design a new state flag. Her fiancé encouraged her to take the time to enter the contest. She took three weeks to study artifacts at the Oklahoma Historical Society , and entered five different designs. The Daughters of the American Revolution judges picked one of hers as the winner. The legislature approved Fluke's flag proposal on March 25, 1926. Learn more about Louise Fluke