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Historia is the first horse the city of Shawnee bought. It was designed by a Shawnee High School student and is kept inside the Shawnee Expo Center. The Historia Painted Horse 1700 W Independence St, Shawnee, OK 74804 Rod Hopper about Historia is the first horse the city of Shawnee bought. It was designed by a Shawnee High School student and is kept inside the Shawnee Expo Center. find it Find your adventure in Shawnee What's New in Shawnee, OK? There's always something new in Shawnee, OK! Here's what's new - so far - in 2026! Things to Do in Historic Downtown Shawnee, Oklahoma Shawnee's pre-statehood Main Street and surrounding historic downtown is a pedestrian friendly district with unique, locally-owned shops! The World’s Richest Youth Rodeo Returns to Shawnee: 34th Annual International Finals Youth Rodeo Kicks Off July 12, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The World’s Richest Youth Rodeo Returns to Shawnee: 34th Annual International Finals Youth Rodeo Kicks Off July 12 Action from the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) Photo: Clayton Hibler Jennings Rodeo Photography SHAWNEE, Okla. — The future stars of professional rodeo are heading to Oklahoma next week as the 34th annual International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) takes over the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center from July 12 through July 17, 2026. Wi 1 2 3 4 5

Dr. Brewster Higley, VI Writer of One of the Greatest Songs of All Time "Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam.." Do you know the next line? People all over the world do. It is consider the "Anthem of the West" and Top 100 Western Songs ever written. You probably don't know the the name "Brewster Higley" the writer of the original poem entitled "My Western Home" which became the song "Home on the Range." Dr. Brewster Higley VI (1823 - 1911) was an otoloaryngologist (...let's say dentist) who composed the poem in 1871 or 72 in his dugout in Kansas. The story goes, a friend, Trube Reese, brought in a gunshot victim to the nearest "doctor," Dr. Higley. Trube found the poem hidden in a book and convinced Higley to publish in the local paper. Another friend, Dan Kelley, wrote the music. Originally published in 1872 or 73, the tune was hummed by settlers throughout the west and along the cattle trails. In 1932, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared "Home on the Range" as his favorite song, which launched "Home on the Range" into the world-recognized song we know today recorded by artists from Gene Autry to Bing Crosby, John Denver, Willey Nelson and many more. Higley lived most of his life in Kansas. Western authors compare Dr. Higley to the outlaw doctor, Doc Holiday for his hard drinking, hard living ways. He died and is buried in Shawnee, OK, USA off Harrison Street with historic signage. "Everybody changed the words to suit the place they were from. So it became 'My Colorado Home' and 'My Arizona Home,'" says Tom Averill, Kansas Scholar. "The fact that Dr. Brewster Higley wrote it and the fact that Dan Kelley set it to music was completely lost probably within four, five or six years." Some of the modifications stuck, and changed the song forever. The words, "home on the range" never appear in Higley's original lyrics. Gravesite of Brewster Higley, Author of the Poem "Home on the Range" Monument Fairview Cemetery off Harrison St in Shawnee, OK about Dr. Brewster Higley, VI Writer of One of the Greatest Songs of All Time "Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam.." Do you know the next line? People all over the world do. It is consider the "Anthem of the West" and Top 100 Western Songs ever written. You probably don't know the the name "Brewster Higley" the writer of the original poem entitled "My Western Home" which became the song "Home on the Range." Dr. Brewster Higley VI (1823 - 1911) was an otoloaryngologist (...let's say dentist) who composed the poem in 1871 or 72 in his dugout in Kansas. The story goes, a friend, Trube Reese, brought in a gunshot victim to the nearest "doctor," Dr. Higley. Trube found the poem hidden in a book and convinced Higley to publish in the local paper. Another friend, Dan Kelley, wrote the music. Originally published in 1872 or 73, the tune was hummed by settlers throughout the west and along the cattle trails. In 1932, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared "Home on the Range" as his favorite song, which launched "Home on the Range" into the world-recognized song we know today recorded by artists from Gene Autry to Bing Crosby, John Denver, Willey Nelson and many more. Higley lived most of his life in Kansas. Western authors compare Dr. Higley to the outlaw doctor, Doc Holiday for his hard drinking, hard living ways. He died and is buried in Shawnee, OK, USA off Harrison Street with historic signage. "Everybody changed the words to suit the place they were from. So it became 'My Colorado Home' and 'My Arizona Home,'" says Tom Averill, Kansas Scholar. "The fact that Dr. Brewster Higley wrote it and the fact that Dan Kelley set it to music was completely lost probably within four, five or six years." Some of the modifications stuck, and changed the song forever. The words, "home on the range" never appear in Higley's original lyrics. find it Find your adventure in Shawnee What's New in Shawnee, OK? There's always something new in Shawnee, OK! Here's what's new - so far - in 2026! Things to Do in Historic Downtown Shawnee, Oklahoma Shawnee's pre-statehood Main Street and surrounding historic downtown is a pedestrian friendly district with unique, locally-owned shops! The World’s Richest Youth Rodeo Returns to Shawnee: 34th Annual International Finals Youth Rodeo Kicks Off July 12, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The World’s Richest Youth Rodeo Returns to Shawnee: 34th Annual International Finals Youth Rodeo Kicks Off July 12 Action from the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) Photo: Clayton Hibler Jennings Rodeo Photography SHAWNEE, Okla. — The future stars of professional rodeo are heading to Oklahoma next week as the 34th annual International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) takes over the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center from July 12 through July 17, 2026. Wi 1 2 3 4 5

Historical mural on the exterior wall in downtown Shawnee. Coca Cola Visit their website Shawnee, OK, USA (405) 275-9780 Historical mural on the exterior wall in downtown Shawnee. Find Your Adventure in Shawnee Things to Do in Historic Downtown Shawnee, Oklahoma Shawnee's pre-statehood Main Street and surrounding historic downtown is a pedestrian friendly district with unique, locally-owned shops! Curated Vintage, Antique, and Thrift Stores in Shawnee With a vast array of curated vintage, thrift, and antique shops, your next treasure is waiting for you in Shawnee, OK. Fun things to do outdoors in Shawnee, OK Explore the great outdoors in and around Shawnee. There’s plenty to do! Here’s our top picks: 1 2 3 4 5

This idyllic nature scene is painted outside Milburn's Acreages, where you can purchase your own slice of country. Acreages Visit their website 834 N Kickapoo Ave, Shawnee, OK 74801, USA (405) 275-1695 This idyllic nature scene is painted outside Milburn's Acreages, where you can purchase your own slice of country. Find Your Adventure in Shawnee Things to Do in Historic Downtown Shawnee, Oklahoma Shawnee's pre-statehood Main Street and surrounding historic downtown is a pedestrian friendly district with unique, locally-owned shops! Curated Vintage, Antique, and Thrift Stores in Shawnee With a vast array of curated vintage, thrift, and antique shops, your next treasure is waiting for you in Shawnee, OK. Fun things to do outdoors in Shawnee, OK Explore the great outdoors in and around Shawnee. There’s plenty to do! Here’s our top picks: 1 2 3 4 5

The Benson Park Mural was created to help people imagine Shawnee's, Benson Park in the 1900s. The mural helps people imagine life as it was them walking through the park, hearing the train, and kids running through downtown. This artwork is significant to Shawnee's downtown because of the history it represents to people in the area. Benson Park Visit their website 311 E Main St, Shawnee, OK 74801, USA (405) 275-9780 The Benson Park Mural was created to help people imagine Shawnee's, Benson Park in the 1900s. The mural helps people imagine life as it was them walking through the park, hearing the train, and kids running through downtown. This artwork is significant to Shawnee's downtown because of the history it represents to people in the area. Find Your Adventure in Shawnee Things to Do in Historic Downtown Shawnee, Oklahoma Shawnee's pre-statehood Main Street and surrounding historic downtown is a pedestrian friendly district with unique, locally-owned shops! Curated Vintage, Antique, and Thrift Stores in Shawnee With a vast array of curated vintage, thrift, and antique shops, your next treasure is waiting for you in Shawnee, OK. Fun things to do outdoors in Shawnee, OK Explore the great outdoors in and around Shawnee. There’s plenty to do! Here’s our top picks: 1 2 3 4 5

Shawnee's only haunted corn maze, awarded Oklahoma's Outstanding Agricultural Attraction in 2021! Line opens at 7, haunt starts once it’s completely dark. Last tickets are sold at 11! Not recommended for children under 13. Nightmare Harvest Sports & Outdoors, Agriculture, Family Fun Local Visit their website 7110 N Harrison St, Shawnee, OK 74804, USA (405) 401-1994 Shawnee's only haunted corn maze, awarded Oklahoma's Outstanding Agricultural Attraction in 2021! Line opens at 7, haunt starts once it’s completely dark. Last tickets are sold at 11! Not recommended for children under 13. Find Your Adventure in Shawnee Things to Do in Historic Downtown Shawnee, Oklahoma Shawnee's pre-statehood Main Street and surrounding historic downtown is a pedestrian friendly district with unique, locally-owned shops! Curated Vintage, Antique, and Thrift Stores in Shawnee With a vast array of curated vintage, thrift, and antique shops, your next treasure is waiting for you in Shawnee, OK. Fun things to do outdoors in Shawnee, OK Explore the great outdoors in and around Shawnee. There’s plenty to do! Here’s our top picks: 1 2 3 4 5

If you’re from out of town, one of the first things you’ll probably notice about Shawnee driving around are the large, painted horse sculptures: Scattered throughout town on street corners overlooking sidewalks, either standing strong or bucking wildly, all with bold and unique designs. The original project was a public art and civic pride partnership, designed to range from September 2007 through February 2008. Initially titled “Horses in the City”, the spirit of the project hoped to celebrate the civic pride and artistic creativity of Oklahomans in a way that all Oklahomans can enjoy. As it is originally described in its formative documents, “Horse in the City is a citywide public art presentation designed to enliven cultural activity and increase tourism to Shawnee. The horses are to be sponsored by companies, organizations, and individuals, and be transformed into multimedia works of art by local artists and craftspeople.” The original framework made it an officially recognized partner with the State Centennial and allowed room for up to 100 painted horses. While the project landed a little short of that milestone, horses continued to be sponsored far beyond its original timeframe, and new horses are added each year! Painted Horses Sports & Outdoors, Family Fun, Arts & Culture Visit their website (405) 275-9780 If you’re from out of town, one of the first things you’ll probably notice about Shawnee driving around are the large, painted horse sculptures: Scattered throughout town on street corners overlooking sidewalks, either standing strong or bucking wildly, all with bold and unique designs. The original project was a public art and civic pride partnership, designed to range from September 2007 through February 2008. Initially titled “Horses in the City”, the spirit of the project hoped to celebrate the civic pride and artistic creativity of Oklahomans in a way that all Oklahomans can enjoy. As it is originally described in its formative documents, “Horse in the City is a citywide public art presentation designed to enliven cultural activity and increase tourism to Shawnee. The horses are to be sponsored by companies, organizations, and individuals, and be transformed into multimedia works of art by local artists and craftspeople.” The original framework made it an officially recognized partner with the State Centennial and allowed room for up to 100 painted horses. While the project landed a little short of that milestone, horses continued to be sponsored far beyond its original timeframe, and new horses are added each year! Find Your Adventure in Shawnee Things to Do in Historic Downtown Shawnee, Oklahoma Shawnee's pre-statehood Main Street and surrounding historic downtown is a pedestrian friendly district with unique, locally-owned shops! Curated Vintage, Antique, and Thrift Stores in Shawnee With a vast array of curated vintage, thrift, and antique shops, your next treasure is waiting for you in Shawnee, OK. Fun things to do outdoors in Shawnee, OK Explore the great outdoors in and around Shawnee. There’s plenty to do! Here’s our top picks: 1 2 3 4 5

Shawnee Sights brought to you by London Ledbetter, Tiffany Battige, and Madyson Talley Gordon Cooper Tech Students at 411 E Main St. We've had so many beautification improvements downtown lately! Come by and check them out, support our local businesses, and come take a photo with the new mural! West outside wall of Matt Thomas Law Office Shawnee Sights Visit their website 411 E Main St, Shawnee, OK 74801, USA (405) 275-9780 Shawnee Sights brought to you by London Ledbetter, Tiffany Battige, and Madyson Talley Gordon Cooper Tech Students at 411 E Main St. We've had so many beautification improvements downtown lately! Come by and check them out, support our local businesses, and come take a photo with the new mural! West outside wall of Matt Thomas Law Office Find Your Adventure in Shawnee Things to Do in Historic Downtown Shawnee, Oklahoma Shawnee's pre-statehood Main Street and surrounding historic downtown is a pedestrian friendly district with unique, locally-owned shops! Curated Vintage, Antique, and Thrift Stores in Shawnee With a vast array of curated vintage, thrift, and antique shops, your next treasure is waiting for you in Shawnee, OK. Fun things to do outdoors in Shawnee, OK Explore the great outdoors in and around Shawnee. There’s plenty to do! Here’s our top picks: 1 2 3 4 5

Vintage Stock is your entertainment superstore! From the newest hit movies, music, and video games to the rarest comics, toys, and memorabilia, Vintage Stock is the only store to have it all! Everything you want, all in one store. What do we buy and sell? Online & In Stores: Movies: Blu-ray, DVDs, 4K UHD Video Games: Both retro & new games. Collectibles: new Toys and Posters In Stores only: Music: CDs & LPs Video Games: Retro & new consoles, accessories, & guides. Collectibles: comic books, graphic novels, used toys, board games, & memorabilia Cards: sports cards & collectible game cards, like Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, & Yu-Gi-Oh! Books: We carry books in our Joplin, MO, V·Stock, and EntertainMART locations, both classic and new best-sellers. Vintage Stock Family Fun Gift Shop, Books & Games, Kids National Favorite, Kid Friendly Visit their website 4901 N Kickapoo Ave Suite 1578, Shawnee, OK 74804, USA (405) 765-1136 Vintage Stock is your entertainment superstore! From the newest hit movies, music, and video games to the rarest comics, toys, and memorabilia, Vintage Stock is the only store to have it all! Everything you want, all in one store. What do we buy and sell? Online & In Stores: Movies: Blu-ray, DVDs, 4K UHD Video Games: Both retro & new games. Collectibles: new Toys and Posters In Stores only: Music: CDs & LPs Video Games: Retro & new consoles, accessories, & guides. Collectibles: comic books, graphic novels, used toys, board games, & memorabilia Cards: sports cards & collectible game cards, like Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, & Yu-Gi-Oh! Books: We carry books in our Joplin, MO, V·Stock, and EntertainMART locations, both classic and new best-sellers. Find Your Adventure in Shawnee Things to Do in Historic Downtown Shawnee, Oklahoma Shawnee's pre-statehood Main Street and surrounding historic downtown is a pedestrian friendly district with unique, locally-owned shops! Curated Vintage, Antique, and Thrift Stores in Shawnee With a vast array of curated vintage, thrift, and antique shops, your next treasure is waiting for you in Shawnee, OK. Fun things to do outdoors in Shawnee, OK Explore the great outdoors in and around Shawnee. There’s plenty to do! Here’s our top picks: 1 2 3 4 5

The Avedis Park is available to use for public and private events and has been used for small concerts in the amphitheatre and races along the trail. Organizers must reserve the park for their event through Shawnee Public Schools. Contact Athletics Director Dax Leone at daxleone@shawnee.k12.ok.us for more information. Avedis Park Outdoor, Sports about renting The Avedis Park is available to use for public and private events and has been used for small concerts in the amphitheatre and races along the trail. Organizers must reserve the park for their event through Shawnee Public Schools. Contact Athletics Director Dax Leone at daxleone@shawnee.k12.ok.us for more information. about the destination This park sits behind & beside Shawnee Middle School and features a paved, ADA accessible trail that loops through a wooded area, amphitheater, across a creek, and through cedar-spotted hills. The park also includes state of the art basketball and tennis courts with lighting for play any time of day. The park was a gift to the community from the Avedis Foundation. Venue Website 4300 N Union Ave, Shawnee, OK 74804 (405) 273-4055 find it see it What's happening in Shawnee Fun things to do outdoors in Shawnee, OK Explore the great outdoors in and around Shawnee. There’s plenty to do! Here’s our top picks: Jun 14 2 min read Top 10 Haunts for Fall Fun in Shawnee There is so much fall fun for the family in Shawnee! Learn about one of the nearly 50 fall festivals or other autumn fun activities! Sep 24, 2024 3 min read Everything you need to know about Fireflight Balloon Fest! Fireflight Balloon Fest is going into its fourth year of family-friendly entertainment. Watch hot-air balloons fill the sky! Mar 27, 2024 3 min read 1 2 3 4