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The World’s  Most Famous Smile... Eskimo Joe’s opened July 21, 1975, serving up ice cold beer, red-hot music, and great big smiles.  On opening day they had 72 t-shirts available for sale, and by the first week’s end, these shirts were all sold.  Nearly 30 years later, Stan Clark still believes that the key to success in any endeavor is enthusiasm.  And with four unique restaurants who aim to delight each and every guest, Clark is still measuring success by the size of smiles on the peoples faces as they leave.  Even President George Bush couldn’t come to Stillwater without a plate of Eskimo Joe’s World Famous Cheese Fries.  No matter what part of the world you travel to, chances are you will see Joe and his dog, Buffy, smiling at you from a wildly colored t-shirt considered to be one of the most collectable shirts in the world by 20/20 News program.

  

 

 Oklahoma’s Scoot-a-Boot Sensation... Whether its the annual Tumbleweed Calf Fry Celebration or a concert filled with world-renowned talent, the Tumbleweed Dance Halls and Concert Arena is a Stillwater legend. Acts such as The All-American Rejects, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., Coolio and more have showcased their talents on the gigantic outdoor concert stage. But be sure not to miss the action on the dance floor as you finish off your night inside one of the two dance halls that feature country and hip-hop music. Hank Moore, owner, also offers fun seekers several other country music festivals throughout the year that appeal to people of all ages.
Washington Irving and Country Music Roots... Off the beaten path just a few miles outside of Stillwater, the rural beauty of the site where commercial country and western began still consumes visitors just as it did Washington Irving, one of history’s most legendary writers, while he camped seeking inspiration. The national award-winning Washington Irving Trail Museum showcases many stunning collections aimed at educating the public about forgotten topics of Oklahoma history.  While slowly ambling though the unique exhibits, the museum’s visitors can learn about one of the deadliest gun battles in the history of the Old West, which took place at Ingalls in Oklahoma Territory.  This battle marked the beginning of the end for the Doolin-Dalton Gang.  Newly added is Rebecca Nurse’s death warrent from the 1621 Salem Witchcraft Trials.  This is most likely the only death warrent left from these historic trials.

 

 

 Penté and the World’s Most Extreme Pizza... No matter if you worked there while attending Oklahoma State University or just hung out there for the great people and pizza, The Hideaway is an instant favorite of everyone who has ever sat foot inside its doors.  Known for its unique pizza combinations baked in tiered ovens on crust that is made to rise twice each day, the restaurant also boasts a bold and unique interior.  This is all part of what made the restaurant one of Oklahoma’s most historic places to eat. In addition, the widely loved board game Penté was invented at the Hideaway.  Walls are covered in a collage of vintage magazine pictures and headlines from the 60s and 70s, and the owners collection of handmade kites hangs from the ceilings and walls amongst the numerous green plants.  The eclectic mix of individuals on staff to take care of your needs and prepare your food only serves as an accent to the one-a-kind atmosphere.  A stop in Stillwater is certainly not complete without trying what is often called the “Best Pizza in the World” and playing a game of Penté while you wait.
Is Your Thumb Anything But Green?... “Oklahoma Gardening” started out small, but now it is one of Stillwater’s biggest tourist attractions and a top-rated show on Oklahoma public television.  The television show will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2005 as the longest running show on Oklahoma’s Public Television.  The “Oklahoma Gardening” set, part of the Oklahoma Botanical Garden and Arboretum (OBGA), is open to the public free of charge.  Each year, OBGA plants several new gardens for the public to view.  Garden themes are: “Plants with Green Flowers”, “Canna Garden”, “Direct Seeded Garden”, “Plants with People’s Name” and “Asian Vegetable Garden”.  Continued theme gardens, growing for several years are the “Bamboo Garden”, the “Weeping Garden” and the “Prehistoric Garden”.  Extra years of maturity has enabled these gardens to blossom into their full potential.  Two gardens that have been visitors’ favorites the past few years are the “Patio Garden”, featuring a cottage theme of annuals and perennials, and the “Japanese Garden”.

 

 

 Splashin’ in the Sun... For outdoor recreation, Stillwater has offers over 7,000 acres of water for fishing, swimming, skiing, boating and more.  Most lakes feature camping, R.V. hookups, cabins, picnic areas or various kinds of recreational trails, bird watching, sailing, mountain bicycling, and waterfowl hunting.  Outdoor entuhsiasts can also look forward to spending time at the municipal pool, skate park, ropes courses, pitch and putt complex, tennis courts, frisbee golf course and more.  In addition to the lakes, there is over 1,200 acres of parks throughout the community for everyone to enjoy.
From High School to the Olympics, see it all in one stop... Most visitors will be surprised when they see the names of wrestling champions featured at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.  The museum features the Museum of Wrestling History, the Wall of Champions, and the Hall of Founders.  Newly added in 2003 was the FILA International Wrestling Hall of Fame showcasing top wrestlers from around the world.  This national museum offers an array of sculptures, photographs, banners, plaques, medals, trophies, uniforms and other memorabilia.  New interactive displays are fun and educational. 

 

 

 Loud Noises and Fresh Red Dirt... Top motocross riders from around the world are looking to Stillwater for some of the best motocross tracks in the region.  The local tracks host various types of races including cross-country, motocross and enduro racing.  The beautiful red dirt trails are extensive and offer many curves and jumps for everyone from beginners to experts.  National, regional, state, and local competitions are held on a regular basis.  Stillwater is home to 4 tracks including Cooperland Raceways designed and built by motocross legend Guy Cooper.  Reasonable daily rates make this a perfect place for the entire family to visit and ride the day away!
A Jewel in Stillwater’s Golfing Crown... Karsten Creek, a semiprivate facility, is an 18-hole golf course. Golf Digest magazine named the course “Best New Course in the Nation” when it opened in May of 1994.  It was named a “Five Star” facility, by Golf Digest, “Top 100 Courses Your Can Play”, by Golf Magazine, “38th Best Modern Course in America”, by Golfweek, and “#1 Collegiate Course in America” by Travel & Leisure Magazine.  Karsten Creek’s luxurious 20,000 square foot clubhouse with restaurant is home to many of the Oklahoma State University men’s and women’s golf program’s awards and trophies.  The display is open to the public. Karsten Creek was designed by Tom Fazzio.  Karsten Creek was host of the 2003 NCAA Men’s National Golf
Championships.

America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration... Oklahoma State’s homecoming has become “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration” and a timeless tradition every October since it began in 1921.  Twice CASE International, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, has recognized OSU’s Homecoming as a Seal of Excellence recipient.  This is the highest award given by CASE in the field of Alumni Relations.  Some 35,000 students, alumni and community members gather every year to view the elaborate Greek house and lobby decorations designed and assembled by OSU Greek Life and Residential Life members. Following Walkaround, Cowboy fans head over to Boone Pickens Stadium for the “Cowboy Craze” pep rally. Preceding the game, the entire family will want to join the huge crowd of over 25,000 spectators at the “Sea of Orange” parade down Main Street.
Art For the Entire Family... The City of Stillwater is home to the largest community art center in the state.  The center offers classes, exhibits, and workshops for all ages and visitors.  The 14,000 sq. foot state-of-the-art facility hosts classes including: glass blowing, jewelry making, weaving, quilting, pottery and much more.  The gallery serves as an exhibit area for local artists and as a gift shop. 

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