About Shawnee
Shawnee is a town that is small in size but big on personality. Our southwestern flair, spectacular sunsets, wide-open spaces, and deep Native American roots combine with our friendly reputation to create an authentically Oklahoman experience. Shawnee is home to the only ancient Egyptian mummies in Oklahoma, the International Finals Youth Rodeo, four Native American tribes, and over a dozen bald eagles. Centrally located just 40 miles east of Oklahoma City, we’re a great destination for a weekend trip or your next meeting or event.
Once you’re in town, stop by the Visit Shawnee Information Center (231 N. Bell Ave.) for maps, brochures or recommendations. Their friendly staff is the best source for information on Shawnee; they can point you in the right direction for the best shopping and dining experiences in town.
While you’re visiting, make sure to check out some of Shawnee’s local attractions. Schedule a tour of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Eagle Aviary, which rescues bald eagles that can no longer survive in the wild, and learn about the significance of the bald eagle in Native American culture. Stop by the picturesque Santa Fe Depot and peruse artifacts and history about Pottawatomie County, or go say hello to Tutu the mummy at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art.
Check out VisitShawnee.com to view their calendar of events, and find coupons.
Also, be sure to download their app from your favorite app store to plan your trip to Shawnee, Oklahoma. Simply search: ShawneeOK-VisitShawnee.
Fun Facts
- Shawnee is home of the first SONIC Drive-In prototype which originally opened in 1953 as the Top Hat Drive-In. In 1959, the name was changed to SONIC. In 2005, Shawnee became home to the 3000th SONIC Drive-In.
- Leroy Gordon Cooper was born in Shawnee in March 1927. He is known for his outstanding leadership in aeronautical engineering. He was the first astronaut in a space flight of more than 24 hours and he circled the globe 22 times in 34 hours and 20 minutes.
- Award-winning actor and producer Brad Pitt was born in Shawnee.
- The Santa Fe Depot in Shawnee is one of the most photographed buildings in Oklahoma. The Santa Fe Depot Museum is the current home of Shawnee’s first building and home built after the land run of 1891, the Beard Cabin.
- World-famous Round House® Overalls are manufactured right here in Shawnee. Shawnee Garment Company has been the proud maker of Round House® for more than 100 years. In fact, they hold the world record in the Guinness Book for the world's largest pair. Round House® Overalls are proudly worn by all Disney World™ train conductors and have also been spotted on celebrities like Jessica Simpson.
- With Shawnee growing rapidly throughout the early 1900s, in 1910, city leaders hoped that Shawnee would become Oklahoma’s state capitol. However, Shawnee came in a distant third in the statewide election to determine the capital.
- Shawnee is the home of Oklahoma's 26th Governor Brad Henry. Governor Henry was born and raised in Shawnee and still resides here today.
- In 1941, the state legislature designated Shawnee as Oklahoma’s “Redbud City.” Redbud trees can be found blooming throughout the community in the spring.
Read more at visitshawnee.com
Additional Links
