Norman Past and Present City centre Walking Tour

A mural on a wall depicting Norman, Oklahoma, with historical buildings and figures. 1

The entrance to the Cleveland County courthouse with steps leading up to the doors. 2

By OKC Tours

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Overview

Enjoy a stroll through charming city centre Norman while exploring historic sites and modern culture. This guided tour along Main Street discusses the city’s transformation from a surveyor’s campsite to a modern-day football powerhouse. Learn about the town's founding, symbolism of colourful murals, and stories behind local landmarks. Perfect for history buffs and casual explorers alike, this 1-hour tour covers less than a mile while offering insights into Norman’s past and present.

Activity location

Beanstalk Coffee and Sno Downtown
- 207 East Main Street
- 73069, Norman, Oklahoma, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

Beanstalk Coffee and Sno Downtown
- 207 East Main Street
- 73069, Norman, Oklahoma, United States

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Sorry this activity isn't available on Thu, 20 Aug

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What's included, what's not

Knowledgeable guide
Optional service charge for guide

Know before you book

- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Must be able to stand for 1 hour

Activity itinerary

Beanstalk Coffee and Sno Downtown

We begin seated and indoors with an historic overview of Norman's founding in Oklahoma Territory.

The Play Pit

Founded on this corner in 1936, a local retailer grew to 1,000+ stores across the country and once outcompeted Walmart.

City of Norman East Gray Street Parking Lot

From this municipal lot, enjoy prime viewing of the oversized "Heart of Norman" murals that tell Norman's storey from past to present.

Madison's on Main

Observe quirky architecture at this historic former post office.

Juliette Oyster Bar and Steakhouse

Outside this restaurant, learn how the University of Oklahoma was founded on Main Street and hear conflicting accounts of their first football game.

Sooner Theatre

This iconic theatre was designed by a local architect and built with the finest materials and cutting-edge cinema technology. Hear about confirmed sightings of an apparition that glides down the staircase.

James Garner Statue

Snap a photo with Norman's most famous Hollywood celebrity, memorialised here in bronze. Garner is best known for playing Bret Maverick in the Western TV series.

Norman, Oklahoma

Pass the former gateway to Norman where settlers flooded into town on one eventful day in 1889. This historic brick rail depot still serves Amtrak trains but is closed most of the day.

Cleveland County Courthouse

Town leaders lobbied hard to break away from Oklahoma County and become a county seat. This Art Deco building replaced earlier courthouses that we revisit through photos. From here we head to the end of the tour.

Location

Activity location

Beanstalk Coffee and Sno Downtown
- 207 East Main Street
- 73069, Norman, Oklahoma, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

Beanstalk Coffee and Sno Downtown
- 207 East Main Street
- 73069, Norman, Oklahoma, United States

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