The Garis Gallery of the American West at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan is one of the finest Western and Indian art galleries in the state. The museum offers an interactive experience for all ages and interests.
Professional tour guides get you started on your adventure throughout the museum. The 4D Experience Theater offers a multi-sensory adventure “on the trail” where you can smell the wildflowers of the Oklahoma prairie in the springtime, and watch a stampede in a thunderstorm. A visit to the Campfire Theater will have you eavesdropping on Jesse Chisholm and Cowboy Tex. After that, you are free to explore on your own. At the Duncan General Store, you can play checkers and imagine being transported back in time. Climb in the genuine handcrafted leather saddle in our interactive area and try to rope “Hollywood” our longhorn steer. Ride Quick Silver our “bucking bronco” or create your own brand at the Branding Station.
Home to one of the finest Western Art collections west of the Mississippi, in the Garis Gallery of the American West, you can enjoy an incredible collection of paintings and sculptures. Walking through the gallery is like a trip through a maze, with each turn providing a surprise of art, both contemporary and historical. Works by Frederick Remington, George Catlin, Charles Russell, Allan Houser and regional and local artists of note are on display in the permanent collection. Be sure to visit the outdoor sculpture, 'On the Chisholm Trail' bronze by Oklahoma artist Paul Moore. It is the largest bronze dedicated to the Chisholm Trail in the world.
It is a Top Western Museum as named by True West Magazine, and on the TW Ultimate Western Destination list. Awarded the National Day of the Cowboy's "Cowboy Keeper" in 2016 and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association Redbud Merit for Outstanding Attraction. In 2018, the museum in its Chisholm Trail 150th Partnership (Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan, Visit Enid and the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid, and the Oklahoma Historical Society) was awarded three of the state’s highest honors given in the Oklahoma tourism industry. The partnership won the RedBud Award for Outstanding Media Coverage and earned Merit Awards (category runner-up) for Best Partnership and Best Tri-Fold or Single Sheet Brochure or Publication. And in 2013, the Heritage Center was voted Best Museum in Chickasaw Country.
A private parking lot on-site at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center offers space for RV, buses and large vehicle parking. Don’t be surprised if you see school buses during the week! More than 10,000 students visit during the academic school year. They receive structured-learning class field trips. Travelers can stretch their legs on a nature walk, or have a picnic. Pets are welcome. Also, check out the website for information regarding special events. Or, for the most up-to-date information, visit the Facebook page. Before you leave, be sure to visit our gift shop for unique gift items and souvenirs.
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