The Heartland of America Museum (80)
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
WEATHERFORD
Living in Oklahoma City, I have the pleasure of being in the middle of our great state. All points in Oklahoma technically aren't that far away. But if you live in Idabel and you want to visit Boise City, it's going to be at least a two day trip. So I consider myself fortunate that the wonderful Space City of Weatherford is only a quick one hour trip west of me on I-40. I had passed through many times on my way to Amarillo to visit family, but I hadn't stopped except fo the occasional pit stop. But after spending half a day in Weatherford, I feel like I've been missing out on a pretty cool town.
I knew that Weatherford was the home of SWOSU, Southwestern Oklahoma State University. I've had many friends that have gone there. I figured, like most college towns, there were interesting things there to keep the college kids entertained when they're not in class. I was pleasantly surprised to see how much there is to do there. But, for me, I was there to see the museums. My first stop was The Heartland Museum of America. It was on the service road of I-40, so if you're paying attention, you can spot all the signs leading you right up to the front door. I still used my GPS because I'm easily distracted! HA! Like I said before, I had driven through town and seen this museum many times, but just hadn't stopped. I'm so glad I FINALLY did.
My first picture was of the cool Route 66/Space City sign out by the road. Then I couldn't help but snap a pic of the UH-10 helicopter hovering above the front door. After snooping around outside for a bit, I went in and found a couple of ladies that had just sat down for a quick break that I interrupted. They were very sweet about it though. I paid my entry fee and started exploring the museum. There was so much to see! The museum is set up kind of like some of the flea markets I've been to where there are rows of booths. Each booth has a theme and is full of great things to look at. Some are even set up to look like a scene out of history like an old drugstore or diner. There was farm equipment and old cars, military and technology history. There was so much to look at I had to really take my time and soak in all the things I was seeing. There was a family in there at the same time I was. The dad looked fairly close to my age. I made a joke about feeling old because the computer I used in junior high was on display in a museum. He laughed and said that he had just talked to his son about an original bag phone that they had seen earlier in another part of the museum. If you don't know what a bag phone is, congratulations on being young. Google it and laugh with us.
The main attraction for most people visiting Weatherford is the Stafford Air & Space Museum, which I was headed to next. But you should really do yourself a favor and visit the Heartland of America Museum too. It's wonderful and not too far from The Stafford. Two museums in one trip is always a better day! Also, below the pictures from the Heartland Museum are photos from some of the other sites in Weatherford like Major Tom, the Vietnam Memorial Wall, and the Wind Turbine blade. Must see spots while you're in town.
1600 S. Frontage Rd, Weatherford
580-774-2212
Entry Fee:Adults - $8.00, Kids (6-18) - $4.00, Seniors & Military - $7.00, Groups of 10 or more $6.00, Kids under 5 - Free
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:00 - 5:00, Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00
Around town in Weatherford!! In the Space City sign photo, you can see an ominous dark cloud above me. I took my picture and it started to down pour. HA! I was about 200 yards from my truck so I jogged across the field hoping to not get too wet, but I did. Ah well, it was fun.
Jonathan Elmore ©2026
