Norman's lively college spirit will keep you feeling young. But there's more to this town than parties and football, with upscale restaurants and excellent museums waiting to be discovered.
Despite its name, Norman is not your dad's friend from high school. No, it's actually the third-biggest city in Oklahoma and the site of the University of Oklahoma. College sports are big here, so if you want to fit right in with the cool kids you can start your Norman adventure with an OU basketball game or a Sooner football game. Things get heated, so rest your voice beforehand and you’ll be able to cheer with the best of them. Don't be deceived by the local fervor for sports; Norman's cultural life doesn't begin and end in the stadium or on the court. There's plenty here to keep the cogs turning even in more arts-oriented brains. History buffs will be busy too. Spend a day gazing at Van Gogh, Renoir and Monet masterpieces in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, or stare up at the towering dinosaur skeletons in the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.For some nature without the millions of years of dust, take a trip to stunning Lake Thunderbird State Park, the perfect place for a good old-fashioned camping trip. You'll love this place as much as the many varied species of beautiful birds who call it home do. Spot them while you're hiking, swimming, biking, or boating.As with most college towns, Norman has lots of bars and clubs catering to a younger crowd. But you're sure to find the perfect nighlife destination here no matter how old you are.