Tonkawa

Native Americans, hardy pioneers, educators, oilmen, German prisoners of war and creative citizens have all left their mark on this city on the Salt Fork River. Tonkawa (the word translates as “they all stay together”) takes its name from the Tonkawa Tribe. Because of abundant wheat production in the area, Tonkawa styles itself the “Wheatheart of Oklahoma.” 

The picturesque Heart in the Park Labyrinth with its timeline of Tonkawa history and the Grand Heart Walk of art panels surrounded by personalized pavers are the latest additions to Centennial Park. A number of historical monuments and three museums - the McCarter Museum of Tonkawa History, the Tonkawa Tribal Museum and the A.D. Buck History and Welcome Center - give glimpses of the history of the Tonkawa.

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Local Attractions

A. D. Buck Museum & Welcome Center

A. D. Buck Museum & Welcome Center

Northern Oklahoma College Campus
Tonkawa, OK 74635
The A. D. Buck History Museum and Welcome Center, housed on the Tonkawa campus of Northern Oklahoma College, is one of the oldest college connected museums in the state. It was founded in 1913 by C. E. Johnson who was a biology instructor at the college.…Learn More
Educational, Museum
Heart in the Park Labyrinth

Heart in the Park Labyrinth

Centennial Park, 6th and Grand
Tonkawa, OK 74653
The labyrinth, 45 feet in diameter, is a seven-circuit dual path beginning at the iron pausing stone cast by Tonkawa Foundry and leading to a heart-shaped goal. The golden limestone crossover crowning the goal features river flint from the historic Yellow…Learn More
Nature, Photo Op
McCarter Museum of Tonkawa History

McCarter Museum of Tonkawa History

220 E. Grand
Tonkawa, OK 74653
Displays relating to Tonkawa and surrounding areas - Tonkawa tribe, early Tonkawa, schools, Three Sands, oil field, military, chapels, farm, railroad, Tonkawa Fire Dept.  There is also a collection of early family stories - help with genealogy searches. Located…Learn More
Drama, Event (Venue), Mural
Santa Fe Depot

Santa Fe Depot

6th and Grand Ave.
Tonkawa, OK 74653
Santa Fe Depot
Museum