HEART IN THE PARK
For many, walking the labyrinth is meditative and calming; others enjoy it purely for fun and exercise. While the path always leads to the center, its twists and turns are reminders of life's surprises and challenges.

​In January, 2006 Tonkawa artist Audrey Schmitz, inspired by the city's motto "Wheatheart of Oklahoma," began developing the concept of a heart-shaped labyrinth as the community's contribution to the state centennial celebration. A committee was formed, internationally known labyrinth builder Marty Kermeen of Yorkville, Illinois was contracted, and after months of planning, groundbreaking ceremonies were held in Centennial Park November 19, 2006.

Applications were made for grant monies and a Valentine party was held February 14, 2007 to introduce the personalized paver campaign to the public. A major fundraising event was a chamber music concert organized by Dorian Rence, violist with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
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Kermeen collaborated with British labyrinth historian Jeff Saward to design the layout of the labyrinth, the only public one of its kind in the world and one of four park labyrinths in the state. Construction of the labyrinth began May 16, 2007 and was completed June 3. Kermeen returned September 18, 2007 to install the entry plaza of original Tonkawa street brick, featuring a granite slab in the shape of Oklahoma, and the Grand Heart Walk of personalized pavers surrounding seven art panels depicting Tonkawa's culture and heritage.

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 Bull Crossing west of town. A walking path outlining the labyrinth is bordered by a timeline of 100 engraved pavers recording Tonkawa's history from 1879 to the present. Brick plaques spell out the word Tonkawa and the phrases They All Stay Together and Wheatheart of Oklahoma.

Heart in the Park stands as a permanent installation of interactive public art contribution to the education and heritage of future generations.

BLINN PARK
Blinn Park is located on East Stone Avenue and features fun, new playground equipment, a splash pad, basketball courts, walking trail, horseshoe pits, and two pavilions for family gatherings. The park is also home to several outstanding ball fields and a soccer field ready for sports.

SANTA FE DEPOT
The Tonkawa Santa Fe Depot Renovation Project Committee is working to preserve the old depot. Located in the heart of Tonkawa the depot is surrounded by Centennial Park Gazebo, the Heart In The Park Labyrinth, McCarter Museum and Tonkawa Bed and Breakfast.

The Santa Fe Depot was built in 1899 as a 24’ X 80’ standard depot. The freight room addition on the north end was built in 1922. The waiting room addition on the south end was completed in 1946. This local landmark was threatened by deterioration and placed on the 2008 Most Endangered Historical Places List by Preservation Oklahoma. 

The committee has replaced the roof of the building and the outside has received a fresh coat of Colonial Yellow Paint - the original color of the Santa Fe Depot. Renovation is continuing on the interior of the building and should soon be complete. A caboose has been moved in and restored also to enhance the area.

The committee’s mission is to make the depot an attraction to our community and to continue the revitalization of downtown Tonkawa. Some ideas we are entertaining at this time include a community room, youth education center, dining establishment, farmer’s market or office space while maintaining the ambiance of the train station.

Contact Valerie Buss at (580) 761-7576 for reservations.

Northern Oklahoma College
Northern Oklahoma College has a rich history, beginning in 1901 and continuing to today through its mission as the State’s first public community college is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services which create life-changing experiences and develop students as effective learners and leaders within their communities in a connected, ever-changing world.

Northern Oklahoma College's vision is to be recognized as a model institution and leader in academic quality and cultural enrichment, promoting student success, collaborative learning, creative and forward thinking, and community responsiveness.

MCCARTER MUSEUM
Owned by the Tonkawa Historical Society, The McCarter Museum of Tonkawa History features displays of the 1893 Land Run, Tonkawa's early days, 1901 University Preparatory School (now Northern Oklahoma College), 1920s Three Sands Oil Field, 1940s WWII German Prisoner of War Camp, military memorabilia and vignettes of home, school and church of bygone days. Photos and artifacts too numerous to mention, a large collection of the stories of area pioneers and 1898 photos of members of the Tonkawa Tribe are among collections available for viewing. Also available are genealogical records. The museum is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1pm-3pm and by appointment on Sundays.

Centennial Park
Plans began for this park in 2006, in preparation for the celebration of Oklahoma's 100th anniversary as a State in 2007. This park area at 6th and Grand has many items of historical significance and memorial.

A beautifully engraved granite memorial to the participants in the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893 which opened settlement to the Tonkawa area is surrounded by pavers of donors, and listing names of those early settlers.
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South of this is a lovely gazebo with brick pathways and gardens. Further east in the park is a heart-shaped labyrinth, the only one of its kind, and one of only four in parks in Oklahoma. The stone labyrinth has 100 engraved markers around its perimeter, designating events in Tonkawa history from 1879 to the present. This is a beautiful memorial park, and well worth one's visit to Tonkawa.

Ray See Park
Located at the 500 block of South Main in Tonkawa, Ray See Park features a picnic shelter house, rock and metal barbecues, new concrete block restrooms, and playgrounds for all ages.

Tonkawa HOtel & Casino
If you’re looking for a great time with a wide variety of games, come experience Tonkawa Hotel & Casino on I-35, exit 214 in Tonkawa, Oklahoma. Meet friendly staff with customer service that can’t be beat. New member benefits and exciting promotions are just some of the many reasons to visit Tonkawa Hotel & Casino. They also offer table games such as Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Hold’em, Roulette and Craps.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing experience or just want the best gaming experience on I-35, Tonkawa Hotel & Casino is a great option and just a short drive from northern Oklahoma cities such as Ponca City, Enid, Stillwater or Blackwell. If you are coming from cities in Kansas such as Wichita, Emporia, Hutchinson and Salina it’s a short distance to Tonkawa, Oklahoma exit 214.

Stay and play in the beautiful hotel that offers the most comfortable, luxurious stay in northern Oklahoma. Check out the nice outdoor pool during the warm season. You can also grab a delicious meal and cold beverage at the Buffalo Lounge & Grill open daily from 7am–midnight.

Tonkawa Tribal Museum
Visit the Tonkawa Tribal Museum to see artifacts and photographic histories of the Tonkawa tribe. View a variety of items from the Southwestern and Northern tribes on display, like beaded jewelry and moccasins. After learning about tribal history at the museum, guests are encouraged to pay respects at the Nez Perce and Tonkawa cemeteries located nearby.

public library
In 1935 The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), a predecessor to the Federal Works Progress Administration (WPA), constructed a one-story building that houses the Tonkawa Public Library. Years later another building was added to the original one-story building. The addition was constructed in a similar style as the original FERA building.

The Library is located at 216 North 7th Street and is open from 10am-6pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 12pm-7pm Wednesday, 10am-1pm on Saturday and closed on Sunday.