Nestled between Tulsa and Oklahoma City along the historic Route 66, Shawnee is a charming town brimming with history, culture and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to its rich past, looking for family-friendly activities, or hoping to find a peaceful reset, Shawnee offers something for everyone.
A visit to Shawnee wouldn’t be complete without exploring St. Gregory’s Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with a legacy that dates back 150 years. The Abbey traces its origins to 1875, when two French monks arrived in Indian Territory and established Sacred Heart Abbey and Mission. Over time, their mission expanded, leading to the creation of St. Gregory’s Abbey. Today, the monastery remains a beacon of faith and service, with monks engaged in pastoral care, educational programs and community outreach.
Visitors to St. Gregory’s Abbey can immerse themselves in its tranquil atmosphere, joining the monks for daily prayers or mass in the stunning Abbey Church. The church, with its stained-glass windows and nine side chapels dedicated to various saints, provides a setting for reflection. Additionally, the Abbey grounds feature a cemetery, prayer labyrinth and grottos, all of which offer spaces for contemplation. For those interested in unique local goods, the Monks’ Marketplace sells products such as honey, handmade soaps and beef sourced from the monastery’s sustainable farm.
“The Monks’ Marketplace features products produced at St. Gregory’s Abbey,” says Theresa A. Bragg, Ph.D., assistant to the abbot. “We are pleased to [also] carry items from other religious communities … the marketplace is proud to be an outlet for these items for the local community.”
Another hidden gem in Shawnee is the Butterfly Gardens, a delightful half-acre oasis that showcases Oklahoma’s native plants and pollinators. Although smaller in scale compared to botanical gardens in larger cities, the Butterfly Gardens provide an accessible and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Carefully designed with Oklahoma Proven plants, the garden serves as a living demonstration of what homeowners can achieve in their own outdoor spaces.
“Our program includes gardeners from Pottawatomie, Lincoln and Seminole counties who have completed the OSU Master Gardener training and have met their certification requirements of volunteer service,” says Carla Smith, OSU Horticulture educator of Pottawatomie County and advisor to the Multi-County Master Gardener Program. “We are active at our office garden and in the local communities where members live. Our goal is to bridge communication from our OSU Land Grant University to the communities in our area through educational programs and events.”
Wander through the Butterfly Gardens and discover a variety of nectar-rich flowers that attract butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects. Seasonal displays highlight different gardening techniques, while informative signs, equipped with QR codes, offer insights into specific plants and their role in supporting pollinators. Visitors may also catch glimpses of caterpillars, lizards and birds that call this habitat home. With its proximity to I-40 and Highway 177, the Butterfly Gardens provide a perfect spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the wonders of nature.
Shawnee boasts a range of other attractions, including the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, home to Oklahoma’s only Egyptian mummies, and KidSpace Park, an ideal stop for families.
Whether you’re exploring history, indulging in retail therapy or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Shawnee is a destination that welcomes visitors with open arms and endless opportunities for discovery.
For More Information:
St. Gregory’s Abbey
405-878-5491
monksok.org
The Butterfly Gardens
405-273-7683
visitshawnee.com
Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art
405-878-5300
mgmoa.org
KidSpace Park
405-878-1528
visitshawnee.com
Main image cutline: Shawnee’s Butterfly Gardens are a half-acre oasis that showcase Oklahoma’s native plants and pollinators.
Photo courtesy OSU Extension
