Museum of Osteology
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (10301 S. Sunnylane Rd.)
When to visit: Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm; Sat 11 am-5 pm; Sun 1-5 pm
Cost: $11 for adults (and kids 13+), $9 for kids (age 3-12), free for kids under 3
Time needed: 1 hour
Website: www.skeletonmuseum.com
What the heck is osteology, you ask? It’s the scientific study of bones. Accordingly, Oklahoma City’s Museum of Osteology bills itself as “The world’s only skeleton museum!”
It’s a cool place. And since cameras are welcome and admission is only 11 bucks, you have no reason not to visit if you’re in the area.
The museum opened in 2010 and now has more than 300 animal skeletons on display, ranging from little guys like mice and porcupines to behemoths such as elephants and humpback whales.
Pictures are required to convey a true sense of this museum of bones. So here they come:
Pics from the Museum of Osteology
Here’s my favorite animal, the komodo dragon, one of the fiercest creatures on the planet. This skeleton came from one of the first komodos brought into the U.S. Named Don Juan, this guy came from Indonesia during the term of George H.W. Bush and lived out his life at the San Diego Zoo.
Here’s a simple raccoon skeleton that happens to be digging into a piece of trash. We appreciate your humor, Museum of Osteology!
And the impressive armadillo. That’s a substantial bone structure you have!
Humans are animals too, of course. A few human skulls are on display, including this one with a bullet wound. It used to belong to a soldier from the Philippine-American War.
Here’s the skull of a chimp that was once part of NASA’s space program, although it’s unclear whether this guy actually flew into space.
Now this part is really fascinating. As you walk into the museum, there’s a little glass case where you can see some of the future skeletons being cleaned. How do they get cleaned? Beetles eat away everything except for the actual bone!
The iguana has a very cool skeleton.
Another of my favorites: the bighorn sheep. Seeing bighorns in Rocky Mountain National Park was one of my favorite wildlife thrills.
Other animals with their bones on display include a camel, spitting cobra snake, hippo, bottlenosed dolphin, various owls, koala, crocodile, meerkat, and squirrel monkey.
Visiting the Skeleton Museum OKC: Hours, Ticket Prices
Since I visited, the museum correctly realized that some rebranding might be in order. After all, the name “Museum of Osteology” doesn’t exactly inspire excitement among a lot of folks. Especially since most of us have no idea what osteology is!
Accordingly, the place is now calling itself the Skeleton Museum as an alternate nickname. The place is open from 9 to 5 on weekdays. Strangely, their hours are even more limited on weekends. On Saturdays they go from 11 am to 5 pm, and on Sundays, only from 1 to 5 pm.
Tickets cost $11 for anyone age 13 and up. It’s weird that they charge teens the same price as adults. Kids between the ages of 3 and 12 are charged $9, while kids under age 3 are free.
Other quirky attractions in Oklahoma City include the Banjo Museum and the Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
Boutique Hotels in Oklahoma City
If you’re looking for a place to stay near the Osteology Museum, here are a few options for boutique hotels in Oklahoma City.
Biltmore Hotel Oklahoma
With 367 rooms and suites, the Biltmore Hotel Oklahoma offers comfortable accommodations, free parking, and wi-fi. The Biltmore takes pride in welcoming pets, so don’t be shy about bringing along your puppy. Located in the heart of a busy shopping district, the Biltmore is surrounded by more than 30 restaurants within a three-mile radius. Check prices and availability here.
Colcord Hotel
Those interested in seeing downtown OKC may want to consider booking a room at the Colcord Hotel. The Colcord is just a 10-minute walk from the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, Myriad Botanical Gardens, and various other attractions. Amenities include shuttle service throughout downtown, upscale bath products, and coffee and a cookie provided each day. Check prices and availability here.
Governors Suites
Guests at Governors Suites receive a free hot buffet breakfast. They can also enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, a whirlpool, an exercise room, and cable tv. The property sits right off the busy I-40 expressway just two miles from Will Rogers World Airport, so it’s a good option for folks flying into the city. The independent boutique hotel has a popular atrium suitable for both business and leisure activities. Check prices and availability here.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Oklahoma City Northwest
The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Oklahoma City Northwest is near Frontier Park, the popular amusement park with a western theme and rides like the Steel Lasso suspended coaster and the Quick Draw dark ride. This Holiday Inn offers free perks like parking, breakfast, daily newspaper service, and a small fitness center. Check prices and availability here.
Would you visit an animal skeleton facility like the Osteology Museum?
