Outdoor Recreation

FireLake Golf Course, lined with native grasses and water hazards, provides Bermuda greens on all 18 holes of the public golf course. Amenities include a clubhouse, pro-shop and bar. For more information go to firelakegolf.com.

Shawnee is also home to the Elks Country Club and Golf Course as well as the Shawnee Country Club which offer amenities and memberships.

Shawnee has many community and neighborhood parks for residents to use and enjoy.

According to the City of Shawnee website, at shawneeok.org, the area has 36 parks, including the Shawnee Twin Lakes. The parks department maintains 610 acres of green space. The parks range in size and landscape, and green spaces are available for open play.

Amenities include playground equipment, picnic areas, walking paths, ball fields and courts, splash pads, a swimming pool, dog parks and a skateboard park.

Woodland Veterans Park and Farrall Park are the first two recorded parks in Shawnee — dating back to 1892.

Some of Shawnee’s major parks include:

• KidSpace, 3.5 acres at the corner of Center and Wayne, which is undergoing a complete remodel (expected to be finished in Spring 2023)

• Rotary Boy Scout, 9.12 acres at the corner of Main and Pesotum

• Woodland Veterans, 6.87 acres at the corner of Broadway and Highland

• Dean Weigant, 4 acres at the corner of Leo and Rosa

• Lion’s Club, 19.22 acres at the corner of Federal and Airport Drive

• Optimist Club, 2.62 acres at the corner of 34th Street and Market

• Dunbar, .76 acre at the corner of Hayes and Oklahoma

• Farrall, 4.17 acres at the corner of Hayes and Park

In Tecumseh:

• Slick Humphrey, 901 W. Walnut

• Skate Park, 715 W. Walnut

• Charles Martin Park, 515 N. Third

Shawnee Splash Water Park, at 100 E. Highland, provides summer fun at Woodland Veterans Park in downtown Shawnee.

Splash is reported to be the largest outdoor municipal water park in the area. Some of its features are two water slides, a 25-yard competition pool with log roll and climbing wall, and an interactive leisure pool –– which includes a lazy river pool, play structure and a large dumping bucket.

The 241,000-gallon diving well includes two diving boards and a large climbing wall.

Briscoe Boy Scout Park Splash Pad, at the corner of Main and Pesotum streets, and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation playground have various water features as well. Splash pads also are located in Tecumseh and McLoud.

Families can enjoy interacting with a book by visiting two local Story Walks, which allow children to combine both reading and exercise. The Pioneer Library System Story Walks can be found in Shawnee, Tecumseh and McLoud.

Shawnee location is at Boy Scot Park, 1400 E. Main Street. Tecumseh’s is located at Slick Humphrey Park, 901 W. Walnut, and McLoud’s is at the Lawrence Wahpepah Walking Trail, located at 416 S. 8th, McLoud.

For more information, go to pioneerlibrarysystem.org/

MURALS philosophy of care strives to create a purpose-filled life that each individual maximum self-expression. The team is to creating a quality of care that meets each resident’s social, spiritual and emotional needs. ourselves as being the experts in Alzheimer’s and care and focus on sharing our knowledge and resources community.

Local artists continue to leave their imprint on the exterior walls of Shawnee. From the side of an orthodontist’s building to a downtown alley, a variety of artistic styles can be seen.

Belfair of Shawnee, a memory care community, is thrilled and honored to have been voted Best of the Best for the fifth year in a row. Thank you for all of those who participated in voting. We are happy to be a part of the Shawnee News-Star community.

Belfair of Shawnee, a memory care community, is thrilled and honored to have been voted Best of the Best for the fifth year in a row. Thank you for all of those who participated in voting. We are happy to be a part of the Shawnee News-Star community.

Shawnee, a memory care community, is thrilled and have been voted Best of the Best for the fifth year Thank you for all of those who participated in voting. We to be a part of the Shawnee News-Star community.

Belfair of Shawnee is proudly owned and managed by Carland Group, an Oklahoma-based developer of senior living communities and professionally managed by Carland Group, who is a well respected senior living leader dedicated to service, hospitality and exceptional care. We think you’ll find our approach different than what you’re used to, with person-centered senior care focused on dignity, respect and connection. It allows us to create a culture that honors each resident and their individual needs, while empowering our team members to provide exceptional service at all times.

Shawnee is proudly owned and managed by Carland Oklahoma-based developer of senior living communities professionally managed by Carland Group, who is a well senior living leader dedicated to service, hospitality and care. We think you’ll find our approach different than used to, with person-centered senior care focused on respect and connection. It allows us to create a culture that each resident and their individual needs, while empowering members to provide exceptional service at all times.

Belfair of Shawnee is proudly owned and managed by Carland Group, an Oklahomabased developer of senior living communities and professionally managed by Carland Group, who is a well respected senior living leader dedicated to service, hospitality and exceptional care. We think you’ll find our approach different than what you’re used to, with person-centered senior care focused on dignity, respect and connection. It allows us to create a culture that honors each resident and their individual needs, while empowering our team members to provide exceptional service at all times.

Belfair of Shawnee offers a person-first focused program supporting individuals in varying stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Our mission is to enrich the lives of our residents through kindness, compassion and a thorough understanding of the challenges that memory loss presents.

Our philosophy of care strives to create a purpose-filled life that will afford each individual maximum self-expression. The team is committed to creating a quality of care that meets each resident’s physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs.

Shawnee offers a person-first focused program supporting in varying stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related Our mission is to enrich the lives of our residents kindness, compassion and a thorough understanding of challenges that memory loss presents.

We pride ourselves as being the experts in Alzheimer’s and Dementia care and focus on sharing our knowledge and resources with the community.

Belfair of Shawnee offers a person-first focused program supporting individuals in varying stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Our mission is to enrich the lives of our residents through kindness, compassion and a thorough understanding of the challenges that memory loss presents.

Our philosophy of care strives to create a purposefilled life that will afford each individual maximum self-expression. The team is committed to creating a quality of care that meets each resident’s physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs.

We pride ourselves as being the experts in Alzheimer’s and Dementia care and focus on sharing our knowledge and resources with the community.

405-275-1199 www.belfairofshawnee.com

More than three dozen beautiful horses stand proud ly throughout Shawnee, hand-painted by local artists; they each share a unique sto ry. The horses were installed in celebration of Oklahoma’s centennial year in 2007, and the project has expanded ever since.

Go to visitshawnee.com/ horses to find an interactive map of where they are in town and what their names are.

Shawnee is home to Oklahoma Baptist University, which offers more than 80 areas of study on its campus in the center of town on Bison Hill.

OBU opened in September 1911, originally holding classes in the basement of the First Baptist Church and in the Convention Hall of Shawnee.

The City of Shawnee contributed the original 60-acre campus and the first building, Shawnee Hall, which opened in September 1915.

With its rich history and culture, OBU student are involved in many college organizations.

The Veterans Memorial is on the southwest corner of Woodland Park in downtown Shawnee.

Names of veterans are engraved on brick pavers purchased by donors that form a walkway in the shape of a five-pointed star, with each point representing one branch of the military.

The park is a place of solitude and reflection where one can remember those who are serving our country or have served in the past. Dedicated benches, two memorials representing each of the world wars, and an archway over the entrance are carved from black, polished granite. Displays in the park include a (1965 UH-1 “Huey”) helicopter once used during the Korean Conflict. Flags are flown for each of the military branches.

The 11-year project to honor fallen Oklahoma veterans was completed mid-December of 2016.

The last addition to the memorial was a group of 10 black granite panels that display the names of more than 7,000 Oklahoma military members who have died in combat since the Spanish-American War.

Names were compiled and verified by the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Department of Defense, then the list was given to the committee.

Visitors enter through a 26,000-pound solid granite archway that includes etchings of soldiers representative of World War I and II.

The cost of the memorial project is estimated to be more than $500,000.

Whether you're hunting for treasures from the past or looking for that unique gift from a one-of-a-kind shop, there are plenty of options for antiquing and shopping around Shawnee.

There are several local gems and unique places to shop throughout Shawnee and many surrounding communities, from collectibles to vintage clothing or jewelry, there are plenty of local shops to visit around town.

Whether area residents want to swim, fish, kayak or water ski, they don’t have far to go. The Shawnee Twin Lakes offer a variety of activities. Here are some things to know before you go.

The lakes are located just outside of Shawnee, about three miles south of Interstate 40 off of Highway 102, with Lake No. 2 accessed by turning west on Pecan Grove and Lake No. 1 accessed by turning west onto Lake Road.

According to the Visit Shawnee website, Lake No. 1 was built in 1935 and covers a surface area of 1,336 acres with 16 miles of shoreline, while Lake No. 2, built in 1960, has a surface area of 1,100 acres and 9 miles of shoreline. A 10-foot deep canal, constructed in 1962, connects the two lakes.

According to the city of Shawnee website, the lakes offer a variety of activities, though those activities differ by lake.

LAKE NO. 1: SWIMMING, SKIING, FISHING AND MORE

Lake No. 1 has two free swimming areas: one located at Isaac Waltons Park at the end of Lake Road and the other at Glenn Collins Memorial Park at the west end of the lake.

“Isaac Walton Park, established after the opening of Lake #1 in 1935, has a pavilion, 15 camp sites, 8 picnic areas with grills, swimming, restrooms, lighting, and parking,” the Visit Shawnee website says. “The Glen Collins Park formerly called ‘Stonehenge’ was developed by city crews, is located between the two dams, and has a pavilion, picnic areas with grills, swimming, restrooms, lighting and parking.”

The covered pavilions at the parks are available to rent by calling the Shawnee Parks Department at (405) 273-1960.

Recreational activities such as skiing and tubing are also allowed on the lake, as are personal watercrafts, though having a motorized boat on the lake does require a permit and some fees may apply. According to the city of Shawnee website, an annual boating permit is $30 and a daily permit is $7.

Kayaks and canoes are allowed on the lake and do not require a permit.

Lake No. 1 includes an indoor dock for fishing, as well as other fishing docks and areas. An annual fishing permit is $20, while a daily permit is $3, though those 65 and older are not required to have a fishing permit. Oklahoma state fishing regulations should be observed by those fishing at the lakes.

Lake No. 1 has 15 primitive camp sites available at Isaac Walton Park, located at the end of Lake Road. The fee is $8 per day for a maximum of seven days, and sites can hold up to two tents. The camp sites and restroom facilities are only avail- able at certain times of year. No reservations are required for camp sites, and campers can pay online or use on-site cash envelopes and drop box. For more information, call (405) 878-1529.

Alcohol and fireworks are not permitted at either of the Shawnee Twin Lakes.

Swimming, skiing, tubing and personal watercrafts are not allowed on Lake No. 2.

Motorized boats are allowed on Lake No. 2, and the same permits and fees apply as would be needed for Lake No. 1.

Kayaks and canoes are allowed on the lake and do not require a permit.

Lake No. 2 offers opportunities for both fishing and for hunting. Fishing permits are the same as those required for Lake No. 1. Hunting permits can be purchased for $30 annually or $5 daily, and like permits for fishing, are not required for those who have reached the age of 65. According to the Oklahoma Fishing Guides website, duck, rabbit, quail, squirrel and dove can be hunted in designated areas, and some of the fish in the lake include crappie, catfish, sand bass, largemouth bass, saugeye, white bass and bluegill.

Alcohol and fireworks are not permitted at either of the Shawnee Twin Lakes.

For more information about the twin lakes, call (405) 878-1528 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Or visit www.shawneeok.org/ or www.visitshawnee.com to find out more.

To purchase permits or pay for camp sites, go to https://secure. rec1.com/OK/shawnee-ok/catalog.

To check out Oklahoma fishing regulations and size limits, visit www.eregulations.com/ oklahoma/fishing/statewide-daily-size-limits.

In the past few years, area residents have discovered a new form of outdoor entertainment at Shawnee Twin Lakes… kayaking.

While kayaking is not necessarily new to the Shawnee Twin Lakes, members of the Pottawatomie County Kayak Club join together for fun on the water. Not only that, neighboring Tecumseh residents have started their own group. Follow the Pottawatomie County Kayak Club on Facebook.

There are many unique dining options in the Shawnee area.

No matter the type of cuisine, there’s going to be something here that can fit the bill.

For barbecue lovers, Van’s Pigstand, Billy Boy’s, Robb’s Smokehouse and Whiskey Wings are ready to serve.

Eating at Giorgio’s Pizzeria or Frateli’s are great ways to satisfy a craving for food with an Italian flare.

Some Tex-Mex options include Don Ciro’s, Abuelita’s, Cazadorez and Tapatio’s.

For those looking for a nice sit-down meal, Paul’s Place and the Branding Iron have steak options at the ready — or Theopolis for a special night on the town.

And for some good old American dishes, don’t miss out on Brown Derby, Hamburger King, The Lunch Box or FireLake’s Fry Bread Tacos.

Maybe it’s just a cup of coffee that would hit the spot; be sure to visit Coffee and Crafts, Comma or Heavenly Grind.

This is just a sampling of the many eateries in and around Shawnee.

For those who want to find locally sourced ingredients for their tables, there are several options around the area.

Hardesty Market & Deli, a family owned business that’s been located in the Shawnee area for more than 85 years, opened at a new location at 613 N. Pottenger in 2021.

The store offers a variety of items, including meats, cheeses, and Hardesty’s signature pimento cheese spread and ham salad. It also occasionally offers seasonal foods – such as locally sourced corn, tomatoes or onions – and sometimes brings in shrimp from the Gulf. The store also offers different foods available for lunch.

Hardesty’s is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The Monks’ Marketplace at St. Gregory’s Abbey opened in January 2020, located just under the clock tower at the abbey at 1900 W. MacArthur.

The marketplace sells farm fresh eggs from the abbey’s chickens, as well as honey from the abbey hives, Mission Monks Beef, and blackberry jam in the summer.

The shop also sells a variety of products from about a dozen different religious communities, as well as some religious articles.

The Monks’ Marketplace is open from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday through Wednesday.

Crows Farm Markets offers a variety of farm produce, meats, eggs, dairy and honey products, as well as spices, beans, rice, coffee, tea and other specialty products, including many items made in Oklahoma.

Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, it is located at 728 E. Main St. and 47910 Highway 3 in Shawnee.

Rooster

Two eggs your way, choice of bacon, sausage or ham and toast with a side of our signature strawberry jalapeno jam.

Chick Plate

One egg, half portion of breakfast meat and toast, with a side or our signature strawberry jalapeno jam.

Cow Poke

Two eggs your way, hash brown casserole, biscuits & gravy, with a choice of bacon, sausage or ham and morning drink.

Two fried eggs, choice of ham, sausage or bacon, and choice of cheese with our signature strawberry jalapeno jam on toasted country white bread.

Full or half order.

Full 5.95 • Half 3.95 Substitute sausage gravy or chocolate gravy +1.25

Substitute sausage gravy or chocolate gravy.

Biscuit

Quiche

Ask about our quiche of the day.

Pancakes or french toast.

Jim’s Oatmeal

Generous portion of oatmeal made with Ceylon cinnamon and blueberries. Served with wheat berry toast and maple syrup.

Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Two Eggs Made Your Way

Bacon, Ham or Sausage

Biscuit with bacon, ham orsausage, egg & cheese 6.59

Full 5.95 • Half 3.95 Substitute sausage gravy or chocolate gravy +1.25

Avocado on Wheat Berry Toast

Biscuit with bacon, ham orsausage, egg & cheese 6.59

Muffin

Hash Brown Casserole or Hash Browns

Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Biscuit with bacon, ham or sausage, egg & cheese.

Junky Farmer

Choice of toast or biscuit, hash browns, choice of ham, sausage or bacon, with gravy and two eggs your way 8.95

Choice of toast or biscuit, hash browns, choice of ham, sausage or bacon, with gravy and two eggs your way 8.95

Choice of toast or biscuit, choice of ham, sausage or bacon, with gravy and two eggs your way.

Omelet

Consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food born illness.

Toast

Yogurt Parfait Cup

Mixed Fruit

Beverages

Coffee • Soda

Consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food born illness.

Served with toast or biscuit. Cheese, single or double meat (bacon, ham or sausage).

Keto

Four eggs your way, with choice of bacon, sausage or ham.

Flour tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, choice of meat and cheese.

Bottomless

Juice or Milk

Consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food born illness.