On April 19, 1995, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was the site of a devastating domestic terrorist attack killing 168 people and killing hundreds of others. Where the building once stood, the Oklahoma City National Memorial now stands to pay homage to those who lost their lives and the heroes who helped save many more.
How to Get to the Oklahoma City National Memorial
The Oklahoma City National Memorial is located in Downtown Oklahoma City and is easily accessible by both public transportation and personal vehicle. While there is some free parking along Harvey Avenue, other parking lots in the area will charge a fee. The Downtown Discovery and Norman Bus Lines through Oklahoma City EMBARK will take riders within a walking distance of the memorial.
Best and worst time to go to the Oklahoma City National Memorial
For those who want to visit, the best time to go is during the spring and fall months, which are the best times for weather in Oklahoma. Although, weather in Oklahoma City is always unpredictable. For those who want to go when the memorial is not crowded, do not go in the month of April or in early May.
Admission to the Oklahoma City National Memorial
Admission to the outdoor areas of the memorial is free, and open to the public at all times. Admission into the memorial's museum will run each visitor between $10-20.
Must see and do at the Oklahoma City National Memorial
When you first arrive at the memorial, it's best to enjoy the outdoor areas such as the "Gates of Time" which represents the minute before and minute after the bombing, and the "Field of Empty Chairs" which represents the 168 who died from the bombing. In addition, the Survivor Tree is the lone tree on the property that survived the blast and the Survivor Wall lists all of the survivors of the attack.
Upon arriving inside the memorial's museum, the Survivor's exhibit shows the first minutes of chaos and the rescue response from the community after the attack. The Investigation, Evidence and Justice exhibit showcases evidence used to find those involved with the attack including the rental truck and getaway car. Overall, there are 10 exhibits inside the memorial's museum that are done in a chronological order.
Other places to visit near the Oklahoma City National Memorial
Several buildings surrounding the memorial, including St. Joseph's Old Cathedral, were also damaged by the bombing and have memorials of their own. For those looking for a more positive experience after visiting the memorial, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art has one of the region's largest collections of art and brings in many traveling exhibits.
Insider tip for visitors to the Oklahoma City National Memorial
Prepare for an emotional experience, and make sure you show the utmost respect while visiting the memorial and all it has to offer. For many of those who live in Oklahoma, the events of April 19 were a sobering experience and not something that should ever be taken lightly.
Author's bio: WIl Petty is a resident of Winston-Salem where he works as a journalist at a regional paper. He spent much of his childhood in Oklahoma City. Wil enjoys spontaneous road trips, and trying the cuisines and craft beers those destinations offer. Follow him on Twitter @WilPetty.