The ferris wheel in the Wheeler District is now a fixture in skyline shots of OKC’s urban core, standing out from its spot along the south bank of the Oklahoma River, southwest of downtown. Over the past several years, the district, which occupies the former downtown airpark, has turned into an entertainment destination, and not just for the ferris wheel.
Wheeler is a neighborhood and, in some ways, a small community, but it’s also home to great options in shopping and entertainment with easy access from downtown and I-40. You can start your day there first thing in the morning at Clarity Coffee. Yes, the same Clarity you love downtown on Main Street, has a location in Wheeler.
Shopping options range from clothing to gifts to fresh produce and meats from family-owned farms. Dunagan Farms started showing up at the district’s farmers market, started a burger night to feature their delicious beef and ended up opening a shop in Wheeler. You can buy farm-fresh products, including beef, in the store or online. Kinfolk Family Farm & Shop also offers items from a selection of farms, and they specialize in organic produce.
Taco Nation occupies the old airport terminal, and its mix of Baja-style and non-traditional tacos is an excellent way to make sure there is something for everyone, including vegan and gluten-free options. All the tacos can be ordered as nachos, and half the fun is deciding which of the taco sauces is your favorite.
Adjacent to Taco Nation is Oklahoma’s most decorated brewery over the past couple years. In 2022 and 2023, The Big Friendly was named Brewery of the Year (based on size) at the Great American Beer Fest, the largest beer competition in the U.S. Several of their beers were singled out for awards as well.
At Thrown Design & Wine, owner Amber Foster combined two of the things she loves -- a lovely studio and shop for people who love beautiful home interiors, local art, thoughtful gifts and delicious wine. Amber brings her years of diverse experience to the curated collections she offers in Thrown.
Because Wheeler is a gathering place as much as a neighborhood, they host events on a regular basis, from the Friday Farmers Market to Fitness at the Wheel on Sundays May to October. The latter is a weekly class featuring some of OKC’s best known names, like Burn Unit, Pure Barre, This Land Yoga, and F45.
Finally, the ferris wheel. It’s still just $6 for a ride, making it one of the best deals in OKC, and one of the best views of downtown. It’s most beautiful at dusk on a clear night, but you can enjoy the park-like atmosphere starting at 8 a.m. on Saturdays and noon on Sundays, so bring a picnic lunch or tacos from Taco Nation and spend the day. You’ll find Wheeler is very bike friendly too, so there is no shortage of things to do in this lovely spot along the river.