OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — The new OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City is keeping summer alive all year round in Oklahoma.
The massive new development officially opened on Feb. 21, just in time for spring.
“This ceremonious occasion offers a moment for us to reflect on the achievements made since breaking ground at the site in 2022,” Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said. “Cultural tourism has long been integral to our investment and enterprise strategy. We recognize the significance of the tourism industry for Oklahoma, given its inherent appeal as a destination for cultural tourism, showcasing both First American heritage and world-class attractions. We are confident that OKANA, First Americans Museum, and Horizons District will attract increased visitation to Oklahoma, functioning as both a destination and a hub for those interested in exploring other regional attractions.
The Chickasaw Nation built the $400-million tourist destination at 639 First Americans Blvd., to offer Oklahomans and out-of-state visitors a fun-filled resort vacation that includes a 100,000 indoor waterpark – the largest indoor waterpark in the region.
The indoor waterpark has attracted droves of visitors since the resort opened in February, according to Laura Rudicel, OKANA’s director of marketing.
“We are having lots of people that have been coming in. The first weekend we sold out of waterpark passes,” Rudicel said.
OKANA is a destination for joyful experiences, said Managing Director Ken Leone.
“We believe OKANA is not only a source of joy and recreation for travelers but also a valuable asset for our community, offering exhilarating water adventures, elevated dining and entertainment. We’re thrilled to open our doors to both guests and locals to experience the magic of OKANA,” Leone said.
The name OKANA is a combination of the Chickasaw words oka’, meaning water, and inka̱na’, meaning friend. The name denotes the deep connection between the Chickasaw people and the okhina’, which means navigable waterways, in the Homeland, and the friends welcomed into their historic villages.
“We are excited for this momentous opening of OKANA,” said Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce Dan Boren. “OKANA is a testament to Governor Anoatubby’s visionary leadership. His foresight, coupled with the strong collaborative relationship we share with the City of Oklahoma City, has been instrumental in realizing the OKANA project. We extend our gratitude to our leaders at the tribal, state, and local levels, as well as to our esteemed business leaders, for their invaluable collaboration. This resort will not only serve as a prominent landmark for Oklahoma and Oklahoma City but will also function as a substantial economic catalyst, driving job growth and generating opportunities for all residents of this region.”
Visitors can enjoy a wide array of pleasures at OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark.
The 11-story-tall luxury hotel has 404 guest rooms and suites, including king and double queen options, ranging from 420 to 720 square feet. The variety of luxurious, spacious rooms and suites offers options that are ideal for couples, families and friend groups. The rooms also have picturesque views of the Oklahoma River and Oklahoma City skyline.
Guests who stay in one of the resort’s rooms receive automatic access to the waterpark. Guests not staying at the hotel can purchase a day pass to experience the waterpark.
The 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark is a gargantuan attraction featuring a slew of aquatic thrills and spills that can be enjoyed in comfy 82-degree temperature throughout the year, even in the winter seasons.
The indoor waterpark has a bevy of wet and wild experiences, including a wave pool, lazy river, luxury cabanas, adult-only pool, kiddie pool and 15 water slides, including body slides, tube slides, raft slides, kiddie slides and the following three special attractions:
- Splash Falls: A haven for kids and adults alike, the multi-level, interactive play structure features water slides, spray zones, and an oversized, 1,000-gallon bucket that tips over every four to seven minutes to splash guests waiting below.
- Wild Rapids: Calling all thrill-seekers! Guests can experience the excitement of a water slide combined with roller-coaster speed, propelling them uphill before launching into exhilarating drops and twists.
- Soothing Springs: Guests ages 21 and up are welcome to slip away from the splash zone and unwind in the adults-only warming pool. Complete with calming waters and built-in seating, it is the perfect recharging retreat.
OKANA also offers water fun in the summer sun.
Rudicel said the resort’s outdoor adventure lagoon will open this summer.
The entire outdoor space called OKANA Beach spans 4.5 acres. The lagoon is 64,000 square feet and holds more than 1.2 million gallons of water. It’s one of the largest pools in the nation.
OKANA Beach has luxury cabanas, a pristine sand beach lined with lounge chairs and features the following aquatic experiences:
- Plunge pool body slides
- Inflatable obstacle course
- Adult-only swim-up bar and tanning pools
- “Fly” pool that allows guests to zip, jump and slide into the water
The resort’s attractions are not limited to fun in the water.
Entertainment options for kids and adults are located throughout the resort, with OKANARAMA! chief among them.
OKANARAMA! is a vibrant 20,000-square-foot family entertainment center that features the following excitements:
- Interactive arcade games
- Prizes
- Arts and crafts
- Two-story laser tag
- Immersive escape room
- Outdoor event spaces
- Retail shops
Guests can get rejuvenated at OKANA’s day spa, which has seven treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure stations, a specialty product line, a tranquil relaxation area and men’s and women’s locker rooms complete with saunas.
You can’t have a good time without good food, and OKANA has plenty of tasty dining and snacking choices:
- Curveball Kitchen: A baseball-inspired dining experience that appeals to all senses, featuring twists on classic dishes, from a variety of signature mac ’n cheese dishes to elevated franks and patties. Guests and locals are also welcome to perfect their pitch or swing for the fences with high-definition baseball simulators.
- Jack Rabbit: Inspired by Oklahoma’s black-tailed jackrabbit and considered the resort’s “social epicenter,” guests are welcome to gather at the charming gastropub to enjoy expertly crafted drinks and elevated comfort food, all while engaging in friendly conversation.
- Chido: Cool off at the stylish, modern taqueria offering freshly made tacos and premium tequila in a hip, vibrant setting that’s ideal for quick bites or a leisurely meal.
- Smokehouse Social: A BBQ restaurant like no other in Oklahoma, the smokehouse concept blends rich, smoky flavors with dynamic libations. Plus, guests are welcome to partake in a variety of sports simulators that encourage light-hearted competition.
Good eats are also available in a wide range of waterpark concessions, including:
- Okasis Lagoon Bar: A premier swim-up bar with uniquely blended frozen cocktails and stellar views
- Sliders, a fast-casual burger bar utilizing quality ingredients
- Kaya, bringing casual Asian street food inspired by Japanese pubs
- Pie Lab, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas and calzones from a stone hearth oven
- The Dive Bar, the casual, indoor venue for guests looking to socialize while enjoying sophisticated mixology
- Frosty Flamingo, welcoming guests to cool down with Hawaiian-style shaved ice complete with a variety of vibrant flavors and toppings
- OKANA Candy Co.: The on-property candy shop featuring a wonderland of candy, confections and specialty ice creams.
- Waterbyrd Chicken Shack: Overlooking the lagoon and boasting a curated menu of chicken-centric dishes
- Market 56: The grab-and-go outlet honors Chickasaw Nation’s rich history dating back to 1856, and offers pastries, sandwiches, salads, and a full range of Starbucks beverages.
OKANA also caters to Oklahoma’s business community, providing the following meeting and event spaces:
- 27,000 square feet of meeting space
- Landscaped outdoor amphitheater seating up to 1,500 guests
- Conference center for conventions, meetings and corporate retreats
- 9,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom
- 5,000 square-foot Junior Ballroom
- Four breakout rooms
- Two boardrooms
- 7,500 square-foot pre-function space
The resort is expected to contribute substantial economic and workforce growth to Oklahoma.
OKANA will be a massive draw for Oklahoma City tourism, Mayor David Holt said.
“There is nothing else like OKANA in our state,” Holt said. “This will be a regional draw and a game changer for OKC. And it’s even more unique because it is tied to one of the most meaningful museums in the world, the First Americans Museum. Visitors to OKANA will have both a fun and an impactful experience.”
Rudicel said OKANA is already bringing in out-of-state visitors. She said many guests are from the Dallas-Forth Worth area.
Hotel & Leisure Advisor conducted a market feasibility study on OKANA, projecting the resort’s economic and workforce contributions to Oklahoma:
One-time Construction Impact Summary
- 1,404 jobs annually
- $80.7 million in payroll
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark Operations Impact Summary – Year 1
- 800 direct and indirect jobs
- $23.1 million in payroll
- $98 million in annualized economic impact
Visitor Spending Outside of Resort – Year 1
- 158 jobs
- $4.5 million in payroll
- $18.5 million in annualized economic impact
10-Year Combined Resort and Visitor Spending Impact
- 985 direct and indirect jobs
- $320.6 million in payroll
- $1.3 billion
Projected 10-Year Taxation Impact
- $107 million to the State of Oklahoma
- $3.2 million to Oklahoma County
- $86.7 million to Oklahoma City
- $19.7 million projected annual impact
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater said OKANA will be a significant contributor to the state’s economy.
“OKANA Resort is a vital new asset in Oklahoma City’s transition as a top tourism destination. The investment made here will drive spending and boost economic development throughout the city,” Gillenwater said. “We applaud the team on this incredible development and look forward to working together to bring visitors to OKANA Resort, Horizons District and Oklahoma City.”
Go to www.okanaresort.com for information on waterpark day passes and how to book a stay at the resort.
