Sprawling on the eastern outskirts of Oklahoma City, Midwest City was created following the establishment of the Tinker Air Force Base in 1941. Originally known as the Midwest Air Depot, it was renamed in honour of Major General Clarence L. Tinker, an Oklahoma native who was the first American general killed during World War II.
Things to do in Midwest City
In the heart of Midwest City is Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, a popular recreational destination with a children’s playground, a soccer field and a basketball court. You can challenge your family and friends to a game of tennis, throw a ball on the baseball diamond or refresh with a swim in the outdoor pool.
Adjacent is the John Conrad Regional Golf Course, which was established in the 1970s on a design by Floyd Farley. It encompasses 65 hectares of rolling hills and meandering creeks that have been landscaped with attractive water features and tree-lined roughs. In addition to its 18 holes, there’s a driving range, a chipping green and a practice bunker.
On the edge of Tinker Air Force Base is the Charles B. Hall Airpark, which is named in honour of a Tuskegee pilot from the 99th Pursuit Squadron. Hall flew combat missions over Africa and Europe and was the first African-American pilot to down an enemy aircraft. The Charles B. Hall Airpark is home to an impressive collection of aircraft that can be explored along its paved trails, with highlights including a Boeing Stratolifter, a Lockheed Hercules and a Rockwell Lancer.
Getting around Midwest City
Midwest City is around 15 minutes’ drive from Oklahoma City and 30 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Buses connect to Midwest City, while renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.