So you survived the Run-In. Welcome to OBU!! The next task: find things to do in the area that are fun and can get your mind off of all your papers due for Comp I. Living in a small town isn't super easy for a college student who doesn't want to go home every weekend. As a senior, I have made many memories in this town, so here are a few places that will help you create some memories!
1. Bowl at Shawnee Bowl/Firelake
Shawnee Bowl is a pretty common place for group events and double dates, so if no one can decide on something to do, this is a great go-to!
2. Putt-Putt at Firelake
Small, but a fun place to go if you want to explore further in Shawnee.
3. Take cliche pictures at the Santa Fe Depot
Want to take some cute roommate pictures? This is a very photogenic place and is really pretty when the sun begins to set.
4. Hike at Lake Thunderbird
It is a little way out Shawnee, but is a great place for a hike, picnic, and there are horse trails!
5. Go see a play at the Shawnee Little Theater
Tickets are cheap, and it is super close to campus!
6. Go to the Mabee-Gerrer museum and see the mummy!
There are a lot of cool pieces of art and the mummy is pretty cool to see!
7. Have a party at Star Skate!
This is the place to be. Want to have an 80's themed party? Come to Star Skate!
8. Visit the pool on Broadway and Highland.
There is also a splash pad if you want to splash around, or you can swim!
9. Go to Benedict's Cafe!
By St. Benedict's Catholic Church. A yummy deli and a super chill place to go!
10. Go to a concert at Firelake Arena
A near-by arena with concerts. Lee Brice, Brett Eldredge, Thompson Square, Cole Swindell, and many others have made appearances!
11. Go to the shooting range at the BDC Gun Room (if you are 18 years old)
A fun experience if you want to try something new, or blow off some steam! Be sure to say hi to Samm!
Now these are a few places to go in Shawnee, but I am sure there are more neat "hole-in-the-wall" places around town! These college years will be some of the best years and the years where you will see so much growth. While your family will want you to come visit every chance you get, you should at least do something fun and new every month with your new friends to create those college memories that you will tell your kids every chance you get. Or on family weekends when your family visits and you get the question: so what is fun to do here? Bring them to a few of these places and show them what Shawnee has to offer! Get involved in this town, it holds a lot for the people who live here!
