Embark on a tour of three of Oklahoma City’s favorite Districts with 405 Magazine.
Now Showing: Stockyards City.
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We proudly present the third episode of our 2025 Cadillac-sponsored series, The Cadillac District Tour. We are excited to unveil this captivating journey that captures the essence of luxury and style.
This summer, Cadillac sent Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and travel influencer Matt Payne on a tour of three dynamic districts in Oklahoma City. From the bustling streets filled with boutique shops and local artisans to the tantalizing array of culinary delights, this series will spotlight the essence and charm of The Horizons, Wheeler and Stockyards districts. In this captivating three-part video series, Matt Payne Media takes us on an intimate journey into the heart and distinctiveness of each district. Follow along on Instagram for all three installations of this summer series.
Discovering the Unexpected
What makes Stockyards unique?
Matt Payne: Stockyards City isn’t just a destination — it’s a living, breathing chapter of Oklahoma’s frontier story. Here, the cattle trade isn’t a museum exhibit but a thriving way of life. Trucks roll in, auctioneers call out bids in rapid-fire rhythm, and the scent of leather, dust, and history lingers in the air. Visitors might come for the iconic steakhouses or the rows of western-wear shops, but the heart of the district belongs to the real cowboys — the men and women who still work the land, the herds, and the industry that built this place.
What surprised me most about the Stockyards?
MP: The sheer authenticity of it all. In the heart of Oklahoma City, you step into a world untouched by commercial polish or pretense. It’s not a show — it’s the real thing. Every creak of a wooden sidewalk and clang of a cattle gate pulls you deeper into an atmosphere where time slows and tradition holds fast. It’s not just about observing history. You feel it in every detail.
Describe a perfect day at Stockyards?
MP: To truly experience Stockyards City, begin at its beating heart — the cattle auctions. Held on Mondays and Tuesdays, they’re open to the public and offer a front-row seat to a tradition that’s as vital today as it was a century ago. The air buzzes with the energy of bids and the steady shuffle of cattle, creating a rhythm that defines the district. Afterward, head to Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, where breakfast is a rite of passage. Over a plate of hearty classics and a cup of strong coffee, you’ll likely find yourself sharing space with ranchers and cowhands, swapping stories or soaking in the ambiance. From there, wander over to Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, where hat-making is an art form — and where you just might walk out with a piece of wearable history, crafted while you wait. Spend the afternoon exploring the western shops, filled with everything from hand-tooled boots to rugged denim. Don’t miss Stockyards Sarsaparilla, where the house-made fudge feels like a sweet echo of simpler times. As evening settles in, grab a table at McClintock’s Saloon & Chop House for a refined take on cowboy cuisine. Then wrap up the day with a film at Rodeo Cinema — a beautifully restored theater where history meets Hollywood.
About Matt Payne:
Matt Payne is an Emmy award-winning filmmaker, writer, photographer, and educator based in Oklahoma City. Payne was the Travel Editor of 405 Magazine and has been a contributing writer and photographer to National Geographic Traveler, Travel Age West, Explorer Magazine and many other travel publications.
