Tulsa, Oklahoma, often referred to as the “Oil Capital of the World,” is a vibrant city with a rich history and a range of attractions to explore. From cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures, Tulsa has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Tulsa:
Housed in a stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa, the Philbrook Museum of Art showcases a diverse collection of art spanning different periods and cultures. The museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens, making it a serene and visually captivating experience.
Spread across 85 acres, the Tulsa Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. Visitors can enjoy observing elephants, giraffes, big cats, and many other fascinating creatures. The zoo also offers interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Gilcrease Museum boasts an impressive collection that spans over 350,000 square feet of gallery space. The collection focuses on American art, with works from various periods, including Native American art, colonial art, American West art, and contemporary art. Visitors can explore paintings, sculptures, artifacts, manuscripts, maps, and more.
Fans of folk music and history will appreciate a visit to the Woody Guthrie Center. Dedicated to the life and work of the legendary folk singer, the museum displays Guthrie’s personal items, photographs, and interactive exhibits that celebrate his contributions to American music and activism.
Galloway drew inspiration from Native American art and culture when creating the Cave House. The exterior of the house is adorned with symbolic carvings and decorative elements that reflect the artistic traditions of various tribes, including the Creek, Cherokee, and Osage nations. The Cave House is located within Totem Pole Park, a larger complex that Galloway developed as an extension of his artistic vision. The park is home to a collection of colorful and intricately carved totem poles, as well as other sculptures created by Galloway. Each totem pole represents a different Native American tribe and tells a unique story.
Tulsa’s River Parks is a picturesque stretch along the Arkansas River, offering scenic trails, picnic spots, and recreational activities such as cycling and kayaking. It’s a perfect place to unwind, enjoy nature, or engage in outdoor sports.
The museum boasts an extensive collection of vintage sewing machines, ranging from the early 19th century to mid-20th century models. Visitors can marvel at the craftsmanship and evolution of these machines, which represent different styles, manufacturers, and technological advancements throughout history. The Vintage Sewing Center and Museum offers educational exhibits that delve into the history of sewing machines and their impact on society. Visitors can learn about the advancements in sewing technology, the role of sewing in households and industries, and the influence of fashion and design on sewing machine development.
The Golden Driller was commissioned for the International Petroleum Exposition held in Tulsa in 1953. The statue was designed by artist Hugh Davis and modeled after an actual oil worker named W.B. “Bill” Strong. The statue was initially intended to be temporary, but due to its popularity, it was preserved and has become a beloved fixture of the city. As the “Oil Capital of the World,” Tulsa has a rich history in the oil industry. The Golden Driller serves as a proud symbol of the city’s oil heritage and the importance of the industry in Oklahoma’s economy. The statue’s presence pays tribute to the hardworking men and women who played a significant role in shaping the region’s oil industry.
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium (TASM) is a premier attraction in Tulsa, Oklahoma, dedicated to showcasing the rich history and exciting future of aerospace exploration. This museum offers a range of exhibits, interactive displays, educational programs, and a state-of-the-art planetarium experience. TASM features a diverse collection of aircraft, spacecraft, artifacts, and memorabilia that tell the story of aviation and space exploration. Visitors can explore both historic and modern aircraft, including military planes, commercial jets, helicopters, and experimental aircraft. The exhibits often highlight the achievements of Oklahoma’s aerospace industry and its impact on the world.
Woodward Park is renowned for its meticulously manicured gardens and lush landscapes. The park features a wide variety of gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Rock Garden, the Tulsa Garden Center, the Linnaeus Teaching Garden, and the Arboretum. Each garden showcases different plant species, flowers, trees, and shrubs, providing a captivating display of colors, scents, and textures.
The church was designed by the celebrated architect Bruce Goff and completed in 1929. It is an outstanding representation of the Art Deco style, with its geometric forms, intricate ornamentation, and striking visual elements. The building’s design seamlessly blends modernist and Gothic Revival influences, creating a unique and visually stunning structure.
The museum houses an extensive collection of Jewish art and artifacts from around the world. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceremonial objects, manuscripts, photographs, and more. These pieces span various time periods and represent the rich artistic traditions of Jewish communities. The Sherwin Miller Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of Jewish art, history, and culture. These exhibitions may focus on specific artists, historical events, Jewish traditions, or contemporary issues. They offer visitors a chance to engage with a wide range of topics and perspectives.
Guthrie Green spans nearly two city blocks, offering ample green space for visitors to relax, play, and enjoy outdoor activities. The park features beautifully landscaped lawns, trees, and gardens, creating a serene and inviting environment. There are also paved pathways for walking or jogging, as well as seating areas and picnic tables for visitors to unwind. Guthrie Green is known for its dynamic event calendar, offering a diverse range of activities and entertainment throughout the year. The park hosts festivals, art shows, food trucks, farmers markets, yoga classes, fitness programs, and much more. These events attract people of all ages and interests, fostering a sense of community and celebration.
The museum highlights the stories of resilience, courage, and determination exhibited by the Greenwood community in the aftermath of the massacre. It showcases the efforts to rebuild and restore the district, demonstrating the strength and resilience of the individuals and families who refused to let their community be destroyed.
The museum showcases a diverse range of exhibits that chronicle Tulsa’s history from its early beginnings to the present day. The exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, documents, and multimedia presentations that provide a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Topics covered may include Native American history, the oil industry, Route 66, aviation, architecture, and significant events and individuals that have shaped Tulsa’s identity.
The park spans over 270 acres, providing ample space for outdoor activities. It features numerous sports fields and courts, including baseball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts. Visitors can engage in team sports, practice their skills, or join friendly games with friends and family. The park has several walking, jogging, and cycling trails that wind through its picturesque landscapes. Visitors can take leisurely strolls, go for a run, or enjoy a bike ride while immersing themselves in the park’s natural beauty.
The Tulsa Botanic Garden showcases a wide variety of garden collections, each with its own distinct theme and plant species. Visitors can explore the serene beauty of the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces, which feature colorful annuals and perennials arranged in intricate patterns. The Garden in the Rocks highlights plants adapted to thrive in rocky environments, while the Oklahoma Native Garden displays a range of native plant species unique to the region.
The Mary K. Oxley Nature Center is a serene and picturesque nature preserve located within Mohawk Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This hidden gem offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world and explore a variety of habitats. The nature center features several well-maintained trails and boardwalks that wind through the diverse habitats of the park. Visitors can take leisurely walks or engage in more vigorous hikes while observing the flora and fauna along the way. The trails provide opportunities to explore forests, wetlands, meadows, and ponds, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region.
The museum features exhibits that chronicle the life and career of Bob Dylan, showcasing his significant contributions to music, literature, and cultural movements. Through a collection of artifacts, memorabilia, photographs, and multimedia presentations, visitors can explore the various stages of Dylan’s career, his artistic evolution, and the impact he had on popular music and society.
The centerpiece of the plaza is a monument dedicated to Cyrus Avery. The monument pays homage to Avery’s vision and leadership in advocating for the establishment and popularization of Route 66. It serves as a reminder of his lasting impact on American transportation history. The plaza features several historical markers that provide insights into the significance of Cyrus Avery and Route 66. These markers offer informative narratives and details about the history, cultural impact, and importance of the iconic highway. Visitors can learn about the development of Route 66 and its role in connecting communities across the United States.
As a city known for its Art Deco architecture, Tulsa has a museum dedicated to showcasing this unique style. The Tulsa Art Deco Museum provides insight into the city’s architectural heritage through exhibits and displays featuring furniture, photographs, and artifacts.
The Jazz Hall of Fame features a variety of exhibits that highlight the history, evolution, and impact of jazz music in Oklahoma. Visitors can explore displays showcasing artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia related to renowned jazz musicians, bands, and venues. These exhibits provide insights into the vibrant jazz scene that has thrived in the state. The Jazz Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the jazz genre in Oklahoma. The inductees include musicians, composers, educators, and other influential figures who have shaped the jazz community in the state. The Hall of Fame serves as a tribute to their talent, innovation, and dedication to jazz music.
The Holy Family Cathedral is renowned for its stunning architectural design. Built in the Gothic Revival style, the cathedral features intricate stonework, soaring arches, and beautiful stained glass windows that fill the interior with a warm and ethereal light. The exterior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with its grand façade and towering spires that dominate the skyline. As a cathedral, the Holy Family Cathedral holds great religious significance for the Catholic community in Tulsa. It serves as the seat of the Bishop and is the central place of worship for the diocese. The cathedral offers regular Masses, sacraments, and other religious ceremonies, providing a space for prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth for the faithful.
The museum is located in the house that was used as a filming location for “The Outsiders.” The house has been restored to resemble its appearance in the movie, allowing visitors to step into the world of the Curtis brothers and experience the setting of the iconic story firsthand.
The Philtower is renowned for its striking Art Deco design, featuring intricate detailing, geometric patterns, and ornate embellishments. The building stands 22 stories tall and combines elements of Gothic and Art Deco styles, creating a visually captivating structure. Its exterior facade is adorned with beautiful terra cotta and stone accents, while the lobby and common areas showcase lavish finishes and period-inspired decor.
The Praying Hands sculpture is a larger-than-life representation of two hands clasped together in prayer. The sculpture stands at a towering height of approximately 60 feet, making it an impressive sight to behold. The intricate details of the hands, with their veins, wrinkles, and textures, add to the realism and emotional impact of the artwork. The Praying Hands carry deep symbolic meaning, representing prayer, faith, and spiritual devotion. The sculpture serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of a strong faith. It has become a source of inspiration and a place for reflection and contemplation for visitors.
The park is named after John Hope Franklin, a renowned historian and scholar who was born in Tulsa. It honors his contributions to civil rights and his dedication to preserving and teaching African American history. The park stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of the African American community in the face of racial injustice. The park offers various contemplative areas where visitors can reflect on the history and significance of the Tulsa Race Massacre. These spaces provide an opportunity for personal introspection, remembrance, and healing. The park’s design incorporates elements of nature and peaceful surroundings to create a serene and solemn atmosphere.
Safari Joe’s H2O boasts a wide selection of water rides and slides designed to provide adrenaline-pumping fun. From high-speed slides and tube rides to lazy rivers and wave pools, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for thrilling drops or leisurely floats, the park offers a variety of water attractions to suit different preferences and ages. One of the highlights of Safari Joe’s H2O is its expansive wave pool. Visitors can enjoy the sensation of ocean waves and have a blast swimming and playing in the pool. Additionally, the lazy river provides a relaxing experience as you float along the gentle currents, taking in the tropical scenery.
The Greenwood Cultural Center features a variety of exhibits that showcase the rich history and contributions of the African American community in Tulsa. These exhibits explore the rise and fall of Black Wall Street, the devastating events of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, and the subsequent rebuilding and resilience of the community. Through photographs, artifacts, documents, and multimedia presentations, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the significant impact and cultural legacy of Greenwood.
Trinity Episcopal Church is an active place of worship and offers regular services to its congregation and visitors. The church follows the Episcopal tradition and holds worship services that incorporate liturgical elements, hymns, and sermons. Attending a service can provide a meaningful experience and an opportunity to participate in the spiritual life of the church community. The church holds significant historical importance in Tulsa. It was established in 1903 and has been a center of worship and community for over a century. The church building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance to the region.
The Tulsa Geoscience Center is a place kids really dig. There are numerous activities for kids such as learning about a Megalodon, T-Rex or one of the biggest ocean predators to ever live. Each activity is hands-on and the tour covers rocks, minerals and much more.
The temple follows the practices and teachings of Mahayana Buddhism, providing a place for individuals to engage in Buddhist rituals, meditation, and study. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere and learn about Buddhist philosophy and practices. The Tam Bao Buddhist Temple provides opportunities for meditation and mindfulness practice. Meditation sessions are often held at the temple, allowing individuals to cultivate inner peace, clarity, and self-awareness. These sessions may be guided or self-guided, depending on the schedule and preferences of the temple.
The Richard Lloyd Jones House showcases Frank Lloyd Wright’s signature Prairie School architectural style. It features low-pitched roofs, overhanging eaves, horizontal lines, and an emphasis on blending with the natural surroundings. The house is characterized by its geometric forms, open floor plan, and integration of interior and exterior spaces. Built in 1929, the house is a two-story structure with a combination of brick, stucco, and wood materials. It has a rectangular shape with long horizontal lines that contribute to its harmonious integration with the landscape. The interior layout reflects Wright’s principles of functional design, emphasizing efficiency and an organic flow between spaces.
The First Presbyterian Church features a beautiful and distinctive architectural design. The church building often showcases elements of traditional church architecture, such as a steeple, stained glass windows, and a grand entrance. The interior may include a spacious sanctuary, ornate woodwork, and intricate details that create a reverent and inspiring atmosphere. The church offers regular worship services that provide opportunities for congregants and visitors to come together in prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth. These services often include elements of worship such as hymns, scripture readings, sermons, and communal prayer.
Helmerich Park is situated along the banks of the Arkansas River, providing visitors with beautiful views of the water and surrounding natural landscape. The park’s serene and picturesque setting offers a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and outdoor activities. The park features paved walking and biking trails that wind through the park’s grounds and along the river. These trails provide opportunities for leisurely strolls, jogging, cycling, and enjoying the natural scenery. It’s a great place to get some exercise or simply take a leisurely walk with friends and family.
While the tower does not have a public observation deck, its height offers impressive views of the surrounding downtown area from the upper floors. Visitors who have access to the building, such as tenants or invited guests, may enjoy panoramic vistas of Tulsa’s skyline and the Arkansas River.
The park provides interpretive signage and displays that offer insights into the history, culture, and traditions of the Creek Nation. Visitors can learn about the tribe’s rich heritage, their role in Oklahoma’s history, and the significance of the Council Oak as a sacred site.
The park features several memorials that pay tribute to the different branches of the United States Armed Forces and honor the service of veterans. These memorials often include statues, plaques, and markers that commemorate specific military conflicts or honor the sacrifices made by soldiers. Veterans Park provides peaceful and reflective spaces for visitors to remember and honor the sacrifices of veterans. These spaces may include quiet areas, benches, and contemplative pathways that invite visitors to reflect and pay their respects.
The Aviator’s Arrow consists of a large concrete arrow shape, resembling an airplane pointing towards the sky. The arrow is embedded in the ground and stands as a prominent monument on Reservoir Hill. It serves as a symbol of Tulsa’s aviation history and its contribution to the world of flight. Reservoir Hill, where the Aviator’s Arrow is located, provides a scenic vantage point overlooking downtown Tulsa. Visitors can access the site by climbing the hill, which offers panoramic views of the cityscape and surrounding landscape.
St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1903. It has served as a spiritual home for the Catholic community in Tulsa for over a century. The church building is an architectural marvel, designed in the Gothic Revival style. It features intricate stained glass windows, high ceilings, and ornate decorations, creating a sacred and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Whether you’re interested in art, history, nature, or entertainment, Tulsa has something to offer. This list provides just a glimpse of the many attractions and experiences available in this charming Oklahoma city.
