Tulsa, Oklahoma is often called the “Oil Capital of the World”. It has many attractions and it’s a beautiful place. It has a lot of beautiful parks, two excellent art museums and a variety of Art Deco architecture.
There are many great restaurants and bars in the area thanks to large businesses and energy giants. You can find great performing arts venues, sporting arenas and theatres in the diverse neighborhoods and downtown.
The state’s second largest city has many historic sites related to Route 66. There are so many activities in Tulsa that you should visit T-Town if you’re in the Sooner State.
17. Tulsa Historical Society and Museum
The Tulsa Historical Society & Museum is a great place to find out more information about this city. It is located just south of Woodward Park and contains numerous artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that are focused on different aspects of local history.
It was established in 1963 and now occupies Travis Mansion, a beautiful Italianate Revival-style mansion. Some sections focus on the history of the city, including its oil boom and the impact it had on the economy. Other parts examine the tragic events that led to the Tulsa Race Massacre.
The video clip also includes short clips and historical photos that help to show the city’s present, past and future. You can take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding it after you have seen its many old artifacts and fashion pieces.
16. Tulsa Air and Space Museum
Tyler/FlickrThe interesting and informative Tulsa Air and Space Museum is located right next to the international airport. It houses many vintage aircraft, as well as artifacts or exhibits.
It was opened in 1998 to preserve Oklahoma’s rich aerospace heritage and history. It now houses interactive displays and hands-on activities, as well as one of Oklahoma’s only remaining Spartan C-2 planes and an impressive F-14 Tomcat.
They show the history of America’s aviation industry, from WWII aircraft and smoke-filled balloons through to today’s modern-day planes. You can also learn about the city’s involvement in this history by trying out its flight simulators and watching a spectacular show at its planetarium.
15. Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Jiri Lebl / WikipediaGazing at the stars is a wonderful experience. However, a Tulsa Performing Arts Center ballet, musical, or opera is even more memorable. The state-of the-art facility, which includes four theaters as well as an art gallery and is centrally located in downtown Oklahoma City, occupies prime real estate.
The PAC is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Its packed program of high-quality concerts, comedy acts, and Broadway shows has delighted people all over the world for decades. It was built in 1977 and now has four performance venues, with Chapman Music Hall the biggest.
Visitors can enjoy the opera or orchestra, but they also have access to the many art works that grace its halls. Regularly, lectures and plays of local theater are held. There are also dance shows and dramas as well as expert-led workshops.
14. Route 66
DreamstimeIt is worth taking the time to drive along Route 66’s iconic route through Tulsa. It is lined with Art Deco-inspired structures and picturesque roadside pubs, but also giant signs, statues, and an old service station.
The renamed ‘Main Street of America’ and ‘Mother Road, this route was used to traverse the city from east to west over the Arkansas River. The 26-mile road runs through Tulsa and is still dotted with landmarks from its glory days.
Although some old gas stations, hotels and theaters have seen better days than others, many other locations are still well preserved with monuments and markers being placed around the area. The route’s halfway point is highlighted by classic food places, East Gateway Arch, and Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza.
13. The Golden Driller
DreamstimeAnother must-see attraction is located just south of Route 66. The Golden Driller towers at 75 feet in height and can be seen from miles away.
The iconic, massive oil driller was originally erected in 1953. It is proudly displayed at the Tulsa Expo Center. It is covered in gold and depicts the enormous figure, who rests on an oil derrick with one hand while “Tulsa” is on their belt.
It is both a tribute and a symbol of the “Oil Capital of the World” and it is unsurprisingly one of the largest statues in the United States. Once you have taken some pictures, go to the event or explore the other sights of the city.
12. Tulsa Botanic Garden
(c) ShutterstockThe beautiful Tulsa Botanic Garden is located in the town’s northwestern suburbs. It is home to many colorful flowers, shrubs, trees, and plants. The beautiful paths and pools along the lakeside promenade are peaceful places to stroll.
It opened in 2009 and has grown to include themed gardens as well as untouched wilderness areas surrounding the waterways. Visitors can explore the vast lake and prairies as well as stop at its visitor centre for information.
Its spectacular floral terrace, which boasts more than 120,000 bulbs per year, is the highlight. The terrace cascades down to the hillsides. In spring, the garden is lit up by a variety of dancing daffodils and hyacinths, while autumn brings out scarecrows and pumpkins.
11. Blue Dome District
DreamstimeBlue Dome District is the place to be if you want some lively nightlife and peace. It is located right next to downtown and the Tulsa Arts District.
The area is named after its 1924 Blue Dome structure. It has many trendy bars and restaurants that visitors can check out. You will also find small shops, art galleries and cozy cafes.
It is well-known for its many dining options, vibrant nightlife and a host of other events. It hosts an art festival, a food truck extravaganza, and lively St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Live music and stunning views of the skyline add to its charm.
10. ONEOK Field
DreamstimeIf you are looking for entertainment that is a different type, there’s another spot just north of this area. The intimate ONEOK Field is where you can see the Tulsa Drillers of the city play a exciting baseball game while the crowd cheers.
The Art Deco-style, greenwood district ballpark is home to the Double-A Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate since 2010. The small, but luxurious stadium is able to accommodate a minor-league team and offers a variety of dining options.
Fans can enjoy stunning views from the pitch while they cheer on their team.
9. Center of the Universe
DreamstimeThe so-called “Center of the Universe” is another interesting spot that can be found just a few steps away. Although the concrete, small circle looks quite ordinary at first, you will soon see its charm once you step on it and start speaking.
Because of an unusual phenomenon in acoustics that nobody understands yet, this exact spot hears every sound echoing back louder than when someone speaks. A further problem is that anyone outside the circle can only hear a distortion and cannot distinguish what was being said.
The Williams Center Tower is just north of this mysterious musical anomaly, which can be quite fun to test out. You can then continue your screaming for several minutes to reach the Woody Guthrie Center nearby or the Blue Dome District.
8. BOK Center
DreamstimeThe brilliant BOK Center is also located downtown. It hosts a variety of spectacular sporting events, concerts and shows. The multipurpose arena is a stunning venue that hosts amazing performances from some of the most prominent names in the respective fields.
The sleek, stylish and iconic stadium is now considered an architectural landmark. It draws inspiration from Native American and Art Deco designs. The exterior is covered in stainless steel panels, while the glass façade wraps around it. Inside you’ll find a large lobby with light fixtures and an arena.
The sparkling center was opened as part of Downtown’s revitalization efforts in 2008. It is now home to the Tulsa Oilers. You can also catch incredible shows from huge performers such as Billy Joel and Dua Lipa.
7. Woody Guthrie Center
(c) DreamstimeThe Woody Guthrie Center is home to many artifacts as well as exhibits. It offers fascinating insights into the legacy and life of this legendary folk singer. It is one of Tulsa Arts District’s most popular tourist attractions. It borders the Bob Dylan Center and the green of same name.
The museum is dedicated to American folk music legend, and contains many original paintings, manuscripts, and instruments. You’ll find out all you need to know about this Oklahoman native, including his anti-fascist beliefs and deep lyrics, as well as the history of its photographs and exhibits.
You can view a selection of his artworks as well as some songs. A short biography film about the remarkable musician is also available.
6. Tulsa Zoo
(c) DreamstimeTulsa Zoo’s spacious exhibits and enclosures are located in southwest Mohawk Park. It was established in 1927 and covers a vast area, with more than 1,500 animals from over 450 species.
As you wander around the vast park, there are sections like the African Plains and Lost Kingdom, as well as Tropical Rainforest. You’ll find everything here, from cute Arctic foxes to fierce alligators, through incredible elephants, Tigers, and Snow Leopards.
The exhibits include a maasai replica, an interactive audio-visual installation and a jungle-clad ruin. You can also ride the Safari Train and touch cute animals in the children’s Zoo. There are playful penguins as well as sea lions that you can see swimming in the aquariums.
5. Woodward Park
DreamstimeWoodward Park is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. It’s located in the heart of Tulsa, right beside the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum. Visitors can find a beautiful mansion, conservatory, and arboretum scattered throughout the beautifully landscaped gardens.
It was once Helen Woodward’s private property. In 1929, the park became a public space. It has been home to many fragrant plants, including herb, sunken, and rose gardens. Many consider its rock gardens, with small springs and streams, to be its most important feature. They are also home to many outdoor art and terraced flower arrangements.
It also offers classes and workshops, as well as the opportunity to explore its magnificent Victorian mansion.
4. Cave House
JustTulsa/FlickrThe charming Cave House is located just inland from the Arkansas River, not far away the centre. It is one of the most unusual buildings in the city and makes great photos. Guided tours take you through its bizarre interior.
According to legend, the restaurant was originally built as a restaurant for patrons who entered through a tunnel at night. It then became a speakeasy. The ‘Flintstone House,’ as it’s also called, is one the most photographed and popular sights in Tulsa.
You can take photos of the unique design and explore the interior, which is studded with stalagmite. Linda, the owner of this house, will immediately entertain you with stories and artifacts from its cave-like rooms.
3. Gilcrease Museum
/FlickrThe Gilcrease Museum is often called the “Museum of the Americas” because of its impressive collection of artifacts from the American West. It has galleries filled with Native American pottery, paintings and sculptures. But it also houses a large collection of art and artifacts from Central and South America.
The museum was opened for the first time in 1958. It is named after Thomas Gilcrease who, as a wealthy oilman and collector of art, began to assemble all the exhibits. It is now one of the most prestigious institutes in its field. The galleries display stunning bronze and beadwork, as well as landscape paintings, portraits and other artifacts.
Along with masterpieces from renowned artists like Frederic Remington and Thomas Moran, there are also Hispanic artifacts as well as Hispanic treasures. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the peaceful gardens around the Osage Hill museum after admiring their exquisite features.
2. Gathering place
DreamstimeThe stunning green Gathering Place is the perfect place to find breathtaking views and beautiful outdoor spaces. The pride of Tulsa, the Riverfront Park, with all its trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, is just five minutes away from downtown.
It was only opened in 2018 and features lush greenery and leafy areas, as well as tranquil ponds, gardens, and other water features. The hybrid park was created by Michael van Valkenburgh (respected landscape architect), and offers a variety of experiences for both young and old.
There are also places where you can rent boats or have a drink, and there is a playground. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful views and walk, run, or cycle along the river.
1. Philbrook Museum of Art
DreamstimePhilbrook Museum of Art, located not far from Woodward Park is the city’s most prominent sight. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and has an exquisite collection of jewellery, pottery, paintings, and other art for visitors to enjoy.
The museum is rightfully celebrated for its extensive collection of art and exhibits. It occupies an elegant Italian Renaissance-style home. Built in 1926, this vast villa boasts seventy rooms and was once the home of Oklahoma oil pioneer Waite Philips. It was finally opened for public a decade later with thousands of artworks from around the globe decorating the elegant interior.
The estate’s magnificent gardens feature not only fountains and swimming pools, but also a sculpture garden. The Philbrook, which combines art and architecture with nature, is a must-see when visiting Tulsa.
A Map of Things to Do In Tulsa (Oklahoma)
Faqs
The second-most populated city in the great state of Oklahoma, Tulsa is absolutely brimming with culture and points of interest. Deriving much of its wealth from the oil industry, Tulsa has shown to be one of the most fascinating cities in the midwest today. Fun things to do in Tulsa will be all around you.20-Apr-2022
– Oklahoma Barbecue. MacsBarbeque/Facebook.
– Fried Onion Burger. elrenoburgerday/Facebook.
– Chicken Fried Steak. Kevin/Flickr.
– Fried Pies. ArbuckleMountainFriedPiesBethany/Facebook.
– Fried Okra. McBeth/Flickr.
– Calf Fries. Wally Gobetz/Flickr.
– Sonic Tater Tots.
– Fried Catfish.
Oklahomans have a love of the land and the food raised and grown on it. The state is rich with culinary heritage evident in local favorites like chicken-fried steak, Indian tacos, fried-onion burgers and, of course, barbecue.
– Spudder Steakhouse. The Spudder’s steak 6536 E.
– Coney Island Hot Weiner Shop. Coney Island Hot Weiner Shop, 107 N.
– Ike’s Chili. Ike’s Chili, 1503 E.
– Nelson’s Buffeteria.
– Stutts House of Bar-B-Q.
– Jamil’s.
– White River Fish Market.
– Daylight Donuts.