Tulsa became an incorporated municipality in 1898. In 1901 iol was discovered and the population and economy blossomed. It quickly became known as the “Oil Capitol of the World.” The quick growth led to the majority of buildings being designed with art deco architecture. Today its commerce is more diverse. There are so many things to do in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
10. Tulsa Zoo
The zoo here is the third largest across the United States. They have over 2,600 animals and over 430 different species. Their different exhibits include: a children’s zoo where you can pet farm animals, African Plains, Asia, Chimpanzee Connection, a Conservation Center, the Rainforest, Ocean and Islands, and a WildLIFE Trek. The WildLIFE Trek features animals from different regions and how they are able to adapt to the region they live in. The regions are: the cold, the desert, the forest, and water. This is one of the fun places to visit in Tulsa, Oklahoma with friends and family.
9. Tulsa Performing Arts Center
The Performing Arts Center opened in 1977. There are four theaters, a studio, a reception hall, and an art exhibit in the center. If you are attending the opera they have a screen above the stage to translate so you can keep up with the storyline. A performance here is great for a romantic date night. They have a wide range of performances so there is a production everyone will enjoy. This is a beautiful theater that puts of world class productions including; opera, Broadway, ballet, symphony, celebrity appearances, plays, and more.
8. Linnaeus Teaching Gardens
This beautiful garden is located in Woodward Park. Volunteer docents are available throughout to share their gardening knowledge and information about the plants growing within the garden. The koi pond is relaxing to sit by and enjoy the scenery. There are several statues placed throughout the garden. Audio tours are available, so you can get more information about what is growing during your visit. They hold several fun events throughout the year that the entire family can enjoy. The garden is free; they are open from March to December, but closed on Sundays and Mondays.
7. Woody Guthrie Center
This museum is dedicated to honoring and educating visitors about the life work of Woody Guthrie. A folksinger from Oklahoma he influenced many other musicians around the world, and his music is well known around America. His most famous song is “This Land is you Land.” This museum has many artifacts belonging to Woody. The interactive exhibits allow you to listen to his music, and music by others that he influenced. They have a short film detailing his life and cultural and political influence. Adult admission is only $8. They are closed on Mondays.
6. The Cave House
The Cave House has always been a point of interest for locals. Everyone who drives past the curious and intriguing house wonders about its history and what it looks like inside. It originally opened as a cave restaurant with stalactites and a speakeasy in the 1920’s. A local woman bought the house about ten years ago, and has been repairing it and collecting stories and photos of its history. A paranormal team deemed the place haunted, and it is now available for tours by appointment and during weekends. The history and secret rooms discovered has been entertaining visitors for years.
5. Woodward Park
This 45 acre park is a gorgeous sprawling park loved by all visitors. It has several different gardens, a pond, and walking trails. This is a great place to spend a day relaxing and to enjoy a picnic. The rose garden has over 250 different kinds of roses and over 9,000 roses. The park is best known for its colorful azaleas. The park opened in 1929 after a four year lawsuit with Helen Woodward over land ownership. The city won the lawsuit, but named the park after the original land owner, Helen Woodward. The different gardens include: a rose garden, an herb garden, the Linnaeus Teaching Garden, a rock garden, and an arboretum.
4. Boston Avenue Methodist Church
The Boston Avenue Methodist Church was designed with art deco architecture. The beautifully designed building was completed in 1929 and is one of the best art deco designs across the United States. The 750,000 piece mosaic inside is breathtaking. The tower is 255 feet tall and has 15 floors with a small chapel on the top floor. This building is designated as a National Historic Landmark and something you won’t want to miss while visiting Tulsa. Guided tours are offered on Sunday after the 11 o’clock service, or you can take a self-guided tour whenever the building is open.
3. ONEOK Field
ONEOK Field is a great place to catch a baseball or soccer game. The energy at the field is contagious. This kids love coming to games here because after every game there is a firework show. Tickets and concessions are well priced. There is not a bad seat at this intimate minor league stadium. You have a great view of downtown Tulsa from the stadium. The stadium is very clean and designed with the classic art deco style found throughout the area. The Tulsa Drillers are a favorite team to see here, but the stadium also hosts college games and soccer teams.
2. Gilcrease Museum
This museum has the largest collection of artwork from the American West. It also has a great collection of Native American artifacts. The museum includes 23 acres of themed gardens. The gardens demonstrate different techniques used in the American West. After exploring the several different themed gardens, step inside the museum to cool off and discover the art awaiting you inside. They have over 10,000 works of art and artifacts from the American West. Free tours are available every day at 1 and 2 p.m. with an admission ticket. They are closed on Mondays.
1. Philbrook Museum of Art
The Philbrook Museum of Art is housed in a breathtaking Italian style villa, and is surrounded by opulent gardens. Originally the Italian style villa was the home of Waite Phillips and his family. Today it is an art museum owned by the city. Exhibits include artwork from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Guided tours are available every day at 2 p.m. The admission fee is small, and on the second Saturday of every month admission is free. There are several kid friendly events including a scavenger hunt held on the free second Saturday of every month. They are closed on Mondays.
The culture within the city is diverse; there are several great theaters and museums throughout the area. Tulsa has over 140 public parks. With so many tourist attractions in Tulsa, Oklahoma it is a wonderful place for a weekend getaway. Perfectly located to experience all four seasons without the extreme colds of the North or the blistering heat of the South this is a fabulous place to visit any time.