Attractions and Places To See in Tulsa County - Top 14

Tulsa County offers many family-friendly options. The Gathering Place is a popular riverfront park with attractions like the Chapman Adventure Playground and ONEOK boathouse. You can also explore the Arkansas River trails, which are suitable for walking and cycling. The Tulsa Zoo and Oklahoma Aquarium are also great choices for families.

For hiking and outdoor activities, the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area is a prime spot, featuring over 20 miles of trails and scenic views. You can also find trails around Pepsi Lake within this area. The Mary K. Oxley Nature Center Trail offers diverse habitats for nature walks. Additionally, the Arkansas River provides over 26 miles of paved trails for jogging, walking, and cycling.

Yes, Tulsa County has a rich connection to Route 66. You can visit Route 66 in Downtown Tulsa to experience its heritage. The Frisco 4500 Meteor Locomotive at Route 66 Historical Village is another notable landmark. The Blue Dome District, Meadow Gold Sign Plaza, and Route 66 Neon Sign Park also celebrate this iconic road.

Tulsa County boasts significant cultural sites. The Philbrook Museum of Art, housed in a 1920s mansion, features extensive art collections and gardens. The Gilcrease Museum holds a comprehensive collection of American West art and artifacts. For history related to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, visit the Greenwood Cultural Center and Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center. The Woody Guthrie Center and Bob Dylan Center are dedicated to music icons.

You can enjoy natural beauty and viewpoints in Tulsa County. The View of the Arkansas River offers excellent river vistas. Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area provides scenic views of the Arkansas River and city skyline. Oxley Nature Center and Mohawk Park are home to diverse wildlife and habitats. For a tranquil setting, consider Sand Springs Lake.

Yes, many trails in Tulsa County are suitable for beginners or those looking for an easy stroll. The paved paths along the Arkansas River are generally flat and accessible. The Osage Prairie Trail and Midland Valley Trail at Maple Park are also good options for easier walks or bike rides, following old railroad corridors.

Tulsa County is renowned for its impressive Art Deco architecture, particularly from the oil boom era. Notable examples include the Boston Avenue Methodist Church, Philcade Building, and The Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building. You can learn more about this style at the Tulsa Art Deco Museum.

Near many attractions, you can find various outdoor activities. The Running Trails in Tulsa County offer routes like the 41st Street Plaza – Gathering Place Park loop. For mountain biking, explore the MTB Trails in Tulsa County, with options around Pepsi Lake and Turkey Mountain. Road cyclists can find routes like The Gathering Place – Arkansas River loop among the Road Cycling Routes in Tulsa County.

Yes, several areas in Tulsa County are dog-friendly. The Arkansas River trails are generally welcoming to dogs on leash. The Midland Valley Trail at Maple Park is also listed as dog-friendly. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them.

The best time to visit Tulsa County attractions generally depends on your preferred activities. Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor exploration, hiking, and enjoying parks like The Gathering Place. Summers can be hot, but are ideal for water-based activities or indoor attractions like museums. Winters are milder, allowing for some outdoor activities, though some trails might be less accessible.

To learn about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, visit the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, which commemorates the event with the Tower of Reconciliation. The Greenwood Cultural Center and Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center provide in-depth context and serve as important community spaces in the Historic Greenwood District. The Vernon AME Church and Mount Zion Baptist Church are also resilient historic churches in the district that were rebuilt after the massacre.

While popular spots like The Gathering Place draw crowds, you might find quieter experiences at places like the Oxley Nature Center, which offers extensive trails for wildlife viewing away from the city bustle. Exploring the less-trafficked sections of the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area or visiting smaller community parks can also provide a more serene experience. The Tulsa Botanic Garden offers a beautiful escape that can feel less crowded than central attractions.