Tulsa, Oklahoma
USA
Geographic Coordinates: 36.128300, -95.904200
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 40.0°C (14°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 715983
Language: English
Tulsa is a city located in the northeastern part of Oklahoma, United States. It is situated on the Arkansas River and has a population of approximately 400, 000 people. Tulsa is known for its rich history in oil production and its vibrant arts scene. One of the most notable attractions in Tulsa is the Philbrook Museum of Art. The museum features an impressive collection of art from around the world, Including works by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georgia O’Keeffe. The museum also boasts beautiful gardens that are perfect for strolling or picnicking.
Another popular destination in Tulsa is the Gathering Place. This park spans over 66 acres and features numerous playgrounds, Gardens, Sports courts, And even a skate park. The Gathering Place also hosts regular events such as concerts and festivals throughout the year. For those interested in history, Tulsa has several museums dedicated to preserving local heritage. The Greenwood Cultural Center tells the story of Black Wall Street, An affluent African American community that was tragically destroyed during racial violence in 1921. Other museums include the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium which showcases aviation history through interactive exhibits.
Tulsa’s downtown area has undergone significant revitalization over recent years with new restaurants, Bars, Shops popping up regularly alongside historic buildings like Cain’s Ballroom where legends such as Bob Wills played some of their earliest shows. Finally, Sports fans will enjoy visiting BOK Center which regularly hosts major sporting events including NCAA basketball tournaments or watching minor league baseball at ONEOK Field home to Double-A affiliate team for Los Angeles Dodgers –The Drillers who have been playing since 1905!
In conclusion, Tulsa offers something for everyone from art enthusiasts to outdoor adventurers with its mix of cultural attractions along with natural beauty making it one worth exploring!
Important Landmarks
- Philbrook Museum of Art
- Tulsa Zoo
- Gathering Place
- Woodward Park and Tulsa Rose Garden
- Golden Driller Statue at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds
- Cain’s Ballroom music venue
- BOK Center arena
- The Mayo Hotel
- Center of the Universe
- Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium
Noteable History
- Tulsa Race Massacre: In 1921, a white mob attacked the prosperous black neighborhood of Greenwood in Tulsa, killing hundreds and destroying businesses and homes.
- Bob Wills: Known as the King of Western Swing, Bob Wills was born in Texas but spent much of his career based out of Tulsa.
- Oral Roberts: A televangelist and founder of Oral Roberts University, Roberts was a controversial figure who played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of America.
- Woody Guthrie: The legendary folk singer spent time in Tulsa during the Great Depression and wrote many songs inspired by his experiences there.
- Philbrook Museum of Art: Once home to oil magnate Waite Phillips, this museum is now one of the most important art institutions in Oklahoma.
- Cain’s Ballroom: This historic music venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music over its nearly 100-year history, including Bob Dylan, The Sex Pistols, and The Flaming Lips.
- Mayo Hotel: Built in 1925 during Tulsa’s oil boom years, this luxurious hotel has hosted many famous guests over the years including Elvis Presley and John F. Kennedy.
- Billie Jean King: The tennis legend grew up in California but attended college at nearby Oklahoma State University before going on to become one of the greatest athletes ever to play her sport.
- Gilcrease Museum- Home to one of America’s largest collections of Native American art and artifacts as well as works by some famous artists such as Thomas Moran
- Tulsa Zoo- One can find more than 400 species here which includes animals like elephants, lions etc., making it an ideal family-friendly destination for all animal lovers out there!
Museums and Things To See
- Philbrook Museum of Art
- Gilcrease Museum
- Woody Guthrie Center
- Tulsa Historical Society & Museum
- Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium
- The Cave House
- Cain’s Ballroom
- The Golden Driller statue
- Brady Theater
- Tulsa Zoo
Sports Teams
- The Tulsa Oilers is a professional ice hockey team that has been around since 1928 and currently participates in the ECHL. They have an impressive record of four championship wins, including the Adams Cup in 1968 and 1984, the CHL President’s Cup in 1992, and most recently, the Kelly Cup in 2020.
- The Tulsa Roughnecks FC is a professional soccer team that was established in 2015 and competes in the USL Championship. They were initially part of the North American Soccer League from 1978 to1984 before being revived as a new franchise.
- The Tulsa Drillers are a minor league baseball team that has been playing since 1905 and now participates in Double-A Central league. They have earned seven Texas League championships so far with their latest win coming back in 2018.
- Oral Roberts University located in Tulsa, Oklahoma hosts its athletic teams under the name Oral Roberts Golden Eagles. Their men’s basketball team has made several appearances at NCAA Division I tournaments with two Sweet Sixteen finishes (1974 & 2007).
- Tulsa Talons was an arena football team that played from 2000 to 2011. They were able to secure an ArenaCup win in 2002 and were runners-up twice (2003 & 2007).
Cultural Events
- Tulsa State Fair
- Mayfest
- Tulsa Oktoberfest
- Blue Dome Arts Festival
- Greek Festival of Tulsa
- Linde Oktoberfest Tulsa
- Green Country Roots Festival
- Route 66 Marathon and Half Marathon
- Cherry Street Farmers Market
- Tulsa International Balloon Festival
Cuisine
- Burn Co Barbecue – popular for their brisket and ribs.
- The Tavern – known for their upscale American fare and craft cocktails.
- Elote Cafe & Catering – serves authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist.
- Andolini’s Pizzeria – offers Neapolitan-style pizza made with fresh ingredients.
- White River Fish Market & Restaurant – specializes in seafood dishes such as catfish, shrimp, and crab legs.
- Tally’s Good Food Cafe – serves classic diner-style comfort food like burgers and breakfast plates.
- Polo Grill – upscale restaurant featuring seasonal American cuisine.
- Chimera Cafe – offers creative sandwiches, salads, and coffee drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
- Kilkenny’s Irish Pub & Eatery – serves traditional Irish dishes like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie.
- Sisserou’s Caribbean Restaurant- features Caribbean-inspired dishes including jerk chicken, plantain chips, and rum cake dessert.
- Woodward Park is a large park that boasts of beautiful gardens, walking trails, and picnic areas.
- Mohawk Park is the largest municipal park in Tulsa and has a zoo, golf course, and fishing pond.
- River Parks is a network of parks that run along the Arkansas River and offer biking and walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- LaFortune Park is a popular park that has golf courses, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a community center.
- Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area is an expansive nature preserve ideal for hiking or mountain biking enthusiasts.
- Chandler Park features rock climbing walls as well as disc golf courses and hiking trails.
- Skelly Drive Trailhead serves as an entry point to multiple hiking routes through the Osage Hills Wildlife Preserve.
- Gathering Place is an enormous public park with various activities such as paddle boating on ponds or climbing structures available to visitors.
- Tulsa Botanic Garden spans over 170 acres filled with beautiful flowers offering visitors an extensive botanical garden experience.
- Tulsa Zoo houses over 400 species of animals including elephants & rhinos living in natural habitats for visitors to view up close.