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Oklahoma Aquarium. Photo by Dustin M.Ramsey. .

10 Best Tourist Attractions in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa city has deep Native American roots and a rich history in the oil industry, combined with the warmth of Midwestern nostalgia. There are many tourist attractions in this city. Here are the 10 Best Tourist Attractions in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

1. Gilcrease Museum

Art sample in Gilcrease Museum. Photo by Charles Marion Russell. .

The Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art, known as Gilcrease Museum, houses a comprehensive collection of the art, culture and history of North America. Thomas Gilcrease, a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation, established Gilcrease Museum in 1949 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Today the interdisciplinary collection contains more than 350,000 items. The museum represents hundreds of Indigenous cultures from across North and South America, with material culture and archaeology ranging from 12,000 BCE to the 21st century.

The collection includes more than 350 years of American paintings, sculptures and works on paper, including the largest public holdings of art of the American West. The museum has a themed garden too.

Gilcrease Museum is temporarily closed for construction right now.

2. Oklahoma Aquarium

The Oklahoma Aquarium opened its doors to the public on May 28, 2003. The facility was a dream and passion for founders Dr. P.R. Ramey and Doug Kemper in 1984. Oklahoma Aquarium has exhibitions.

It was built to maintain its world-renowned bull shark collection. Today, the biology team is recognized for its bull shark research and groundbreaking coral research. At the aquarium, you can help feed the sharks. You can also take the virtual reality ride. This is quite the aquatic adventure like no other.

The gallery at the aquarium features delicate seahorses, mesmerizing jellyfish, toxic but tiny frogs, and electricity-producing black ghost knifefish. There is a playground for kids at the aquarium.

3. Oxley Nature Center

The Nature Center is a wonderful place to encounter the wildlife of the Tulsa area. Oxley Nature Center’s 804 acres support a diversity of habitats along the south bank of Bird Creek. Oxley Nature Center is the crown jewel of the Tulsa Parks.

Naturalist staff members plan a variety of monthly programs for youth, adults, seniors and families to enjoy, including: day and evening nature walks, botany classes, group hikes, and more. Your visit should include hiking at least one of the trails that allow access to the forests, fields, and wetlands of the Nature Center.

4. Gathering Place

The Gathering Place. Photo by Zombie Brenda. .

Gathering Place is designed to provide inclusive and engaging experiences for all. The entrance here is free of charge. Chapman Adventure Playground is the place for kids to learn through play. In this five-acre kingdom, you will be transported to a magical land where anything is possible.

The Spiral Connector is one of the most iconic realms in the Park.  These majestic towers, seven in total, are specifically designed to encourage physical play while stimulating the imagination.

Ride the slides of the Blue Herons on the Land of River Giants, climb in and out of the Paddlefish, and relax in the cradle swings. These are just but a few of the activities here. A sporty vibe would be recommended because the activities are outdoor and sporty in nature.

5. Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area

Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area is a 300-acre area of undeveloped land that stretches from I-44 to 71st Street in Tulsa in the US state of Oklahoma. The highest point on Turkey Mountain lies within the park’s boundaries, rising 300 feet above the river.

The landscape creates a sense of being far from city life, with visitors surrounded by a thick canopy of trees including native Post and Blackjack Oak, Hickory, Redbud and other species. Turkey Mountain is intentionally maintained as an urban wilderness to offer a challenging recreational experience in contrast to the miles of mostly flat trails and manicured park areas.

If you plan a trip to Turkey Mountain, wear seasonally-appropriate clothing; sturdy footwear is recommended even for short hikes. The only drinking water is at the trailhead so park visitors should always carry water.

6. Expo Square

Pavilion at Expo Square in Tulsa, OK. Photo by Janice Waltzer. .

Expo Square is the center of the Tulsa State Fair and one of the largest clear span buildings in the world. The Expo Center provides 354,000 square feet (32,900 m2) of column-free space under a cable-suspended roof.

The building spans 448,400 total square feet on two levels, connected by side ramps and stairs, allowing for a variety of show floor plans. The building hosts many events throughout the year such as the Tulsa boat show, the Wanenmacher gun show (the largest gun show in the world), and Daryl Starbird’s custom car show. You can check out their website for upcoming events that you might be interested in.

7. Tulsa Botanic Garden

The Tulsa Botanic Garden is a 170 acres botanical garden under development at 3900 Tulsa Botanic Drive, approximately 8 miles northwest of downtown Tulsa, in Osage County, Oklahoma. Entrance to the garden is free and open to the public.

You can even get your wedding hosted at Tulsa Botanic Garden. The garden’s beauty is simply breathtaking. Once spring launches and the flowers are in full bloom, head to Tulsa Botanic Garden for a peaceful walk through stunning greenery, exotic plants and colorful landscapes. Catch beautiful views of the gardens’ surrounding lake as you enjoy the roses.

8. Tulsa Zoo

The Tulsa Zoo is an 84-acre non-profit zoo located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States. Pad past endangered Malayan tigers and snow leopards, monitor Komodo dragons and hoot-and-holler with siamangs, in their naturalistic habitats with year-round viewing.

A very specific and conducive environment has been created for some of the animal species. The Mary K. Chapman Rhino Reserve is a 2-acre outdoor habitat recreates an African grassland, designed to inspire conservation of wildlife and wild places. Here you will find white rhinos, antelope, warthogs and grey crowned cranes.

9. Philbrook Museum of Art

Philbrook Museum of Art is an art museum with expansive formal gardens located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The museum is a premier cultural and historical institution in Tulsa with nationally recognized facilities, gardens, art exhibitions and quality collections.

Serving over 160,000 visitors annually, Philbrook has become a poignant testimony to Tulsa’s past. Outside the museum, walk through beautifully landscaped acres designed to combine Italian, English and French garden iconography.

10. The Blue Whale of Catoosa

The Blue Whale of Catoosa. Photo by Turover at English Wikipedia. .

The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a waterfront structure, just east of the American town of Catoosa, Oklahoma. It is a historic landmark along Route 66.

Pack a picnic lunch and head to the Blue Whale for a fun-filled day of fishing. Explore the different angles of this jovial concrete mammal and you’ll find a small ladder leading into a secret compartment in the whale’s head.