Tulsa, Oklahoma is a vibrant Midwestern city located in Northeastern Oklahoma at the edge of the Ozarks. While it’s not the mountainscape that you’ll find across the rest of the region, the city has a lot to offer tourists and makes a great day trip from anywhere in the Ozarks region.
Heads up: This page contains affiliate links. That means if you click and buy—we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read more about it here.
Quick List of Unique Things to See in Tulsa
Like most cities, Tulsa has deep artistic roots. There are a few notable sculptures, unique sights, and local attractions that you'll only find here on the Oklahoma side of the Ozark mountains. Add these must-see stops to your trip:
Blue Whale of Catoosa Waterfront Sculpture
The Golden Driller Statue
The Majestic: The largest augmented reality mural in the world.
Route 66 Historic Village
Cherokee Nation Welcome Center
Find Kid-Friendly Fun in Tulsa
If you’re in the city with kids, Tulsa has plenty of treats to offer kids of all ages and abilities. Our favorite stop is The Gathering Place. It's a sprawling city park with free admission and acres of playgrounds. If you're in town, check out these kid-friendly stops:
The Oklahoma Aquarium
Tulsa Zoo
Listen to Live Music in Tulsa
One thing you might not know about Tulsa, Oklahoma is that the city is rich with music. You’ll find the strongest musical influences from country and blues artists in the area. If catching a live show is your idea of a good time, I recommend that you check out these area attractions.
Cain’s Ballroom: A legendary music venue.
Brady Theater
The Church Studio
Hiking & Nature in an Ozarks City
While Tulsa is more commonly known for its vibrant city life with deep roots in art and music, there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air. From the wide, shallow Arkansas river that cuts through the metro area to create plenty of waterfront opportunities to structured wilderness and nature areas, here's what I recommend for hiking and nature in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area:
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area
Woodward Park Botanical Garden & Arboretum
Mary K Oxley Nature Center
A City Rich in History
The city of Tulsa was first settled between 1828 and 1836 by the Lochapoka Band of Creek Native Americans, leaving plenty of time to build a rich history. Once known as the Oil Capital of the World, early American settlers were drawn to the Tulsa area to for work and money. Discover the city's unique past for yourself inside these historic venues:
Tulsa Air & Space Museum
Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame
Tulsa Art Deco Museum
Blue Dome District
Philbrook Museum of Art
The Gilcrease Museum
Start Planning Your Trip to Tulsa Today
Whether you're coming for a day, a week, or a longer, Tulsa has plenty to offer. Start planning your trip to this historic Ozarks metropolitan city with our Ozarks Vacation Planner.
Check Flights: Tulsa is home to an international airport. Get the best deals on flights here.
Book a Stay: Find a hotel or unique accommodation in the city of Tulsa.
Rent a Car: The beautiful Ozarks scenery is best enjoyed on Route 66. Rent a car and make it a legendary road trip. Get a good deal when you book with major rental companies through Economy Bookings.