4 minute read

City of Tulsa

Tulsa, Okla. is “Green Country”

Geographically, Tulsa sits at the crossroads of America . Metaphorically, it is the crossroads of America . It’s where creative expression, sophistication and down-to-earth hospitality all converge in a lush natural setting to redefine what it means to be a modern American city .

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Tulsa is nestled in the northeastern quadrant of Oklahoma, right in the heart of “Green Country .” The rolling green hills and wooded terrain of the city lies at an elevation of 700 feet above sea level and offers a temperate climate . Tulsa’s enjoy 227 days of sunshine a year and an average daily temperature of 61 degrees .

What began as Tulsee Town in 1836 under a sturdy oak tree, which still stands at 18th and Cheyenne Streets, is today the second largest city in Oklahoma . Tulsa was forever changed by the discovery of oil in 1901 and for a time was the Oil Capital of the U .S .

Today, Tulsa offers enviable low cost of living combined with big city attractions and amenities . From world-class outdoor spaces to legendary music venues, Tulsa has an unexpected, dynamic quality of life without the sticker shock of other regions .

Lots of cities have notable parks, but very few have a crown jewel like Gathering Place . This 100-acre riverfront park is situated in the heart of Tulsa . On par with visionary public spaces as Manhattan’s Central Park and Chicago’s Millennium Park, Gathering Place blends nature in an urban setting, providing Tulsans and visitors more space to play, relax and gather together along the Arkansas River . The park’s highlights include an adventure playground, seasonal gardens, walking and biking trails, a pond and boathouse, two restaurants, and much more .

Downtown Tulsa is a treasure trove for lovers of architecture, with a concentration of Art Deco rivaled only by New York City and Miami . The central public space in downtown, Guthrie Green, is a year-round destination for live music, cultural programming and festivals . Just a few blocks northeast is ONEOK Field, home of the Tulsa Drillers, a Class AA affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers . The ballpark sits within the historic Greenwood District, Tulsa’s resurgent Black Wall Street known internationally as a hub of African American entrepreneurship and resilience .

Nearby you’ll find the Blue Dome and Arts districts, which offer visitors a variety of restaurants, bars and galleries . Downtown’s premier shopping and specialty stores — a confectionary, rare guitars, an indie bookstore and more — have something for every taste .

The BOK Center is downtown Tulsa’s award winning and premier sports and entertainment venue, playing host to worldwide superstars and NCAA DI Basketball Championship tournaments . The venue was named the 2016 and 2018 Arena of Year .

“The Tulsa Sound” is as alive and well in 2019 as it was when Eric Clapton and George Harrison jammed with Tulsa’s own Leon Russell and JJ Cale . Tulsa’s historic live music venues, like the Cain’s Ballroom and Brady Theater, are second to none . The multi-purpose BOK Center is a world-class entertainment venue, recently named the Arena of the Year for the second time in the last three years .

Take in a special afternoon of art, culture and history at one of the city’s iconic museums, including the world’s greatest collection of Western art at the Gilcrease Museum and the eclectic and thoroughly contemporary Philbrook Museum of Art . You’ll also find the Woody Guthrie Center, which celebrates the acclaimed folk singer’s life and legacy, and soon you’ll be able to visit the permanent home of Bob Dylan’s archives . Other family-friendly attractions include the Tulsa Children’s Museum, the Tulsa Zoo and the Oklahoma Aquarium .

The crossroads of America wouldn’t be complete without America’s Main Street . Historic Route 66 runs the full east-to-west stretch of the city along 11th Street, offering nostalgic looks at the city’s past and a bold vision of the community’s future . From classic diners and burger joints to the new Mother Road Market food hall, Route 66 in Tulsa is one of city’s newest culinary hotspots .

Further into the city, notable districts include Cherry Street, a seven-block hub of trendy shops, bistros, cafés and bars; Brookside, a nearly mile-long stretch of upscale shopping and dining; and the Pearl District, which has Tulsa’s highest concentration of craft breweries . The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, River Spirit Casino Resort and Osage Casino also feature restaurants, nightclubs and a constant stream of live entertainment .

Tulsa hosts a never-ending lineup of exciting games, tournaments and recreational events throughout the year . Sports spectators can look to The University of Tulsa, Tulsa Drillers baseball, Tulsa Oilers ice hockey and FC Tulsa soccer . Tulsa Tough is one of the most popular bicycle street races in the country, and the annual Tulsa Run the Route 66 Marathon appeal to runners from around the world .

For every local or visitor, Tulsa inspires something different! To learn more about all that Tulsa has to offer, check out VisitTulsa .com .