An overview of the attractions in Tulsa that offer amusement and education for tourists who visit Oklahoma's second largest city.
Although many tourists may know that Tulsa, Oklahoma is the state's second largest city, most are unaware that Tulsa is also a major inland harbor. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century made Tulsa into a boomtown but there is much more to be found in Tulsa.
Two amusement parks offer family fun. Bell's Amusement Park near the corner of 2lst and Harvard has been a local landmark since 1951. Attractions include a wooden rollercoaster, an 18-hole minature golf course, a log flume ride, arcade and much more. Full day admission packages as well as single ride tickets are available.
Nearby, the Big Splash Water Park offers a chance to cool off beneath the Oklahoma sun in the Motion Ocean wave pool, seven-story tall water slide, lazy river ride, water rollercoaster, kiddie pool, and two speed slides.
Another outdoor outing is at the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum located in Mohawk Park on the edge of Tulsa near the airport. More than 250 different species can be viewed at the 70-acre zoo. Special features include a naturalistic cave in the Eastern Forest building, a 10,000 gallon coral reef aquarium, a Tropical Rainforest, and an African Savannah. New in 2004, the Masai village offers insight in the life of African tribes. An outdoor playground, minature train, and a Wildlife Carousel are also on site.
Art can be appreciated at the Gilcrease Museum, well known for their collections of Western art including works by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell. Native American arts and artifacts are also displayed. The Gardens at Gilcrease Museum provide visitors with many examples of historical gardens that include Colonial, Pioneer, and Victorian types.
The Philbrook Museum of Art is housed in an Italian Renaissance styled villa and houses permanent collections of African, American, Native American, Asian, and European artwork.
Any view of the Tulsa landscape isn't complete without a glimpse of the 200 foot tall prayer tower at Oral Roberts University. The Prayer Tower visitor center on campus offers visitors the opportunity to view the school from an observation deck. Two media presentations - one about the University, the other about evangelist Oral Roberts - are also available.
Woodland Hills Mall at 71st street and Memorial Drive is noteworthy as the state's largest mall. Eastland Mall on 21st and Utica Square also offer unique shopping opportunities.
Lyon's Indian Store in downtown Tulsa is a landmark and has been present for many years. Generations of families visit the store for a wide selection of offerings that include everything from moccasins to Native American artworks.
At the Ida Dennie Willis Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys, visitors can view more than 2,000 dolls collected by Mrs. Willis over thirty years. Other dolls and toys are also displayed, all within a 1910 Tudor mansion on Country Club Drive.
In adjacent Claremore, Oklahoma, tourists can visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum on the site where the former personality hoped to build his home. The J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum on Lynn Riggs Boulevard displays more than 20,000 firearms along with many other collectibles that include antique musical instruments.
North of Claremore in Ooologah, Will Rogers devotees can also visit the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch.
At Catoosa, visitors can tour the Arkansas River Historical Society Museum. Self-guided tours explain how the navigable Arkansas River allows traffic to the Gulf Of Mexico at New Orleans, thus qualifying Tulsa as an inland harbor.
The city of Tulsa abounds with things to see and do for the casual visitor or the tourist. Full details can be found a www.travelok.com or by calling the Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce at (800) 558-3311.
