Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a vibrant city at the crossroads of history, culture, and innovation in the American Southwest. Known for its Art Deco architecture and thriving arts scene, this lively destination is the state’s second-largest city and serves as the spiritual home of Route 66, the iconic road trip route.
Recently, Tulsa gained renewed fame through the hit series Tulsa King, starring Sylvester Stallone, bringing fresh attention to the city’s charm and landmarks.
Here are ten reasons to visit Tulsa on an American adventure:
1. Discover the Heart of Route 66
As the birthplace of Route 66, Tulsa is proud to be the “Capital of Route 66,” with the famed road originating here in 1926. Visitors can snap iconic photos along the route’s historic stops, including the Route 66 Historical Village and the Cyrus Avery Plaza, where sculptures depict Avery’s family journeying west in a Model T Ford. The Route 66 bridge over the Arkansas River also makes for a memorable photo op.
2. Roadside Eats and Boutique Finds at Mother Road Market
Named USA TODAY’s best food hall in America for two consecutive years, Mother Road Market offers a selection of Route 66-themed food trucks, pop-up boutiques, and even mini-golf. Visitors can sample local flavours, browse unique finds, and catch live entertainment, making it a perfect stop for foodies and shoppers alike.
3. Explore Folk Music History at the Woody Guthrie Center
The Woody Guthrie Center honours one of America’s most influential songwriters, born and raised in Oklahoma. Interactive exhibits showcase Guthrie’s life and music, including archival materials like his personal notebooks. The centre serves as both a musical journey and a tribute to Guthrie’s vision for social justice.
4. Scenes from Tulsa King
Tulsa Tours now offers a Tulsa King trail that highlights locations from the popular series starring Sylvester Stallone. Fans of the show can visit the historic Mayo Hotel, Triangle Coffee, and the Center of the Universe, experiencing the sights as Stallone’s character does in the series, which recently returned for its second season.
5. Art and Elegance at the Philbrook Museum of Art
Housed in a grand Italian Renaissance-style villa, the Philbrook Museum of Art is home to a vast collection of American, European, and Native American works. Originally the residence of oil magnate Waite Phillips, this 72-room mansion and its 23 acres of gardens became an art centre in 1938, offering visitors a blend of art and history.
6. The Bob Dylan Center: A Cultural Icon’s Legacy
The Bob Dylan Center, located in Tulsa’s Arts District, provides unparalleled access to the legendary artist’s creative works. This world-class venue includes Dylan’s handwritten lyrics, unreleased recordings, and rare photographs, allowing fans a unique glimpse into the musician’s storied career.
7. Experience Live Music at Cain’s Ballroom
Cain’s Ballroom is an iconic music venue in Tulsa, beloved for its rich history and vibrant live shows. From country to rock, Cain’s has hosted countless legendary performances, including a stop on Bob Dylan’s 2004 tour. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s a true Tulsa gem for music fans.
8. An Out-of-This-World Experience at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum
A must-visit for aviation enthusiasts, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum combines hands-on flight simulators, historic aircraft displays, and an impressive planetarium with high-definition shows. Visitors can explore Tulsa’s 100-year aerospace legacy and enjoy an immersive journey through the cosmos.
9. Snap a Photo with the Golden Driller
The Golden Driller, a towering 76-foot statue, is one of the tallest freestanding statues in the United States and honours Tulsa’s petroleum industry heritage. Standing at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds, it’s a landmark reminder of Tulsa’s early 20th-century oil boom.
10. Reconnect with Nature at Oxley Nature Center
Just minutes from downtown, Oxley Nature Center in Mohawk Park offers a peaceful escape into the Oklahoma wilderness. With over nine miles of trails winding through forests, grasslands, and wetlands, visitors can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the region’s unique ecosystems.
