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Day Trips from Tulsa

Day Trips from Tulsa

Tulsa Oklahoma, USA Travel Guide

Nearby Destinations

Several accessible locations sit within day-trip distance of Tulsa. Explore the state capital, Oklahoma City, approximately 1.5-2 hours drive. Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, walk through the Myriad Botanical Gardens, and enjoy the Bricktown Entertainment District. Bartlesville, about 1 hour drive, features Frank Lloyd Wright's Price Tower and the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve. Tahlequah, also approximately 1 hour drive, serves as the capital of the Cherokee Nation and hosts the Cherokee Heritage Center.

Car travel remains the most recommended transportation option for all day trips, yielding maximum flexibility. Limited bus service to Oklahoma City is available via Greyhound and Jefferson Lines. Independent journey by car is common for these destinations. Tours with a guide are less common for these specific routes but may feature for specific attractions, like group tours to Woolaroc. For Oklahoma City, plan a full day for the Memorial, Bricktown, and a museum. Bartlesville needs a half to full day, combining Price Tower and Woolaroc. Tahlequah requires a half to full day for the Cherokee Heritage Center and town exploration. For booking day trips, consider GetYourGuide.

Considerations

  • Car travel is generally best for flexibility.
  • Allocate an entire day for Oklahoma City.
  • Bartlesville and Tahlequah take half to full days.
  • Limited bus service exists for longer routes.

Natural Escapes

Oklahoma's natural beauty has tranquil escapes just a short drive from Tulsa.

Parks and Recreation

Natural reserves and parks present opportunities for outdoor recreation. Keystone State Park, approximately 30 minutes west, features boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. Osage Hills State Park, about SIXTY minutes north, is a scenic forested park with hiking, fishing, and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-built structures. Oologah Lake, roughly THIRTY minutes north, is well-liked for water recreation.

Activities Available

  • Hiking and exploring forested areas.
  • Fishing in lakes and rivers.
  • Camping at state parks.

Regional Landscapes

The Ozark Mountains foothills, east of Tulsa, display scenic landscapes with rolling hills and forested areas. Lakes in the region have sandy areas resembling beaches, suitable for relaxing by the water. No true mountains exist, but rolling hills mark gentle elevation changes. Extensive rural areas surround Tulsa, offering a glimpse into Oklahoma's countryside. Fall foliage is a beautiful seasonal natural phenomenon.

Scenic Views

  • Rolling hills and forest views.
  • Lakeside relaxation areas.
  • fall foliage.

Cultural Excursions

Historical Sites

  • Woolaroc Museum AND Wildlife Preserve, near Bartlesville, is a remarkable historical site.
  • Frank Phillips' ranch with Western art and Native American artifacts.
  • No widely recognized pilgrimage sites for mainstream travel in the immediate vicinity.
  • Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, a prehistoric Native American site, 1.5 hours southeast.
  • Explore historical and cultural sites outside Tulsa for regional heritage.
  • Woolaroc has a wildlife preserve.
  • Limited options for organized tours focusing on culture.
  • Distance to Spiro Mounds requires dedicated travel.

Multi-Day Extensions

  • Extend your trip 1-3 days for:Route 66 Road Trip
  • Journey along historic Route 66:East or West exploration
  • Explore little towns and attractions:Roadside discoveries
  • Ozarks Exploration for:Hiking, scenic drives
  • Combine with a visit to:Dallas/Fort Worth (4-hour drive)
  • Another city for consideration:Kc (3.5-hour drive)
  • Logical next destinations:Oklahoma City, Little Rock, AR
  • Transportation:Mainly by car, some bus links

Travel Tip:

Rent a car for your day trips. Public transportation outside Tulsa for these destinations is limited.

Natural Escapes & Cultural Insights

Discover more of Oklahoma's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage beyond Tulsa's city limits.

Keystone State Park

Is around 30 minutes west, this the park has boating, fishing, camping, and hiking suitable for a quick natural escape.

Ozark Foothills

East of Tulsa, these zones offer scenic landscapes with rolling hills and forested settings for gentle exploration.

Spiro Mounds

A significant prehistoric Native American archaeological site situated about 1.5 hours southeast, providing deep historical insight.

Outdoor Activities Nearby

Enjoy various outdoor pursuits in state parks and natural areas close to Tulsa. Keystone and Osage Hills State Parks are popular choices for active visitors seeking fresh air and scenic environments.

Options for Nature Lovers

  • Boating and fishing on large lakes.
  • Hiking trails suitable for various skill levels.
  • Camping available in scenic state parks.

Exploring Oklahoma's Countryside

Venture into the rural areas surrounding Tulsa for a glimpse into Oklahoma's agricultural landscape and quiet charm. Enjoy scenic drives through open fields and small communities.

Countryside Features

  • Relaxing scenic drives through rural settings.
  • Views of agricultural lands and farms.
  • Serene nature environments.

Historical Perspectives

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve:Western Art & Native American Artifacts
Cherokee Heritage Center:Tahlequah (Cherokee Nation Capital)
Price Tower Bartlesville:Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture
Spiro Mounds Archeological Center:Prehistoric Native American Site
Route 66 Extension:Historic Roadside Attractions
Ozarks Exploration:Hiking & Scenic Drives

Nature Tip:

  • Visit Keystone State Park for a quick escape to nature.
  • It is close enough for a half-day trip.
  • Enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking.
  • Scenic views and relaxing waterside areas await.
  • A great choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Multi-Day Adventures

Consider extending your trip beyond Tulsa to discover more of the region''s various offerings.

Route 66 Journey

Extend your journey east or west along historic Route 66. This legendary highway has small towns and quirky roadside attractions. Experience classic Americana with a multi-day drive.

Route 66 Highlights

  • Explore iconic stops and diners.
  • Discover unique roadside architecture.
  • Capture vintage scenery.

Ozarks Exploration

Head east into the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas or Missouri for hiking, scenic drives, and lake activities. The Ozarks region displays a rugged beauty with numerous outdoor opportunities.

Ozarks Activities

  • Enjoy extensive hiking trails.
  • Take in picturesque scenic drives.
  • Experience various lake recreation.

Nearby Major Cities

Combine your trip with a visit to Texas cities like Dallas/Fort Worth, approximately a 4-hour drive, or Kansas City, about a 3.5-hour drive. Each city displays distinctive sights.

City Connections

  • Dallas/Cowtown: diverse urban experiences.
  • Kansas City: known for BBQ and jazz.
  • Logical next destinations include Little Rock, AR.

Transportation for Extensions

Transportation connections for these extensions are mainly by car. Bus connections, via Greyhound and Jefferson Lines, are available to major cities for those not driving.

Travel Modes

  • Personal vehicle for maximum flexibility.
  • Intercity bus options to larger the metro areas.
  • Suggested routes include cross-state drives.

Extended Travel Suggestions

Historic Route 66

Follow the iconic highway either east or west of Tulsa for a nostalgic trip.

Ouachita Mountains

A cross-state drive for more extensive natural exploration in a different mountain range.

Ozark Mountains

Head into the Ozarks for scenic beauty, hiking, and lake activities.

Extension Tip:

Plan a multi-day Route 66 adventure. This trip possesses more of America's historic highway.

Day Trip Inspiration

Find ideas for enriching outings from Tulsa, from historical sites to unique cultural experiences.

Featured Day Trips

1

Oklahoma City

Explore the state capital's memorial, gardens, and entertainment district, a 1.5-2 hour drive.

2

Bartlesville

Visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Price Tower and the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, about 1 hour away.

3

Tahlequah

Discover the capital of the Cherokee Nation and its History Center, also about A one-hour car ride.

Planning Your Excursion

  • Car travel is the most recommended for flexibility.
  • Consider independent travel for customizable routes.
  • Allocate sufficient time for each location.
  • Check specific operating hours for attractions.
  • Pack essentials for a full day out.
  • Enjoy the diverse landscapes and history.

Beyond the Day Trip

  • Route 66 road trips for multi-day journeys.
  • Ozark Mountains exploration for extended nature trips.
  • Visits to Dallas/Fort Worth or Kansas City for city experiences.
  • Check bus connections for travel between cities.
  • Consider a cross-state drive to Ouachita Mountains.
  • Each region has distinct attractions.

Cultural Site Focus

Woolaroc Museum

A Western art and Native American artifact collection within a wildlife preserve.

Cherokee Heritage

Explore Cherokee culture and history at their nation's capital.

Trip Planner:

Plan a multi-day Route 66 adventure. This trip has more of America's historic highway and its unique charm.
Day Trips from Tulsa. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours