How to Vacation in Tulsa, OK

A vacation in Oklahoma’s second largest city, Tulsa, is a wonderful experience for anyone. With something for the entire family, Tulsa is sure to be a vacation no one will soon forget. Visit the different districts in this city, as well as the musuems and zoo. There are so many great places to see, the hardest thing may be deciding which stops to take. Of course, you can extend your vacation and take in all Tulsa, Oklahoma has to offer you and your family.

Instructions

1. Visit what Booker T. Washington called “Black Wall Street,” the Greenwood District. It became an affluent center of black commerce during the early 1900s. Much of this area was destroyed in the Tulsa Rate Riot of 1921. Today, this historical district has come back from the ruins to become a highlight of a vacation in Tulsa. In the 45 blocks, visitors enjoy the Greenwood Cultural Center and Mabel B. Little Heritage House.

2. Stop at The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art, designed so it’s visitors would develop a deeper understanding of the Jewish people. It is the home of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Tulsa. The Kaiser Holocaust Exhibition is seen by thousands each year, impacting their lives by telling the story of the Holocaust. There are also artifacts over 4,000 years old in the notorious collection of Judiaca. For more information, call 918-492-1818 or visit the museum's website (see Resources).

3. Stroll through the Tulsa Zoo. Voted America’s favorite zoo, it is home to 436 species and 1,500 animals, including penguins, polar bears and elephants. There is a zoo carousel and a zoo train. Enjoy the children’s zoo and the Chimpanzee Connection. Visit the zoo's website (see Resources) or call 918-669-6600 for more information and hours of operation.

4. See a performance at The Tulsa Ballet, called one of the finest international companies in America by the New York Times. It offers both classical and contemporary dance programs. This ballet has performed in Europe to excellent reviews. For additional information and tickets, call 918-749-0532.

5. Shop and dine in Utica Square. Home to Coach, The Snow Goose and Saks Fifth Avenue, shoppers have enjoyed this area of Tulsa for more than 50 years. It offers free summer concerts and holiday events. When you hear the outdoor clocks chiming, you are in Utica Square. For a complete list of shops and hours of operation, call 918-742-5531 or visit the website (see Resources).

6. Take time to smell the flowers. Not far from the Tulsa Garden Center and Tulsa Rose Gardens, which should also be seen during your vacation in Tulsa, is the Linnaeus Teaching Gardens. Volunteers teach techniques for growing all sorts of plants, flowers and vegetables. This garden was named for the father of botany, Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus, and is a lovely sight for everyone to see. For additional information, call 918-746-5125. Check out the beautiful pictures on the garden's website (see Resources).

7. Touch stingrays and see the largest bull sharks in captivity at the Oklahoma Aquarium. There are 200 exhibits and hundreds of other aquatic species. Check out the world’s largest antique fishing tackle collection. Visit the aquarium's website (see Resources) or call 918-296-3474 for hours of operation and additional information.

8. Visit the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. There is a digital planetarium, only the second in the world to hover this type of technology. You can also go in an F-16 Wind Tunnel, see an F-14 Tomcat fighter jet and operate a Space Shuttle Robotic Arm, a fun and educational experience for the entire family. Call 918-834-9900 or visit the website (TulsaAirAndSpaceMuseum.com).

Tips & Warnings

• Do not forget that there are many other sites to see just a few hours from Tulsa. They will be worth the drive.

Resources

• The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art
• The Tulsa Zoo
• The Oklahoma Aquarium
• Utica Square
• Tulsa Garden Center