Tulsa is a beautiful city in Osage and Tulsa counties, Oklahoma, United States. The city is the County seat of Tulsa County.
Tulsa is nestled on the banks of the Arkansas River. It features a limitless selection of incredible and affordable tourist hotspots.
Discover picturesque parks, gardens, nature areas, vibrant districts, and more. Create memories that last forever as you explore the fun-filled activities and astonishing attractions without creating a dent in your pocket.
Are you planning a visit to Tulsa, OK? Here are some of the best parks in Tulsa, OK.
Best Parks in Tulsa, OK
1. Woodward Park
Woodward Park
Woodward Park, a very scenic place to spend a few hours, lies in the south of the city adjacent to the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum. It is one of the best parks in Tulsa, OK.
The Park features beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens, a grand mansion, a conservatory, and an arboretum for guests to explore.
It was formerly the private property of Helen Woodward; it was converted into a public park in 1929. Since then, herbs, fragrant roses, and sunken gardens have been planted beside its reflective ponds and lush woodlands.
Its panoramic rock gardens, stream, tiny springs, outdoor art installations, and terraced floral arrangements are the Park’s best features for many.
You will be amazed by the luxurious mansion at Woodward Park, an Italianate Renaissance Revival-style building, standing amongst the fountains and greenery.
Pass by Daffodil Hills, wrapped in a yellow blanket during springtime, then walk through the thousands of pink, yellow, and red rose bushes in the Tulsa Rose Garden.
Find yourself in the peaceful Woodland Gardens, and listen to the squirrels rustling and the birds chirping in the treetops. Follow the limestone slab path meandering through the Lower Rock Gardens.
Cross the arched bridge above the babbling stream, watching for fragile fairy houses along the wooded trails.
Address: 2435 S Peoria Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74114, United States
2. Oxley Nature Center
Experience exquisite outdoor beauty at Tulsa’s “hidden jewel,” also known as the Oxley Nature Center.
This 804-acre Nature Center, located inside Mohawk Park, features nine miles of hiking trails and many kinds of plants, bird species, and wildlife.
Start your adventure at the Oxley-Yetter interpretive Building to get a trail map, learn about the present trail conditions, partake in hands-on exhibits, and buy souvenirs from the gift shop.
Continue your nature tour by choosing 16 trails, such as the Green Dragon Meadowlark, Red Fox, Blue Heron, etc.
During your excursion, bring your binoculars and watch out for the 263 different birds and 50 types of butterflies throughout the Oxley Nature Center.
The area also houses 700 plant species and 38 mammal species, including beavers, otters, and flying squirrels.
Oxley Nature Center offers themed expeditions during the year and guided group tours for school trips.
Address: 6700 Mohawk Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74115, United States
3. Tulsa Botanic Gardens
Tulsa Botanic Gardens
Tulsa Botanical Gardens encompasses 170 acres of land. They feature terraces wrapped in floral delicacies, gorgeous lotus pools, and other terrific views that will make you reach for your camera.
Since its launching in 2009, its grounds have grown tremendously, with themed gardens and untamed wild spaces now encircling its amazing waterways.
Besides strolling around its huge lake, rose beds, and prairies, visitors can also drop by its informative visitor center.
The Gardens’ highlight is its incredible floral terrace, which features over 120,000 spring bulbs yearly and spills down the hillside.
While countless dancing daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths illuminate the gardens during spring, autumn witnesses scarecrows, and pumpkins showcased beneath the fall foliage.
Tulsa Botanic Gardens also offers events and other activities. If you visit in December, check out the stunning Garden of Lights.
Bright lights illuminate along the venue’s backdrop, and you and your loved ones can listen to holiday melodies, roast s’mores over fire pits, and experience an enchanting holiday evening with your family and friends.
Address: 3900 Tulsa Botanic Dr, Tulsa, OK 74127, United States
4. LaFortune Park
Are you interested in some outdoor recreation? If yes, visit LaFortune Park, an urban 270-acre destination that offers a fun time for the entire family.
This public Park is among the top locations to get active outside with your loved ones. You can explore its tennis courts, fishing ponds, trails, and other amenities,
Walk along three miles of trails that meander through LaFortune Park. Head south, you will discover a baseball field. On the west side, you will come across an 18-hole champion golf course.
Another fantastic thing about LaFortune Park is that it is surrounded by many eating spots to recharge after your activities. It is undoubtedly one of the best parks in Tulsa, OK.
Address: 5202 S Hudson Ave, Tulsa, OK 74135, United States
5. Mohawk Park
Mohawk Park, covering 3,300 acres, is the biggest Park in Tulsa and one of the biggest city parks in the nation.
This sprawling Park was developed as part of the 1924 public works project that channeled drinking water from the Spavinaw Dam to Tulsa.
Over 800 acres of the Park contain the Oxley Nature Center with picnicking, hiking, an observation tower, a 5-acre marsh with a 600-foot boardwalk, and 9+ miles of trail.
The interpretive center houses an observation beehive, hands-on exhibits, drinking water, and restrooms.
The area is also home to surplus wildlife and waterfowl, the Mohawk Park Golf Course, many CCC-era picnic shelters, 36 36-hole disc golf course, many miles of equestrian trails, and a polo field.
Mohawk Park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to spend some time in the great outdoors. It is inarguably one of the top parks in Tulsa, OK.
Address: Tulsa, OK 74115, United States
6. Gathering Place
Gathering Place
If you are seeking outstanding panoramas and lovely outdoor spaces, look no further than the beautiful green Gathering Place.
This 100-acre public space along the downtown riverfront features interactive experiences created for social interactions, conservation, and outdoor adventure.
Gathering Place, opened in 2018, contains leafy areas with lush lawns, serene ponds, gardens, and more. It was designed by a prominent architect.
The hybrid Park has a balanced feel and layout, with every area offering both old and young a unique experience.
Stroll 56 feet atop Peggy’s Pond on Swing Hill, the tallest point in the Park. There are gardens and nature trails, a lodge and boathouse, and sports courts where you can play volleyball or basketball.
The attraction comprises playgrounds, a skate park, and outdoor patios where you can grab a bite and places to rent boats.
You can enjoy walking, cycling, and running along the river, admiring pretty views. You can also attend numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year in the Park.
Address: 2650 S John Williams Way, Tulsa, OK 74114, United States
7. Owen Park
Owen Park
Owen Park, officially opened on June 8, 1910, is the first public Park in Tulsa, OK. The Park is an important part of the city’s history.
The Park is named after Chauncey and Mary Owen, who sold some of their farmland/ranches to the city of Tulsa in 1909.
This approximately 24-acre Park on the neighborhood’s east side contains numerous historic features, including many mature trees. It also has a rustic stone bridge, stone monuments, and tennis courts.
Address: 560 N Maybelle Ave, Tulsa, OK 74127, United States
8. Hunter Park
Hunter Park is an incredible place for the entire family to relax and have a lovely time. It is among the fun parks in Tulsa, OK.
This 71-acre Park offers various recreational activities like sports areas, ponds, trails, and more.
Hunter Park also includes four basketball goals, a playground with swings, and an 18-hole disc golf course with concrete tees for guests to enjoy.
The average hole length is shorter than 300 feet, and the general course is long, with some heavily wooded areas and rough terrain. Enjoy woods, water, contour, and alternate pin placements for an additional challenge.
Take a stroll in the Hunter Park Labyrinth for a reflective, relaxing time in the Park. Picnic shelters and restrooms are also available in Hunter Park.
Address: 5804 E 91st Street, Tulsa, OK 74137, United States
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9. Chandler Dog Park
Chandler Park, located in west Tulsa, offers almost 200 acres of wooded areas with splendid city skyline views.
It is an amazing spot for on-leash and off-leash walks, as fabulous rock formations provide abundant rugged terrain.
Also, well-maintained hiking trails meander through the Park, so you can take your canine friend on a less-rugged nature adventure.
Chandler Dog Park also offers disc golf and rock climbing, fabulous activities for active families.
There is also a splash pad and a water park area that is fully fenced so your furry friend can be off his leash. The on-site waterpark is often opened to pups for the final day of the summer season.
Address: 6500 W 21st St, Tulsa, OK 74107, United States
10. Helmerich Park
Helmerich Park is among the fun parks in Tulsa, OK. It is popular for its gorgeous scenery and numerous fun attractions. The Park is open throughout the year and offers various activities for visitors of all ages.
One of the top attractions in Helmerich Park is the hiking trails, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding area.
The Park also houses a vast lake, a popular spot for boating and hiking. Guests can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lake by themselves.
Another well-known attraction in this Park is the playground, designed for kids of all ages. The playground features various climbing structures, slides, swings, benches for parents to watch their kids play, and picnic tables.
Helmerich Park also features a picnic pavilion, disc golf course, and wildlife observation area. It is home to different types of wildlife, including rabbits, deer, and several species of birds.
The Park is perfect for hiking and enjoying the stunning views during spring and fall. Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy the lake and other water activities, while winter is the best time for wildlife observation and birdwatching.
Address: 7301 Riverside Dr, Tulsa, OK 74136, United States
11. Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, located a quick 10-minute drive south of downtown, is among the best Tulsa attractions if you want to get out and explore nature.
Here, you will find about 300 acres of land extending along the Arkansas River and 45 miles of dirt trails.
For an easy hike, follow the 0. 8-mile loop Red Trail, but if you want something more challenging, the 1.5-mile Blue Trail will carry you past a scenic pond all the way to the summit of Turkey Mountain.
The Yellow Trail spreads across 4.4 miles, leads you along the east side of Turkey Mountains, and runs alongside the Arkansas River.
If you are interested in the longest hike in Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, take on the Pink Trail.
The 5.7-mile trail winds along the west side of Turkey Mountains and offers beautiful sunset views if you time it accurately.
Address: 68th and Elwood, Tulsa, OK 74135, United States
12. Biscuit Acres Dog Park
Biscuit Acres Dog Park is an expansive, enclosed, off-leash park near Hunter Park with many open spaces for four-legged furry friends to roam around.
This 71-acre Hunter Park features sheltered picnic areas, playgrounds, basketball courts, a large fishing pond, public restrooms, and walking and jogging trails.
The top-level two-and-a-half-acre dog park was established in June 2009 and has since become a well-known destination for dog owners.
It is carefully fenced and has five double-gated entrances, which helps reduce the risk of dogs getting out as other visitors enter the off-leash area.
The dog park faces a gorgeous lake and is encircled by beautiful scenery, which is why it is cherished by the owners as much as their pets.
It has a well-planned layout consisting of two separate areas for canines for dogs to run around in. One area is designed for dogs under 30 pounds, while the other houses the larger dogs.
Both sections have turf grass, plentiful spaces for dogs to stretch their legs and play, shade structures, bone-shaped water fountains, picnic tables, and benches, ensuring all guests stay cool, hydrated, and comfortable.
To ensure that park visitors clean up after their dogs and maintain the Park’s cleanliness, free waste bag dispensers are made available at the Park.
Parking is located by the dog park, and even on the busiest days, a free parking spot is always available.
Address: 5804 E 91st Street, Tulsa, OK 74137, United States
13. 41st Street Plaza
41st Street Plaza is a thrilling recreational destination for families, featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, interactive water features, covered gazebos, river views, and restrooms.
The Plaza’s splashing pools and fountains will please kids of all ages and provide a refreshing break during the sizzling Oklahoma summers.
The water features generally operate from 9 am to 9 pm from May to September, with brief periodic shutdowns for water treatment.
An expansive playground has equipment perfect for younger and older kids, and a nearby grassy playground pyramid adds to the fun. Guests can enjoy a picnic in the plentiful park furniture and covered pavilion.
41st Street Plaza also offers river views, parking, and restrooms. It holds seasonal events like the local children’s library system’s Summer Reading Roadshow.
Address: 4100 Riverside Dr, Tulsa, OK 74105, United States
14. Leake Park
If you are looking for a stunning place to stroll or have a picnic, another great option is Leake Park. It is reputed as one of the top parks in Tulsa, OK.
This Park is located in the center of Tulsa and offers various activities for guests to enjoy. Leake Park is filled with rolling hills and lush green trees, making it perfect for an outdoor afternoon.
The Park features picnic areas, a playground, walking trails, and a pond stocked with varieties of fish; it is a well-known spot for fishing.
Leake Park also houses different kinds of birds and wildlife. Guests often see ducks swimming in the pond or turtles sunning themselves on the rocks.
Aside from its natural beauty, the Park also features the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Tulsa Zoo.
Leake Park is open throughout the year. Whether you want to relax, enjoy nature, or just have fun, Leake Park will undoubtedly have something for you.
Address: 7714 E 71st St, Tulsa, OK 74133, United States
15. Keystone State Park
Keystone State Park offers many different activities and housing options for visitors.
For an action-packed time, load up your loved ones in your boat or rent one and get on the water for fishing or water sports activities.
Pier 51 Marina, located within Keystone State Park, offers boats, equipment rentals, groceries, fuel, and other boating needs.
Those who prefer to stay on land can explore the rims of Keystone Lake in the Park or keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife among the trees. Keeps the children engaged by visiting the Park’s playground or fishing ponds.
Keystone State Park has three campgrounds: Green Country, Red Carpet, and Lake Country. There are also RV sites with complete hookups. All tent sites and RVs are available for online reservations.
There are picnic areas with pavilions and outdoor grills throughout the Park. Showers and comfort stations are available close to the campsites. Pets are permitted in the Park, and there is a dump station access for guests.
Guests can also stay in outfitted cabins, which features nearly all kinds of amenity, including bathrooms and full kitchens.
Keystone State Park is in Sand Spring, OK, 11 minutes from Tulsa, OK.
Address: 1926 OK-151, Sand Springs, OK 74063, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Tulsa
Tulsa, the second-most populated city in Oklahoma, teems with nature areas, parks, and many other activities and attractions.
Regardless of the duration of your stay in the city, you are sure to enjoy every minute of your time here.
Start planning your trip to Tulsa, OK, today.