Students at The University of Tulsa have the luxury of exploring a vibrant and diverse city. Tulsa has something for everyone, from stunning world-class art museums, historical monuments, entertainment venues, beautiful parks, and delicious cuisine. Here are the top five reasons to go to school in Tulsa, Oklahoma!
1. Explore the Great Outdoors
Tulsa’s residents have a myriad of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from trekking up Turkey Mountain, rock climbing at Chandler Park, or taking a stride along River Walk.
My favorite outdoor attraction in Tulsa is Gathering Place. Voted USA Today’s Best City Park, this riverfront park has kayak and canoe rentals, basketball courts, skate parks, gardens, trails, and more.
Other places to explore include Oxley Nature Center, Woodward Park, and the Botanic Gardens.
2. Stay Entertained
There is no shortage of entertainment in Tulsa. The BOK Center, ranked #7 in the Top 100 Arena Venues by Pollstar, hosts Tulsa Oilers hockey games, comedy shows, and musicians like Shawn Mendes, Billie Eilish, and Lizzo. If you’re looking for a smaller concert venue, Cain’s Ballroom is the perfect place. If you love a captivating theater performance, check out the Tulsa Theater and Tulsa Performing Arts Center.
Tulsa has plenty of events for sports fanatics to enjoy, with a minor league baseball team and a professional soccer team. One of my favorite sports events in Tulsa is the annual three-day cycling festival, Tulsa Tough. The University of Tulsa also hosts some incredible athletic events, with 17 Division 1 NCAA teams!
3. Eat Good Food
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Brookside By Day, pick from one of many food vendors at Mother Road Market for lunch, and end the day with Louisiana cooking at Nola’s Creole and Cocktails. Mmmm… sounds like a perfect day!
From Asian cuisine like Yokozuna and In the Raw, to the Italian flavors of Mondo’s Ristorante, no one can deny that Tulsa has some delectable food options. Tulsa also hosts Food Truck Wednesdays at Guthrie Green and a seasonal farmers market every Saturday morning.
4. Visit World-Class Museums
Tulsa has plenty of local art galleries and museums to explore.
The Tulsa Arts District, located in downtown Tulsa, is home to museums and galleries like the
Woody Guthrie Center, Bob Dylan Center, 108 Contemporary, Tulsa Arts Coalition, and The University of Tulsa’s Zarrow Center for Art and Education.
The Philbrook Museum of Art is a favorite among students. This world-class museum consists of historical collections and 25 acres of gardens named “the most beautiful place in Oklahoma” by House Beautiful Magazine. Another museum worth visiting is the Gilcrease Museum, which houses a collection of art, culture, and history of North America. Students at TU get free admission to both museums!
5. Visit Historical Sites and Landmarks
There are numerous ways to learn about the history of Tulsa. Explore the Route 66 historic highway that runs through the center of Tulsa and is being revitalized with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Head downtown and spend some time in the Greenwood District, where you can learn about the history of Black Wall Street at Greenwood Rising. Some other historic landmarks in Tulsa include The Center of the Universe, the Blue Dome District, and The Outsiders Museum.
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There is a lot to love about Tulsa, and we’ve only just scratched the surface. We recommend planning a trip to Tulsa so that you can explore some of these great attractions! If you do, don’t forget to stop by The University of Tulsa!
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