This one’s for the outdoor enthusiasts. Did you know that the city of Tulsa has 8,700 acres of parks and trails that you can access and enjoy? With entry points in every area of town, you can find your way to what’s right for you by foot, bicycle, or car. Helpful hint, leave the car at home. Whether you’re a long-time Tulsan or learning your way around, this guide will help you discover the best ways to get outside and active anywhere in Tulsa.
START WITH THESE TULSA PARKS
Gathering Place
Twice named “Best City Park in America” by USA Today’s readers, Gathering Place has made Tulsa’s riverfront a destination that draws over 3 million visitors every year. It’s also been recognized by Time magazine and National Geographic as one of the world’s greatest places.
Here’s how you can spend your time at Gathering Place:
The Chapman Adventure Playground is a series of large-scale towers that children can climb and play in, and there’s a good chance that the parents will follow them (30% because they have to, 60% because they want to).
On those hot summer days, pack your kid’s swimsuits and call your friends with kids. Have them meet you at Charlie’s Water Mountain Splash Pad for some safe and fun water play.
For a fun date night, rent paddleboats at Peggy’s Pond and enjoy an afternoon floating on the water. Did you know that the third hour of TODAY recently did this on their visit to Tulsa?
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Fuel your adrenaline at the BMX pump track and skate park or play on five sports courts that host everything from pickup basketball to pickleball.
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Take a stroll through the many walking paths surrounded by landscaped gardens.
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The Williams Lodge and ONEOK Boathouse provide indoor spaces for rainy days.
Turkey Mountain Wilderness
Sometimes you just want to get lost in the woods, and the best place to do that in Tulsa is Turkey Mountain. Take a hike or mountain bike through some of their winding trails while soaking in native trees, beautiful ponds, and terrain that transports you out of the city. If it’s your first time, follow the color-coded trail system. It will guide you to where you want to be based on activity. Some options include the popular Yellow Loop on the east side, the less-traveled Gully Loop on the west side, and numerous interconnected paths that let you choose your own adventure.
LaFortune Park
Looking for a spot where you can play every sport or activity you can think of? That’s LaFortune Park. Centrally located, this 270-acre park is a great place for north and south Tulsans to rendezvous and get active.
It’s got 24 tennis courts, an 18 hole golf course, and a 5k walking and cycling loop. There are baseball and soccer fields, playgrounds, fishing ponds and a recreation center with indoor activities..
Mohawk Park
Some of Tulsa’s most exciting outdoor activities can be found at Mohawk Park. Get up close and personal with wildlife at the Tulsa Zoo. Take a long hike and stroll across the 600 foot boardwalk over Blackbird Marsh at Oxley Nature Center. Play 36 holes of golf, go fishing at Lake Yahola, ride horses in the equestrian area, or check out the historic CCC-era stone shelters.
Chandler Park
If somebody asks where they can see the best panoramic views of the downtown Tulsa area, you have to consider Chandler Park. This one sits atop a hill overlooking the Arkansas River. It’s one of the few places you can find outdoor rock climbing in our city, and it’s THE sledding spot in the winter time. Other activities include disc golf and even more mountain biking and hiking.
Hunter Park
Hunter Park is a solid 50 acre patch of land with a splash pad, an 18 hole disc golf course, and a fishing pond equipped with platforms. But the best part? In the summer months, they host a Saturday farmers market that draws a lot of foot traffic. It’s a great way to get farm-fresh food and support the local farming community.
Haikey Creek Park
No need to split your time between Bixby and Broken Arrow when you can stand in both places at once. Straddling the city line, Haikey Creek Park attracts everyone from trail runners to bird watching enthusiasts.
This park is over 150 acres of nature and fitness friendly activity. Softball and soccer fields, tennis courts, disc golf, and a fitness court attract visitors from Broken Arrow, Bixby, and South Tulsa. If you live in any of those areas, this park is worth a visit.
Woodward Park
Looking for a place where you can move at a leisurely pace and appreciate the outdoors? Woodward Park and Gardens is your spot. This horticultural showcase is a great place to go in the spring and summer months. Considered one of Tulsa’s most photographed locations during rose season, this is a great place to go if you’re looking to commune with nature. A playground will keep your little ones busy, and the Linnaeus teaching garden is a great resource for those learning about gardening.
Centennial Center in Veterans Park
Take a stroll through this downtown park and enjoy a little green space. With large fields for activity, a splash pad for those warm summer days, and a lighted playground, there’s no shortage of ways for you to let your kids burn a little bit of that extra energy.
TULSA TRAILS
River Parks Trails
The River Parks trails weave 26 miles of paved walking, running, and biking paths along both banks of the Arkansas River. Start at the east bank and ride 11 miles from downtown to Jenks or take the West Bank Trail for a mix of urban, industrial, and forest scenery. With access points across downtown and South Tulsa, you can hop on and ride to your heart’s content.
Osage Prairie Trail
Explore a route through North Tulsa’s residential neighborhoods all the way to the Sperry and Skiatook communities. The southern part of the stretch near downtown is well maintained, but it can get a little rocky as you move north. This trail stretches from OSU-Tulsa all the way to Skiatook, offering one of the longest paths in the metro area.
Midland Valley Trail
Find your way from downtown to Gathering Place and the River Parks. Cross the Arkansas River to extend your run, walk, or ride. This path features numerous well-lit areas with drinking water and clear signage along the way.
Katy Trail
Hop on this trail at Newblock Park in central Tulsa and ride it all the way to Sand Springs. Named after the old Katy Railroad Line, this path features lit-up areas for nighttime safety and connects to the River Parks trails for longer-distance rides.
Creek Turnpike Trail
This network of trails connects neighborhoods in South Tulsa with the surrounding parks and trail systems. And while it may not be the most scenic, it does offer a lot of valuable connectivity for runners and cyclists.
We know you’re excited about getting outside and experiencing some of what you can get out of Tulsa’s many parks and trails. Consider this your guide for where to begin and let the trails take you to where you haven’t yet been. Now go seize the day!
