Treasures of Tulsa

When you’re living on Tulsa Time, there’s no limit to what you can do. Whether you’re looking for a fun vacation or a quick weekend getaway, Tulsa has something for everyone. It has a fascinating history and amazing architecture, family-friendly adventures, interactive experiences, a great restaurant scene, and an award-winning world-class park.

Did you know that Tulsa was once the ‘Oil Capital of the World?’ By 1920 things were changing fast, and Tulsa suddenly burst into a big oil boom town. Many of the communities surrounding Tulsa contained the oil fields, but the city of Tulsa is where business was conducted and money was exchanged. Tulsa was suddenly home to 400 petroleum companies and seven busy banks. Many petroleum figures built their empires here, including Harry Sinclair, J. Paul Getty, and the Phillips brothers.

You can learn all about Tulsa’s intriguing past, present, and future with Tulsa Tours. From dirt roads to oil barons, learn how Tulsa became one of the most important places in the world. See monumental art-deco architecture and walk through secret connecting tunnels.

One of the famous families of the booming oil industry was the Phillips brothers; Frank, Lee, and Waite. Their company became Phillips 66 Petroleum. In Osage Hills is the ranch retreat of Frank Phillips. He named it Woolaroc Preserve and Museum. It’s a 3,700-acre wildlife preserve, home to many species of native and exotic wildlife that you can tour.

Brother Waite built a spectacular 1920s mansion in Tulsa, Villa Philbrook, which is now the Philbrook Museum of Art and is worthy of a visit. It is an impressive art museum that has numerous exhibits from around the world. The villa is surrounded by lush gardens.

Nearby is another Tulsa treasure, the Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan Centers. The center is dedicated to spreading Woody Guthrie’s message of diversity, equality, and justice to all. Here is where they honor Guthrie’s life and legacy. At the center, we learned Woody Guthrie was born in Oklahoma in 1912. He was one of the most significant musicians in American Folk Music because of his life experiences and ability to focus on and communicate the struggles of farmers and workers. Guthrie’s most famous song is “This Land is Your Land.” The Bob Dylan Center is now the official home of more than 100,000 items spanning Dylan’s life and career. This world-class center exhibits cultural works created over seven decades. Dylan’s music was greatly influenced by Guthrie.

Another reason to visit Tulsa is -The Gathering Place. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience with creative, whimsically designed playgrounds, gardens, and trails and has won numerous national awards. It’s a natural space designed to provide inclusive and engaging experiences for all ages to explore, learn, and play. Oh…and I forgot to mention, it’s free!!! Every city should be so lucky!