Tulsa - the Heart of Oklahoma's Green Country

"Green Country" aptly describes the thickly treed, rolling landscape-surrounding Tulsa. As Oklahoma's second largest city, Tulsa offers the amenities of a large city but with a small town familiarity and relaxed lifestyle.

Tulsa's distinct four-season climate surprises many people. Long warm summers, a dazzling array of fall colors, mild winters with little snow, and a plethora of brilliant spring flowers adds to Tulsa's reputation as a livable city. Besides Tulsa's pleasing climate, visitors and newcomers to the area find Oklahomans genuinely friendly.

 

 

Home prices and rentals in Tulsa remain relatively low compared to many areas of the country. People moving to Tulsa are surprised to find their housing dollars go further than expected.

Fishermen can take advantage of the many lakes in the area such as Keystone, Fort Gibson, Oolagah, Skiatook, Grand, and Eufaula- all within a two-hour drive. The lakes support large stripper and largemouth bass populations as well as catfish, perch, bream and crappie. Hunters in Oklahoma pursue a variety of game animals including rabbits, squirrels, turkeys and deer.

History and art museums in Tulsa provide a tapestry of cultural character. Ranked among the top 100 art museums in the nation, the Philbrook Museum of Art is located in the former home of Waite Phillips, an early-day oil baron. Built in the Italian Renaissance style, the home contains collections ranging from 15th Century religious icons to paintings and sculptures by the European masters. Permanent exhibits include African, Native American, Oriental, and Abstract works, while international traveling collections are frequently displayed.

 


 

Known throughout the world for its western art collection, the Gilcrease Museum sits on 20 acres of flower gardens and forested walking paths. Western history buffs will recognize many of the paintings by artists such as Frederick Remington, Charles Russell and Thomas Moran. Recreations of several of the artist's studios draw visitors back in time, visually demonstrating their creative processes. A large collection of Mexican and Southwestern United States pottery and paintings, as well as centuries-old artifacts, illuminate the cultural history of this important region.

 

 

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in nearby Claremore memorializes "cowboy humorist" Will Rogers. Born in the Indian Territory in 1879, Rogers was known throughout the world as a radio commentator, newspaper columnist, actor, and early vaudeville performer. The museum allows visitors to view artifacts, a saddle collection, motion pictures and photograph collections depicting Rogers' career from a trick roper and performer in the Ziegfeld Follies to friend of world leaders. Rogers and several family members are buried on the museum's 20-acre grounds.

Early Oklahoma oilman Frank Phillips not only created a petroleum empire but through his interest in Oklahoma history including Indian cultures, western outlaws and lawmen, and the cattle industry created Woolaroc, a museum nestled on 3,500 acres of Osage hill country outside of Bartlesville, 45 minutes north of Tulsa. Visitors to the Woolaroc Museum drive through open areas where buffalo truly roam and exotic animal such as gazelle and antelope share the fields and forests with a herd of elk. The museum includes artifacts and artwork illustrating the history of the region.

The Greenwood Cultural Center keeps alive the memory of the area known as the "Black Wall Street." The Center holds displays and memorabilia reflective of the progress of the Greenwood District. The Center and its staff work within the community to ensure the Greenwood District will continue its contribution to the past and present Tulsa.

Located next to Greenwood Cultural Center, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame honors the musicians whose talents contributed to unique sounds of jazz, blues, and gospel music. The Jazz Hall of Fame features exhibits of past inductees including pictorial displays, memorabilia, and a reference library. Each year the Hall of Fame hosts "Juneteenth," a series of musical events featuring local and internationally recognized musicians.

The Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, 45 minutes east of Tulsa, features the Tsa-La-Gi Ancient Village. Tribal members in native costume educate visitors about the Cherokee Nation, its culture, and the infamous Trail of Tears. In addition, examples of handcrafted clothing, jewelry, weapons, pottery and other artifacts are displayed. During the summer, descendents of those who traveled the Trail of Tears present an outdoor pageant depicting the early struggles of the Cherokees' relocation to the Indian Territory in the 1830s.

Tulsa parks provide areas for quiet contemplation as well places for physical activities such as walking, cycling or jogging. A paved trail follows the Arkansas River for miles along wooded areas that are home to many species of songbirds.

Mohawk Park, a 1665 acre oasis of playgrounds, sports fields, fishing holes and over nine miles of trails that taking hikers through forests and fields also is home to the Tulsa Zoo.

 

 

The Tulsa Zoo presents enlightened thinking about the role of zoos and the people who come to see and learn about the animals. The enclosures allow people to see the animals in an open environment conducive to their health and well being. Dr. Goodall, world-renowned chimpanzee researcher, speaking about the chimpanzee exhibit said the facility to be one of the "best she has ever seen."

Although Tulsa may be an exceptionally nice place to live, occasionally almost everyone requires the services of a physician. A number of hospitals in the Tulsa area provide area residents state-of-the-art care in modern facilities.

For more information about the Greater Tulsa area, check out the community profiles and relocation information on these area chamber of commerce site.