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Somewhere over the last few years, I became set on visiting Tulsa. Every time I looked at a map of the states I’ve traveled to, Oklahoma stood out as this glaring blank space—right in the middle of places I had already explored.

So during a trip to Missouri to visit my in-laws, we decided to take a little detour and spend a couple of days in Tulsa.

We happened to be there at the end of the year, when holiday hours meant a few places were closed. But even with that, Tulsa surprised me.

It’s a city that feels easy to explore, full of character, and perfect for a weekend getaway—no matter the season.

A Weekend Guide to Tulsa in the winter

1. See The Golden Driller
2. Learn About Will Rogers
3. Get Outside at The Gathering Place
4. Walk Across the Arkansas River
5. Visit the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum
6. Take a Walk in Tulsa Garden Center & Rose Garden
7. Take an Art Deco Tour Downtown
8. See the Lights at Philbrook Museum of Art
9. Eat Dinner at Kilkenny’s Irish Pub

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See The Golden Driller

Tulsa became a powerhouse city fueled by oil and gas production, once earning the title of the “Oil Capital of the World” for its central role in the American oil industry.

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the city is the towering Golden Driller. Standing 76 feet tall, this massive statue was originally created for the International Petroleum Exposition in 1952. After the exposition, it was gifted to the city and has stood proudly ever since—a lasting symbol of Tulsa’s oil-rich history.

Learn About Will Rogers

Beyond the oil and gas industry, Tulsa has a number of other claims to fame. One of the most notable is its connection to the legendary cowboy, actor, and humorist Will Rogers.

Born a citizen of the Cherokee Nation—established in the region before Oklahoma became a state—Rogers first gained recognition for his rope-lassoing skills. That talent eventually led him to Hollywood, where he went on to star in 71 films, spanning both silent movies and early “talkies.” By the mid-1930s, he had become the highest-paid film star in Hollywood.

But his influence went far beyond the screen.

Rogers was also a widely read newspaper columnist, known for his humor and down-to-earth style. He had a way of addressing the most controversial topics of his time—prohibition, government programs, political figures—with a wit that made people laugh while still making them think.

And somehow, even while tackling those subjects, he managed to avoid offending people—a rare gift. His warmth and perspective made him a favorite across the country.

He once said that when he died, he wanted his tombstone to read:
“I joked about every prominent man of my time, but I never met a man I didn’t like.”

Get Outside at The Gathering Place

Tulsa is also home to one of the most celebrated city parks in the country—The Gathering Place. This expansive park is an incredible collection of spaces and activities designed for all ages and interests.

Stretching for miles along the river, the park includes everything from a boathouse and museum to a skate park, bike trails, natural areas, and imaginative play spaces. It’s easy to see how it earned its name—it truly is a place meant for gathering, whether with family, friends, or the wider community.

One of our favorite spots was the massive castle playground. It’s the kind of place that draws you in immediately, and we couldn’t help but wish we had more time to climb, explore, and get lost in it.

Walk Across the Arkansas River

The Gathering Place sits right along the Arkansas River, making it easy to continue exploring beyond the park itself. After spending time there, we crossed the river on the pedestrian bridge for a different view of the area.

Along this stretch of the river, a series of dams and waterways create both functional and recreational spaces. We noticed rocky chutes designed for kayaking, along with calmer areas that are popular for other water activities during the warmer months.

While some parts of the river are built with recreation in mind, others serve a more practical purpose further downstream. It’s an interesting mix of design—where nature, industry, and outdoor activity all come together in one place.

Visit the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum

We made our way to the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum, but unfortunately, it was closed for the holidays. Even so, the stop turned into a small unexpected highlight.

Tucked behind the museum, we found a greenhouse that was still open. It was a quiet, cozy space, beautifully decorated for the season with bright poinsettias in full bloom. It felt like a hidden little pocket of warmth on a winter day—simple, but memorable in its own way.

Take a Walk in Tulsa Garden Center & Rose Garden

Next to the museum is the Tulsa Garden Center and the surrounding Woodward Park Rose Garden. The area is designed for slow wandering, with winding paths that lead through rows of rose bushes and thoughtfully landscaped gardens.

Even in the middle of winter, when the roses were no longer in bloom, the park was still beautiful in its own quiet way. There was a calmness to it—the kind of place that invites you to slow down and simply enjoy being there.

It’s easy to imagine how stunning it must be in the warmer months, when the roses are in full bloom and the gardens are alive with color.

Take an Art Deco Tour Downtown

Another one of Tulsa’s standout features is its impressive downtown, known for one of the largest collections of Art Deco architecture in the country. Many of these buildings are so significant that they’re listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

We followed a self-guided walking tour through downtown, wandering up and down the streets and taking in the details of each building. For someone who loves architecture—especially Art Deco—this was easily one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Each building seemed to tell a story, with intricate details and bold designs that reflect the wealth and optimism of Tulsa’s oil boom in the early 1900s.

Downtown is also home to a variety of historic religious buildings, each with its own unique style. The most striking to me was the First Church of Christ, Scientist. With colorful flags hanging from its columns and a large geometric design set into the facade, it stood out in a way that was both unexpected and memorable.

When I later looked it up, I found that there have been discussions about converting the building into a concert venue. It’s an interesting possibility—one that would bring a completely new kind of energy into a space already full of character.

See the Lights at Philbrook Museum of Art

Tulsa is often considered a center for the arts in the state, and one of its most well-known institutions is the Philbrook Museum of Art. Once the estate of the Phillips family—founders of a major oil company—the museum now houses a diverse and impressive collection of art spanning a wide range of styles and time periods.

I’ll admit, I’m not usually drawn to art museums, but even so, the collection here was striking.

That said, our main reason for visiting wasn’t the galleries inside—it was the gardens.

Each December, the grounds are transformed into a festive display of lights and music, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. Walking through the gardens at night, with the lights glowing and music playing softly in the background, felt like stepping into a different world.

But my favorite part was the row of tall metal swings lining the path near the building. There was something simple and joyful about sitting there, gently swaying with the lights all around us—a small moment that ended up being one of the most memorable of the visit.

Eat Dinner at Kilkenny’s Irish Pub

We ended the day with a visit to one of Tulsa’s favorite spots, enjoying dinner at Kilkenny’s Irish Pub. Often ranked among the best Irish pubs in the country, it lived up to the reputation.

From the moment we walked in, the warm, cozy atmosphere made it the perfect place to unwind after a full day of exploring. The food was excellent, and the inviting feel of the space made it easy to linger a little longer than planned.

It was the kind of place that wraps up a day perfectly—good food, a comfortable setting, and a chance to slow down before heading back out into the winter night.

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There was so much more to Tulsa than I expected—and so much more I’d still like to see.

Visiting at the end of the year, with holiday hours and a few closures, wasn’t ideal. But even with that, what we experienced left a lasting impression. If anything, it made me even more curious to come back and explore the city more fully.

Tulsa has an interesting blend of cultures, history, and eras that come together in a way that feels both unique and inviting. It’s the kind of place that surprises you—and then leaves you wanting just a little bit more.

Thanks for coming along on this visit to Tulsa. May you find the unexpected joys in a city you never thought you would love.

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follow along for more adventures near and far!

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