If you're looking for the best way to explore downtown Tulsa, look no further than Tulsa Tours. These local pros offer a variety of walking tours that cater to your interests and budget. Head to their tour office in the Philcade, an Art Deco landmark built by oilman Waite Phillips, to get started. You'll love browsing their collection of vintage Tulsa postcards and pennants, dating back to when Tulsa was known as the World's Oil Capital. One of the most popular tours among visitors is Architecture & Art Deco. This tour explores the fantastic architecture of Tulsa and delves into the meaning behind ornamental details found in the city's most storied buildings. You'll see styles ranging from Neo-Gothic to Art Deco to Modernism and even gain exclusive access to a dazzling Deco lobby normally closed to the public. For locals, the Tunnel Tour is a must-see. This tour takes you through the interior corridors of historic office buildings, where you'll learn about the rich history of these buildings and the oil men who built them.
The Tulsa Garden Center is such a beautiful and vast place that they grow their plants and gardens in thousands of ways. This center is truly a horticultural headquarters that offers a variety of educational opportunities for the community, and visitors can enjoy a stroll around the grounds for free. The Tulsa Garden Center is a nonprofit organization that hosts lectures, classes, plant shows, and special events throughout the year. They even have 16 affiliated "Plant Society" organizations that call the center their home for their horticultural and environmental activities. Guests can also explore the mansion and admire the historical photographs and original elements that have been preserved. It's truly a unique experience for everyone who visits.
Have you ever heard of the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Reserve? It's an incredible piece of nature that boasts the last remaining 10 percent of natural prairie grass. The two-hour drive through the preserve is a nature lover's dream. You'll see grazing bison amid the 500 different plant species and great views of the city's outdoor landscape. It's truly a sight to behold. Visitors to the reserve can experience the wide-open prairie and the patches of crosstimbers forest by circling the 15-mile bison driving loop, hiking along designated trails, and stopping to take in the views at various scenic turnouts. With over 700 plants, 300 birds, and 80 mammals, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve offers excellent wildlife-watching opportunities and exceptional views of diverse natural habitats.