Tulsa, Oklahoma facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tulsa
City
The Skyline of Downtown Tulsa BOK Center Philbrook Museum The Tulsa Historic Route 66 sign Boston Avenue Church Golden Driller at SageNet Center Oral Roberts University
Flag Seal
Nickname(s):  "Oil Capital of the World", "Tulsey Town", "T-Town", "Green Country", "Buckle of the Bible Belt", "The 918" "The Town"
Motto(s):  "A New Kind of Energy"
Country	United States
State	Oklahoma
Counties	Osage, Rogers, Tulsa, Wagoner
Government
• Type	Mayor-Council
Area
• City	201.85 sq mi (522.79 km2)
• Land	197.76 sq mi (512.21 km2)
• Water	4.09 sq mi (10.58 km2)
Elevation	722 ft (194 m)
Population  (2020)
• City	413,066
• Rank	48th in the United States 2nd in Oklahoma
• Density	2,088.67/sq mi (806.44/km2)
• Urban	722,810 (US: 60th)
• Urban density	2,136.5/sq mi (824.9/km2)
• Metro	1,034,123 (US: 54th)
Demonym(s)	Tulsan
Time zone	UTC−6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP Codes	ZIP Codes 74101–74108, 74110, 74112, 74114–74117, 74119–74121, 74126, 74127–74137, 74141, 74145–74150, 74152–74153, 74155–74159, 74169–74172, 74182, 74186–74187, 74192–74193
Area code(s)	539/918
FIPS code	40-75000
GNIS feature ID	1100962
Website	www.cityoftulsa.org

Tulsa (/ˈtʌlsə/ TUL-sə) is the second-largest city in the state of Oklahoma, after Oklahoma City. It is also the 48th most populated city in the United States. In 2020, about 413,066 people lived there. Tulsa is the main city in the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, which has over 1 million residents. It is the county seat of Tulsa County. Parts of the city also extend into Osage, Rogers, and Wagoner counties.

Tulsa was first settled by the Lochapoka Band of the Creek Native American tribe between 1828 and 1836. Much of Tulsa is still part of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation's territory.

For a long time, Tulsa's economy relied heavily on the energy industry. Today, the city has many different industries. Important areas include finance, aviation, telecommunications, and technology. Two universities in Tulsa have sports teams that compete at the highest college level, NCAA Division I: the University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts University. The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University also have campuses in Tulsa. For most of the 1900s, Tulsa was known as the "Oil Capital of the World" because of its big role in the American oil industry.

The city is located on the Arkansas River in northeast Oklahoma. It sits between the Osage Hills and the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. This area is often called "Green Country" because of its lush landscape. Tulsa is seen as Oklahoma's center for culture and arts. It has two art museums, professional opera and ballet groups, and many buildings with art deco architecture.

Tulsa's Story: A Look at Its Past

The land where Tulsa is today was once Indian Territory. It was home to tribes like the Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Wahzhazhe Ma zha (Osage), Muscogee (Creek), and Caddo. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation formally settled the area in 1836. They built a small village under the Creek Council Oak Tree. They called their new home Tallasi, which means "old town" in Creek. This name later became "Tulsa." Other "Five Civilized Tribes" also moved to the area from the Southern United States. Most of modern Tulsa is in the Creek Nation. Some parts are in the Cherokee and Osage Nations.

Even though Oklahoma was not yet a state, the Tulsa area saw fighting during the American Civil War. The Battle of Chusto-Talasah happened north of Tulsa. Other battles took place in nearby counties. After the war, the tribes signed treaties with the government. These treaties sometimes required them to give up land. In the years after the Civil War, outlaws like the Wild Bunch and the Dalton Gang visited the area.

Becoming a City and the Oil Boom

On January 18, 1898, Tulsa officially became a city. Edward E. Calkins was elected as its first mayor.

In 1901, Tulsa's first oil well, Sue Bland No. 1, was found. More oil was discovered on land owned by the Osage Nation. By 1905, the huge Glenn Pool Oil Reserve was found about 15 miles south of downtown Tulsa. This led many business people to come to the area. Tulsa's population grew from 1901 to 1930, reaching over 140,000 people. Many new settlers came from the East Coast and Midwest. This made Tulsa's population different from nearby towns.

Tulsa was known as the "Oil Capital of the World" for most of the 1900s. The success of the oil industry led to many new buildings. Many of these were built in the popular Art Deco style. Even during the Great Depression, profits from oil helped Tulsa's economy. The city did better than most places in the United States during the 1930s.

The Harwelden Mansion was built in 1923 by oil baron E. P. Harwell. It shows how wealthy Tulsa became in the 1920s.

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

In the early 1900s, Tulsa was home to "Black Wall Street." This was one of the richest Black communities in the United States. It was located in the Greenwood neighborhood. In 1921, a terrible event known as the Tulsa race massacre happened here. Mobs of White Tulsans attacked Black Tulsans. They looted and burned homes and businesses.

The violence lasted for 16 hours on May 31 and June 1, 1921. It only stopped when the governor sent in the National Guard. An official report said 23 Black and 16 White people were killed. However, some estimates suggest as many as 300 people died, mostly Black. Over 800 people were hurt and needed hospital care. About 1,000 Black people lost their homes. Fire destroyed 35 city blocks and 1,256 homes. The damage was estimated at $1.8 million. Efforts to get money for the survivors have not been successful. But in the early 2000s, the city and state recognized this terrible event.

Tulsa in the 1900s

In 1925, Tulsa businessman Cyrus Avery started a plan to create a road linking Chicago to Los Angeles. He formed the U.S. Highway 66 Association in Tulsa. This earned Tulsa the nickname "Birthplace of Route 66." Once finished, U.S. Route 66 became important for Tulsa. The city was a popular stop for travelers. They saw famous Route 66 sights like the Meadow Gold Sign and the Blue Whale of Catoosa. During this time, Bob Wills and his group, The Texas Playboys, often performed at a small ballroom in downtown Tulsa. In 1935, Cain's Ballroom became their main spot. This group is known for creating Western swing music. The venue still attracts famous musicians today.

For the rest of the mid-1900s, Tulsa had a plan to build parks, churches, and museums. They also improved roads and advertised the city nationally. The Spavinaw Dam was built to provide water for the city. It was one of the biggest public projects of that time.

In 1982, a national economic downturn hit Tulsa hard. The city relied heavily on the oil industry. When gas prices dropped, many oil companies left. Tulsa was one of the cities most affected. By 1992, the state's economy had recovered. Leaders then worked to bring in new industries, not just oil and energy.

Tulsa in the 2000s

In 2003, voters approved the "Vision 2025" program. This plan aimed to improve Tulsa's buildings and tourism. The main project was the BOK Center. This arena was built for minor league hockey and football teams. It also hosts big concerts and events. The BOK Center was designed by famous architect Cesar Pelli. Construction started in 2005 and it opened on August 30, 2008.

In 2020, the Supreme Court made a ruling about Native American lands in Oklahoma. This ruling meant that for crimes involving Native Americans on these lands, federal and tribal courts have power, not just Oklahoma's state courts.

Tulsa's Landscape and Location

Tulsa is in the northeast corner of Oklahoma. It sits between the edge of the Great Plains and the foothills of the Ozarks. This area has many forests and rolling hills. The city is in a region called "Green Country." This name comes from the green plants and many hills and lakes. This part of Oklahoma is very diverse in its landscape. It has 30 lakes and borders Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas.

Hills, Rivers, and Lakes

The city grew on both sides of the Arkansas River. The river's flow is controlled by reservoirs at Keystone Lake. A dam was built at Zink Lake in downtown Tulsa to keep the river full. This dam was repaired and reopened in 2014.

Tulsa has many trees, parks, and water areas. It also has hills like "Shadow Mountain" and "Turkey Mountain." These create varied terrain, especially in the southern parts of the city. The Osage Hills extend into the northwest part of the city, adding to the diverse landscape. Holmes Peak, north of the city, is the tallest point in the Tulsa Metro area at 1,360 feet (415 meters).

The city covers about 186.8 square miles (483.8 square kilometers). Most of this is land, with about 4.2 square miles (10.9 square kilometers) being water.

City Design and Buildings

Architecture Styles

A building boom in Tulsa in the early 1900s happened at the same time as the rise of Art Deco architecture. Many of Tulsa's Art Deco buildings are in its older neighborhoods, especially downtown and midtown. Large Art Deco buildings like the Mid-Continent Tower, the Boston Avenue Methodist Church, Will Rogers High School, and the Philtower are famous. People work to preserve these beautiful buildings.

Tulsa's early wealth also paid for many elegant homes. These homes were built in styles like Craftsmen, Georgian, Tudor, and Greek Revival. You can find many of these in Tulsa's uptown and Midtown neighborhoods. Famous architects like Charles Dilbeck and John Duncan Forsyth worked in Tulsa during this time.

Later in the 1900s, Tulsa saw more modern building styles. Architects like Bruce Goff and Adah Robinson designed buildings here. Frank Lloyd Wright's Westhope home was completed in midtown Tulsa in 1927. The BOK Tower is the second tallest building in Oklahoma. Tulsa also has the third and fourth tallest buildings in the state. Oral Roberts University has a unique Post-Modern Futuristic style. Its buildings have bright gold colors and sharp, geometric shapes. The BOK Center combines Native American, Art Deco, and modern styles. It was designed by César Pelli, who also designed the Petronas Towers in Malaysia.

Tulsa's Neighborhoods

Downtown Tulsa is about 1.4 square miles (3.6 square kilometers). It is surrounded by highways. This area is Tulsa's financial and business center. There are big plans to bring more tourists here, focusing on the historic buildings. Many of Tulsa's convention spaces are downtown, like the Tulsa Performing Arts Center and the BOK Center. Important downtown areas include the Blue Dome District, the Brady Arts District, and the Greenwood Historical District. ONEOK Field, a baseball stadium for the Tulsa Drillers, opened downtown in 2010.

The city's historic homes are in an area called Midtown. This area has fancy neighborhoods built in the early 1900s. Their architecture ranges from Art Deco to Greek Revival. The University of Tulsa, the Swan Lake neighborhood, and the Philbrook Museum are in Midtown. Upscale shopping areas like Utica Square are also here.

South Tulsa has grown a lot since the 1970s. It has many homes and shopping centers. This area includes Woodland Hills Mall, one of the state's largest malls. Southern Hills Country Club and Oral Roberts University are also in South Tulsa. East Tulsa, east of Highway 169, has a diverse population. It has large Asian and Mexican communities and many factories.

Areas west of the Arkansas River are called West Tulsa. They have large parks, nature reserves, and oil refineries. North Tulsa is home to OSU-Tulsa, Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa International Airport, the Tulsa Zoo, and Mohawk Park. Mohawk Park is the third-largest city park in the United States.

Tulsa's Weather

Tulsa has a mild climate with warm summers and mild winters. The average temperature is about 61.3°F (16.3°C). It gets about 41 inches (104 cm) of rain each year. May is usually the wettest month.

In spring and early summer, Tulsa often has severe thunderstorms. These storms can bring large hail, strong winds, and sometimes tornadoes. Because of the risk of flooding, Tulsa has one of the best flood control systems in the country. In 1984, a big flood caused by heavy rain killed 14 people and damaged 7,000 buildings. After this, the city created a detailed flood management plan. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has praised Tulsa for its flood plain management.

Summers can be very hot, with temperatures often reaching over 100°F (38°C). This usually happens from July to September. High humidity often comes with the heat. The highest temperature ever recorded was 115°F (46°C) in August 1936. Winters are generally mild. Temperatures drop below 10°F (-12°C) about three nights a year. The average snowfall is about 8.7 inches (22.1 cm) per year. The lowest temperature ever recorded was -16°F (-27°C) in January 1930.

2017 Tornado Event

An EF2 tornado hit Tulsa early on Sunday, August 6, 2017. It touched down near 36th Street and Harvard Avenue. The tornado moved east for about six minutes. The most damage happened along 41st Street. Two restaurants were badly hit, and some people went to hospitals. One restaurant was later rebuilt.

People and Communities in Tulsa

Historical population
Census	Pop.		%±
1900	1,390		—
1910	18,182		1,208.1%
1920	72,075		296.4%
1930	141,258		96.0%
1940	142,157		0.6%
1950	182,740		28.5%
1960	261,685		43.2%
1970	331,638		26.7%
1980	360,919		8.8%
1990	367,302		1.8%
2000	393,049		7.0%
2010	391,906		−0.3%
2020	413,066		5.4%
2022 (est.)	411,867		5.1%
U.S. Decennial Census

Population Snapshot

In 2020, Tulsa's population was 413,066. The city is home to a diverse mix of people.

• About 48.5% of residents are White (not Hispanic).
• About 14.6% are Black or African American.
• About 4.6% are Native American.
• About 3.4% are Asian.
• About 9.1% are of two or more races.
• About 19.1% are Hispanic or Latino (who can be of any race).

In 2010, there were 391,906 people living in Tulsa. There were 163,975 households. About 27% of households had children under 18. The average household had 2.34 people. The median age in the city was 34 years old. About 19.4% of the population lived below the poverty line.

Tulsa's Wider Area

The Tulsa Metropolitan Area is the region around Tulsa. It has strong social and economic ties to the city. This area is often called "Green Country." The U.S. Census Bureau defines the Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). It includes seven counties: Tulsa, Rogers, Osage, Wagoner, Okmulgee, Pawnee, and Creek. In 2020, the Tulsa MSA had 1,015,331 residents.

Religious Life in Tulsa

Tulsa has many religious followers, mostly Christians. Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism are also present.

Tulsa is part of the "Bible Belt," a region where Protestant Christian traditions are strong. Tulsa is sometimes called the "buckle of the Bible Belt." This is because it is home to Oral Roberts University and other religious schools. Tulsa also has many older Protestant churches with beautiful architecture.

While Oklahoma has fewer Roman Catholics than the national average, Holy Family Cathedral is an important Catholic church in Tulsa.

Tulsa has the largest Jewish community in Oklahoma. It has Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox groups. The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art in Tulsa has a large collection of Jewish art and history.

Tulsa is also home to the All Souls Unitarian Church. This is reportedly the largest Unitarian Universalist church in the United States.

Chùa Tam Bào, Oklahoma's only Buddhist temple, was built in east Tulsa in 1993 by Vietnamese refugees. It has a 57-foot (17-meter) tall statue of Quan Âm.

Tulsa's Economy: From Oil to New Industries

Oil's Past and Present in Tulsa

The United States Oil and Gas Association was founded in Tulsa in 1917. Many large oil companies have had their main offices in Tulsa. These include Warren Petroleum, Skelly Oil, and CITGO. Even though the oil industry changed, Tulsa is still home to many oil and gas companies. Some of these are Williams Companies, ONE Gas, and ONEOK.

Growing New Industries

Tulsa has worked to grow its economy beyond oil. It is now a regional center with many new ideas. Products from Tulsa factories make up about 60% of Oklahoma's exports.

Most jobs in Tulsa are with small and medium-sized businesses. There are 30 companies that employ over 1,000 people. Small businesses make up more than 80% of the city's companies.

After a recession from 2001 to 2003, Tulsa lost many jobs. In response, the "Vision 2025" plan was created. This plan aimed to bring economic growth and new jobs. Projects included improving city areas, building new infrastructure, and boosting tourism. By 2007, job numbers were higher than before the recession. The city was seeing a big increase in economic development.

Today, Tulsa's economy includes aerospace, finance, technology, and manufacturing. Many financial companies have their headquarters in Tulsa, like the BOK Financial Corporation. The convenience store chain QuikTrip and restaurant chains like Camille's Sidewalk Cafe and Mazzio's are also based in Tulsa. Marshall Brewing Company is a local brewery.

Tulsa also has a growing media industry. This includes PennWell and Tulsa World newspaper. Many construction and engineering companies like Manhattan Construction Company are also based here.

Tulsa's aerospace industry is large and growing. An American Airlines maintenance base at Tulsa International Airport is the city's biggest employer. It is the largest maintenance facility in the world. American Airlines plans to invest $550 million into this base. This is the largest single economic investment in Tulsa's history. The Tulsa Port of Catoosa and the Tulsa International Airport have large industrial parks. Tulsa is also home to a part of Lufthansa and the headquarters of Omni Air International.

Amazon is building a large fulfillment center near Tulsa International Airport. This will be over 600,000 square feet and create about 1,500 jobs.

Because of its central location, Tulsa is also a hub for logistics businesses. The Tulsa International Airport (TUL) and the Tulsa Port of Catoosa connect the region to international trade.

Arts and Culture in Tulsa

Tulsa's culture is a mix of influences from the nearby Southwest, Midwest, and Southern regions. It also has a strong Native American history. You can see these influences in the city's museums, performing arts, festivals, and public art.

Museums and History

Tulsa has several museums. The Philbrook Museum of Art is in a former villa. It is considered one of the top 50 fine art museums in the United States. It has a historic home, gardens, and an art collection. Its collection includes works by artists like Pablo Picasso and Georgia O'Keeffe.

In the Osage Hills, the Gilcrease Museum has the world's largest collection of art and items from the American West. It includes works by Frederic Remington and Albert Bierstadt.

The Oklahoma Aquarium is in the nearby suburb of Jenks. It is the state's only freestanding aquarium. It has over 200 exhibits, including a shark tank.

Tulsa also has many art galleries and smaller museums. Living Arts of Tulsa helps support the city's art scene.

Stories and Archives

The Woody Guthrie Center opened in 2013 in the Tulsa Arts District. It has interactive museum displays and the Woody Guthrie Archives. These archives contain thousands of items from the famous Oklahoma musician Woody Guthrie. The archives of Bob Dylan will also be displayed in Tulsa.

The Church Studio is a recording studio and tourist spot. It has an archive of over 5,000 items. Musician Leon Russell turned the old church into a recording studio in 1972.

The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art has the largest collection of Jewish items in the Southwestern and South-Central United States. Other museums include the Tulsa Historical Society and the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium. The Greenwood Cultural Center preserves the history of the city's African American heritage. It has photos and items from "Black Wall Street" before the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

Public Art Around the City

Since 1969, Tulsa has used one percent of its city budget for public art. Each year, a sculpture by a local artist is placed along the Arkansas River trail. Other sculptures are in parks. For example, a large version of Cyrus Dallin's Appeal to the Great Spirit is in Woodward Park. At Oral Roberts University, there is a 60-foot (18-meter) tall statue of praying hands. This is the largest bronze sculpture in the world.

The 76-foot (23-meter) tall Golden Driller stands at the Tulsa County Fairgrounds. It represents the city's oil history. Tulsa also has many displays related to U.S. Route 66. The Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza has a giant sculpture called "East Meets West." It shows the Avery family in a Model T Ford meeting a horse-drawn carriage. Other Route 66 art includes "Route 66 Rising" and historical markers.

In 2021, the world's largest augmented reality mural, "The Majestic," was finished downtown. This 15,000 square foot (1,394 square meter) mural becomes animated when viewed through a smartphone.

Tulsa's Flag

Tulsa's flag is considered one of the most attractive city flags in the United States. In 2023, it received an A+ rating from the North American Vexillological Association.

The Tulsa City Council adopted the new flag in 2018. The design includes a dreamcatcher to represent the city's founding under the Council Oak Tree. The color red represents those who died in the Tulsa race massacre. Blue stands for the Arkansas River. Gold represents the discovery of oil, also called "black gold."

Performing Arts and Music

Tulsa has many dance, theater, and concert groups. These include the Tulsa Ballet, the Tulsa Opera, and the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. Theatre Tulsa is the oldest continuously running community theatre west of the Mississippi River. The Tulsa Spotlight Theater shows the longest-running play in America, The Drunkard, every Saturday night.

Tulsa's music scene is famous for the "Tulsa Sound." This sound mixes rockabilly, country, rock 'n' roll, and blues. It has inspired local artists like J.J. Cale and Leon Russell. Cain's Ballroom is a well-known music venue. It is considered the birthplace of Western Swing music. Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys performed there in the 1930s. The Brady Theater is another important venue in the downtown Brady Arts District.

Large performing arts centers include the Tulsa Performing Arts Center and the BOK Center. Ten miles west of the city, "Discoveryland!" is an outdoor theater. It is the official performance home for the musical Oklahoma!.

The city also hosts film festivals like the Tulsa United Film Festival.

Fun Outdoor Activities

The Tulsa Zoo has 84 acres (34 hectares) and over 2,600 animals. It is located in Mohawk Park, one of the largest city parks in the United States. Mohawk Park also has the Oxley Nature Center.

The Tulsa State Fair happens in late September and early October. It attracts over one million people. Other festivals include the Intertribal Indian Club Powwow of Champions and Scotfest. Mayfest is an arts and crafts festival downtown that draws many visitors. Tulsa has one amusement park, Paradise Beach Waterpark.

Music Scene

Western Swing music became popular at Tulsa's Cain's Ballroom. The Tulsa Sound is a mix of country, blues, and rock 'n' roll. It was developed by local musicians like J. J. Cale and Leon Russell. Many musicians from Tulsa have become famous, including Garth Brooks and Hanson. The heart of the Tulsa Sound is at The Church Studio.

Food and Drink in Tulsa

Tulsa's restaurants offer many types of food. Some cuisines are especially popular due to the city's history.

Barbecue Delights

Tulsa is known for its barbecue. Its style is a mix of Southern and Western barbecue. The area has plenty of wood for smoking, like pecan and hickory. Tulsa's barbecue also shows influences from different cultures.

Hasty-Bake Company, a famous smoker maker, is based in Tulsa. Some Tulsa barbecue restaurants, like Rib Crib, have grown into chains. Oklahoma Joe's started in Tulsa.

Oklahoma barbecue often features hickory-smoked barbecue bologna and fried okra.

Lebanese Steakhouses

In the past, there were many Lebanese steakhouses in the Tulsa area. These restaurants were started by Syrian and Lebanese families who moved to Oklahoma. They often had live music and served Mediterranean dishes like tabbouleh and hummus. They also offered local favorites like smoked BBQ bologna.

Chili and Coney Island Hot Dogs

People in Oklahoma have eaten chili for a long time. This is because of the influence of Mexican-American culture. Tulsa's Ike's Chili Parlor opened in 1910.

Greek immigrants brought the tradition of Coney Island-style hot dogs to Tulsa. These hot dogs have chili on a bun. Today, Greek-American families run Coney restaurants around the city. Coney I-Lander, which opened in 1926, is a famous spot. Many of these restaurants also sell Greek food.

Southern "Homestyle" Food

Tulsa's traditional food shows the influence of Southern cooking. Many people who settled in Oklahoma came from the South and Texas. Chicken-fried steak is a state meal of Oklahoma. It is a popular dish in many Tulsa restaurants.

Wild Onion Dinners

The wild onion dinner is a special gathering of Southeastern Native American tribes. These meals often include wild onion, pork, frybread, and corn bread. The Tulsa Indian Women's Club has held these dinners since at least 1932.

Baking and Sweets

Tulsa hosts the Oklahoma Sugar Arts Show, a big sugar craft competition. Pancho Anaya Mexican bakery in Tulsa is recognized as one of America's best bakeries. Daylight Donuts and Bama Pie Company are also based in Tulsa.

Local Breweries

Tulsa has a growing craft beer scene. Marshall Brewing Company opened in 2008.

Libraries for Learning

The Tulsa City-County Library is the largest library system in the area. It has over 1.7 million books and 25 branches. The library offers free computer classes, story times for children, and job help. The McFarlin Library at the University of Tulsa has over three million items. It is known for its collection of Native American works and original works by Irish author James Joyce.

Sports and Recreation in Tulsa

Tulsa has many sports teams at both professional and college levels. The city has two NCAA Division I colleges and several professional minor league teams.

Professional Sports Teams

Club	Sport	League	Venue
FC Tulsa	Men's Soccer	USL Championship	ONEOK Field
Tulsa Oilers	Ice hockey	ECHL	BOK Center
Tulsa Oilers	Indoor football	IFL	BOK Center
Tulsa Drillers	Baseball	Texas League	ONEOK Field
Tulsa Athletic	Men's soccer	National Premier Soccer League	Hicks Park
Tulsa Rugby Football Club	Rugby Union	Division II Rugby	37th Riverside Field

Tulsa's Class AA baseball team is the Tulsa Drillers. Famous former Drillers include Sammy Sosa and Matt Holliday. In 2008, Tulsa funded a new ballpark for the Drillers called ONEOK Field. It opened in 2010.

The 19,199-seat BOK Center is a key part of the Vision 2025 projects. It opened in 2008. It was once home to the Tulsa Shock (WNBA) and Tulsa Talons (arena football). As of 2022, the Tulsa Oilers ice hockey team is the only remaining tenant.

College Sports Teams

School	Nickname	Colors	Association	Conference
University of Tulsa	Golden Hurricane	Old Gold, Royal Blue and Crimson	NCAA Division I	American
Oral Roberts University	Golden Eagles	Vegas Gold and Navy Blue	NCAA Division I	Summit

Two Tulsa universities compete in NCAA Division I sports: the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane and the Oral Roberts University Golden Eagles. The University of Tulsa men's basketball team has reached the Sweet Sixteen three times. They won the NIT championship twice. The Tulsa football team has played in 16 bowl games. The Oral Roberts University men's basketball team reached the Elite Eight in 1974.

The University of Tulsa also has a top tennis facility, the Michael D. Case Tennis Center. It has hosted NCAA tennis championships.

Golf Courses

Tulsa is home to the Southern Hills Country Club. This course has hosted seven major men's golf championships. These include three U.S. Opens and four PGA Championships.

Tulsa also has two golf courses designed by famous architect A.W. Tillinghast.

Soccer and Football

Tulsa is home to FC Tulsa, a professional men's soccer team.

In the past, Tulsa had the Tulsa Roughnecks soccer team. They won a championship in 1983. The city also hosted the Oklahoma Outlaws football team for one season in 1984.

Running, Biking, and Trails

Tulsa has active running and cycling communities. Events include the Tulsa Tough cycling race and the Route 66 Marathon. The Tulsa Run has over 8,000 participants each year.

Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Ride and Race is a three-day cycling festival. It includes both fun rides and professional races. It happens every June.

Motorsports

Tulsa hosts the Chili Bowl indoor race every year at the Tulsa Expo Center. This race attracts many participants and fans.

Parks and Outdoor Fun

As of 2016, Tulsa manages 134 parks covering over 8,278 acres (3,350 hectares). Woodward Park is a 45-acre (18-hectare) botanical garden. It has the Tulsa Municipal Rose Garden with over 6,000 rose plants.

Some parks are run by Tulsa County Parks, like LaFortune Park and Chandler Park.

The Tulsa River Parks Authority manages parks along the Arkansas River. These parks have trails for about 10 miles (16 km). The River Parks Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area has over 45 miles (72 km) of dirt trails. These trails are great for hiking, running, biking, and horseback riding.

Gathering Place is a 66-acre (27-hectare) park. It has a playground, boathouse, splash playground, sports courts, and trails.

Bicycling in Tulsa

Tulsa has many cycling trails. It has also added protected bike lanes downtown. The city plans to expand this bike infrastructure.

Learning and Education in Tulsa

Schools for Kids (K-12)

Tulsa Public Schools is the second-largest school district in Oklahoma. It has nine high schools and over 41,000 students. In 2006, more than 90,000 students attended public schools in Tulsa County.

Parts of Tulsa are served by other school districts. These include Berryhill, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Owasso, and Union.

Tulsa also has many private schools. Most of these are connected to Christian, Jewish, or Muslim faiths. The Catholic Diocese of Tulsa supports schools like Bishop Kelley High School. Holland Hall School is independent but has ties to the Episcopal Church.

History of Schools

The Presbyterian Church started the Presbyterian Mission Day School in Tulsa in 1884. This was the first school in the area. When Tulsa became a city in 1899, it took over the school. This became the first public school.

Tulsa built its first two public schools in 1905. More schools were built starting in 1906. In 1907, the Tulsa Board of Education took control of the public schools.

Tulsa High School opened in 1906. It was replaced by Central High School in 1917.

Colleges and Universities

The first college in Tulsa was Kendall College, which moved to Tulsa in 1907. In 1920, it became the University of Tulsa (TU).

Tulsa has 15 colleges and universities. These include two private universities:

• The University of Tulsa was founded in 1894. It has about 3,832 students. It offers doctoral and master's programs. TU also manages the Gilcrease Museum.
• Oral Roberts University is a Christian university. It was founded in 1963 by Oral Roberts. It has about 5,109 students.

Both of Oklahoma's main research universities have campuses in Tulsa:

• Oklahoma State University has three campuses in Tulsa. These include the Oklahoma State University - Center for Health Sciences and OSU – Tulsa. OSU-Tulsa offers upper-level and graduate courses.
• The University of Oklahoma has the OU-Tulsa Schusterman Center. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. It also has the OU School of Community Medicine.

Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma, is a public four-year university for the Tulsa area. Tulsa Community College (TCC) is the largest community college in Oklahoma. It has four campuses. Tulsa also has a branch of Langston University, the only historically black college or university in the state.

The Spartan School of Aeronautics trains pilots near Tulsa International Airport. Tulsa Technology Center is the oldest and largest vocational technology school in the state.

Media and News in Tulsa

Newspapers and Magazines

Tulsa's main newspaper is the daily Tulsa World. It is the second most read newspaper in Oklahoma.

The Tulsa Voice is a newspaper that covers entertainment and culture. The Tulsa Business Journal focuses on economic news. Other publications include the Oklahoma Indian Times and the Tulsa Beacon. The first Black-owned newspaper was the Tulsa Star. It stopped publishing after its office burned during the Tulsa race massacre. The Oklahoma Eagle later started using the salvaged press from the Star.

TV and Radio

Tulsa has many TV and radio stations. All major U.S. television networks have local channels in Tulsa. These include NBC (KJRH-TV), CBS (KOTV-DT), ABC (KTUL), and Fox (KOKI-TV). There are also several religious TV stations.

Cable television service is provided by Cox Communications.

Getting Around Tulsa

Transportation in Tulsa includes the Tulsa Transit bus network and two main airports. The Tulsa Port of Catoosa helps move goods through international trade routes.

Highways for Travel

Tulsa has a large highway system. It connects to cities like Joplin, Missouri, and Oklahoma City. Most people use highways to get to work. Major highways in Tulsa include I-44, I-244, US-412, and US-75. The Inner Dispersal Loop (I-D-L) connects downtown to almost all highways in Tulsa.

Bus Services

Tulsa Transit runs 97 buses on 19 routes. These routes cover Tulsa and nearby suburbs like Broken Arrow and Jenks. Tulsa Transit has two main stations: Memorial Midtown Station and Denver Avenue Station. Most routes go through one or both stations. Buses stop at colleges, medical facilities, and shopping areas. Tulsa also has a bus rapid transit line called Aero on Peoria Avenue.

Intercity bus service is provided by Greyhound Lines and Jefferson Lines.

Airports for Flights

Tulsa International Airport has flights from twelve airlines. It serves over three million travelers each year. The airport completed a big expansion project in 2007. It included larger terminals and new shops. Richard L. Jones Jr. Airport is a general aviation airport in West Tulsa. It is the busiest airport in Oklahoma for small planes.

Railways for Freight

Freight railways cross the city. BNSF operates the Cherokee Rail Yard in Tulsa. Other major freight transporters are Union Pacific Railroad and CPKC.

There are no mass transit rail lines for people in Tulsa. Long-distance passenger rail service is only through bus connections to Amtrak stations in other cities.

Tulsa has two old steam locomotives on display for free viewing.

Tulsa Port of Catoosa

The Tulsa Port of Catoosa is a major inland port in the United States. It connects Tulsa to the Mississippi River through the Verdigris River and the Arkansas River. This port is one of the largest riverports in the country. It helps connect Tulsa to international trade routes.

Hospitals and Healthcare

The Saint Francis Health System owns several hospitals. Its main location is Saint Francis Hospital in south Tulsa. This hospital has 700 doctors and 918 beds. It is the second-largest healthcare employer in Oklahoma. The health system also runs a heart hospital. St. John Medical Center is another large hospital in Midtown. Other healthcare networks also operate facilities in Tulsa.

Famous People from Tulsa

Tulsa's Sister Cities

Tulsa has eight international sister cities. This is part of the Tulsa Global Alliance. The goal is to build understanding between cultures.

• Amiens, France
• Celle, Germany
• Beihai, China
• Kaohsiung, Taiwan
• San Luis Potosí, Mexico
• Tiberias, Israel
• Utsunomiya, Japan
• Zelenograd, Russia

See also

In Spanish: Tulsa para niños