The Happiness Function

Do you need help planning a weekend trip to Tulsa and want advice from a couple who lives here? Are you cruising by on a Route 66 road trip? Do you currently live in Tulsa?

If you are looking for inspiration to get outside and get some fresh air, you’re in the right place.

We live in Tulsa and are highlighting our favorite outdoor activities.

River Parks Trail System

Get More Info: River Parks Authority

There is an awesome paved bike and pedestrian trail along the east and west banks of the Arkansas River.

The trail on the east bank can be accessed from multiple parking lots along Riverside Drive. This trail has a little more bike and foot traffic since it passes by Gathering Place — Tulsa’s prized park.

The west side trail system tends to have less pedestrian traffic and more shade.

Over Labor Day in 2024, a new pedestrian bridge is opening which will easily connect the east and west trails. We can’t wait!

There are playgrounds, picnic areas, and pull-offs to sit along the way with pleasant views of the Arkansas River.

If you park near 21st street and head north towards 11th street, you will be right on Route 66.

Gathering Place

Get More Info: Gathering Place

The George Kaiser Family Foundation funded an enormous community park called Gathering Place, which opened in September 2018. Since opening, it has won many awards as a top rated park.

Gathering Place is incredible. You will forget you are in a city around every corner explored. It has playgrounds for kids literally found in fairy tales.

The park features a few restaurants, 13 miles of sidewalks, seasonal outdoor markets, a skatepark, pond, boathouse, beautiful gardens, fountains, and koi fish ponds.

We love exploring the wood-working inside of the buildings, grabbing a coffee at the little coffee shop, watching the koi fish in the ponds, walking around, and enjoying the fountains.

Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area

Get More Info: Turkey Mountain

Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area is another one of Tulsa’s outdoor gems. You can access the main trail system from 68th Street and Elwood Ave. There is a bathroom at the main parking area.

These are mostly dirt and gravel trails through the woods that you can run, hike, and mountain bike.

My favorite part about hiking here is seeing the metal Bigfoot silhouette tucked in the trees.

Rent Scooters or Bikes

All along the Tulsa River Parks trail system, you can rent Lime and Bird scooters or bikes. These have become ridiculously popular for people of all ages. If you don’t have your own beach cruiser, you can rent one, too.

I’m always amazed at how many people are using the scooters and bikes when I walk on the weekends.

Please be mindful and watch for others. You might want to bring your own helmet.

Margaritaville Outdoor Pool and Patio

Need a tasty margarita or beer après biking, walking, or running? For those of you, 21 and over, have a delicious adult beverage on the patio of Jimmy Buffet’s world-famous Margaritaville at the River Spirit Casino.

You can swing in the back entrance of Margaritaville and grab a patio seat overlooking the Arkansas River. There is a bike rack outside by the LandShark Bar and pool so bring a bike lock if you bike here.

We also love getting a day pass to the pool in the summer. It’s the perfect way to spend a day off.

Trail Etiquette 101

Are you new to hiking and biking? No worries — we have you covered. It’s pretty awesome that you’re interested in getting outside more. Let’s talk about trail etiquette.

Remember to help keep trails and green spaces clean by using the trash and recycling receptacles along the way. Get familiar with the principals of Leave No Trace so you can help spread the word for how to recreate responsibly.

Check out this guide on trail etiquette and who has the right of way. Be sure to pay attention when walking and biking along the trails for your safety and the safety of others. The trail systems can be crowded on the weekends.

Tulsa & Sustainability

Tulsa is actively working on community sustainability metrics. I think it’s a great place to visit and an even better place to live.

The Tulsa Regional Chamber says its goal is to increase the community walkability score by 10%. As a local, I think that is pretty cool.

Having a walkability metric and implementing a $465 million-dollar 66.5-acre free public park is an example of how the Tulsa community is actively implementing sustainable urban planning into the community.

We love hearing about how our community is trying to make the world a better place.

Have fun out there.

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