Where to stay

One of Tulsa's top attractions for history fans, the Gilcrease Museum has one of the world's most comprehensive collections of art of the American West. Accommodations in Sand Springs are a 10-minute drive from the museum and its garden, which offers one of the best views of the Osage Hills. The museum is also the site of the Bob Dylan Archive, providing one of many examples of Tulsa's music heritage. To explore this culture further, book a hotel in Downtown Tulsa closer to the Woody Guthrie Center and the iconic Cain's Ballroom, site of The Texas Playboys' first regular radio broadcast.

Known for their 1997 hit MMMBop, the Hanson Brothers also organize the annual The Hop Jam beer and music festival, held in the city in May. Accommodations in Downtown Tulsa are the best place to stay to watch live acts for free and drink craft beer from visiting brewers in the Tulsa Arts District. The beer festival follows the more established Mayfest, which has art, music, and food on the agenda. Book a downtown hotel well in advance to secure a room during either festival. Consider accommodations in South Tulsa or nearby Jenks or Broken Arrow to secure a last-minute room that is a 15-minute cab ride from the action.

The rolling hills surrounding Tulsa are a great place to see wildlife, from bison to elk and llamas to ostriches. Consider hotels in Owasso for the 40-minute drive to Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve on the former estate of an oil magnate. Continue farther north to Osage Hills and explore the home of about 2,500 wild bison at Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Accommodations in Owasso are also near Tulsa Zoo in Mohawk Park, which features lions and chimpanzees. Hotels in Catoosa are ideal to enjoy the outdoors at Redbud Valley Nature Preserve, while lodgings in Downtown Tulsa are minutes away from the hiking trails of Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area.