Car Hire Tulsa - Mini guide to Tulsa

Oklahoma’s second-largest city, Tulsa, has metamorphosed from a small town dependent upon oil to a thriving, modern business centre. Tulsa retains its old Southern charm, and many ornate old buildings remain from the extravagant days of its oil boom.

Tulsa is bisected by the pretty Arkansas River, and the city spreads out from a riverfront hub. Much of this area is pleasant to explore on foot, especially the Main Mall, an exclusively pedestrian area between Fifth and Main streets. Main Mall includes picturesque waterways and sitting areas dotted between the shops and restaurants.

For culture vultures, Tulsa has the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Gilcrease Museum. The former features American and European artwork housed in an exquisite Italian villa and surrounded by beautifully tended gardens.

The Gilcrease Museum boasts the largest array of Western American art in the world, and is located in the grounds of a former oil baron’s estate. Also worth a visit is the Williams Complex, where the Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Ballet and the Philharmonic Orchestra perform.

Cherry Street is a popular district in the northern midtown area, featuring numerous antique stores nestled among sumptuous eateries. The surrounding neighbourhood is also worth exploring, as a number of elegant old houses are hidden within its streets.

Near Tulsa, the relaxed town of Jenks is also home to some picturesque antique shops. Alternatively, Keystone State Park is situated west of Tulsa, on US 412, and will suit those who fancy some outdoor action. Additionally, the northeastern parts of the state are blessed with great natural beauty, and are accessible by the famous Route 66.

Other major highways leading to Tulsa are I-44, which comes into the city from Oklahoma City and continues on to Missouri. State Highway 75 is the major north-south route to the city. Greyhound buses have an extensive network across the US and link Tulsa to the rest of the country.

Tulsa International Airport lies approximately 14kms northeast of the downtown area, but deals mainly with regional flights. Overseas visitors are likely to arrive via the larger Will Rodgers World Airport at Oklahoma City.

The major suburbs in Tulsa are: Alsuma, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Carbondale, Dawson, Douglas, Garden City, Kengle, Mohawk and Red Fork.