NALS Professional Development & Education Conference
TULSA’S ATTRACTIONS
Welcome to the many sides of Tulsa, home of the world’s largest collection of art of the American West and the world’s largest bull sharks in captivity, where you can experience one of the top 10 regional opera companies in America, where some of America’s most beautiful Art Deco architecture crosses paths with America’s Mother Road, Route 66. No matter what your interests, Tulsa’s many don’t-miss attractions and events have you covered.ARTS / CULTURE
From Tulsa’s early days before statehood, the arts have been revered
and fostered. In 1905, L. J. Martin, president of the Commercial Club
said, “Of course, we did not have any sewers, street paving, parks
or sidewalks and not much of a water system, but these facilities were
luxuries and could wait, whereas an opera house loomed as an immediate
necessity.” Today, Tulsa Opera is the 18th oldest opera company in
North America - and just one of the gems that make Tulsa’s cultural
scene shine. Ballet, symphonic performances, and other performing arts
share the downtown spotlight with a myriad of cultural events, activities,
architecture, and art including 18 of Frederic Remington’s 22 bronzes.
ENTERTAINMENT
Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, Tulsa’s ready to entertain
you. Check what’s playing at the Performing Art Center, the Brady Theater,
the IMAX or our many stadium-seating movie theaters. Visit our aquarium,
air and space museum, or zoo - voted America’s favorite. Hit the club
scene on Brookside or the Blue Dome District. Shop fashionable Utica
Square or hunt for antiques along Cherry Street. Whatever your cup
of tea is, it’s brewing in Tulsa.
HISTORY
Older than Oklahoma itself, Tulsa has held many titles: “The Oil Capital
of the World,” “America’s Most Beautiful City,” and “The Birthplace
of Route 66.” Not all of its history is as beautiful as the Art Deco
architecture that adorns its downtown - notably, the Tulsa Race Riot
of 1921. For over a century, Tulsa has not only made history, it has
honored and preserved it. Make a little history of your own by visiting
the world’s largest, most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts
of the American West, the largest collection of Judaica in the American
Southwest or the Italian Renaissance collections at one of five U.S.
museums housed in a historic mansion with formal gardens.
SCIENCE / NATURE
Tulsa is a natural when it comes to exploring the world around us. Opportunities
for discovery abound, from the naturalists and astronomy programs at
the Mary K. Oxley Nature Center in Mohawk Park to the hands-on exhibits
at Tulsa Air and Space Museum or the botanical insights at the Linnaeus
Teaching Garden. Watch for bald eagles along the Arkansas River or
springboard from Bass Pro Shops to an outdoor adventure of your own.
Our 6,000 acres of parks and winding riverside trails make exploring
nature a breeze.
SPORTS / RECREATION
Tulsa sports a never-ending lineup of exciting games, tournaments, and
recreational activities and events. Our professional sports include
Tulsa Drillers baseball, Tulsa Oilers hockey, Tulsa 66ers basketball,
and Tulsa Talons arena football. The University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts
University provide a wealth of collegiate match-ups. Our equestrian
facilities are among the nation’s finest and our 16 public golf courses
and professional tournaments make Tulsa a golf destination. Tulsa’s
pitches, diamonds, and courts come alive every weekend with a bevy
of youth sports. Tulsans and visitors alike enjoy our 144 parks during
our 227 days of sunshine each year.
