OKLAHOMA REVIEWS
Heading Photograph taken in Tulsa, OK by Third Rock Explorations
1 Star * - We would never go again or recommend it
2 Stars ** - It wasn't for us, but someone else may like it
3 Stars *** - It was good and we would recommend it
4 Stars **** - It was great and we would recommend trying it
5 Stars ***** - Definitely try it when you are visiting the area
Tulsa - 4 Stars **** "Oil, Route 66, and architecture"
Tulsa has more than meets the eye. Rich in oil, you can't drive more than a few miles without seeing oil pumps working their way into the ground. The drives to get here and around the city are filled with ranches and plains that seem to go on forever. The city has some beautiful architecture, especially when it is illuminated at night. There are plenty of museums, parks, and Route 66 attractions to keep you exploring on a long weekend.
Red Rock Canyon State Park - 1.5 Stars *
An hour from Tulsa, we were excited to explore this park and take some beautiful photos on our hikes. The park was free to enter (off-season) and there were very few people there. There was one large red rock formation that we saw that is popular for rock climbing. We searched for the trail head that we wanted to hike, but we were unable to find it and there were no maps or staff available due to budget cuts....a problem we are finding across the country. We settled for another trail, but it was a very small loop with no views. It does look like they are trying to make some improvements to the trails. We never found any lakes or the canyon so we were quite disappointed. It just seems like they need to do a better job of marking their trails and then this could be a great destination.
Hyatt Regency Tulsa (100 East 2nd St) 4.5 Stars ****
Located right downtown and only a block from Route 66, this hotel is beautiful. As per always, the Hyatt Regency never disappoints us. Champagne is offered at check-in and there was a beautiful quartet playing Christmas music in the lobby. The staff was friendly and helpful and the rooms were clean and spacious. The only complaint is that the valet parking is ridiculously priced, but there is a parking lot just across the street that is $7 per exit.
Route 66 Landmarks - 4 Stars ****
Here are some of the Route 66 Landmarks that we saw along the way. It is like a scavenger hunt trying to find these things along the way. We only drove Route 66 part of the way from Tulsa to Oklahoma City because the signage is not great in the small towns and we kept getting pulled off of the highway and further into the towns, which was taking a lot of time. None of these landmarks are very exciting, but they are icons of a by-gone era.
Blue Whale
Golden Driller
East Meets West
World's Tallest Totem in Totem Pole Park
Tulsa Sign Route 66
Davenport Route 66 Mural
Gilcrease Museum - 5 Stars *****
A mix of history and art, this museum has so much to see that a half day almost wasn't enough. The Remington Sculptures and the Russell Paintings were some of our favorites. Downstairs, there is an interactive section that is great for kids and adults. Using tablets and other technology, this area was very impressive. This collection is diverse and interesting. There is something for everyone. The staff was extremely friendly and very helpful and clearly took pride in their museum. This is a MUST DO if you are in the Tulsa area.
Oklahoma City - "A city with a history, a past, and the will to survive and heal"
It's hard not to think of the tragic event in Oklahoma City and you certainly want to pay your respects while you are here, but there is so much more to this city. With a variety of museums, history that dates back to the early cowboys and many Native American Tribes, and plenty of parks, there is plenty to see and do in a weekend here in OKC.
Baymont Inn & Suites - Quail Springs (13500 Plaza Terrace) - 2.5 Stars ***
Our experience wasn't terrible here, but this hotel is definitely need of some basic maintenance and some updates. Breakfast was pretty good and Judy did a great job keeping it stocked. She was very friendly. The room was large, but I wouldn't call it a suite.
Oklahoma City National Memorial - 5 Stars *****
A beautiful tribute to those that lost their lives and those that came to the rescue of many. Every aspect of this memorial was thought out, planned, and has meaning. Not only is this a MUST SEE, but you MUST find a Park Ranger and have them explain the meaning of each area. We learned so much more from the Ranger than from only reading the plaques.
Centennial Land Run Monument - 5 Stars *****
When visiting this monument we expected to take a couple of minutes to snap a few pics and then onto the next thing. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived at this larger-than-life sized monument. The monument is huge and really gives a good idea of what it was like to be there at that moment. The bronze casted statues are very detailed and the monument stretches across the entire small park. The water features here are a nice touch. Definitely take the time to go see this awesome work of art when you are in OKC.
Chickasaw National Park - 5 Stars *****
Just south of Oklahoma City, this hidden gem is definitely one of the underrated National Parks in the system. With beautiful rolling hills, tons of trails, wildlife, camping, and many water features like waterfalls, springs, creeks, and a lake, this park has it all. We have already decided that we need to make a trip back during the warmer months to spend some time camping and exploring. There is also a beautiful bridge hidden off a gravel road that leads to the Chickasaw Interpretive area where you can learn more about the history and life of this tribe. Make sure that you stop at the Visitors Center and the Nature Center. The staff and the rangers are very friendly and can provide you with more information to make the most of your time there. This is a MUST DO!
Tulsa has more than meets the eye. Rich in oil, you can't drive more than a few miles without seeing oil pumps working their way into the ground. The drives to get here and around the city are filled with ranches and plains that seem to go on forever. The city has some beautiful architecture, especially when it is illuminated at night. There are plenty of museums, parks, and Route 66 attractions to keep you exploring on a long weekend.
Red Rock Canyon State Park - 1.5 Stars *
An hour from Tulsa, we were excited to explore this park and take some beautiful photos on our hikes. The park was free to enter (off-season) and there were very few people there. There was one large red rock formation that we saw that is popular for rock climbing. We searched for the trail head that we wanted to hike, but we were unable to find it and there were no maps or staff available due to budget cuts....a problem we are finding across the country. We settled for another trail, but it was a very small loop with no views. It does look like they are trying to make some improvements to the trails. We never found any lakes or the canyon so we were quite disappointed. It just seems like they need to do a better job of marking their trails and then this could be a great destination.
Hyatt Regency Tulsa (100 East 2nd St) 4.5 Stars ****
Located right downtown and only a block from Route 66, this hotel is beautiful. As per always, the Hyatt Regency never disappoints us. Champagne is offered at check-in and there was a beautiful quartet playing Christmas music in the lobby. The staff was friendly and helpful and the rooms were clean and spacious. The only complaint is that the valet parking is ridiculously priced, but there is a parking lot just across the street that is $7 per exit.
Route 66 Landmarks - 4 Stars ****
Here are some of the Route 66 Landmarks that we saw along the way. It is like a scavenger hunt trying to find these things along the way. We only drove Route 66 part of the way from Tulsa to Oklahoma City because the signage is not great in the small towns and we kept getting pulled off of the highway and further into the towns, which was taking a lot of time. None of these landmarks are very exciting, but they are icons of a by-gone era.
Blue Whale
Golden Driller
East Meets West
World's Tallest Totem in Totem Pole Park
Tulsa Sign Route 66
Davenport Route 66 Mural
Gilcrease Museum - 5 Stars *****
A mix of history and art, this museum has so much to see that a half day almost wasn't enough. The Remington Sculptures and the Russell Paintings were some of our favorites. Downstairs, there is an interactive section that is great for kids and adults. Using tablets and other technology, this area was very impressive. This collection is diverse and interesting. There is something for everyone. The staff was extremely friendly and very helpful and clearly took pride in their museum. This is a MUST DO if you are in the Tulsa area.
Oklahoma City - "A city with a history, a past, and the will to survive and heal"
It's hard not to think of the tragic event in Oklahoma City and you certainly want to pay your respects while you are here, but there is so much more to this city. With a variety of museums, history that dates back to the early cowboys and many Native American Tribes, and plenty of parks, there is plenty to see and do in a weekend here in OKC.
Baymont Inn & Suites - Quail Springs (13500 Plaza Terrace) - 2.5 Stars ***
Our experience wasn't terrible here, but this hotel is definitely need of some basic maintenance and some updates. Breakfast was pretty good and Judy did a great job keeping it stocked. She was very friendly. The room was large, but I wouldn't call it a suite.
Oklahoma City National Memorial - 5 Stars *****
A beautiful tribute to those that lost their lives and those that came to the rescue of many. Every aspect of this memorial was thought out, planned, and has meaning. Not only is this a MUST SEE, but you MUST find a Park Ranger and have them explain the meaning of each area. We learned so much more from the Ranger than from only reading the plaques.
Centennial Land Run Monument - 5 Stars *****
When visiting this monument we expected to take a couple of minutes to snap a few pics and then onto the next thing. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived at this larger-than-life sized monument. The monument is huge and really gives a good idea of what it was like to be there at that moment. The bronze casted statues are very detailed and the monument stretches across the entire small park. The water features here are a nice touch. Definitely take the time to go see this awesome work of art when you are in OKC.
Chickasaw National Park - 5 Stars *****
Just south of Oklahoma City, this hidden gem is definitely one of the underrated National Parks in the system. With beautiful rolling hills, tons of trails, wildlife, camping, and many water features like waterfalls, springs, creeks, and a lake, this park has it all. We have already decided that we need to make a trip back during the warmer months to spend some time camping and exploring. There is also a beautiful bridge hidden off a gravel road that leads to the Chickasaw Interpretive area where you can learn more about the history and life of this tribe. Make sure that you stop at the Visitors Center and the Nature Center. The staff and the rangers are very friendly and can provide you with more information to make the most of your time there. This is a MUST DO!