*** Review is during COVID-19 ***…read more Came here earlier in the summer and it was so fun. This is a great spot!!! We wanted to find a swimming hole one day, which I now know can be very difficult to do! After driving around and around to several different spots for hours, where place after place turned out to be unsuccessful or just nonexistent, we were almost ready to give up. Then we remembered one more spot we could try... a swimming hole we'd been to when I was a little kid, with surprisingly clear blue water. We couldn't remember the name at first, but after some calls to my Grandma (always a great resource!) she helped us remember that it was Little Blue! Little Blue was still a bit hard to track down, but we eventually made it there, and had FINALLY found a spot worth staying around for! The water was as pretty as we remembered. In the shallower parts, it's crystal clear and you can see lots of pretty rocks on the bottom and sometimes little fishies too! The deepest part becomes a pretty blue color, and the water went up to at least between my elbows and shoulders (maybe more?). That deepest part isn't a huge area, so a little hard to stake your claim on it if you are trying to social distance, but overall there's plenty of space to spread out. It seemed to me like there were two areas: the area I just described, and then more river down to the left of that. This second area is much less populated, but I can see why, as it kind of quickly starts to get a pretty fishy smell as you go further and also has some animal bones (yeah...). Aside from the water, there's also lots of parking space, where many people had also set up camp (as in literally to camp in a tent for the night). We went on a Saturday (reminder that this was also in the "heat" of summer, no pun intended) so there were quite a few people. However, we were still able to stay a safe distance from others... we did have to be pretty mindful of it though, since others did not appear to be doing the same. I would give 5 stars if it (and other swimming holes in Oklahoma) had better information for people to find and clearer locations/directions!!! It's honestly pretty ridiculous. Also because that second swimming area down to the left could use a little work.

Small & quiet. Refreshing & not too cold on our super hot day. We Had to be careful we didn't want…read moreour kids inhaling around a few groups.

This was a great little spot that I found on my drive back from Arkansas to Tulsa. The waterfall…read moreis pretty and there are a few trails. Lots of benches, picnic tables, and even paved pathways.

Natural Falls State Park is located in West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma, 6 miles from the border with…read moreArkansas. If you're coming to Natural Falls for barbecuing, picnicking, short hiking, lounging around and camping...then this park is for you. I was scrolling through Google Maps and discovered a photo that looked intriguing. It was a picture of a 77 foot plunging waterfall among a scenic backdrop known as Ozark Springs. This Ozark Springs waterfall is the #1 top highlight at the park. The rest of the activities (I believe) are side compliments. So...if you're passing through West Siloam Springs, it could be worthwhile to check out Ozark Springs, and it doesn't take long to do. The trails map says 45 minutes, but it can be finished in less. The walk to the falls is half a mile at the most. You can find Ozark Springs along the Dripping Springs Trail. There are two parts to capturing views. First is from an overlook point high above. After completing this lookout spot, then it's 47 steps down to the bottom. The base of Ozark Falls has a boardwalk pathway leading you in front of the waterfall. I was tempted to step off the boardwalk to avoid the hand railing when taking pictures, but that wasn't not allowed. Also unfortunately, they don't permit swimming in the pool that Ozark Falls splashes into. But the waters appeared refreshing. You can connect Dripping Springs Trail with Ghost Coon Trail to combine two hikes in one. Or otherwise you can return to the Dripping Springs Trailhead and either choose another pathway or hang out, have lunch and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There are a few other trails you can consider, but they're nothing dramatic. - Fox Den Trail - 1.5 miles to a "rock overhang and cavern area". - Bear Trail - hardly a hike but leads to Ozark Springs and intersects with Dripping Springs Trail. - Pine Ridge Trail - 3/4th's of a mile that navigates the perimeter of Natural Falls Park. It's $10 entrance fee for a day pass. You can pay at the Visitor Center. Plus inside the VC, you can purchase souvenirs from a small selection of items or buy snacks and drinks if you haven't arrived prepared. I noticed they have a lot of space for camping. Although I didn't spend a night here, the conditions for sleeping outdoors looked inviting. Btw...while walking along Ghost Coon Trail, I passed by these Yurts, or I'd describe them as huts accommodative for "glamping" or glorified camping. It's like upscale camping staying in tent - cabins. There may have been 5 - 6 yurts located beside the grass edge of the forest and pleasant looking for enjoying the great outdoors. Overall, Natural Falls State Park has a quiet setting and is fine for taking a few hours to breathe in fresh air, especially if you're in no hurry. Although I wanted more challenging hiking trails and activities to keep me occupied, I was okay with taking a lazy day to appreciate nature.

I took the kids here on a sunny Saturday and the place was pretty busy but still worth visiting!…read moreThe trails were easy to hike with kids, the waterfall was beautiful, and the suspension bridge was fun! There is an old cabin ruin my kids liked exploring, too! I enjoyed all of the informational signs along the way talking about the wildlife, too!Parking was easy and there were plenty of friendly dogs we got to say hi to. I'd definitely recommend a visit and I think I'll try it again come fall to see the pretty leaves.

We loved the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail. It was the perfect size for our family with two young…read morekids. It was beautiful, lots of benches along the way if a rest was needed, and many things to see/look for along our way. Most of it was shaded, so even in the summer heat it wasn't too bad. Also lots of places to go into the water to cool down when needed

I really wish every city and state had something as cool as Funtastic Island! It's free and it's…read morefull of fun! They have playgrounds for all ages and a great splash pad for everyone. They also have swing sets and a pavilion. There's restrooms and most of all, it's clean! There's plenty of shade and parking. It's fun for everyone and I appreciate places like these where families can take their children for a fun day -- wet or dry! Such a super cool place, would return and recommend highly!

Lovely park for the kids, really nice splash pad and lots of seating around the park for the parentsread more

Cute little non-profit garden. 100% volunteer run…read more Woman sitting in office was very friendly and informative - provided great history of the garden and information for local tourist spots :) Came here on a Wednesday afternoon and it was very peaceful. Great place to meditate and get grounded!

Love this place. Very peaceful and beautiful. Make sure to bring quarters to feed the fish.read more

After all the years we lived in and visited Tulsa, we'd never been to Redbud Nature Preserve and I…read moredon't know why. I'm so glad my sister invited us to tag along with her. It was a gorgeous place to explore! It's a fairly easy hike for kids. The trail goes from the parking lot and is about a mile (maybe less) and comes back to the parking lot. My kids won't normally walk this far on their own, but there is so much to see and so much variation on the trail that they never complained or asked "how much longer" - my kids are ages 5-13. There is some climbing around rocks to get through the trail, so little ones and the elderly will need help. Wear good shoes. There is a small nature center and bathrooms. We love this place and will happily go back in any season!

One of my favorite quick hikes in the Tulsa area. So sad they had to close down until May 2022. I…read morethink it's to preserve the natural flora and fauna because so many hiked it during the start of covid just trying to social distance from others. Looking forward to getting out in my happy place again.

Such a fun and unique stop! The Blue Whale is a classic Route 66 roadside attraction that didn't…read moredisappoint. We took some great photos with the family and enjoyed walking around the pond. It had a laid-back, nostalgic feel that made the visit really special. A cool piece of Americana--definitely 5 stars!

What a cute little spot along historic Rt. 66. Looks like it once had a play area attached. There…read moreis a small gift shop with some Rt. 66 items like pins and key chains. Originally opened in the 1970's it grew over time and eventually became a popular spot for locals to swim. The gift shop attendant said it was $0.25/person to swim. The owners hired life guards and installed picnic tables. The large parking area is dirt. Restrooms are on site. Swimming is no longer available and fishing is 'catch and release'. A sign post by the entrance lists points of interest and how far away they are.

This was a nice break with a playground (three stories!) and walking paths as we explored Joplin…read more Cunningham Park was originally known as Cunningham Grove and was donated to the city by Thomas W. Cunningham, who was the mayor of Joplin at the time. Cunningham was a significant figure in Joplin's development, contributing to various sectors such as banking, mining, and philanthropy. In 1897, Cunningham donated eight acres of land to the city for use as a public park. The deed was officially dated on July 5, 1898, and the park was dedicated in the early 1900s1. Cunningham Park became the first park in the Joplin Parks System. Over the years, the park has seen many enhancements, including the addition of a fountain, playgrounds, a swimming pool, and picnic areas. The park was also a central location for community gatherings and celebrations1. Unfortunately, the park was destroyed by an EF-5 tornado in 2011, but the community came together to rebuild it. Today, Cunningham Park stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit. We were here to walk around the park and to see The Miracle of The Human Spirit monument. [Review 2323 of 2024 - 392 in Missouri - 23337 overall]

Cunningham Park is a vast oasis of everything a city park should be. Sporting fields, trails, lots…read moreof playgrounds with nice equipment, water features, picnic and gathering facilities and a world class memorial garden. The Memorial garden is what caused me to visit and pay respect to those 161 Joplin residents that lost their lives to one of the worst tornadoes in American history. The garden consists of natural rock, sculptures, fountains, informational signage and a vast array of beautiful plants and flowers that are well maintained. The park was in the direct path of the tornado and offers great vantage points to see what was, what remains and what was rebuilt in the vicinity. My visit was during a slight rain shower with approaching storm clouds; which only added to the somber and reflective visit. A must see for anyone traveling in the vicinity of Joplin.

The Gathering Place is truly one of the most peaceful and beautiful spots in Tulsa. It's definitely…read moremy favorite spot. I love to bird watch here! I bring my binoculars and always spot a great variety of birds. The trees are absolutely stunning... there are over 100 species of trees. Honestly... it's a little escape from a hectic world. It's the perfect place to bring a book, find your spot, and just relax for a while. Whether you're looking to unwind, enjoy nature, or have a quiet moment to yourself...this park is a hidden gem that never disappoints. Perfect for getting in your steps too! I like to go early morning before it gets too hot or busy. Starting in May they have free canoe rentals!! They also have very good food. Love their fresh fruit cups which they prepare every morning daily, their sandwiches are fresh and very good! I've also had their ice cream and it's delicious. When you first walk into the main building, you can check out chess pieces and other games. Some of the tables have the chessboard design printed on them. Perfect for getting your chess game on. Every Wednesday and Sunday, you can bring your dog. Over at the boathouse on the bottom floor they have a little museum called "Drawers of curiosity." Hard to believe The Gathering Place doesn't charge an entrance fee!! It's just simply amazing!

whether it was me seeing the roots perform while sitting on a hill, getting my steps in or catching…read morethe scenes for photography, the gathering place came a long way from it being a concept to it being brought to life. i had a previous job that was in the news field so i remember first reading about this place. i've tried the food.. i've walked across all of the paths.. i've seen art galleries.. you'll have to come see for yourself. it can get congested as for parking. coming along riverside can be backed up here & there. that also comes with the events that the gathering place hosts often. they're very local driven just as much as national talent that's been by for live music. it's wild for me to remind myself that it's (already) been 8 years since the park's been in place along with me first hearing about it. the grand opening also took place a day (9/8/18) before my birthday (9/9). i'm set to make a visit later this week & i'm already looking forward to treating myself. i miss the smoothie spot that used to be there.