A very nice park adjacent to businesses and restaurants. I noticed many of the benches were covered…read morewith ants/bugs it could just be the timing of the year. A great walking park!

*** Review is during Covid-19 ***…read more Going through pictures in my phone and realized I never posted this from when I went in the late summer! This is a nice place for a calm little stroll. There's no playground area or super large/ significant grassy areas to spread out for typical park activities, so it really is mostly for walking around. The main focus, then, is the fountain and pond. Then it's kind of little paths going around it. I really like how there are different levels, so you can be down closer to the pond or higher up. I also think it makes it that much more visually appealing. The paths and levels are made out of large brown stones which I think looks good. There's also some plants around - I think they are called cats tails? Don't quote me on that haha. There are a good amount of benches for sitting spread through the perimeter of the pond. There's also a deck sort of area nearer to the fountain. It looks nice, but could DEFINITELY use a clean up. There was quite a bit of trash, particularly near/ caught in the deck part. It wasn't a completely disgusting amount, but definitely noticeable. To be fair, while I was walking around a didn't see a SINGLE trash can. How can it stay clean when trash cans aren't provided?! This is the main reason for not being 5 stars. If it were cleaned up and then added some trash cans to prevent it getting so trashy again in the future, it'd be great! I saved my favorite thing for last: the view!!! The entire Tulsa skyline isn't visible, but you can see part of it, plus a highway bridge, which is a really cool backdrop in my opinion. Overall it's also cool that there's this semi-tucked away park (though not really the super grassy open kind as mentioned) in a more downtown/ urban area. In fact, it's just a walk across the street to some coffee shops, restaurants, etc.

What a neat place! It really is in the middle of nowhere. It is nearly all gravel roads for miles…read more Max speed probably around 35mph. But it's so neat to just drive around. It's also very quiet, except for the wind. I didn't pass many other cars at all. It probably took me about 2 hours to drive through (including my stop at the visitor center). I stopped for about 30-45 mins to talk with the volunteers there and sign the guest book. They were so friendly! Both ladies were so passionate about the preserve and knew so much about its history. And also about the wildlife and plants on the prairie. They were also telling me about the controlled burn that they were doing at the time of my visit. I learned about how the burns help keep the prairie healthy. So neat! Cell reception is spotty. I have an iPhone and downloaded an offline map while still in Tulsa before my journey up there so I was worry free. Worked out perfect! Also check the website i'm close to the day of your visit to ensure of volunteer will be staffed that day. As the visitor center is run by volunteers... There might not always be someone there every day. PS... don't expect to touch a bison. There are signs warning you to stay away as they can be dangerous/aggressive. For the most part, you are supposed to stay on the gravel road.

We love driving out to the tallgrass Prairie, however, note it is all gravel road…read more When we arrived the end of October, they were in round up so we were not able to see the bison, but they scenery was beautiful

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.

*** 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.

Enjoyed a quick stop at this state park near Bartlesville and on the way to Pawhuska. A short…read moreunpaved trail leads you to a great waterfall area. You can walk from rock to rock out to some picturesque areas around the water. The trail is pretty easy to navigate except for a few slick rocks here and there. There is an overlook we drove up to but it was just an okay view due to some tall trees blocking much of the view. Camping areas look well kept and the ranger we spoke with was very nice and helpful. I would definitely recommend this to out of town visitors like myself to get out and enjoy nature and the beautiful landscape of NE Oklahoma.

At first, Osage Hills State Park doesn't seem like something too special, but if you begin hiking…read morethe trails, you'll find some real gems. First, there are some rocky canyon-type cliffs the hand Sand Creek winding through them. It's really pretty and there are some waterfalls and big rocks to wade onto in the middle of a creek that gets really wide in some parts. Seconds, there is sand all around (hence the name Sand Creek), enough in some spots to feel like you're sand bathing at a beach... no joke! Wish I snapped better pictures of the sandy parts. It was a fun experience!

Great place to walk. Splash pad for kids. Big slides and playground. Bathrooms rarely open or clean.read more

This terrific community park features a playground for various ages, two splash pads for toddlers…read moreand older children, basketball court, picnic pavilion, walking path, and lots of green space. Note: The splash pads are very popular on hot days.

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

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.

FYI: Might be a bit verbose and more a review for the 15 mile point to point hiking trail…read more I knew what I was up against, and went anyway. Read on a trails app that it was technical--yes, yes it was. And also read a review in that same app left on Oct 12 ish, that water might be scarce due to drought--that said, my friend and I left a water stash at a gravel road drive, off the trail about 3 miles from the east trailhead. My Subaru and I were NOT ready for the roughness of the terrain--first time "Off road." Got in and out unscathed! Yay! We started the trek later than we thought we would--which is fine, because the scenery was great! Such a beautiful area! Worth the 2-hour ish drive. Made it through the "Squeeze" downhill. Packed in about 1.25 before we decided to pitch our tents. Had dinner on one of the scenic bluffs during sunset and as you can imagine, a wee bit chilly but a stunning view, so it was worth it! Next day, had breakfast on the bluff during sunrise--what a treat! Then headed out to our water stash. We decided we were achy enough to not go back the way we came. Went to our water stash and refueled. Used that (Subaru terrain) rocky road to go back to the main road and follow it back to the car park. *What I learned: as a newbie backpacker it was challenging, but probably would be even if I wasn't? I carried about a 30 pound backpack--probably packed some fears in there--but now I know. Would I go again and do things differently?? Heck yes!!

Great hiking trail. The whole things is like 15 miles so pack in water with a bladder or something…read moreand don't attempt when 107. Ask me how I know, lol. Great views, but watch for spider webs, poison ivy, and check afterwards for ticks in the summer.