Tulsa Botanic Garden [September 2024]

Tulsa Botanic Garden: Where Nature Blooms and Dogs Roam Free (on Select Days, of Course)

This weekend, we did something that made both our hearts and our dog’s tail wag. That’s right—we took advantage of dog day at the Tulsa Botanic Garden, a.k.a., one of the prettiest places to walk, breathe, and let your four-legged friend get a sniff of the good life. If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a serene day out among some of Oklahoma’s most beautiful blooms while your dog gets to live their best life, the Tulsa Botanic Garden is the place to be.

Nestled just a short drive from downtown, this 170-acre slice of heaven is where humans and nature connect—whether you’re chasing tranquility, exploring the seasonal flower displays, or (like today) making sure your pup gets in on the action. Here’s everything you need to know about why this spot is one of Tulsa’s best-kept secrets, and why you should get it on your calendar (with or without your furry friend).

Dog Day at the Garden: A Tail-Wagging Time

Let’s start with the real MVP of today’s visit: dog day. If you’ve got a canine companion, you know how it feels to find a place that welcomes your dog and offers you a great time too. Usually, we’re relegated to the nearest dog park or trail (no complaints, but a little variety would be nice), but the Tulsa Botanic Garden changes the game by offering specific dog days throughout the year. This means your pup can roam the gorgeous grounds, make new furry friends, and soak up some nature.

Our fur-baby has special needs as a senior pup, she’s 16-years young, is blind & deaf, however she loves special outings on the weekend—sniffing every plant, feeling the breeze on her fur and maybe getting a little too excited about some of the sculptures scattered throughout the garden. The trails are spacious enough that even on busy days, you’re not constantly dodging other dogs, and there’s plenty of room for your sweet fur-baby to enjoy themselves without pulling you through a hedge.

Pro Tip: While dogs are welcome on dog days, they do require leashes, so bring one that gives your pup enough freedom to explore but still keeps them close enough to avoid flower bed casualties & please remember to be kind and pick up after your pet!

It’s All in the Details: Gardens That Wow

Keeping things real, we weren’t quite sure what to expect from the Tulsa Botanic Garden, but we were excited to check it out and if we loved it we knew we’d scoop up a membership. We figured it’d be pretty, but the variety and attention to detail here take it to the next level. The themed gardens are so thoughtfully designed that you could visit multiple times a year and still feel like you’re discovering something new.

The Children’s Discovery Garden is a hit even if you don’t have kids in tow. It’s interactive and whimsical, with giant flowers that spray mist in the summer and water features that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.

The Lakeview Terrace offers killer views of the lake and it’s super expansive…so completely relaxing. We’re excited to come back and visit during the spring blooms to see the flowers showing off in all their glory. We’re told the park is brimming over with vibrant tulips, perennials, and wildflowers that make you stop in your tracks and appreciate how good Mother Nature really is.

But let’s not forget the star attraction: the Tandy Floral Terraces. These multi-tiered terraces are like something out of a dream. Seasonal flowers line the stone pathways, and the large water feature in the center is the perfect spot to stop and snap a few pics (for both your Instagram and your dog’s IG, obviously).

The Seasonal Perks: Always Something New

What’s great about the Tulsa Botanic Garden is that it’s always changing with the seasons. So, even if you’ve been before, it’s worth returning to see what’s new. As mentioned above, in the spring, the garden goes all out for its Tulsa Botanic BLOOMS, where you’ll find over 120,000 bulbs putting on a colorful show. And if you’re more of an autumn lover, the Tulsa Botanic BOO-tanical event is the place to be, complete with festive fall displays, pumpkin decorations, and all the spooky vibes you didn’t know you needed. This is precisely what they were setting up when we arrived, so we had some fun snapping pics amongst the pumpkins, and even did a little time lapse through the pumpkin hay maze, LOL!
[You can catch a sneak peek of the fall set up, the fall blooms as well as a time lapse of the maze HERE on our IG]

During the summer, the Tulsa Botanic Garden opens up their Thursday Late nights, so you can wander the gardens in the cool evening air while catching a sunset over the lake (with or without a glass of wine from their events).

Can’t Forget the Amenities: The Details Matter

If you’re worried about comfort, (aside from there being NO shade throughout most of the park), the rest of the well thought out custom comforts will put your mind at ease. The Tulsa Botanic Garden has done a great job at making sure guests have everything they need for a relaxing visit. The bathrooms are clean (yes, I checked), the paths are well-maintained, and the signage is clear so you can easily find your way around.

The staff here is friendly & super knowledgeable about the blooms. Whether you’ve got questions about a specific plant (for when you’re ready to flex that gardening hobby) or just need advice on which path is best for a quiet stroll, they’ve got you covered. Where we were disappointed in all honesty was that 5 minutes after buying our tickets we asked if we could apply the cost of our tickets today towards a season pass if we enjoy the park and we were told we could not. The only accommodation they offer is $10 off.
ProTip: If you think you’ll come back even just once a season, it’s more affordable to get a family pass, so just ask for one PRIOR to purchasing your tickets.

And yes, the gift shop is a total delight. Think plant-inspired gifts, gardening books, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs that help support the garden. Trust me, you’ll want to grab something on your way out. We found the cutest little fairy crowns for the grand toddlers as well as cute tshirts and magnets.

The Perfect Place for Tulsa’s Best Doggone Day

Tulsa has a lot of great places to hang out with your dog (shout out to the Midland Valley and riverfront trails, which are dog-friendly every day), but the Tulsa Botanic Garden? It’s a special treat. You get the beauty and peace of nature, your dog gets to be part of the adventure, and you both leave feeling refreshed.

Keep an eye on their schedule for upcoming dog days, because trust me, your pup will thank you. And even if it’s not a dog day, the Tulsa Botanic Garden is worth the trip. Whether you’re exploring solo, with friends, or with your four-legged family, it’s the perfect spot to get outside, unwind, and take in some of Tulsa’s natural beauty.

The Bottom Line: Tulsa Botanic Garden is for Everyone (Especially Dog Lovers)

If you haven’t been to the Tulsa Botanic Garden yet, it’s time to plan a visit. Whether you’re a die-hard nature enthusiast, a casual stroller, or someone who just needs a beautiful backdrop for your next dog walk, this place has something for everyone. Trust me, once you experience the charm of this place, you’ll find yourself coming back season after season (and on every dog day you can get to).

Tulsa’s Best Kept Secret

Why Keystone Ancient Forest is Tulsa’s Best Kept Secret for Hikers

We’ve found our new favorite hiking spot, and it’s practically in our backyard. Today, we ventured out to Keystone Ancient Forest in Sand Springs, and let me tell you, this place is next level amazing. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a beautiful way to spend a weekend outdoors, Keystone offers a little something for everyone.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to hike in a forest that feels ancient (and by ancient, I mean trees that have been standing since before the Roman Empire), this is it. So grab your hiking boots—or heck, borrow one of their hiking sticks, that’s right…they loan out sticks for FREE! —and let me take you through why this hidden gem has completely won me over.

Keystone Ancient Forest: A Hiker’s Paradise Right in Tulsa’s Backyard

So here’s the thing: I’ve done my fair share of hiking, but few places compare to the experience I had at Keystone Ancient Forest. Located just a short drive from Tulsa, this forest isn’t just beautiful—it’s thoughtful. Every detail, from the ADA-accessible trails to the clearly marked paths, has been carefully designed to make sure everyone can enjoy what nature has to offer.

I mean, how often do you find a hiking spot with wheelchairs designed for trails, hiking sticks available to borrow, and even bug spray provided at the trailhead? And here’s the kicker: there are dog-friendly days, which—lucky us—just happened to be today! Our four-legged sweetie had the time of her life trotting alongside us on the trail. Not every place is this inclusive, and for that, Keystone gets major brownie points.

Friendly Staff and All the Comforts You Didn’t Know You Needed

Let’s talk about the volunteers. I wasn’t expecting to meet such friendly and knowledgeable people at a local trail, but the team at Keystone? They’re incredible. From offering tips on which trails to try based on your experience level to chatting about the local wildlife, or offering helpful suggestions for our family member with Dementia, they’re the type of people who genuinely love what they do. And it shows.

Now, let’s address a concern a discerning hiker such as myself is always looking at: the bathrooms. We’ve all been there—trekking through a beautiful forest only to come across a restroom situation that makes you want to turn back. Not here. The facilities at Keystone are new, clean, and dare I say, pleasant? I didn’t even think twice about using them, which is rare for a day in the wild. Trust me, you’ll appreciate it.

Oh, and did I mention the gift shop? It’s stocked with everything from super trendy t-shirts & stickers for your laptop or hydro (or I guess Stanley more appropriately these days) and 100% of the proceeds go directly back to supporting the trails. We couldn’t help but grab a few mementos to remember the day—and knowing our dollars were going to a good cause made it even sweeter.

The Trails: Marked to Perfection

Now, for the main event: the trails. You know how some hiking spots leave you second-guessing whether you’re still on the path or if you’ve accidentally wandered into uncharted territory? Not at Keystone. These trails are so clearly marked that it almost feels like they’re giving you a guided tour of the forest. No GPS necessary, just follow the signs and enjoy the journey.

The different trail options make it perfect for hikers of all levels. Whether you’re a newbie looking for a leisurely stroll or a seasoned pro ready to tackle something more challenging, there’s something for you. We stuck to a moderately challenging route today, and even with the occasional incline, it felt totally manageable.

And with 3 miles of trails, it’s a perfect place for spending a couple of hours immersed in nature without feeling overwhelmed. The changing seasons promise different experiences—so you bet I’ll be back to see what this place looks like when autumn hits.

Dog-Friendly Days? Say No More!

If you’re a dog lover like me, you know how tough it can be to find trails that welcome our furry friends. But at Keystone Ancient Forest, they get it. On select days, the trails are open to dogs, and our pup had the time of her life. There’s just something so special about seeing your dog romp around, tail wagging, that makes a day in the forest even better. While The Gathering Place has select days for dogs, Midland Valley and the riverfront trails allow dogs daily, making them perfect for everyday outings with your furry friends. But when it comes to the beautiful, ancient trees of Keystone and those special dog-inclusive days, it’s well worth checking the schedule and planning a trip!

Why Keystone Ancient Forest is More Than Just a Hike

Sure, Keystone Ancient Forest is a great place for a hike, but it’s more than that—it’s an experience. Whether you’re reconnecting with nature, taking your dog on an adventure, or just spending some quality time with friends and family, this place offers a chance to step away from the noise and breathe in some much-needed fresh air.

It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, stop to appreciate the ancient trees, and just be. And honestly, that’s what I loved the most about it. It’s not about rushing to the end of the trail—it’s about savoring the journey.

Our Takeaway: We’ll Be Back (A Lot)

There are plenty of beautiful hiking spots around Tulsa (shoutout to Turkey Mountain), but something about Keystone Ancient Forest feels extra special. It’s not just the pristine trails or the thoughtful amenities—it’s the way this place makes you feel connected to both nature and the community.

So yeah, we’ll definitely be back. We’re already planning to visit during different seasons to see how the forest changes. And if you haven’t been yet, trust me, you’ll want to add this place to your list.