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Mary K. Oxley Nature Center

4.8

·591 reviews·Tulsa, United States

An 800-acre urban oasis in Tulsa, offering diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and an engaging interpretive center for free.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday & Sunday afternoons

Free discovery walks offered

CrowdMedium

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Mary K. Oxley Nature Center

Best Time

Friday & Sunday afternoons

Free discovery walks offered

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An 800-acre urban oasis in Tulsa, offering diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and an engaging interpretive center for free.

4.8

(591 reviews)

"Such a wonderful nature center and place to walk around. Lots of different trails to take."

TIP

Grab a Trail Map! 🗺️

Essential for navigating the many trails. Available at the visitor center.

Bug Spray is Key 🦟

Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially in warmer months. Protect yourself!

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 591 reviews

Type

Park

Address

6700 Mohawk Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74115, USA

Website

oxleynaturecenter.org

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bird Creek Trail

Various points

Scenic views of the creek with a picturesque wooden bridge. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

Wildlife Viewing

Throughout the park

Keep an eye out for deer, butterflies, and a variety of birds. Listen to the forest come alive!

Interpretive Center

Visitor Center

Hands-on exhibits, animal pelts, and knowledgeable staff offer insights into native flora and fauna.

Sunset Views

Retention Pond

Experience tranquil sunsets over the retention pond, a peaceful escape.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Trails

With over 800 acres and numerous trails, grab a trail map from the visitor center to navigate the diverse landscapes. Early mornings are best to avoid heat and crowds, and to maximize your time exploring the interpretive center.

Wildlife & Weather Wise

Pack bug spray, especially for warmer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. While wildlife sightings are common, remember to respect their space. Check the weather before you go; summer afternoons can be very hot.

Best Times

When

Friday & Sunday afternoons

Why

Free discovery walks offered

Crowd

Medium

When

Early mornings

Why

Avoid heat & crowds

Crowd

Low

When

Spring & Fall

Why

Pleasant weather, vibrant nature

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Oxley Nature Center. TULSA, OK. #sunday #afternoon #Tulsa #OK #oxleynaturecenter

@merymndm

139 likes • 8.1K views

Grab a Trail Map! 🗺️

Essential for navigating the many trails. Available at the visitor center.

Bug Spray is Key 🦟

Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially in warmer months. Protect yourself!

I hiked for 2 1/2 hours yesterday through the Oxley nature center. Things have changed so much since the dam broke and a lot of the water has drained out. It was still absolutely beautiful. ##okiekazoo##irapenguin##oxleynaturecenter

@okiekazoo

42 likes • 224 views

Oxley Nature Center in Beautiful Tulsa, Oklahoma. #myoklahoma #onlyinoklahoma #thisisoklahoma #oklahoma #travelOK #natureOK #tree_brilliance #tree_captures #nature_brilliance #nature_sultans #nature_perfection #nature_lovers #naturelover #nature_good #nature_shooters #nature_wizards #nature_photo #nature_seekers #naturelovers #natureza #naturegram #naturephoto #natureshooters #natureshots #naturep...

okieboythatsme

59 likes • 923 views

Free Scavenger Hunts 🔎

Fun for kids! Check out scavenger hunts and walking sticks from the center.

Listen to Nature 👂

Take a moment to appreciate the sounds of the forest.

Another great day for crops on Thursday at Mohawk Park. 3rd place team finishes in both V and JV in fields of 31 and 15 teams from across OK. A day for personal bests and a day to compete against some of the best girls in OK. 🌈 @bishopkelley_athletics @oklahomahighschoolrunning

bkgirlsxc

39 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Grab a Trail Map! 🗺️

Essential for navigating the many trails. Available at the visitor center.

Bug Spray is Key 🦟

Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially in warmer months. Protect yourself!

Free Scavenger Hunts 🔎

Fun for kids! Check out scavenger hunts and walking sticks from the center.

Listen to Nature 👂

Take a moment to appreciate the sounds of the forest.

Respect Wildlife 🦌

Observe animals from a distance and do not feed them.

What Travellers Say

4.8

(591 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Mary K. Oxley Nature Center for its beautiful, diverse trails and abundant wildlife. The free admission and helpful interpretive center staff are frequently highlighted as major positives, making it an excellent spot for families and nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape within the city. Some visitors note the presence of mosquitoes and occasional aircraft noise from the nearby airport.

"Such a wonderful nature center and place to walk around. Lots of different trails to take. You can see a pond, different plants and animals, fields - nice variety.

We had a surprise tour! We learned in the summer there are free discovery walks Fridays 11am and 2pm and Sundays 2pm.

Our guide was a lovely volunteer who was super knowledgeable about everything. (I forget her name unfortunately but she was fantastic!)

The center even has walking sticks, first aid backpacks, and kids scavenger hunts to check out for free for your walk. The center has a nice bird watch station, and a few areas to learn about the native plants and animals.

The terrain is pretty flat so easy to walk through with people of all ages - probably wheel chair accessible? I wasn’t paying a lot of attention for that but definitely not very rocky or treacherous"

Elena Haskins

"Great place for an easy hike. Tucked away in Mohawk Park past the Tulsa Zoo. I didn't go into the building so I could not speak about experience there. Some of the trails have poems along the path. Nice location to see a variety of birds. There are also a few places along the trail to relax and enjoy your surroundings. I highly recommend this trail. Be sure you use bug spray."

Reb Be

"Wonderful place for families, Daycares, schools or just an outdoor outing. I brought my Daycare class here and we received great customer service with a fun learning experience and it’s Free!! Definitely worth the trip"

love love

What People Like

Beautiful and diverse trails

Abundant wildlife sightings

Free admission and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Mosquitoes in warmer months

Occasional aircraft noise

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The center is located within Mohawk Park, past the Tulsa Zoo. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available.

Yes, it's located right next to the Tulsa Zoo, making it a convenient combination for a day out.

While specific directions can vary, it's generally found by heading into Mohawk Park and following signs for the nature center. Using a GPS is recommended.

Public transportation options to Mohawk Park might be limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the center.

Yes, the nature center is located near Lake Yahola within Mohawk Park.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to Oxley Nature Center is free! This makes it a great budget-friendly option for families and individuals.

The park grounds are generally open during daylight hours, while the visitor center has specific operating hours. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current information.

No advance booking is required for general entry. However, if you plan to join specific guided walks or programs, it's advisable to check for any registration requirements.

Yes, free discovery walks are offered on Fridays and Sundays during the summer. These are led by knowledgeable volunteers.

Typically, pets are not allowed in nature centers or on their trails to protect wildlife and natural habitats. It's best to confirm their pet policy before visiting.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Oxley Nature Center offers a variety of well-maintained trails, ranging from flat and easy to slightly more challenging. There are options for all fitness levels.

Absolutely! It's a highly recommended spot for hiking with numerous trails, beautiful scenery, and opportunities to see wildlife.

Visitors frequently spot white-tailed deer, various bird species, butterflies, and other small creatures. +2

Many of the trails are relatively flat and wide, making them suitable for strollers and potentially wheelchairs. However, some narrower or more natural paths might be less accessible.

The visitor center features hands-on exhibits, animal pelts, information about native species, and a bird-watching station. Knowledgeable staff are also available to answer questions.

📸 📸 Photography

The Bird Creek Trail offers great views of the creek and a wooden bridge, perfect for scenic shots. The retention pond is also ideal for capturing beautiful sunsets. +1

Yes, the diverse plant and insect life, like jumping spiders, make it a fantastic location for macro photography.

Wildlife photography, landscape shots of the creek and ponds, and close-ups of native plants and insects are popular. +1

With abundant wildlife, varied landscapes, and interesting flora, finding photogenic subjects is generally quite easy.

Early mornings and late afternoons/evenings are ideal for softer light and capturing wildlife activity, as well as stunning sunsets. +1