Mary K. Oxley Nature Center
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
Free discovery walks offered
Mary K. Oxley Nature Center
Best Time
Free discovery walks offered
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 800-acre urban oasis in Tulsa, offering diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and an engaging interpretive center for free.
"Such a wonderful nature center and place to walk around. Lots of different trails to take."
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!
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Wildlife & Weather Wise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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
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
What People Dislike
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. 
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
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The interpretive center offers hands-on exhibits and animal pelts that can captivate young minds, providing a fun learning experience.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Hikers
Early mornings are ideal for a serene experience, with fewer people and a greater chance of encountering wildlife.
📸 Nature Photographers
The park's diverse ecosystem supports a variety of subjects, from wildlife like deer and birds
Visiting during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) will yield the best lighting conditions for both landscapes and wildlife. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
For those seeking a more immersive experience, consider borrowing a trail map from the visitor center to plan your route effectively.
Some trails even feature poems along the path, adding an artistic and reflective element to your walk.
Wildlife Encounters
Beyond larger animals, keep an eye out for butterflies fluttering among the wildflowers and other fascinating insects.
For those interested in learning more about the native fauna, the interpretive center displays animal pelts and provides information about the creatures that inhabit Oklahoma.
The Interpretive Center Experience
Staff and volunteers at the center are often described as incredibly knowledgeable and kind, eager to share their expertise about the native plants and animals.
Public restrooms and water fountains are available within the visitor center, adding to the convenience of your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit