Broken Arrow Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Broken Arrow with our helpful guide, featuring top attractions, accommodations, and insider tips.


Introduction to Broken Arrow

Located in the heart of Green Country, Broken Arrow is a city in Oklahoma that offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. The city is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for both avid adventurers and casual tourists. Whether you’re looking for scenic bike trails, vibrant nightlife, or delicious local cuisine, Broken Arrow has something to offer everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Broken Arrow

Here are some of the top attractions and landmarks in Broken Arrow that you won’t want to miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Museum Broken Arrow - Explore the history and culture of the city through interactive exhibits and hands-on displays.
  • The Broken Arrow Historical Society Museum - Get a glimpse of the city’s past through artifacts and photographs that date back to the 1800s.
  • Military History Museum - Discover the significance of military in Oklahoma through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Broken Arrow: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ray Harral Nature Park - This 40-acre park provides visitors with a variety of trails to hike and bike through stunning scenery.
  • Haikey Creek Park - Enjoy a peaceful walk around the greenery and numerous trails while watching some rare birds.
  • Tulsa County Helicopter Tour - Enjoy scenic views of Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and the surrounding areas via a helicopter ride.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Broken Arrow

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the variety of hiking and biking trails in Broken Arrow. Some of the top routes to explore include:

  • Nienhuis Park Trail - It offers majestic views of the Arkansas River, diverse wildlife, and colorful plant life.
  • Ray Harral Nature Park Trail - Explore lush greenery as well as spot exotic birds in their natural habitat.
  • Haikey Creek Trail - Walk around the park, witness Hawk, Doves, Sparrows, and other bird species.

Best Things to Do in Broken Arrow: Activities and Tours

The city boasts a range of diverse activities that ensure an action-packed itinerary. Here are some of the top activities and tours:

  • Motor Sports Museum - Witness hundreds of motorcycles, ATVs, racing cars and anything that is motorized.
  • Flying Tee - Enjoy some golfing and interactive games facilities with friends and family alongside unique dining options.
  • Broken Arrow Historical Society Museum - Step back into time by exploring artifacts, photographs and mementos from the early 19th century onwards.

Week-Long Itinerary for Broken Arrow

Here’s an itinerary of how you could spend a week in Broken Arrow:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Museum Broken Arrow in the morning, the Haikey Creek Park in the afternoon, and catch a movie at the Warren Theatre in the evening.
2 Spend the day hiking and biking on the trails of Ray Harral Nature Park.
3 Take a helicopter tour of Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and the surrounding areas.
4 Explore the city’s history and culture at the Military History Museum and Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
5 Check out Flying Tee for a fun golfing experience.
6 Spend the day shopping at the Bass Pro Shop and enjoying the trails of Haikey Creek Park.
7 Wrap up your trip with a relaxing day at the Willow Springs Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Broken Arrow

With an array of restaurants, bars, and breweries, Broken Arrow has a rapidly burgeoning food and beverage scene. Here is a list of some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • BBQ Ribs - Sink your teeth into succulent BBQ ribs and savor the unique flavors of Broken Arrow’s finest.
  • Pecan - Enjoy one of the local specialties, Pecan Pie, using the local pecans and get familiarized with the taste peculiar to the area.

Local Beverages

  • Local Beers - Enjoy locally-brewed beers such as the RoughTail Brewing Company’s Hoptometrist.
  • Whiskeys - Discover Broken Arrow’s own whiskey distillery at its Skyline Spirit’s Distillery, serving up smooth bourbon, rye and even liqueurs.

Where to Stay in Broken Arrow: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whatever your budget and needs, there is a wide assortment of accommodations available throughout the city.

  • Stoney Creek Hotel - Delight in stylish rooms, free breakfast, and a scenic pool and hot tub.
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites Broken Arrow - Benefit from comfortable rooms and a pet-friendly environment.
  • Econo Lodge Broken Arrow - Access quality rooms and an impressive list of amenities ranging from free breakfast, coffee, and high-speed internet services available round the clock.

What to Buy in Broken Arrow: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

A trip to Broken Arrow is not complete without taking something back home to remember your incredible adventure, here are some ideas:

  • Head over to Bass Pro Shop - one of the most popular tourist destinations offering outdoor gear, camping sets, hunting, and fishing equipment.
  • Visit the Broken Arrow Historical Society Museum for historic books, textiles, photographs, crafts and souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Broken Arrow

Get fully-immersed into the culture, colors and customs of Broken Arrow by observing these local customs while exploring the city:

  • Respect the traditional customs of the tribal communities - The tribes that originally inhabited the area are celebrated for their traditions, so practice appreciation, goodwill and respect courtesy while in Broken Arrow.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and sun protection gear when exploring the outdoor offerings.
  • Recognize and honor the area’s rich military history, by taking tours of the Military Museum or reading up on the traditions while paying reverence to the Freedom Monument.

Best Time to Visit Broken Arrow

The best time to visit Broken Arrow is during the fall when you can enjoy cool, comfortable weather that’s ideal for exploring the outdoors. Another excellent time for both tourists and sports enthusiasts is summer when colors are bright, festivals in full swing and outdoor activities in plenty.

Do’s and Don’ts of Broken Arrow

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when visiting Broken Arrow:

Do:

  • Do visit the Military Museum to learn about the rich military history of the area.
  • Do hike and bike the trails of Ray Harral Nature Park.
  • Do indulge in some local specialties like the BBQ Ribs and Pecan Pie.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to show respect to local customs and traditions.
  • Don’t litter or disturb the natural habitat while exploring the park systems.
  • Don’t miss out on the local breweries and museums.

Safety and Health

Safety in Broken Arrow

Broken Arrow is considered relatively safe, with the most common incidence of crime being petty theft. However, tourists are recommended to stay cautious and keep their belongings safe while touring in the city.

Health in Broken Arrow

Although medical facilities are widely available in the city, it’s better to get all necessary tests and a clean bill of health before traveling to Broken Arrow.

Getting to Broken Arrow: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Broken Arrow

The nearest airport to Broken Arrow is Tulsa International Airport (TUL), which is around 13 miles away. It’s the best option to reach Broken Arrow in the least time and cost.

Bus Stations Near Broken Arrow

Greyhound bus stations are the most prevalent bus service providers in the area, with access to major destinations around the country via Tulsa, Oklahoma city and others.

Other Options

Ubers, private taxis and a variety of car hiring services are available for scheduling and rentals.

How to Get Around in Broken Arrow

Getting around Broken Arrow can be quite convenient, with many options available, including car rentals, public transportation, biking, walking etc.

Where to Go Next from Broken Arrow: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Within reach of Broken Arrow, there are numerous other destinations perfect for short excursions. Some of the most popular ones include:

  • Tulsa - A vibrant and cultural city with landmarks such as the Philbrook Museum and Art Deco architecture.
  • Muskogee - Home to the legendary Castle of Muskogee which boasts of a stream of entertainment options from rodeos to a war reenactment.
  • Oklahoma City - The state capital is bustling with plenty of tourist destinations including the Zoo, National Cowboy Museum, and Nature Reserves.

Conclusion

Broken Arrow is a captivating city with an abundance of culture and nature which is sure to steal any traveler’s heart. From food to hiking trails to museums, entertainment options and unique souvenirs, Broken Arrow has something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a week-long adventure or a short trip, the city provides an unforgettable experience.