This was my first visit to the Oxley Nature Center and I have to say, wow it’s amazing. If you enjoy the outdoors and walking/hiking trails this is your place to be when in Tulsa. It’s located within Mohawk Park nearby to the Zoo and Lake Yahola. Near the ramp which leads to the visitor center you can get a trail map, grab one of these because you might need it, there is so many trails. All the trails are well traveled and easy to stay on, at the beginning of a trail there was wooden signs telling the name of that particular one. We did the Bird Creek trail, coal creek trail and a few others while here. Everywhere was so beautiful. I recommend the bird creek trail because there is great views of the creek and a cool wooden bridge to walk across. There is also several small ponds here that some of the other trails pass by. There is a trail here for everybody. We saw so many butterflies while walking around but also many mosquitoes too. Most of the trails were wide enough you could avoid the grass but some were narrow and we brushed up against the grass. I only found one small tick on me after hiking but if you touch any grass or go off trail for some reason then be sure to check yourself for them. I recommend coming in the early morning to avoid the heat of the day and so you have lots of time to explore the visitor center if you want. We came in the late afternoon so the visitor center was closing soon unfortunately and we only got to spend maybe 20 minutes in there after we were done hiking. The visitor center is a must see in my opinion because the lady we met in there was a wealth of knowledge and kindness too. There is also many animal pelts on display and information about all kinds of animals and insects that are native to Oklahoma. There is public bathrooms available in the visitor center as well as water fountains. Overall, if you like the outdoors this place will not disappoint you. It truly is an urban oasis. My only complaint is you will hear aircraft from the nearby airport at times but I enjoy aircraft so that didn’t bother me. Just keep that in mind, it’s located next to a large city so you can’t completely escape those sounds. Have fun and don’t forget to grab one of...
Read moreI love Oxley. I’ve loved it since I was a child. Oxley Nature Center is a phenomenal location for hiking, classes, and just generally appreciating the outdoors. It is one of the most relaxing places to be. It's insane that you can feel like you're in the middle of the wilderness but still inside the city. Also, it’s massive! “804 acres of property with almost 11 miles of walking trails.” There are a lot of trails everywhere and the scenery is better than expected. I’ve never gone and not seen some sort of wildlife – deer, beavers, armadillos, owls, storks, etc. There are easy trails, medium trails, difficult trails, etc. You can walk for hours, should you choose. The trails are shaded so summer time hikes aren't going to be too hard on you. This places a hidden gem in the Tulsa area. The nature center itself is nice. They offer classes and guided hikes for kids. There are a lot of benches to go sit and relax, a beautiful lake to watch the sunset, and all sorts of different biomes! You’ve got swampy wetlands, grasslands, forest, a river (bird creek) – Oxley has really got it all. This place deserves a visit and your attention. They definitely need more support – more people in Tulsa need to visit this location! Get it popular! It’s really, truly an absolutely wonderful place to be. You can be alone with nature, and feel down to earth. Or bring some friends! Great trails for jogging as well, if you’re a runner. Extremely...
Read moreI was out adventuring in the area and decided to check out Oxley Nature Center. Even on a cold and dreary day, what a GREAT place!! Lots of well-marked trails to hike, lots of wildlife to enjoy! So many birds - robins, cedar waxwings, various species of woodpeckers, cardinals, raptors, water fowl, chickadees, tufted titmice...the list goes on and on! And the air is alive with their birdsongs! Lots of deer tracks - and as I was very slowly driving out around closing time, the deer were out and about! As I took a few pics with my phone from out the window of my car, I could hear the hooting of an owl off in the woods. The Learning Center is AMAZING! I didn't have time to take advantage of viewing all the exhibits (every drawer has something in it to look at!); I know I'll be back! Lisa, an employee at the front desk, was SUPER interesting to chat with! What a gem this place is...
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