Best Day Trips from Tulsa: 7 Ideas Within 2 Hours
Here's some of our very favorite day trips that we love to do over and over again...
That's right friends, whether you are planning a spontaneous day trip or mapping out a quick road trip from Tulsa, you do not have to go far to find something worth the drive. Oklahoma and its neighbors pack a serious amount of culture, nature, and charm into a two-hour radius.
What Are the Best Day Trips from Tulsa?
The best day trips from Tulsa include Bentonville, Tahlequah, Eureka Springs, Beavers Bend State Park, Lake Eufaula, Pawhuska, and Claremore. All sit within two hours of Tulsa and offer a mix of outdoor adventure, arts and culture, and small-town charm. Most require zero planning beyond a full tank of gas.
Quick-Reference Guide: Day Trips from Tulsa by Drive Time
Use this table to find the right trip based on how far you want to drive and what kind of experience you are looking for.
| Destination | Drive Time | Best For | Must-See |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremore, OK | 30 min | History lovers | Will Rogers Memorial Museum |
| Pawnee, OK | 45 min | History and culture | Pawnee Bill Ranch |
| Pawhuska, OK | 1 hr | Foodies and fans | Pioneer Woman Mercantile |
| Tahlequah, OK | 1 hr | Outdoor adventures | Illinois River float trips |
| Bentonville, AR | 1.5 hrs | Art and biking | Crystal Bridges Museum |
| Lake Eufaula, OK | 1.5 hrs | Water and wildlife | Fishing and lakeside trails |
| Eureka Springs, AR | 2 hrs | Quirky charm | Historic downtown and Thorncrown Chapel |
| Beavers Bend, OK | 2 hrs | Nature escapes | Kayaking and hiking |
What Can You Do in Bentonville, Arkansas?
Bentonville is one of the best day trips from Tulsa for anyone who loves art, the outdoors, or both. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art offers world-class exhibits completely free of charge. Its sister venue, The Momentary, hosts live music and rotating contemporary art. The trail system around town is one of the best mountain biking networks in the country.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Crystal Bridges sits inside a stunning architectural structure built into the Ozark forest. The permanent collection spans five centuries of American art. General admission is free, which makes it an easy yes for families and solo travelers alike.
The Momentary
The Momentary is Crystal Bridges' contemporary spin-off and focuses on visual art, performance, and food. It hosts rotating exhibits and live events. Check their calendar before you go because weekends often have something special happening.
Bike Trails and Outdoor Activities
Bentonville has more than 300 miles of mountain bike trails. Even casual riders can find smooth, scenic routes. Bike rentals are available near the trailheads, so you do not need to bring your own gear.
What Is There to Do in Tahlequah, Oklahoma?
Tahlequah sits about an hour southeast of Tulsa and serves as the capital of the Cherokee Nation. It is the go-to day trip for river floats, hiking, and Cherokee history. The Illinois River runs right through town and draws visitors all summer long.
Cherokee National History Museum
The Cherokee National History Museum is housed in the original Cherokee National Capitol building in downtown Tahlequah. It offers 7,000 square feet of exhibits covering Cherokee history from its origins to today. It is one of the most meaningful cultural stops in eastern Oklahoma.
Illinois River Float Trips
Floating the Illinois River is a Tulsa summer tradition. Outfitters in Tahlequah rent canoes, kayaks, and tubes by the hour or the day. The river is calm enough for families and scenic enough to feel like a real escape.
Sparrow Hawk Mountain
Sparrow Hawk Mountain offers hiking trails with elevated views of the Ozark foothills. It is a quieter alternative for those who want nature without the river crowds.
Is Eureka Springs Worth a Day Trip from Tulsa?
Yes, Eureka Springs is absolutely worth the two-hour drive from Tulsa. It is one of the most distinct small towns in the region with Victorian architecture, a walkable historic downtown, independent shops, and one of the most beautiful chapels in America. Plan to spend a full day.
Historic Downtown and Victorian Architecture
Eureka Springs earned its nickname "Little Switzerland of the Ozarks" because of its winding streets and hillside Victorian buildings. The entire downtown district sits on the National Register of Historic Places. You can walk it all in a few hours and find locally owned restaurants and boutiques throughout.
Thorncrown Chapel
Thorncrown Chapel is a must-see. The glass and wood structure rises 48 feet into the Ozark forest and feels as though it grew there naturally. It is open to visitors March through December and admission is free.
Local Food and Shops
Eureka Springs has a surprisingly strong food scene for a small town. Local spots line Spring Street, with options ranging from cafes to sit-down Southern kitchens. Save room for dessert because the local bakeries are worth the extra stop.
What Are the Best Outdoor Day Trips Near Tulsa?
The best outdoor day trips near Tulsa include Beavers Bend State Park, Lake Eufaula, and Natural Dam in Arkansas. All three offer water access, trails, and natural beauty within two hours of the city. Each works well as a solo adventure, a couples outing, or a full family day.
Beavers Bend State Park (approx. 2 hrs)
Beavers Bend State Park is one of Oklahoma's most beloved state parks and sits along Broken Bow Lake in the Ouachita Mountains. You can kayak, hike, fish, or simply sit by the water. Fall foliage here is among the best in the state.
Lake Eufaula (approx. 1.5 hrs)
Lake Eufaula is one of the largest man-made lakes in the country and offers excellent fishing, boating, and shoreline trails. It is a lower-key alternative to Beavers Bend and a great pick for a relaxed, no-agenda day out.
Natural Dam, Arkansas (approx. 2 hrs)
Natural Dam is a genuinely unexpected find. It is the widest natural dam in the United States and sits inside a forested area of the Arkansas River Valley. The area around it is peaceful, scenic, and rarely crowded.
What Small Towns Near Tulsa Make for a Great Day Trip?
Pawhuska, Pawnee, and Claremore each offer something different within an hour of Tulsa. Pawhuska draws foodies, Pawnee offers western history, and Claremore is a quick hit packed with Will Rogers nostalgia. All three are easy half-day drives with plenty to fill your time.
Pawhuska and the Pioneer Woman Mercantile (approx. 1 hr)
Pawhuska shot onto the map when Ree Drummond opened The Pioneer Woman Mercantile on Main Street. The restaurant and store draws visitors from across the region. Beyond the Merc, the Osage Nation Museum offers a meaningful look at the history and culture of the Osage people.
Pawnee and Pawnee Bill Ranch (approx. 45 min)
Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is a free historic site that preserves the home and story of Gordon Lillie, a famous Wild West showman. The grounds are open for self-guided tours and the mansion itself is worth stepping inside.
Claremore and the Will Rogers Memorial Museum (approx. 30 min)
Claremore is the closest day trip on this list and one of the most satisfying. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum is a full-scale tribute to Oklahoma's most beloved son. It is thoughtfully done, genuinely moving, and takes about 90 minutes to explore.
No matter which trip you choose, you'll find fun for all ages and best of all, no hotels necessary...you can start out early and be home by end of day. Let us know which ones you've tried or are thinking about trying next! Oh and if there's something fun we missed...let us know and we'll do a separate post once we've explored it as well!Are you on social? Let's connect on Instagram.
