Skip to Main Content
Oklahoma

Best of Oklahoma: From Tulsa to Tahlequah

Program No. 23215RJ
At art, history and cultural museums, explore the diverse heritage of Tulsa, from its beginnings as an Indian Territory, to the prosperity that followed its 1901 oil boom — and beyond.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Apr 13 - Apr 19, 2025
Starting at
2,449
May 11 - May 17, 2025
Starting at
2,449
Oct 12 - Oct 18, 2025
Starting at
2,449
Oct 26 - Nov 1, 2025
Starting at
2,449
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Apr 13 - Apr 19, 2025
Starting at
3,189
Filling Fast!
May 11 - May 17, 2025
Starting at
3,189
Oct 12 - Oct 18, 2025
Starting at
3,189
Oct 26 - Nov 1, 2025
Starting at
3,189
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

When oil was discovered in Tulsa in 1901, the little frontier town exploded with prosperity. In the oil boom years that followed, the city’s downtown developed with Art Deco architecture, and the Greenwood neighborhood became the wealthiest African American community in Oklahoma, bustling with the sounds of jazz, blues and — later — the Tulsa Massacre. Travel to the “Oil Capital of the World” to study the city’s diverse history, art and culture at museums across the city and the surrounding area, including Greenwood Rising, the Philbrook Museum, Cherokee Nation, and more.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to five miles daily, sometimes on unpaved terrain and standing at museums.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Learn about the Trail of Tears at the John Ross Museum, and explore Tahlequah—the capital city of the Cherokee Nation.
  • Visit the Woody Guthrie Center, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, and Bob Dylan Museum to learn about the lives and legacies of these famous men.
  • Discover fascinating art and architecture throughout the city and at museums like the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Sue Shoemaker
Sue Shoemaker, a native-born Michigander, lives on a farm in the “Thumb.” A gratifying teaching and counseling career at the middle school level inspired Sue to become a group leader in order to share her passion for learning and travel with others. Sue has led a variety of Road Scholar programs: study cruises on the Great Lakes and the Columbia River, as well as land-based programs in Chicago, Detroit, Albuquerque (Balloon Fiesta), and northern Michigan.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Tari Intardonato
Tari Intardonato View biography
Tari Intardonato was a teacher for many years before taking her skills to the road. She enjoys leading field trips with Road Scholar, during which she shares her knowledge and love of presidential libraries, history, textiles, and little out-of-the-way gems. Tari is an avid reader and loves sewing, watching British TV shows, and spending time with her family.
Profile Image of Sue Shoemaker
Sue Shoemaker View biography
Sue Shoemaker, a native-born Michigander, lives on a farm in the “Thumb.” A gratifying teaching and counseling career at the middle school level inspired Sue to become a group leader in order to share her passion for learning and travel with others. Sue has led a variety of Road Scholar programs: study cruises on the Great Lakes and the Columbia River, as well as land-based programs in Chicago, Detroit, Albuquerque (Balloon Fiesta), and northern Michigan.
Profile Image of Vanessa Adams-Harris
Vanessa Adams-Harris View biography
Vanessa Adams-Harris is Muscogee (Creek) American Indian with African American/European ancestry. She serves as director of outreach and alliances for the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation and is vice chair of the Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission, president of the North Tulsa Historical Society, vice president of TKWolf, Inc, and is assistant to the minister of Church of the Restoration Unitarian Universalist. She edited and directed the documentary, “Unheard Voices-Stalking in Indian Country” and “Unheard, Unseen,” an interview with Dr. Reid Melloy.
Profile Image of Kelly Gibson
Kelly Gibson View biography
Kelly Gibson is the owner of Tours of Tulsa. Kelly is a life-long resident of Tulsa, and is married with two children. In 2006, she worked as a travel leader for Bandana Tours of Tulsa. In 2013, she acquired the company and formed Tours of Tulsa. Tours of Tulsa works to make the history of Tulsa come alive and lead visitors through some of the city’s most historic and storied destinations, meet its fascinating people, and learn more about this incredible city.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
Tulsa, OK
Program Concludes
Tulsa, OK
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
15 | 6B | 5L | 4D |
Activity Level
When oil was discovered in Tulsa in 1901, the little frontier town exploded with prosperity. In the oil boom years that followed, the city’s downtown developed with Art Deco architecture, and the Greenwood neighborhood became the wealthiest African American community in Oklahoma, bustling with the sounds of jazz, blues and — later — the Tulsa Massacre. Travel to the “Oil Capital of the World” to study the city’s diverse history, art and culture at museums across the city and the surrounding area, including Greenwood Rising, the Philbrook Museum, Cherokee Nation, and more.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Learn about the Trail of Tears at the John Ross Museum, and explore Tahlequah—the capital city of the Cherokee Nation.
  • Visit the Woody Guthrie Center, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, and Bob Dylan Museum to learn about the lives and legacies of these famous men.
  • Discover fascinating art and architecture throughout the city and at museums like the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Sue Shoemaker
Sue Shoemaker, a native-born Michigander, lives on a farm in the “Thumb.” A gratifying teaching and counseling career at the middle school level inspired Sue to become a group leader in order to share her passion for learning and travel with others. Sue has led a variety of Road Scholar programs: study cruises on the Great Lakes and the Columbia River, as well as land-based programs in Chicago, Detroit, Albuquerque (Balloon Fiesta), and northern Michigan.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Tari Intardonato
Tari Intardonato
Tari Intardonato was a teacher for many years before taking her skills to the road. She enjoys leading field trips with Road Scholar, during which she shares her knowledge and love of presidential libraries, history, textiles, and little out-of-the-way gems. Tari is an avid reader and loves sewing, watching British TV shows, and spending time with her family.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to five miles daily, sometimes on unpaved terrain and standing at museums.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (9 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
15 meals | 6B | 5L | 4D |
2 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Transportation for program-related activities will be via motorcoach unless specified otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking about 4 miles throughout the day; uneven brick sidewalks with inclines; periods of standing totaling up to 3 hours in museums or on walking exploration. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles total, approximately 1 hour throughout the day with stops.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
A local expert will lead a discussion about the history of the area that is now Oklahoma, from its earliest Native American inhabitants to the American soldiers and settlers who followed. We'll also hear about the unique history of Tulsa. We'll then head out by motorcoach and meet a local expert who will lead us on a walking exploration of the downtown Tulsa area. We will learn more about Tulsa’s history and architecture, particularly the Art Deco and Gothic structures that were built during Tulsa’s oil boom in the early 20th century.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll make our way to the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art where we’ll be led by an expert docent and learn about the travels of exiles and immigrants to new homelands. We’ll also learn about Jewish practices, ceremonies, holidays, and overall heritage. As a longstanding component to Tulsa’s collective identity, the museum’s exhibitions of Jewish art and artifacts serve to enlighten visitors and provide opportunities to learn about the vast history of the Jewish faith, from before the Canaanite era over 5,000 years ago all the way throughout settlement in the southwestern United States.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 65 miles one way, approximately 2.5 hours roundtrip. Walking up to 4.5 miles total, approximately 3 hours; uneven brick sidewalks; periods of standing totaling up to 1 hour at museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Setting out via motorcoach, we’ll make our way to Tahlequah, the Capital of the Cherokee Nation, where we enjoy a full day visit led by a local expert from the Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism Center. We’ll visit a variety of sites from an antebellum Cherokee home to the home and museum of distinguished Cherokee leader John Ross, who sagely guided the Cherokee Nation through decades of turbulent times.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we’ll have special access at the Cherokee National Research Center (when available) and hear from staff of the Archives and Genealogy Department, a state-of-the-art facility that is home to a collection of thousands of Cherokee artifacts and archives formerly housed at the Cherokee Heritage Center. We’ll continue with both guided and independent explorations at the Cherokee National History Museum, Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Museum, the Art Walk celebrating Artists designated Cherokee National Treasures with rotating displays, and other relevant sites. We will return to Tulsa for arrival in the early evening.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in Tulsa. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 4.5 miles throughout the day; varied terrain including uneven sidewalks, gravel paths; periods of standing totaling up to 2 hours during field trips.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast we'll be joined by a local expert from the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation for a lecture to orient us for the day in the Greenwood Cultural District, from Indian Territory laws to the thriving Black Wall Street era of the early 20th century, and the events known as the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Following the lecture we'll head out by motor coach for the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church where we’ll enjoy a docent-led tour to learn about and admire the impressive Art Deco architecture. The beautifully executed ecclesiastical style earned the 1929 church a designation as a National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior, a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and status as an international United Methodist Historic Site.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will visit Greenwood Rising, a new museum commemorating the Tulsa Race Massacres of 1921. Greenwood Rising uses a variety of historical, technological and interactive design elements to encourage discourse about the tragedy while also discussing Black History and the history of anti-blackness in this country. Greenwood Rising also bears witness to the amazing resurgence of the Greenwood District in the months and years following the tragedy. Booker T. Washington, the acclaimed author and educator, referred to the 35-block Greenwood District surrounding the corner of Greenwood Avenue and Archer Street as America's "Black Wall Street." As a lucrative hub for black commerce in the early 1900s, it was also a center for jazz and blues, and the site where the renowned jazz pianist Count Basie first encountered big-band jazz. At the time, the Greenwood District was the richest African-American neighborhood in North America. Then we will depart for the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park. Upon arrival, we’ll again a local expert from the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation who will help deepen our understanding in the outdoor art and reflection park before opening up for independent exploration. John Hope Franklin was a distinguished historian and lawyer, graduating from Harvard in 1941 and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995. The Center works toward reconciliation through encouraging community dialogue.
Dinner:
At a popular local restaurant.
Evening:
After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
Activity Note
Driving about 90 miles roundtrip, approximately 1.5 hours total, with stops. Walking about 4 miles throughout the day; periods of standing totaling up to 2 hours at field trip locations; gravel paths and dirt roads. Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll travel to the Will Rogers Memorial Museum where a museum docent will lead us around the facility. The life of the much-loved entertainer, Will Rogers, is commemorated in his hometown of Claremore, Oklahoma. Displays in this museum show a plethora of his collective work and memorabilia. We’ll be able to see video performances of all types as we learn about his life and career. Will Rogers' tomb is also on the grounds, overlooking the town and Rogers State University. After our docent-led exploration, we’ll have some time to explore independently.
Lunch:
At a popular local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we'll travel to the Woody Guthrie Center which houses the archives and research center, details his life and creative journey, and preserves many of his handwritten lyrics and musical instruments. One of Oklahoma's dearest sons, Woody Guthrie was a prolific singer-songwriter who inspired many generations with such songs as "This Land is Your Land" and was one of the most significant figures in American folk music. A docent will lead us on an exploration of the center and point out significant details of Guthrie’s life. Following our visit to the Woody Guthrie Center, we will return to the hotel.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving about 15 miles roundtrip, approximately 1/2 hour total. Walking about 4 mile throughout the day; varied terrain, dirt trails, some inclines; periods of standing totaling up to 2 hours at museums.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Setting out after breakfast, we’ll travel to the Philbrook Museum of Art for an expert-led field trip through this historic 1926 Italian Renaissance-style villa, which was the home of Waite and Genevieve Phillips. First opened in 1939, the museum has collected art from various time frames, artistic mediums, and locations across the globe. A primary focus of the museum, which we will see today, is the extensive exhibit featuring Native American artistry and traditional craftwork. The Philbrook is also known for its extensive and lovely formal gardens. Feel free to stroll through them and soak in the atmosphere during some time for independent exploration.
Lunch:
In the cafe at the Philbrook.
Afternoon:
Next, we'll transfer to the Bob Dylan Center. Opened in May of 2022, the Bob Dylan Center houses curated exhibits created from a collection of over 100,000 items spanning the amazing career of this legendary artist. These cultural treasures include "handwritten manuscripts, notebooks and correspondence; films, videos, photographs and artwork; memorabilia and ephemera; personal documents and effects; unreleased studio and concert recordings; musical instruments; and many other elements." Although Bob Dylan was not from Oklahoma, he chose to house his collection here in Tulsa, in honor of Woody Guthrie, who influenced him greatly. We will return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
While gathered with our Group Leader, we’ll engage in a program wrap-up and share some of our favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
15 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
  • Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
  • Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
  • May 11, 2025 - May 17, 2025
  • Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
  • Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
6 nights
Location: Tulsa
Boutique hotel located in the Downtown Tulsa historic district, next to the Blue Dome Entertainment District and adjacent to the Greenwood Historical District, amidst colorful local restaurants and businesses.
6 nights
Location: Tulsa
Boutique hotel located in the Downtown Tulsa historic district, next to the Blue Dome Entertainment District and adjacent to the Greenwood Historical District, amidst colorful local restaurants and businesses.
6 nights
Location: Tulsa
Boutique hotel located in the Downtown Tulsa historic district, next to the Blue Dome Entertainment District and adjacent to the Greenwood Historical District, amidst colorful local restaurants and businesses.
6 nights
Location: Tulsa
Boutique hotel located in the Downtown Tulsa historic district, next to the Blue Dome Entertainment District and adjacent to the Greenwood Historical District, amidst colorful local restaurants and businesses.
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 13 Reviews
Sort By:
Jayne – Class of 2020 | Appleton, WI
I had no idea of the outstanding and diverse aspects of Tulsa and Tahlequah. I made connections with the Cherokee Cultural Center, felt like I was in Europe at a grand estate with formal gardens at Philbrook, and was saddened by all I learned about the 1921 massacre of Black Americans in Tulsa.
— Review left October 28, 2024
Elaine – Class of 2019 | Miami, FL
This was a wonderful trip enhanced by our group leader, Tari Intardonato and our terrific bus driver, Eric. We learned so much in a week about the Cherokee Nation, Greenwood Massacre, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and the Art Deco period. The meals were top notch and our guides gave fascinating lectures. Hotel Indigo was a great downtown location. I have traveled with many tour companies but Road Scholar is at the top of my list for future travel.
— Review left June 2, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Mary – Class of 2024 | Neenah, WI
Hotel Indigo was a good location for local restaurants. I enjoyed this tour which had provided a variety of things to see and different restaurant foods to try. We had an excellent bus driver and tour director which were friendly and knowledgeable. The local guides were good on their subject. I had a great time.
— Review left May 19, 2024
Gary | Mequon, WI
Great tour with excellent guides
— Review left November 9, 2023
Gayle – Class of 2006 | Highlands Ranch, CO
Put Tulsa on your bucket list! Important historical events happened here. Museums honoring great musicians are here. Come and check them all out!
— Review left November 4, 2023
Marilyn – Class of 2012 | New York, NY
This is another very fine Road Scholar Signature City program. It is jam-packed with high quality excursions visiting various museums, taking interesting walks and getting lectures that are of a high quality. Learning about the Cherokee Nation, the race massacre of 1921 and its aftermath, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Native American Art and Jewish Art,seeing the interior of a splendid Methodist Church, sampling different types of cuisines, all lent to making this a superior trip. This is a part of our country to truly explore.
— Review left October 31, 2023
Jennifer – Class of 2017 | Mount Airy, MD
Five Stars. The RS Tour of Tulsa is a keeper. There were sights of historic interest--the Cherokee Nation, Greenwood Rising, Art Deco downtown Tulsa, the Philbrook Art Museum--as well as interesting characters--Will Rogers, Woody Guthrie, & Bob Dylan-- to learn more about. The pace was fine, the restaurants good, and my fellow Road Scholars affable. I highly recommend this tour.
— Review left October 30, 2023
Robert – Class of 2022 | Monroe Twp, NJ
Five Stars! This program provided an excellent overview of Oklahoma and its history, both good and bad. We appreciated all the work that went into delivering a well-balanced experience. The suggested readings promised and the program delivered. Well Done!
— Review left October 29, 2023
Marcia – Class of 2016 | N Las Vegas, NV
This is a general statement. You must accommodate solo travelers better..trips are quickly sold out for solos..I don’t like this. We are many solo travelers, mostly women. Find a way to increase solo accommodation If not, this will leave me no choice but to seek out other travel companies
— Review left October 29, 2023
Georgia – Class of 2023 | St George, UT
Who knew there was so much to see, do, and learn in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area? Our small group visited the site of the Black Wall Street Massacre, the Will Rogers Museum, the Cherokee Nation Center, downtown Tulsa's incredible Art Deco architecture, the gorgeous Philbrook Art Museum and gardens, two religious instititions, and the Golden Driller for some local color. Our group leader, Tari, was awesome and we didn't have to change hotels once. I highly recommend Road Scholar Best of Oklahoma from Tulsa to Tahlequah.
— Review left May 2, 2023
Cynthia | Sheffield Lake, OH
Surprising hidden gem of place. Great museums (the Gilcrease, in particular was outstanding), plus a variety of sites. I particularly enjoyed the day we sent at the Cherokee Nation, plus the quick stops not listed on the itinerary - the Golden Driller (the 6th tallest statue in the US) and the Blue Whale, a bit of Route #66 nostalgia. Excellent group leader, Kim, who shared her enthusiasm for the state with us. Good meals, nice hotel, a great experience. Definitely recommend this trip to see a part of the US not on the normal tourist trail. In fact, I enjoyed this so much, I would do another trip to OK if Road Scholar would offer one focused on Oklahoma City.
— Review left April 18, 2019
Ada | New York, NY
I choose this program because Oklahoma was my 49th state. While Tulsa is not the most physically attractive city that Road Scholar offers (an understatement), it has some world class museums that are very much worth your while: the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art, the Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art, the Woody Guthrie Center, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, and the Philbrook Museum of Art. We also had a great program leader.
— Review left March 19, 2019
Edele – Class of 2008 | Woodbridge, VA
The windy state of Oklahoma has quite a variety of museums and sites, from gardens to art to cultural to history (including famous people). I enjoyed my learning experience and our RS leader!
— Review left March 17, 2019





Recommended For You