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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Garden Of Lights In Oklahoma Is A Magical Wintertime Fairyland Experience

The Garden of Lights at Tulsa Botanic Garden offers a magical, socially-distanced holiday experience with thousands of lights, music, and festive activities.

Published Dec 22, 2020

Written by 

Ashley

The seasonal Garden of Lights event at the Tulsa Botanic Garden is a magical wintertime fairyland experience we highly recommend. It's an outdoor event and very spacious, so it's perfect for social distancing and large groups. Thousands of lights illuminate the night sky, while Christmas music can be heard all across the gardens, making it a night to remember. This holiday season may look a little different, but you can still make special holiday memories in the most magical setting.

The Garden of Lights is a special event at the Tulsa Botanic Garden that runs until January 3, 2021. This year, tickets must be purchased in advance...sorry, no tickets are sold at the door. They are open Thursdays - Sundays, from Nov. 27, 2020 - Jan. 3, 2021, from 5:00-9:00 p.m., and Dec. 21-23. They are closed on December 24-25.

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Tulsa Botanic Garden/Google Photos

Once you arrive, you can stay as long as you would like until they close at 9:00 p.m. Nightly, you'll find food trucks offering hot cocoa, spiced cider, coffee (with spiked options), beer, and wine.

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This is the perfect place this season to reconnect with family and friends. The gardens are illuminated with thousands of colorful lights and holiday music can be heard in the background, making it so festive and full of holiday spirit.

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tulsabotanicgarden/Facebook

S'more kits are available every night for purchase. Just look for the bonfires and enjoy an epic holiday while roasting marshmallows over the fire.

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tulsabotanicgarden/Facebook

The kid's garden is also illuminated with lights, so be sure to bring the kids along and check it out.

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Other activities include train rides, photo spots, hay maze, and live music on select nights. Click the link at the bottom of the article to check out the schedule.

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Capacity is limited each night, so be sure to purchase your tickets before they sell out. It's truly a magical holiday experience you don't want to miss.

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Tulsa Botanic Garden/Google Photos

To purchase tickets or for more information, click here to visit their website. Please note, masks are required for all guests 5+ when not actively eating or drinking.

The Tulsa Botanic Garden is beautiful to visit year-round. If you would like to see what it looks like during the spring when the flowers are in bloom and to read more about it, click here to read our previous featured article on this attraction.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Best View Of Tulsa, Oklahoma Is Found At This City Park

Published Sep 2, 2024

Written by 

Ashley

Get ready to be amazed by the best view in Tulsa. Chandler Park, perched high on the western bank of the Arkansas River, offers unparalleled sights that will take your breath away. Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown, this park is your ticket to stunning panoramas and outdoor adventures.

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Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset, Chandler Park at 6500 West 21st Street, Tulsa, is an ideal spot for early morning strolls, midday adventures, and sunset gazing.

A red car drives past a large "CHANDLER PARK" sign on a grassy hillside, surrounded by trees and a river in the background.
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Chandler Park has a rich history that dates back to 1958 when Claude Chandler generously donated 100 acres of his quarry to Tulsa County. Officially named Chandler Park in 1961, this beloved area quickly became a cherished community hub.

A panoramic view of a city skyline with a river in the foreground and greenery along the banks.
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Over the years, the park has expanded to encompass 192 acres of wooded beauty, featuring a mix of natural and man-made attractions that cater to visitors of all ages.

A black metal fence surrounds a grassy area with trees and rocks, leading to a winding path under a blue sky.
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The crown jewel of Chandler Park is undoubtedly its panoramic views of Tulsa and the nearby town of Sand Springs. Perched high above the Arkansas River, the park offers unparalleled sightlines that are particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset.

Sunset over a city skyline, framed by trees, with a hazy reflection on the water below.
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As the sun rises, the downtown skyline glows with the first light of day, casting long shadows and illuminating the city in a soft, golden hue. In the evenings, the sunset paints the sky with vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples, providing a breathtaking backdrop as the city lights begin to twinkle.

A vibrant sunset over a river, with city skyline in the distance and lush trees framing the scene.
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On a foggy morning, the views from Chandler Park take on a mystical quality, with the city skyline peeking through the mist like a hidden gem. The soft, diffused light creates an ethereal atmosphere, making the park feel like a serene, otherworldly retreat.

A misty landscape at dawn, featuring bare trees and a river with distant city silhouettes in the background.
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Chandler Park is a nature lover’s paradise with five hiking and nature trails that range in difficulty, ensuring there's something for everyone. The park is home to rock formations perfect for climbing, an 18-hole disc golf course, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a splash park for the little ones.

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A colorful water play area with slides, fountains, and children playing under a clear blue sky.
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For more information visit Chandler Park's website or follow along on Chandler Park's Facebook page.

If you would like to learn more about the splash pad in the park, check out our previous article: "The Largest Splash Pad In Oklahoma Just Opened And It's As Fun As Can Be."

Traveling from out of town and need a place to stay close to Downtown Tulsa? If so, check out the great deals on Hotels.com.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

With A Train, Ferris Wheel, And Carousel, This Family-Friendly Park In Oklahoma Is The Best Summer Day Trip

Published Jul 26, 2024

Written by 

Ashley

Recapture the magic of childhood summers at Meadowlake Park in Enid, Oklahoma, where 110 acres of family-friendly fun await. This beloved park is filled with classic attractions that will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. Whether it's the carousel's gentle hum or the miniature train's nostalgic charm, Meadowlake Park is a place where memories are made and cherished. Bring your loved ones and relive those treasured moments, while creating new ones you'll hold dear for years to come.

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Located at 1200 West Rupe Avenue, Meadowlake Park in Enid truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking thrills on the rides, engaging in sports, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, this family-friendly park is an unbeatable summer destination.

A serene landscape featuring a calm river surrounded by lush greenery and a blue sky with scattered clouds.
google photos/Adrianh Martínez

Start your adventure with a whimsical ride on the authentic carousel, where the gleaming horses and chariots transport you back to a simpler time.

A child smiles while riding a carousel horse, with an adult seated behind her, both enjoying a fun day at the amusement park.
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For a panoramic view of the park, hop on the Ferris wheel and let the gentle breeze cool you down as you take in the expansive views.

A ferris wheel silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky with clouds.
google photos/ Chris Telinde

A highlight of Meadowlake Park is the charming miniature train ride that chugs around the serene lake. This delightful journey not only provides scenic views but also a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

A colorful miniature train on tracks, surrounded by green grass and trees, with a playground in the background.
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If you’re visiting during the peak summer months, don’t miss out on the paddle boats, a fantastic way to explore the lake at your own pace.

A red train crosses a bridge over a river, with two kayakers paddling nearby under a clear blue sky.
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For those with a competitive spirit, the miniature golf course is a must-visit. Challenge your family to a round and see who can score the elusive hole-in-one.

A mini-golf course with green turf and blue obstacles, surrounded by trees and a building in the background.
google photos/Ralph Montgomery

Nearby, the playground offers endless fun with slides, swings, and climbing structures, ensuring the little ones have plenty of opportunities to burn off energy.

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Colorful playground with two slides, climbing structures, and a blue spiral slide, surrounded by gravel and greenery.
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If fishing is your passion, bring your gear and cast a line into the lake, where a variety of fish await. Or, pack a picnic and take advantage of the numerous picnic areas and shelters scattered throughout the park.

A group of people fishing along a riverbank, with trees and a bridge in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
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To learn more visit Meadowlake Park's website. Or, follow along on the City of Enid Parks and Recreation's Facebook page.

After a day at the park, head over to Willow Inn Cafe, home to some of Oklahoma's best chicken fried steak.

If you need a place to stay in Enid, check out the hotel deals listed on Hotels.com.

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