Broken Arrow is Oklahoma’s fourth-largest metropolis and Tulsa’s biggest suburb, consistently regarded as one of the nation’s top locations for residing in and raising a family! Modern-day Broken Arrow is packed with olden-days oil history and Native American heritage from the Muscogee Indian tribes who have lived here since the 19th century. If you were planning your move to an independent living retirement community and looking to explore some popular attractions in Broken Arrow rich in history, here are the top five landmarks and historical buildings in Broken Arrow, OK you absolutely must visit!
The Blue Whale
With a stellar rating of 4.5-stars from 2,659 Google reviews to its name, the Blue Whale has been a treasured historic monument along Route 66 and a must-see family favorite for decades. It was constructed by a zoologist who wanted the whale to be a fun area for his grandkids to play in along with the pond nearby. Bring your grandkids to explore this jolly concrete creature and let them find the short ladder that leads to a hidden compartment. Prepare a family picnic lunch and head down for a day of fun in the whale and fishing in the pond!
The Golden Driller
Tulsa once stood on top of the biggest global oil reservoir—that’s why Oklahoma’s official state landmark is a ginormous statue of an oil worker towering 76-feet high! The Golden Driller is a mustard-colored, steel-and-concrete sculpture of a muscular man with a chiseled face, wearing a helmet, a glove on his right hand, and a belt buckle with “TULSA” etched on it. The Golden Driller is the 5th largest monument in America, so tall that he’s resting his hand on an actual Oklahoma oil derrick! Boasting a 4.6-star rating from 1,105 Google reviews, it’s a unique and convenient place at the Tulsa Expo Center along Route 66 to stop for a picture op and learn a few facts about Tulsa’s oil heritage.
Will Rogers Memorial Museum and Birthplace Ranch
Will Rogers was a renowned radio host, film star, motivational speaker, journalist, writer, and philanthropist who was adored by everyone and known as “America’s Cowboy Philosopher”. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum and Birthplace Ranch are the primary venues for preserving, showcasing, and commemorating Will Rogers’ wit, philosophy, charisma, life, and wonderful legacy. Holding a 4.8-star rating from 500 Google reviews, it’s a must-visit memorial site of a beloved countryman.
World’s Largest Praying Hands
With a 4.6-star track record from 219 Google reviews, this massive pair of hands that towering over 60 feet tall and weighing 30 tons is the largest bronze statue in the US and the largest praying hands in the world! Oklahoman sculptor L. McMurry completed this project in Mexico in 1980, which now stands on Oral Roberts University’s main entrance driveway.
Military History Museum
From the Revolutionary War through to the recent Operation Enduring Freedom, this museum offers a thorough account of American military history and boasts a superb 4.9-star rating from 102 Google reviews. The exhibits are well-designed and span several generations of memorabilia. Military uniforms and gear from friendly and hostile forces from the various wars are always on display. The best part is meeting the friendly veterans who volunteer and conduct guided tours while sharing their own personal stories.
