Broken Arrow

Broken Arrow is a growing suburban city in the Green Country region of Oklahoma, located approximately 15 miles (25 km) southeast of Tulsa. With a population of around 110,000 (2018), it is the largest suburb of Tulsa County. The city was originally established as a Muscogee Creek settlement and was incorporated in 1902. Its nickname, "Tree City," reflects the abundance of trees and green spaces throughout the community.

Broken Arrow offers a pleasant blend of suburban living with easy access to Tulsa's metropolitan amenities. The historic downtown district along Main Street features shops, restaurants, and community gathering spaces. The city hosts numerous annual events, including Rooster Days, one of the largest county fairs in Oklahoma, and the Rhema Lights, one of the biggest Christmas light displays in the Great Plains.

Climate is humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters. Tornado season runs from February through July, though Broken Arrow and Tulsa are rarely severely affected. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for outdoor activities.

By Plane

Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is the nearest major airport, approximately 20 miles (32 km) northwest. From the airport, take State Highway 11 east to I-244 East, then US-169 South. The drive takes about 25 minutes.

By Car / Road

Broken Arrow is easily accessible from Tulsa via the BA Expressway (State Highway 51) and US-169. From Tulsa, take State-51 East. From the Tulsa International Airport, take State Highway 11 east to I-244 East, then US-169 South. Broken Arrow exits are at every mile south of State 51 on US-169 until 91st Street. Tulsa Transit operates one bus route connecting Broken Arrow to Tulsa on weekdays.

A car is the preferred option for navigating Broken Arrow. All roads are aligned to a four-direction grid system with major roads every mile. East-west streets are numbered, with larger numbers indicating further south. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft operate in the area. Tulsa Transit provides limited bus service connecting to Tulsa.

• The Museum Broken Arrow — 400 S. Main St, ☏ +1 918 258-2616. Tu, W, F 10AM–4PM, Th 4PM–8PM, Sa 10AM–2PM. Traces Broken Arrow's history from a Muscogee Creek outpost to modern city. Features Ernest Childers Cabin and artifacts from various periods. Free, $5 for Second Floor.

• Centennial Clock — Located in front of the Farmer's Market. One of 100 installed across Oklahoma for the State Centennial in 2007.

• Centennial Park — Across from Dooley's Angus Inn on Main Street, featuring a magnificent bronze of a pioneer family.

• Veterans Park — The local memorial garden with bronzes of WWII hero Ernest Childers and a modern-day US soldier.

• Broken Arrow Lanes — 4701 S. Elm Pl, ☏ +1 918 455-4616. Premier bowling alley with 36 lanes. M–Th $25/hour per lane, F–Su $35/hour per lane.

• Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center — 701 South Main St, ☏ +1 918 259-5778. Built in 2008, this modern venue hosts theater performances throughout the year.

• Central Park — Main meeting ground for events such as Rooster Days, hosting the municipal pool and community center.

• Ray Harral Nature Park — Located on the southern edge of town, featuring trails and a Depression-era Hooverville site.

• Broken Arrow Farmer's Market — Main Street, Friday and Saturday 4–6PM (April to October). Local produce and specialty goods.

• The Rhema Lights — 1025 W Kenosha St, November 24 to January 1. One of the largest Christmas light displays in the Great Plains, free to attend.

Broken Arrow offers diverse dining options across price tiers.

Budget:

• Memories of Japan — 2409 W Kenosha St, ☏ +1 918 259-8686. Best traditional Japanese food in BA. $6 and up.

• Uncle Vinny's New York Pizza — 322 W Kenosha St, ☏ +1 918 251-6666. New York styled brick-oven pizza.

• Tandoori Guys — 2039 W Houston St, ☏ +1 918-893-2450. Indian buffet.

Mid-range:

• Ted's Cafe Escondido — 3202 W Kenosha St, ☏ +1 918 254-8337. Superb food and service, arrive early to avoid crowds.

• Natv — 1611 S Main St, ☏ +1 (918) 940-7296. Traditional Native American/Indigenous food, ~$15 for a meal.

Splurge:

• Los Cabos — 151 Bass Pro Dr, ☏ +1 918 355-8877. Su–Th 11AM–10PM, F Sa 11AM–11PM. Award-winning Mexican cantina.

• C.J. Moloney's — 1849 S. Aspen Ave, ☏ +1 918 251-1973. The only Irish pub in town with live music nightly and a big St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Tap water in Broken Arrow is safe to drink.

• Budget — Several motels along the Highway 51 corridor offer rooms starting around $60–80 per night.

• Mid-range — Hotel options along US-169 and the BA Expressway provide comfortable accommodations with easy access to Tulsa.

• Upscale / heritage — Tarp Gardens Chapel and Tivoli Inn, 1401 West Washington St. A wedding chapel with a 7-room bed and breakfast.

• Just Another Hole — 1320 W Kenosha St, ☏ +1 918 451-6824. Body piercing and tattoo parlor.

• S&S Sports Cards — 91st and Aspen (next to C.J. Moloney's). Vintage bubblegum cards and collectibles.

• Star Jewelers — 120 S. Main St, ☏ +1 918 251-9236. Jewelry repair and gold and diamond purchases.

• Bass Pro Shop — 101 Bass Pro Dr. Outdoor gear and sporting goods.

• Tulsa (15 miles northwest) — The action hub of Northeast Oklahoma with museums, dining, and nightlife.

• Hard Rock Casino and Resort (Catoosa, 20 miles north) — Billed as the Largest Casino in Oklahoma.

• Safari's Sanctuary (edge of town) — Get up close with lemurs and other exotic animals.

• Blue Bell Creameries (edge of town, County Road 51B) — Free plant tours and ice cream samples in summer.

• Coweta (15 miles southeast) — Take County Road 51B east for small-town charm.