Nov 19, 2020

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy an entertaining cultural experience. Get your dose of local culture at these interesting spots in the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, area.  

Broken Arrow Historical Society Museum

Situated in downtown historic Broken Arrow, the Broken Arrow Historical Society Museum offers much to see and do. The museum includes a variety of interactive and educational exhibits that tell the story of Broken Arrow. Learn more about the Muscogee Creek settlers, the Childers Family Log Cabin, and the Broken Aro Coal Tipple. The museum also has a must-visit Tribute to Veterans exhibit. You can explore the facility with a self-guided tour or sign up for a docent-led tour for even more interesting facts.

The museum is also near the original train depot, meaning you can continue your explorations after checking out the museum. Memberships to the museum come with free admission and monthly educational meetings.

Military History Museum

The Military History Museum is a newer addition to the Broken Arrow area, having been moved from Tulsa in 2013. The first thing you’ll notice at the museum is the proud display of flags right at the entrance. Inside, you can check out exhibits and artifacts from the military throughout history. The Military Museum also hosts special events throughout the year, including celebrations for Flag Day and Civil War Day. The museum welcomes veterans to share their own military stories with members.

Philbrook Museum of Art

Whether you’re looking for a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors or you’re a true art enthusiast, the Philbrook Museum of Art is definitely worth checking out. The museum frequently rotates its exhibits, with themes including Spirit of Independence, Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists, Tulsa Treasures, and Shadow of Time: Anila Quayyum Agha. The art center also hosts special events including drive-in movie nights and family story nights in the garden. Advance tickets are required, so make sure you buy them ahead online.

The Outsiders House Museum

“The Outsiders” was an important story in many people’s lives. It taught us lessons of class conflict as we followed the story of the Socs and the Greasers. Outsiders enthusiasts can explore the home where the 1983 movie was filmed, an adaptation of the 1967 novel. Nestled in a Tulsa neighborhood, the house offers Outsiders trivia, artifacts, and little-known behind-the-scenes facts. The house is still relatively new to the community, having opened in August 2019, so it’s still in progress, but owner and longtime fan Danny Boy O’Connor continue to add fun facts and artifacts to check out. O’Connor is an original member of House of Pain, a popular hip-hop group.

O’Connor took the Outsiders’ motto, “Stay Gold,” to heart, renovating a dilapidated house and restoring it to what thousands of fans would recognize from the movie. Many locals also enjoy taking a stroll by the house and capturing photographs.

The Broken Arrow area is full of unique, educational culture. Whether you’re looking for a way to spend a few hours or you want to take your child’s education out of the classroom, these local spots are great choices. In addition to an educational experience, each one also promises an entertaining afternoon for you and your family.