15 Best Things to Do in Broken Arrow (OK)

Broken Arrow is very much a town on the rise, and with its rapid expansion the number of attractions here are also growing.

The atmosphere here is relaxed and convivial but that doesn’t mean that there is nothing to see, and visitors will be spoilt for choice, from museums to historical gems moderated by the Broken Arrow Historical Society.

When it comes to food and drink, Broken Arrow also doesn’t disappoint and is famous for being the location for one of the most famous barbecue buffs in the United States.

Broken Arrow was founded in 1902, so there is a whole lot of history to uncover here, including a charming replica of an Old West village that will make you feel as if you have truly stepped back in time.

Lets have a look at the best things to do in Broken Arrow:

1. Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center

If you want to catch a Broadway show in Broken Arrow then you need to come to the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center.

The center aims to showcase the best of local Oklahoma talent and if you are not keen on musical theatre then there are a huge range of other spectacles to enjoy here such as pop concerts, classical music recitals, and even stand-up comedy nights.

2. Oklahoma Joe’s

Oklahoma Joe’s is known for being something of a Broken Arrow phenomenon all thanks to Joe Davidson, who holds the impressive claim to fame of being the World Champion Barbecue Pit Master.

That means that Joe is the best barbecue chef in the entire world, and with that in mind you absolutely mustn’t miss a trip to his restaurant in Broken Arrow.

The eatery is a family owned affair and you can enjoy local favorites such as smoked turkey, signature beef brisket, pulled pork and delicious ribs.

3. Broken Arrow Community Playhouse

The Broken Arrow Community Playhouse is an ideal spot for anyone who wants to support the local theatre scene and, depending on when you are in town, this supremely talented theatrical group stage five productions throughout the year.

The Community Playhouse is housed in the Main Place theatre in the downtown area of Broken Area and features rising talent from around the region.

4. Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops will amaze you as soon as you walk in thanks to its quirky decorations, and to that end the entrance features a stone fireplace and a waterfall that covers two floors.

If you are in the market to buy fishing or outdoor equipment then this is definitely the place to come, but even if you don’t want to buy anything you can simply admire the 18,000 gallon freshwater aquarium that has pride of place here.

There is also a catch and release fishing pond if you want to try your hand at catching some fish or you can sample some yourself at Uncle Buck’s restaurant which is also on-site.

5. Haikey Creek Park

For a slice of park life in Broken Arrow look no further than Haikey Creek Park, a green space in this town that spans and impressive 151 acres and is dotted with amenities like picnic areas and playgrounds that are sure to be a hit with younger visitors.

There are also a number of walking trails that skirt around the park and let you take in all of its breathtaking scenery and there is even a disc golf course if you fancy a game.

6. Blue Bell Creamery

Something of a legend in these parts, the Blue Bell Creamery was first founded in 1907 in Texas and has expanded across the nation thanks to its delicious ice cream products that include the iconic Moo Bars.

Famous flavors at the Blue Bell creamery also include peppermint candy and blueberry cheesecake, to name but a few, so if you want to sample some of these then head down to the creamery where you can try some flavors and of course purchase some of this moreish ice cream yourself.

7. Main Street Tavern

From ice cream to beer, Main Street Tavern is a gastro-pub in the historic Rose District part of the downtown area of Broken Arrow and is open seven days a week.

Main Street Tavern first opened its doors in 2011 and has made a name for itself due to its selection of delicious craft beers that are brewed on the premises, and there are an impressive 28 name-brand beers made with local blends of ingredients for patrons to enjoy.

As well as the beers, Main Street Tavern also serves lunch and dinner to pair with your tipple of choice.

8. Persimmon Hollow Village

You may not have been around during the 1800s, but you can experience what it would have been like in the days of old with a trip to the Persimmon Hollow Village, which is actually a fun and quirky replica of an Old West town.

Fun for the whole family, even big kids will love the playground style attractions here, and highlights include a mock up of a main street as well as a flea market and a range of antique shops.

You can also buy local handicrafts here such as jewelry, ceramics, and glassware, and there is plenty of period memorabilia on display that will make you nostalgic for the days of the Wild West.

9. Pinot’s Palette

If you have never been to a “Paint and Sip” studio before then Pinot’s Palette will show you what all the fuss is about.

Nestled in the heart of the Rose District in downtown Broken Arrow, you can make some art here as well as enjoying a range of delicious drinks and snacks at the same time.

This art studio has all you need to create a masterpiece, so you won’t need any of your own fancy equipment, and knowledge staff are on hand to help you in your quest to create.

As you paint, you can order from a range of light snacks that come paired with ether wine or beer depending on your preferences.

10. Broken Arrow Historical Society Museum

Nestled on the downtown area of Broken Arrow and strategically located near to what was once the town’s train depot is the Broken Arrow Historical Society Museum.

The museum is on a mission to preserve the local culture of this area of Oklahoma and to share this with visitors and there is a huge range of memorabilia to be found here.

This includes interactive and static exhibits as well as collections of historical photographs and other local artifacts from the region.

11. Rose District

This area of Broken Arrow used to be made up of arid prairie land, and so in order to make it more appealing, local residents planted rose bushes here, which led to the area being known as the “Rose District”. Nowadays this area of Broken Arrow is famous not only for its picturesque flowers but also as the most vibrant shopping, dining, and nightlife area of the town, with over 70 businesses in the area.

With that in mind, make sure to come here if you want to check out Broken Arrow’s developing bar and restaurant scene.

12. Aces Alley

Come to Aces Alley if you want to fly a plane in Broken Arrow, or at least if you want to pretend to fly one.

There are actually flying lessons available here, but for something a little easier to start you off, there is also a fully equipped and comprehensive FlightSim center where you can get into the spirit of aviation by flying a simulator with a number of planes such as World War II machines, or modern day jets.

If you come in a group you can compete against each other to see if who is the best pilot on the day, or you can simply cruise around on your own and fly anywhere in the world using the simulator.

13. Battle Creek Golf Club

For those who fancy fitting in a game of golf in Broken Arrow, a trip the Battle Creek Golf Club is not to be missed.

The greens here are known for being some of the best in town and are nestled in an idyllic location that takes in rolling hills and verdant grassy fields, and the golf club is known for its quirky “random acts of fun” where visitors will often come across items meant to add to their enjoyment of the green, such as games or home baked cookies in random places throughout the facility.

14. Military History Center

Anyone interested in military history should head to the Military History Center in Broken Arrow, which is something of a labor of love, and which started as a private collection of military artifacts.

In 2012 the center was moved from neighboring Tulsa to Broken Arrow where it now sits in its permanent location in the Rose District and you will find a huge collection of memorabilia here that honors those who served in the United States military.

The center is staffed by volunteer who will give you a tour and who will explain all the historical and cultural significance of the items on display, and this is a moving reminder of the sacrifice of those who have served their country.

15. Ray Harrell Nature Park

In order to explore the great outdoors in Broken Arrow, head to the Ray Harrell Nature Park where you will come across 40 acres of gorgeous parkland that you can peruse to your heart’s content.

The park contains a wealth of attritions such as shunning flower gardens, jogging and walking trails, and picnic areas.

There is even a suspension bridge so that you can take in the gorgeous views that are on offer in this picturesque setting.

The walking trails here span over 3 miles, so if you are feeling up to it you can take in the area on foot.