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Midtown/West Central

The west central portion of Tulsa, known as midtown, begins just south of the downtown area. This part of the city is home to some of Tulsa's oldest and most popular business establishments and neighborhoods. There are some mansions in the area, especially near the Arkansas River, where old-money families lived and, in some cases, still live. This upscale history survives today at Utica Square, which is still known as Tulsa's chic place to shop. Woodward Park, the Philbrook Museum of Art and other landmarks only add to the district's character. Several of Tulsa's most popular neighborhoods are found in midtown. Brookside, Cherry Street and Expo Square are the three most worth mentioning. The area known as Brookside contains a variety of shopping delights, fabulous restaurants and a bustling nightlife. The atmosphere is chic and eclectic, appealing to a younger, more progressive set. Scenic Riverside Drive, which parallels the east bank of the river, and River Parks, are also popular sections of Brookside. The Cherry Street District is set near downtown in the northern midtown area. Visitors to this neighborhood find great shopping, particularly antiques and collectibles, a variety of local eateries, as well as some fabulous old homes in the surrounding residential areas. The Expo Square complex encompasses the huge Expo Center and Pavilion, Big Splash Water Park, Bell's Amusement Park, Drillers Stadium (home of the Tulsa Drillers baseball team) and more. This one area has more things to do per square foot than anywhere else in town, especially during the summer months. There is almost always some sort of exhibit or show going on, and the Tulsa State Fair makes its home here every autumn.