Moving to Tulsa -- unique ways to spend downtime?

[Brookside]

If you are willing to drive a bit further, Eureka Springs, AR is a fun, cool place to visit. Also -- 1st rate outdoor activities (camping; hiking; canoing; rafting) along the Buffalo and White Rivers.

[JulieAnnette]

Keystone Lake is about 20 miles west of Tulsa. There is an eagle sanctuary below the dam and plenty of places to just sit and look at the scenery.

[Howest2008]

Originally Posted by citycurious

I am a young college graduate moving to Tulsa in two weeks for a job. In short, here's what I am curious about:

1) I have looked extensively on the internet. When I am not working, probably every other weekend, what is a fun thing to do? I have never spent any time in the MW. If I drive 30 mins - 2 hrs. outside of the city, in any direction, what will I find? I am not asking for everything that I will find, but, overall, will I just find open spaces? Is there any sort of space just to park your car and stare at the sky (in the day or night)? If I want to relax in nature, what do you recommend?

Or any other places within 2 hours that are interesting and pleasant? I am not looking for a lot of stimulating entertainment--I prefer something quirky and niche.

Any suggestions?

Did you say sight seeing within a 2 hour drive , o.k. Kansas is a 1 hour drive from downtown Tulsa just take U.S. 169 north into southeastern Kansas to your little hearts content , Missouri is 1 1/2 hour drivefrom (DT)
check out the Missouri cities of Joplin and Springfield Missouri , take U.S.412 into Arkansas and check out Metro Wal-Martville Northwestern Arkansas then drive up and down the Arkansas Oklahoma Border checking out all of the mountains on the border.You can also check out the Mountains On The Oklahoma Side Of The Border they start just below Interstate 40 and run all the way to Texas along the border with Arkansas.And of course these (Lakes) (Resorts) and(State Parks)Eufaula Lake Resort State Park which borders Fountainhead State Park Resort......
Fort Gibson State Park ....Birch Lake...Oolagah Lake Park...Skiatook State Park Resort....Keystone Lake State Park...Greenleaf Lake State Park....
Within The City Limits Of Tulsa There's The River Park System that runs from Uptown Tulsa To Jenks and later to come to Bixby(Lake Yahola) is in Mohawk Park and ZOO the park being the Third Largest Muncipal Park In America......NOW WE ARE DOWN TO OUR 5***** ATTRACTIONS Lake Tenkiller State Park And Resort...Some of the clearest water in a lake on earth.....The Upper and Lower Illonois River System Take a 1 Hour to 1 1/4 Hour Drive TO TAHLEQUAH OK and check that out....And LAST BUT NOT LEAST GRAND LAKE this is around 55 to 65 miles from Tulsa not even a Hour Drive and this is OKLAHOMA BEST Don't Take My Word For It Check It Out Yourself....Oh and by the way Oklahoma City and Tulsa Metropolitan Area's Are Only 70 Miles Apart and the Speed Limit On The Turner Turnpike Is 75 Miles An Hour That 1 Hour From Metro Too Metro.