Broken Arrow Oklahoma is a growing city that offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of a big city. Broken Arrow has a strong economy, excellent schools, and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.
In the days of Indian Territory, Broken Arrow was settled by Muscogee Creek Indians relocating during the Trail of Tears. The Broken Arrow Muscogee people built log homes and farms. Their spring water was provided by a spring that is located in what we now call Roy Harral Nature Park. Later on, the Muscogee Nation chose to settle their capital in Okmulgee. The earliest church and school for the Muscogee Nation were placed on opposing sides of the river and a ferry was used to transport them. That ferry was located in Broken Arrow on what is now called the Indian Springs Sports Complex. Following the Civil War, the US built railways through Muscogee Nation connecting Muskogee to Tulsa, and opened up the land for communal ownership despite the wishes of the Muscogee Nation. The railway was significant for the agricultural economy to ship their goods. The city of Broken Arrow was established in 1902 in the Indian Territory five years prior to statehood.Broken Arrow is situated between the Creek Turnpike and Highway 51 which takes commuters straight into downtown Tulsa and surrounding areas for work. The industries in Broken Arrow vary from banking, retail, aviation, and manufacturing to home building and construction. Those commuting to Tulsa experience a brief drive averaging 18 minutes. The community now boasts a population of over 100,000 members and is one of the largest school districts in Oklahoma. Overall, the Broken Arrow School District is rated #4 in the state. For athletes, it is ranked #28. The overall grade for the district is a B. It excels in clubs and activities as well as diversity. The student-teacher ratio for Broken Arrow is 19:1. Things to do in Broken Arrow include fine arts performances at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center and the Broken Arrow Playhouse, touring the Blue Bell Ice Creamery, hike in the park at Haikey Creek or Ray Harral Nature Park. You can enjoy a nice dip in the pool at the Family Aquatics Center, shop at Bass Pro, or hit a couple of museums such as Museum Broken Arrow or Military History Museum. Other enjoyable outings can include bowling, movies, and antique shopping at places like Jade on Main Street. Others might enjoy shopping at boutiques and trying new restaurants in the downtown Rose District which is bustling with activity and excitement over the renovated downtown area. Perhaps a visit to Broken Arrow's newest park treasure, Elam, a master plan park on 53 acres would suit the whole family. It has an 18-hole golf course, community center, aquatics center, nature pavilion, and butterfly garden in addition to a playground, splash pad, and exercise stations where you can work out if you don't want to play tennis, pickleball, or swing in the hammocks. Throughout the year they have parades for Rooster Day Festival, Christmas, and other activities and festivals. One of the more well-known holiday outings is the Rhema Church Christmas Light Display that people travel from miles around to view it. Anywhere you go in Broken Arrow, there is something to do!