
University of Tulsa Walking Tour (Self Guided), Tulsa
Located on the historic U.S. Route 66, America's "Mother Road", the University of Tulsa campus centers on a wide, grassy, quad-like space, known as Dietler Commons. Formerly called "The U", it is found not far from the downtown area and is dominated by English Gothic architecture.
At the top of Deitler Commons sits one of the campus' most notable landmarks, the McFarlin Library. It is named after Robert and Ida McFarlin, the library's primary benefactors, whose only stipulation with the gift was that the view of Downtown Tulsa from the Library could never be blocked.
Other key attractions on the campus include:
H.A. Chapman Stadium – formerly known as Skelly Field, the home base of TU football team since 1930.
Sharp Chapel – named for its principal donors, Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Sharp, it houses the Offices of University Chaplain and serves the religious needs of multiple denominations present on campus, as well as hosts many awards ceremonies and weddings.
Donald W. Reynolds Center – home to women's volleyball along with the men's and women's basketball programs.
For a more detailed look into the heritage facilities of the University of Tulsa campus, take this self-guided walking tour.
At the top of Deitler Commons sits one of the campus' most notable landmarks, the McFarlin Library. It is named after Robert and Ida McFarlin, the library's primary benefactors, whose only stipulation with the gift was that the view of Downtown Tulsa from the Library could never be blocked.
Other key attractions on the campus include:
H.A. Chapman Stadium – formerly known as Skelly Field, the home base of TU football team since 1930.
Sharp Chapel – named for its principal donors, Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Sharp, it houses the Offices of University Chaplain and serves the religious needs of multiple denominations present on campus, as well as hosts many awards ceremonies and weddings.
Donald W. Reynolds Center – home to women's volleyball along with the men's and women's basketball programs.
For a more detailed look into the heritage facilities of the University of Tulsa campus, take this self-guided walking tour.
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University of Tulsa Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: University of Tulsa Walking Tour
Guide Location: USA » Tulsa (See other walking tours in Tulsa)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Author: karenl
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Tulsa (See other walking tours in Tulsa)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Author: karenl
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Dietler Commons (University of Tulsa)
- McFarlin Library
- Sharp Chapel
- H. A. Chapman Stadium
- Donald W. Reynolds Center
1) Dietler Commons (University of Tulsa)
Dietler Commons is the center of the University of Tulsa campus. The grassy quad offers easy access to many of the university's most important and prominent buildings. Students and visitors can reach John Mabee Hall, Chapman Hall, the McFarlin Library and Sharp Chapel from the sidewalks that surround and intersect Dietler Commons.
The commons was named after Cortlandt amd Martha Dietler. Both alums of the University of Tulsa, the Dietlers built over 30 oil and gas companies. Cortlandt served on the Board of Trustees and chaired the New Century Campaign. The Dietlers also provided an ample gift to use as a permanent fund for beautifying the campus.
Dietler Commons is known as the location of many student events and gatherings. Most notable among these is arguably the homecoming bonfire that takes place each fall.
Prior to being named Dietler Commons, the quad was known as "The U." This is due to the large flower bed in the center of the quad that has flowers spelling out "TU."
The commons was named after Cortlandt amd Martha Dietler. Both alums of the University of Tulsa, the Dietlers built over 30 oil and gas companies. Cortlandt served on the Board of Trustees and chaired the New Century Campaign. The Dietlers also provided an ample gift to use as a permanent fund for beautifying the campus.
Dietler Commons is known as the location of many student events and gatherings. Most notable among these is arguably the homecoming bonfire that takes place each fall.
Prior to being named Dietler Commons, the quad was known as "The U." This is due to the large flower bed in the center of the quad that has flowers spelling out "TU."
2) McFarlin Library
Perched at the top of Dietler Commons, McFarlin Library is one of the most iconic landmarks at the University of Tulsa. Named in honor of Robert and Ida McFarlin—the library’s chief benefactors—it opened its doors in 1930 following a groundbreaking ceremony held in 1929. The McFarlins made only one request with their generous gift: the view of Downtown Tulsa from the library must never be obstructed—a promise that still stands today.
Over the decades, McFarlin Library has grown both in size and reputation. By 1979, two five-story additions had expanded its physical footprint, and a major renovation completed in 2009 further modernized its facilities, including a 12,000-square-foot technology and computing center and restored reading rooms for quiet study. Today, it houses more than three million items and is widely recognized for its impressive literary collections. Highlights include the world’s second-largest James Joyce archive, the papers of Nobel Laureate V.S. Naipaul, and a robust collection focusing on Native American history.
But McFarlin is more than a research powerhouse—it’s the heart of campus life. Whether it’s the homecoming bonfire lighting up Dietler Commons, students gathering for patio picnics, late-night study sessions, or collaborative group work in the café, McFarlin is a place where academic pursuit and personal connection go hand in hand. For nearly a century, it has fostered intellectual exploration, supported generations of students and scholars, and anchored the collective memory of the UTulsa community.
Over the decades, McFarlin Library has grown both in size and reputation. By 1979, two five-story additions had expanded its physical footprint, and a major renovation completed in 2009 further modernized its facilities, including a 12,000-square-foot technology and computing center and restored reading rooms for quiet study. Today, it houses more than three million items and is widely recognized for its impressive literary collections. Highlights include the world’s second-largest James Joyce archive, the papers of Nobel Laureate V.S. Naipaul, and a robust collection focusing on Native American history.
But McFarlin is more than a research powerhouse—it’s the heart of campus life. Whether it’s the homecoming bonfire lighting up Dietler Commons, students gathering for patio picnics, late-night study sessions, or collaborative group work in the café, McFarlin is a place where academic pursuit and personal connection go hand in hand. For nearly a century, it has fostered intellectual exploration, supported generations of students and scholars, and anchored the collective memory of the UTulsa community.
3) Sharp Chapel
Completed in 1959 and named for benefactors Robert C. and Josephine P. Sharp, Sharp Memorial Chapel stands at the heart of the University of Tulsa campus as a spiritual and architectural landmark. It replaced the university’s original chapel, which had been housed in Kendall Hall. The new building was envisioned as both a place of worship and a work of art—uniting function, symbolism, and beauty.
Sharp Chapel serves a diverse campus community, offering space for worship across Christian denominations, as well as for weddings, memorials, and academic ceremonies. In keeping with its roots in the Presbyterian Church, the chapel also reflects the university’s broader ecumenical outreach through various campus ministries.
In 2004, the chapel was expanded to include the Westminster Room, an atrium, a kitchen, additional office space, and a conference room. The building now includes a sanctuary, meditation chapel, student center, reception suite, administrative offices, and more.
Constructed from Arkansas and Tennessee stone, the chapel measures 116 feet across the front and spans 13,000 square feet. Its most striking feature is the 42-foot-high art glass window on the north face, created by the studios of George L. Payne from designs by French artist Pierre Millous. The glass, produced in Chartres, France, uses a mosaic technique of inch-thick, hand-chipped pieces for a softly diffused brilliance.
Inside, the sanctuary features Tudor wooden arches rising to 42 feet, eight vivid art glass windows, and a Schantz pipe organ with 1,750 pipes and 25 chimes—capable of performing a wide range of classical repertoire.
Sharp Memorial Chapel remains a central symbol of faith, reflection, and unity on the TU campus—a space where history, worship, and community come together.
Sharp Chapel serves a diverse campus community, offering space for worship across Christian denominations, as well as for weddings, memorials, and academic ceremonies. In keeping with its roots in the Presbyterian Church, the chapel also reflects the university’s broader ecumenical outreach through various campus ministries.
In 2004, the chapel was expanded to include the Westminster Room, an atrium, a kitchen, additional office space, and a conference room. The building now includes a sanctuary, meditation chapel, student center, reception suite, administrative offices, and more.
Constructed from Arkansas and Tennessee stone, the chapel measures 116 feet across the front and spans 13,000 square feet. Its most striking feature is the 42-foot-high art glass window on the north face, created by the studios of George L. Payne from designs by French artist Pierre Millous. The glass, produced in Chartres, France, uses a mosaic technique of inch-thick, hand-chipped pieces for a softly diffused brilliance.
Inside, the sanctuary features Tudor wooden arches rising to 42 feet, eight vivid art glass windows, and a Schantz pipe organ with 1,750 pipes and 25 chimes—capable of performing a wide range of classical repertoire.
Sharp Memorial Chapel remains a central symbol of faith, reflection, and unity on the TU campus—a space where history, worship, and community come together.
4) H. A. Chapman Stadium
H.A. Chapman Stadium is the football stadium of the University of Tulsa. The Golden Hurricanes have played at this stadium since it was opened in 1930. It was designed by Smith & Senter Architects.
Originally called Skelly Field after William Skelly, founder of Skelly Oil Company, the stadium originally offered 14,500 seats. It was greatly expanded in 1947, and then fully renovated again in 2008 under the design of 360 Architects architectural firm. The stadium now offers seats for 30,000 visitors, which makes it the smallest football stadium in its conference. It also has a new pressbox, club and loge seating and a new scoreboard.
The stadium was renamed after the primary benefactor for the renovation, H.A. Chapman. However, the field itself is still referred to as Skelly Field. It is said that there are no bad seats at H.A. Chapman Stadium and any choice is a good choice when buying tickets. Those visiting the stadium should note that video cameras are not allowed.
Originally called Skelly Field after William Skelly, founder of Skelly Oil Company, the stadium originally offered 14,500 seats. It was greatly expanded in 1947, and then fully renovated again in 2008 under the design of 360 Architects architectural firm. The stadium now offers seats for 30,000 visitors, which makes it the smallest football stadium in its conference. It also has a new pressbox, club and loge seating and a new scoreboard.
The stadium was renamed after the primary benefactor for the renovation, H.A. Chapman. However, the field itself is still referred to as Skelly Field. It is said that there are no bad seats at H.A. Chapman Stadium and any choice is a good choice when buying tickets. Those visiting the stadium should note that video cameras are not allowed.
5) Donald W. Reynolds Center
The Donald W. Reynolds Center is a premier 8,355-seat multi-purpose arena located on the campus of the University of Tulsa in Tulsa. Opened in December 1998, the 138,000-square-foot facility was designed by the renowned architecture firm HOK Sport (now Populous). Named in honor of philanthropist Donald W. Reynolds, the center serves as the home court for the university’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams.
The arena debuted with a mid-year graduation ceremony, followed shortly by the inaugural basketball game on December 29, 1998, when the Tulsa Golden Hurricane defeated Cleveland State 79–51 before a sold-out crowd. The excitement didn’t stop there—Tulsa went on to sell out six of its next seven games that season and has since hosted 41 sellout crowds. The men's basketball team boasts a strong home record at the Reynolds Center, posting 182 wins to 53 losses through the 2012–2013 season.
Beyond athletics, the Reynolds Center has become a vital part of campus and community life. It has hosted high-profile events including concerts by Reba McEntire, Imagine Dragons, and Ben Rector, as well as comedian Bob Newhart. The arena also served as the venue for the Western Athletic Conference men’s basketball tournaments in 2002 and 2003 and has supported events ranging from commencements and career fairs to intramural sports and cultural festivals.
At the time of its opening, the Reynolds Center was cutting-edge, offering state-of-the-art video editing facilities, advanced strength training resources, and the state’s only accredited academic program in athletic training and sports medicine. It was also the first collegiate arena in the U.S. to install Venue-net, a permanent two-way fiber communication system for professional-grade broadcasting.
Strategically positioned at the northwest corner of Harvard Avenue and 11th Street, the Reynolds Center acts as a central hub for student life and a bridge between the university and the Tulsa community, enhancing campus cohesion and boosting TU’s national profile.
The arena debuted with a mid-year graduation ceremony, followed shortly by the inaugural basketball game on December 29, 1998, when the Tulsa Golden Hurricane defeated Cleveland State 79–51 before a sold-out crowd. The excitement didn’t stop there—Tulsa went on to sell out six of its next seven games that season and has since hosted 41 sellout crowds. The men's basketball team boasts a strong home record at the Reynolds Center, posting 182 wins to 53 losses through the 2012–2013 season.
Beyond athletics, the Reynolds Center has become a vital part of campus and community life. It has hosted high-profile events including concerts by Reba McEntire, Imagine Dragons, and Ben Rector, as well as comedian Bob Newhart. The arena also served as the venue for the Western Athletic Conference men’s basketball tournaments in 2002 and 2003 and has supported events ranging from commencements and career fairs to intramural sports and cultural festivals.
At the time of its opening, the Reynolds Center was cutting-edge, offering state-of-the-art video editing facilities, advanced strength training resources, and the state’s only accredited academic program in athletic training and sports medicine. It was also the first collegiate arena in the U.S. to install Venue-net, a permanent two-way fiber communication system for professional-grade broadcasting.
Strategically positioned at the northwest corner of Harvard Avenue and 11th Street, the Reynolds Center acts as a central hub for student life and a bridge between the university and the Tulsa community, enhancing campus cohesion and boosting TU’s national profile.
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The area of modern Tulsa is considered an Indian Territory, and has been formally settled by Native Americans since 1836. The tribesmen named their settlement Tallasi, which means "old town" in the Creek language,... view more
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