Bixby Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Bixby

Bixby is a rapidly growing suburb located in the Tulsa metropolitan region of Oklahoma, spanning across Tulsa and Wagoner counties. Divided into northern and southern sections by the Arkansas River, the city sits at an elevation of 750 feet above sea level and covers 25.1 square miles, including 24 square miles of land and one square mile of water. Formally nicknamed "The Garden Spot of Oklahoma," Bixby retains deep agrarian roots alongside its modern suburban growth, functioning as a sod-growing hub and a local center for fresh produce.

The area was first established in the late 19th century as a settlement known as "Posey on Posey Creek," founded by Muscogee (Creek) Nation member Alexander Posey. It gained a post office in 1895 and was subsequently named for Tams Bixby, chairman of the Dawes Commission. The arrival of the Midland Valley Railroad in 1904 prompted businesses to shift toward permanent brick structures near the tracks, leading to Bixby's incorporation in 1906. While energy developments brought gas and oil discoveries to the region in the early 1900s, local agriculture flourished along the river bottom lands. Farmers shifted from cotton and wheat to vegetable truck farming, eventually making Bixby a national shipper of produce by rail in 1941 before transitioning much of the land to Bermuda grass sod production.

Visitors to Bixby can explore several historic and recreational landmarks. Washington Irving Memorial Park and Arboretum commemorates an 1832 encampment by American author Washington Irving. The site features an amphitheater stage designed after the facade of Irving's New York estate, replica gates, and a bronze statue of the author. Nearby downtown features the restored 1921 Plummer’s Service Station, preserved by the local historical society. Outdoor enthusiasts can access Lake Bixhoma, a municipal facility located five miles southeast of the town center that provides opportunities for boating and fishing with a permit.

The city hosts several annual events, including the Green Corn Festival every June to celebrate its agricultural history. The Bixby BBQ & Music Festival takes place each May at Washington Irving Park, followed by Deutschesfest in September and student performances of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" every October. Bixby has also served as the backdrop for works of fiction, including S.E. Hinton's novel Tex—which was adapted into a 1982 film shot on location at Bixby High School—and Scott Westerfeld's Midnighters fantasy trilogy.