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Okay, so Tulsa can't really compete with San Antonio, Texas or even Pueblo, Colorado when it comes to a riverwalk. San Antonio's riverwalk is world famous (although some might dispute that their river is more like a canal running through the city), with many shops, hotels, restaurants and other quite impressive buildings lining the riverwalk. Even Pueblo has their riverwalk beginning near the heart of their downtown area. And rounding out this discussion, Tulsa - it doesn't really have a riverwalk per se because it is actually trails that run along the river for several miles - and lies quite a long distance from the heart of downtown where many of the city's events and activities take place.

So how can Tulsa's riverwalk be categorized in any way to those of San Antonio and Pueblo?

Well, unlike San Antonio, Tulsa has a huge river that flows on the west side of downtown and along a fairly straight city street - appropriately named "Riverside Drive." (This brings to mind the thought that perhaps there are some children out there that might think it amazing that somehow a river chose to run alongside Riverside Drive).

Anyway, one big thing that Tulsa shares with Pueblo when it comes to a riverwalk, is that the large and rather massive Arkansas River flows through both cities. Yes, that's right!

The Arkansas River originates in the eastern side of a mountain range located in Colorado, winding its way down through those very Rocky Mountains and heading eastward. As it runs through Pueblo, it fills Lake Pueblo, before spilling over and running through Pueblo and onward as it winds its way through the rest of Colorado, western Kansas and into northeastern Oklahoma - making its way toward Tulsa. And, of course, from Tulsa - it journeys even further as it moves along and eventually empties itself into the great and mighty Mississippi River.

And like Pueblo, Tulsa has a great trail system that stretches for miles along the Arkansas River. Sure, Pueblo may have mountains and a view of Pike's Peak in the distance, but Tulsa's own riverwalk is just as fun and exciting.

The trail system is monitored by the Tulsa River Parks Department of the City of Tulsa with over twenty-six miles of asphalt-surfaced recreation trails that weave past picnic areas, playgrounds, fountains and sculptures.

Recreation along the area includes fishing, rowing, kayaking, disc golf, hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. In fact, if you are a visitor to our city or someone who doesn't own a bike, there are four cycle stations along the way that have bikes free for you to be able to use - all you have to do is swipe a credit card for a deposit, which is credited back to you when you return the bike after its use.

So, if you haven't got out and explored the trail along Riverside Drive, you are missing a real treat. Summing this all up - my take on Tulsa's Riverwalk is for you to get out and do it - you'll be so glad you did!

This is Rick Rose - thanks for taking a look at my second featured My Take On Tulsa article here on ThisIsTulsa.com.