Sand Springs, OK 2023: Your Ultimate Guide

What is the history of Sand Springs, OK,?


The history of Sand Springs, OK dates back to 1826, when a small band of the Cherokee resided in the area. Soon after, a Confederate Indian veteran of the Civil War, Lt. Thomas Adams, settled there too. 


In 1908 Charles E. Page, wealthy during the oil boom purchased 160 acres of land in Tulsa County and founded Sand Springs. 


He envisioned Sand Springs as a haven for orphans and widows. To help make this a reality, he offered free land to anyone wishing to move there and a $20,000 bonus to companies relocating there.


In 1911, Page built the Sand Springs Power Plant on the southeast corner of Main Street and Morrow Road. 


By 1918 there were two banks, a hotel, a local newspaper, and several manufacturing companies. Industrial development followed, with Kerr Glass Manufacturing, Commander Mills, Kerr, Hubbard and Kelley Lamp, Chimney, Southwest Box Company, Empire Chandelier Company, and Sinclair Prairie Refining Company establishing business there. 


Sand Springs became known for its social and medical institutions, including the Sand Springs Home, Oakwood Sanitarium, Poole Hospital, the Salvation Army Maternity Home, and the Sand Springs School for the Deaf. 


In addition, the Sand Springs Children's Home still operates today. 

It also has an Independent Living program for graduated students.

In 1920, a dam was constructed across Shell Creek to supply the city with water from Shell Creek Lake. By then, the population had grown to 4,067. Page also established many attractions in Sand Springs, including a park with amusements, a zoo, and the Sand Springs Railway. The railway connected Sand Springs to Tulsa, OK.

Today, Sand Springs is located in Tulsa County at the junction of U.S. Highway 64 and State Highways 51 and 97. The Sand Springs Railway still operates, although Sheffield Steel has owned it since 1993.



What to see and do in Sand Springs, OK


Charles Page High School

Charles Page High School has been a cornerstone in the city since 1911, and its development has been instrumental in creating the thriving town of Sand Springs. It is a testament to the vision and generosity of Charles Page and his commitment to helping others. The school includes several educational opportunities like the Charles Page Freshman Academy, the Harry T. Pratt Elementary School, and the Sixth Grade Center.


It is home to the Early Childhood Center and Page Academy, which provide programs to help children in the community learn and grow. The Sand Springs Public School District is the largest employer in the city. It's worth seeing for its unique history, educational opportunities, and the legacy of Charles Page.


Charles Page Family Village

The Charles Page Family Village is a duplex housing complex in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. It provides homes for 110 mothers and their children. The village is surrounded by lush trees and green spaces that offer a peaceful and calming atmosphere. Additionally, visitors can explore the nearby parks and trails to get an even better view of the village.n at no cost for rent, utilities, or home maintenance. This village is a great example of Page's vision for a model city where families in need could get the help they need. Overall, the Charles Page Family Village in Sand Springs, Oklahoma is critical to the city's history and development. It allows visitors to learn more about the city's founder, the services the village provides, and the unique beauty of its surroundings.


Bigheart Creek

Bigheart Creek is a vibrant waterway located in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. It is located just west of the City of Sand Springs and is a significant tributary to Keystone Lake. The creek is surrounded by many different terrains and environments, ranging from the classic Oklahoma cross-timbers forest with 500-year-old cedars and 300-year-old post oak trees at the Keystone Ancient Forest.


Sand Springs Riverwalk & Parks

The Sand Springs Riverwalk is a scenic 1.8-mile path that runs through downtown Sand Springs and offers stunning views of the Arkansas River. Visitors can find multiple parks and green spaces along the trail, like Keystone State Park, Keystone Lake, Keystone Ancient Forest, and Douglas Park. In addition, the Riverwalk features several playgrounds and picnic areas, as well as public art and sculptures. Visitors can take in the river's beauty and enjoy historical and cultural sites, including the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum, the Philbrook Museum of Art, and the Fort Arbuckle Site.


Sand Springs Golf Course

The Sand Springs Golf Course features a modern space perfect for business meetings, with complimentary parking and free Wi-Fi in the hotel lobby. The swimming pool is an ideal retreat for health and wellness. There is also a hot breakfast buffet with signature cinnamon rolls and a pancake machine. Guests can enjoy the nearby River City Park, where the annual Chillin & Grillin Festival and the Sand Springs Summer Fest are hosted. The Case Community Center is also close by and hosts local soccer and baseball tournaments. 


Mid-America Air Museum

The Mid-America Air Museum in Sand Springs, Oklahoma is a must-see for anyone looking to explore the local history and experience the area's rich aviation history. This museum is home to over 100 aircraft from World War II, the Korean War, and more recent conflicts. Visitors can view the plane and engines up close and explore interactive displays and educational programs.

The Mid-America Air Museum is not only a great place to learn about the area's aviation history, but it also serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military. 


Visitors can also learn about the advancements in aircraft technology and how they impacted the development of Oklahoma's aerospace industry.


The museum hosts many special events throughout the year where visitors can interact with veterans and learn about the stories of their service. 


Case Community Park

Case Community Park in Sand Springs, Oklahoma offers a wide range of fun activities and amenities that make it a worthwhile visit. The park includes walking trails, family park areas, a BMX track, a skate park, and splash pads, providing plenty of options for outdoor recreation. The park also has a million-dollar visitor center, an additional walking trail, and expanded hiking hours, providing visitors with more features to explore. Furthermore, the park is home to a youth sports program, which allows for privileged use of the parking space. This program hosts activities such as baseball, basketball, tennis, football, wrestling, track, and others. Finally, the park is also home to a BMX track and concession stands, providing a unique experience for park visitors.

Tulsa Community College West Campus

The Tulsa Community College West Campus is convenient for those interested in pursuing a career in several industries. Situated off Highway 412, this campus offers numerous training programs in fields such as visual arts, cosmetology, and construction-related careers.


Osage Casino

The Osage Casino in Sand Springs, Oklahoma is a premier entertainment destination offering various gaming options. From traditional table games such as blackjack and poker to more modern offerings like slots and electronic gaming, the Osage Casino has something for everyone. The casino also features a sports bar and grill providing guests with plenty of dining and relaxation options. The casino's design is inspired by the Native American Osage tribe, with a long history of living and thriving in this area. For entertainment, the Osage Casino also has live music and performance acts that come to the casino each year. This allows guests to enjoy a show or two while playing the casino's many games. The casino also has a number of bars and lounges that offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a drink and a chat while taking a break from the gaming floor.


What are the best local restaurants and bars in Sand Springs, OK 2023?

If you're looking for the best restaurants and bars in Sand Springs, OK for 2021, look no further! Colton's Steakhouse, Charlies' Chicken, Napoli's Italian Café, el Maguey, and Starbucks are some of the top local favorites. Check out the local lounges and pubs like The Sand Hills Bar & Grill or Casa Bonita to enjoy drinks and live music for a more laid-back atmosphere. River City Park is a great place to visit during the summer and hosts the annual Chillin & Grillin Festival and Sand Springs Summer Fest. The Herb Festival is also held here in April. The Case Community Center holds local soccer and baseball tournaments for those with kids. 


Sand Springs Parks and Recreation

In Sand Springs, parks and recreation are abundant. The Jerry Adair Complex is available for baseball, the Roger G. Bush Complex for soccer, and the William Ramsey Softball Complex for softball. Halloween Monster Ball is hosted annually to benefit the Sand Springs Special Olympics athletes. There is also a BMX track, Case Community Park, and the Sand Springs Community Training Center. 


The Sand Springs Local Economy 

The economy of Sand Springs, Oklahoma is focused on promoting small businesses. The local Chamber of Commerce drives economic development, advocacy, and quality of life. 


The most significant companies in 2000 included Webco Industries, Sheffield Steel Corporation, Rader Diagnostic Center, Smith-Fibercast, Cust-O-Fab, Piping Companies Incorporated, and Baker Petrolite. The median household income in the area is $64,043, and the unemployment percentage is significantly below the state average.


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