Quick Links
- Things to Do in Jenks
- Shopping in Jenks
- Dining in Jenks
- Events and Festivals
- Directions to Jenks
- Best Times to Visit
- Where to Stay
- Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
- Frequently Asked Questions
Known as the Antique Capital of Oklahoma—a title bestowed by former First Lady Shirley Bellmon—Jenks draws visitors from across the region to its charming downtown district. Historic Main Street features a delightful collection of antique shops, boutiques, and local eateries housed in beautifully preserved buildings that tell the story of this vibrant community’s past.
Along the Arkansas River, the RiverWalk Crossing has transformed Jenks’ waterfront into a modern dining and entertainment destination, offering riverside restaurants, shops, and gathering spaces with scenic views. This blend of historic charm and contemporary attractions makes Jenks a compelling destination for both antiquing enthusiasts and families seeking a memorable day trip or weekend getaway.
Beyond its reputation for shopping and dining, Jenks has earned national recognition in high school athletics. The Jenks Trojans football program stands as one of the most dominant dynasties in American high school sports, with multiple state championships that have brought pride and recognition to this close-knit community of just over 25,000 residents.
Things to Do in Jenks
Oklahoma Aquarium
The Oklahoma Aquarium stands as the largest indoor ocean in the four-state region, showcasing thousands of aquatic creatures across more than 100 exhibits. Its crown jewel is the shark tunnel, home to the world’s largest collection of bull sharks. Visitors can walk through this underwater passage for an up-close encounter with these magnificent creatures.
Jenks Planetarium
Explore the night sky at the Jenks Planetarium, where a 50-foot high-definition SciDome provides spectacular views of the cosmos. From complex black holes to simple constellations, the planetarium’s immersive 50-minute shows bring space to life for audiences of all ages, offering new perspectives on our universe through state-of-the-art technology.
Veterans Park
Veterans Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for all ages. The park features a fishing pond, walking trail, splash pad, and skate park. Visitors can enjoy picnic facilities and playground equipment, making it an ideal spot for family outings.
Riverwalk Crossing
The Riverwalk Crossing combines shopping, dining, and entertainment along the Arkansas River. Visitors can enjoy live music at the amphitheater, take scenic walks along the riverside paths, or let children play on the playground equipment while exploring the various shops and restaurants.
Got Wood Axe Throwing Co.
Got Wood Axe Throwing Co. brings an exciting twist to traditional entertainment, offering a unique venue for groups and individuals to try their hand at axe throwing in a safe, supervised environment.
Pinot’s Palette
Pinot’s Palette provides a creative outlet where visitors can enjoy painting sessions while sipping their favorite beverages. These guided art experiences make for perfect date nights or group activities.
Shopping in Jenks
Tulsa Premium Outlets
Oklahoma’s newest outlet mall, opened in 2024, stands as the state’s premier outlet shopping destination. The center features a diverse collection of popular designer and lifestyle brands, offering something for every member of the family. Beyond retail therapy, visitors can take advantage of an incredible children’s play area within the complex.
River City Trading Post
A cornerstone of downtown Jenks’ antique scene for over 30 years, River City Trading Post houses more than 300 independent dealers under one roof. This family-owned business has been voted the number one antique store by multiple Tulsa publications, offering an ever-changing inventory of antiques, collectibles, and unique finds.
American Heritage Antiques
Located in the heart of Jenks’ antique district, American Heritage Antiques specializes in authentic American pieces from the early 1800s through the Arts and Crafts period. Their carefully curated collection features turn-of-the-century furniture, antique clocks, art pottery, and Native American artifacts, with every piece meeting strict quality standards.
Dining in Jenks
Waterfront Grill
Opened in 2011 by the Blacketer family, Waterfront Grill brings upscale dining to the Arkansas River. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, prime Allen Brothers steaks, and sushi, complemented by an award-winning bar program. Their weekend jazz brunch features a create-your-own omelet station and build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.
Los Cabos Mexican Grill & Cantina
This upscale Mexican restaurant combines resort-style ambiance with authentic flavors. Known for its waterfront location and outdoor cabana bar featuring daily live entertainment during warm months, Los Cabos offers fresh Mexican cuisine including signature carnitas, seafood dishes, and award-winning margaritas.
Andolini’s Pizzeria
Serving Tulsa-style pizza with house-made ingredients and locally sourced Oklahoma flour, Andolini’s offers pies up to 20 inches. Everything is made fresh daily, from the two-day fermented dough to the house-made meatballs and dressings. The restaurant never uses freezers or pre-packaged ingredients.
Melting Pot
This fondue restaurant offers an interactive dining experience with gourmet cheese and chocolate fondues prepared tableside. Guests can enjoy everything from drinks and appetizers to a full four-course experience featuring premium meats and seafood.
Masago Sushi
This modern Japanese restaurant combines traditional and contemporary flavors in a casual setting. The diverse menu features fresh sushi rolls, steaming ramen bowls, customizable poke bowls, and authentic Japanese noodle dishes, complemented by a selection of refreshing boba drinks.
Market on Main
Formerly known as Rustic Gate Creamery, this family-friendly creamery offers a taste of old-fashioned ice cream, serving premium Ashby’s Ice Cream with 14% butterfat content. The shop prides itself on outstanding customer service and creating a welcoming environment where everyone is treated like family.
Marble Slab Creamery
Known for their freshly-baked waffle cones in flavors from Vanilla Cinnamon to Dark Chocolate with Butterfinger, Marble Slab creates custom ice cream treats with free mix-ins. Their homemade ice cream is crafted in small batches daily using the freshest ingredients.
Events and Festivals
Jenks Herb and Plant Festival
Held each April, this beloved annual event hosted by the Jenks Garden Club brings thousands of visitors to downtown Jenks. The free, family-friendly festival features local plant vendors, kids’ activities, food trucks, and live entertainment on the festival stage.
City-Wide Garage Sale and Jenks America Food Truck Festival
Taking place on the first Saturday in May, this city-wide yard sale coincides with the Jenks America Food Truck Festival. This popular event offers treasure hunters a unique opportunity to explore both residential sales and the town’s famous antique district, while enjoying some unique dining opportunities.
Boomfest
Jenks’ annual Independence Day celebration on July 4th features the largest and most vibrant fireworks display in the Tulsa region. The spectacular show takes place over the Arkansas River, offering stunning views for spectators.
Sharklahoma
This unique July celebration centers around the Oklahoma Aquarium’s world-record collection of bull sharks. The festival includes Sharks in the Park at the Jenks Downtown Commons, featuring family-friendly activities, games, a splash zone, and a community cookout.
Aquarium Run
This summer USATF-sanctioned race tradition spans two decades, offering half marathon, 10K, 5K, and Fun Run options. The courses wind through Jenks and the Tulsa River Parks, starting and finishing at the Oklahoma Aquarium.
RiverWalk Woofstock
This annual pet-focused festival brings together more than 30 animal rescue organizations and shelters for a day of adoptions, entertainment, and pet-related activities each September. Features include low-cost microchipping services, pet vendors, live music, a Kid Zone, and a pet food drive benefiting OAA’s Pet Food Pantry.
Fall Fest
The October event brings the Riverwalk alive with music, games, contests, and food offerings from local vendors. This autumn celebration provides entertainment for the whole family.
Trick or Treat on Main Street
On Halloween night, downtown Jenks transforms into a family-friendly celebration, with local merchants and community organizations offering treats and games. The event features decorated tables along First Street and participating storefronts along Main Street.
Lights On
This November event transforms Main Street into a winter wonderland during the holiday season kick-off. Visitors enjoy traditional carriage rides, visits with Santa Claus, live entertainment, and food trucks, culminating in the ceremonial lighting of Main Street’s holiday decorations.
Jenks Christmas Parade
Each November, this festive parade along Main Street showcases decorated floats, local organizations, and community members celebrating the holiday season. The event marks the beginning of Jenks’ holiday festivities.
Christmas on the RiverWalk
December brings this annual celebration to the Riverwalk’s amphitheater with live Christmas music, seasonal vendors, and a special Santa Claus photo opportunity. Visitors receive both printed and digital copies of their photos with Santa at no cost.
Directions to Jenks
Jenks is easily accessible via several major highways. From the north or south, take US-75 (Okmulgee Beeline Expressway), which runs directly through Jenks. Creek Turnpike (SH-364) provides easy east-west access and connects to Interstate 44. Main Street Jenks can be reached from US-75 via either the Main Street exit or the Creek Turnpike exit.
From Downtown Tulsa: A 15-minute drive south on US-75 leads directly to Jenks. Alternatively, take Riverside Drive south along the Arkansas River for a scenic route that leads to the RiverWalk Crossing area.
Tulsa International Airport (TUL), located 20 minutes northeast of Jenks, serves as the primary aviation gateway. The airport offers daily flights from major carriers and convenient rental car services. Richard L. Jones Jr. Airport, also known as Riverside Airport, sits just 5 minutes from downtown Jenks and serves private aircraft.
Best Times to Visit
The ideal time to visit Jenks is during spring and early fall when temperatures hover in the 70s and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Early May offers a perfect combination of pleasant weather and events, including the City Garage Sale and Food Truck Festival. September and October provide comfortable temperatures for exploring Main Street shops and the RiverWalk, with the added bonus of Fall Fest activities and seasonal decorations.
Where to Stay in Jenks
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites provides Jenks visitors with oversized rooms, a large indoor pool and hot tub, extensive exercise equipment, continental breakfast, office space, balconies, and free WiFi. The Candlewood Suites at Tulsa Hills features a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness center, and free WiFi next to one of Tulsa’s premier shopping centers.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness
Just 15 minutes from Jenks, this 300-acre wilderness area offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails with scenic views of the Arkansas River and Tulsa skyline. The park’s rugged terrain provides opportunities for outdoor recreation while remaining conveniently close to urban amenities.
Gathering Place
Tulsa’s world-class park, located 20 minutes from Jenks, spans 66 acres along the Arkansas River. This award-winning destination features adventure playgrounds, scenic gardens, boating, dining options, and regular cultural events and programming.
Downtown Tulsa
A quick 25-minute drive brings visitors to the heart of downtown Tulsa, home to historic Art Deco architecture, BOK Center, Woody Guthrie Center, and the Arts District. The area offers numerous museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it perfect for a cultural day trip.
Glenpool Black Gold Park
Just 10 minutes southwest of Jenks, this family-friendly park commemorates the historic Glenn Pool oil strike that transformed Oklahoma’s economy. The park features playground equipment, walking trails, a splash pad, and educational displays about the area’s oil history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Jenks in?
Jenks is located in Tulsa County, Oklahoma.
How far is Jenks from Tulsa?
Jenks is approximately 12 miles south of downtown Tulsa, typically a 15-20 minute drive via US-75 or Riverside Drive.
What is the ZIP code for Jenks?
The primary ZIP code for Jenks is 74037.
Is Jenks a suburb of Tulsa?
Yes, Jenks is considered a suburban community within the Greater Tulsa metropolitan area.
What is the population of Jenks?
Jenks has over 25,000 residents and continues to grow as a popular suburban community.
Is the Oklahoma Aquarium open year-round?
Yes, the Oklahoma Aquarium is open daily throughout the year, though hours may vary by season.
Jenks Attractions & Travel Guides
- Tulsa Premium Outlets Brings Open-Air Shopping and Family Fun to Jenks
- The Sweet Shack Creamery Is an Ice Cream Wonderland in Downtown Jenks
- Los Cabos Anchors the Jenks Riverwalk with Riverfront Mexican Dining
- Veterans Park in Jenks Pairs a Splash Pad and Epic Playgrounds with a Veterans Memorial, Fishing, and More
- The Jenks Riverwalk Playground Is a Riverfront Win for Families
