The twin hills that gave Mounds, Oklahoma its name still rise above the surrounding Creek County prairie — a small landmark for a small town that, about 22 miles south of Tulsa, has quietly built one of the more surprisingly full calendars of any community its size in the state.
That calendar includes one of the biggest small-town car shows in the Midwest, a summer Freedom Celebration, a Halloween Harvest Festival, and a Christmas Parade through downtown every December — all anchored by a compact downtown on Alternate US-75 with good food and a little local history worth exploring.
The town traces its roots to 1895, when a post office named “Posey” — honoring Creek Nation poet Alexander Posey — was established in the area. By 1901, a railway line had turned Mounds into a cattle shipping hub, and the Glenn Pool oil discovery in 1905 transformed it into a key crude oil transport point. Thomas Gilcrease, who later founded Tulsa’s Gilcrease Museum, had early ties to this land through his Creek Nation allotment. The oil boom faded by the 1920s, and Mounds has since settled into a commuter community — but one with real civic investment and a downtown that keeps growing.
Historical Sites and Museums in Mounds
The Mounds Historical Society Museum is housed in the old Bank of Mounds building at 1220 Commercial Avenue, right next door to Front Porch Coffee & Goods. Founded in 2000, the organization has spent more than two decades collecting and preserving artifacts, photographs, and records connected to the history of Mounds and its people. The Society is also active in local civic projects and community education.
Just outside of town, the ACT Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by the Astronomy Club of Tulsa. Established in 1993, the domed facility houses a 14-inch Meade telescope and sits on a hilltop southwest of Mounds under dark rural skies. Public observing nights give visitors a chance to view planets, nebulae, star clusters, and more. Admission is free or by small donation, and the observatory is only open on scheduled evenings — check astrotulsa.com before heading out, as events are weather-dependent.
Parks and Recreation in Mounds
Neely-Anderson Veterans Memorial Park, located at 1400 Commercial Ave, is Mounds’ primary gathering space and the host site for several of the town’s biggest annual events. The park honors local veterans and features playground equipment including swing sets and slides, as well as retired military artillery on display.
Greer Park sits at the corner of 14th Street and Commercial Avenue with a gazebo, picnic tables, and open green space perfect for enjoying lunch during one of the community events.
Annual Events and Festivals in Mounds
The Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Celebration is held on the Saturday of Easter weekend at Veterans Park, combining a community egg hunt with live music and a BBQ cookoff.
The Freedom Celebration takes place in late June at Veterans Park with fireworks, live music, concessions, games, vendors, horseshoe tournaments, cornhole, and a watermelon eating contest.
The Harvest Festival & Trunk or Treat in October spreads across both Greer Park and Veterans Park, with additional activities at local businesses throughout downtown. Past years have included an escape room at the library, carnival games and inflatables at the community center, a decorated pumpkin contest, haunted houses, and a sensory-friendly hour.
The Mounds Car Show is held on the first Saturday in October and draws over 400 registered vehicles, making it one of the biggest small-town car shows in the Midwest. The show shuts down Alt US-75 through the entire length of downtown, with food, drink, and shopping vendors lining the route alongside 60+ judged trophy classes.
The Christmas Parade arrives in early December with a Lights On ceremony followed by a nighttime parade through downtown. Christmas vendors set up at Greer Park for shopping and food during the festivities.
Restaurants in Mounds, Oklahoma
Cafe 75 at 1214 Commercial Ave operates out of a restored building that previously served as a hardware store and undertaker’s business. The “Where Y’all From” wall — covered in pins and notes from visitors who’ve made the drive from across Oklahoma and beyond — reflects how far the reputation of this place has traveled. The menu centers on hand-breaded chicken fried steak tenderized in-house, delicious burgers, hand-cut fries, and homemade mashed potatoes.
Kingdom Diner & Pizza is open weekends only and serves a full menu of burgers, pizza, and more alongside two weekly buffets. On Saturdays from 5–7pm, the southern buffet features ribs, fried catfish, meatloaf, pork chops, chicken tenders, and hot sides. Sundays from noon–2:30pm bring an all-you-can-eat pizza and pasta buffet at an affordable price point.
Front Porch Coffee & Goods at 1218 Commercial Ave is a coffee shop and gift shop in the heart of downtown. The menu includes seasonal drinks, breakfast items, and hot coffee. It shares a block with the Historical Society Museum and is a natural first stop before exploring downtown.
Directions to Mounds, Oklahoma
From Tulsa: Head south on US-75 approximately 9 miles past Glenpool, then turn west onto West 201st St. S. into downtown. About 30–35 minutes from downtown Tulsa.
From Oklahoma City: Take I-44 East to the Sapulpa exit, then follow Alt US-75 south through Kiefer and into Mounds. Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Best Times to Visit Mounds
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather and align with Mounds’ busiest stretch of events. Easter weekend opens the season, and October alone brings back-to-back festivals before closing with the car show on the first Saturday.
Where to Stay Near Mounds
Mounds doesn’t have lodging within town limits. The closest options are in Glenpool, about 15 miles north on US-75.
Comfort Inn & Suites Glenpool (12119 N Casper Street, Glenpool) offers free hot breakfast, free WiFi, a seasonal outdoor pool with hot tub, a fitness center, a lobby fireplace, and pet-friendly rooms.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Glenpool – Tulsa South (12209 S Yukon Ave, Glenpool) features an indoor pool, fitness center, and free hot breakfast.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Sapulpa, the Creek County seat, is about 10 miles north on Alt US-75. The Sapulpa Historical Museum, the Frankoma Pottery history, and a walkable downtown with antique shops and local restaurants make it worth the short drive.
Glenpool, about 10 miles north of Mounds, is worth a few hours on its own. The city sits at the center of the region’s oil history — the 1905 Glenn Pool oil strike nearby was one of the largest discoveries in early American history and the catalyst for Tulsa’s rise as a major city. Beyond the history, Glenpool offers solid dining, easy highway access, and proximity to the Tulsa Hills shopping district.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mounds, Oklahoma
Where is Mounds, Oklahoma?
Mounds is in Creek County, approximately 20 miles south of downtown Tulsa on Alternate US-75, between Kiefer to the north and Beggs to the south.
What is Mounds, Oklahoma known for?
Mounds is known for its annual October car show — one of the largest small-town car shows in the Midwest.
When is the Mounds Car Show?
The Mounds Car Show takes place on the first Saturday in October each year through downtown Mounds, with 400+ registered vehicles.
Are there hotels in Mounds, Oklahoma?
Mounds does not have hotels. The closest lodging is in Glenpool, approximately 9 miles north.
Is Mounds worth visiting as a day trip from Tulsa?
Yes. The drive is under 35 minutes from downtown Tulsa. Cafe 75, the annual events, and the downtown stretch of Commercial Avenue are more than enough to fill an afternoon.
