Oklahoma Highway 364: Tulsa to Jenks (Creek Turnpike)

The Creek Turnpike, officially designated Oklahoma Highway 364, forms a key segment of the Tulsa metro’s beltway system, offering a smooth, limited-access route that skirts the southern edge of the city. In this drive, we travel about 7 miles west on OK-364 from Tulsa to Jenks, cruising through suburbs, wetlands, and over the Arkansas River before wrapping up at a major interchange with U.S. Route 75.

Our journey begins on the southeastern edge of Tulsa at the interchange where U.S. Route 64 and Memorial Drive meet the Creek Turnpike. This area is a hub of commercial activity, with shopping centers, restaurants, and big-box retailers lining the nearby corridors. The highway here is modern and well-maintained, part of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s network. As we merge westbound onto OK-364, we quickly pass the Yale Avenue interchange, where the road bends gently southwest, preparing to cross one of the most striking features of this segment — the Arkansas River.

Spanning the Arkansas River on a sleek multi-lane bridge, the turnpike offers drivers a brief but scenic view of the water and adjacent wetlands. The river itself is a vital part of the region’s identity, flowing through downtown Tulsa and defining much of the area’s early development. As we enter Jenks on the west side of the river, the transition from Tulsa’s suburban spread to Jenks’ smaller-town feel becomes apparent. The highway glides past parklands and subdivisions before approaching the interchange with Elm Street, one of the main surface roads through Jenks.

Just beyond Elm Street, the turnpike angles slightly southwest again, weaving past a mix of residential neighborhoods and open green space. It’s not uncommon to spot bicyclists or walkers using the nearby Creek Turnpike Trail, which runs parallel to much of the route. Our segment concludes at the expansive cloverleaf interchange with U.S. Route 75 — a critical north-south artery connecting Tulsa to points as far south as Okmulgee and northward toward downtown and beyond. This junction makes for a seamless connection for travelers heading to other parts of the metro or beyond.

While this stretch of OK-364 is relatively short, it’s a crucial link in the Tulsa region’s transportation network. The Creek Turnpike serves as a bypass route and a commuter corridor, helping ease congestion on local roads and providing quick access to popular destinations like the Oklahoma Aquarium, Riverwalk Crossing, and the Jenks Public Schools district. For anyone exploring the Tulsa area or just passing through, this segment offers both convenience and a pleasant glimpse into the urban-suburban blend that defines much of northeastern Oklahoma.