Golden Driller Statue

Visiting the Driller: History and Practical Tips

The Golden Driller dates back to the era when Tulsa styled itself the "Oil Capital of the World" and hosted the International Petroleum Exposition at the fairgrounds. An early version of the figure was built for that exposition. The permanent statue that stands today was later installed in front of what is now the Expo Square Pavilion area. The giant worker rests one hand on a real oil derrick, a deliberate nod to the wells and refineries that shaped the city's growth in the early twentieth century. In 1979 the Oklahoma Legislature named it the official state monument, and it remains one of the most photographed sights in Tulsa.

Like many roadside giants, the Driller has had its share of upkeep over the decades, including repainting and structural repairs. It has also been playfully dressed up for local causes and events from time to time, so the look you find may differ from older photographs.

Making the most of a stop

• Check the fairgrounds calendar. Expo Square hosts large events such as the Tulsa State Fair, livestock shows and trade expos. On busy days parking and access can change, so look at the official Expo Square schedule before you go.
• Time your photos. Morning and late-afternoon light tends to flatter the gold finish. Step well back if you want the whole figure and derrick in one frame.
• Combine it with the Route 66 corridor. The fairgrounds sit within easy driving distance of 11th Street, Tulsa's stretch of the Mother Road, which has neon signs and vintage motels worth a detour.

From oil history to an evening out

The Driller tells a story about hard work and boomtown energy, and much of that spirit carries over into the honky-tonk and outlaw-country traditions still heard around Oklahoma. After your photo stop, browse our live music lineup or check the events page to plan the rest of your night. Other local landmarks are collected under Places.