Okmulgee is on US-75 about 40 miles south of Tulsa and 90 miles east of Oklahoma City. From Tulsa the drive is 45 minutes through farmland and small oil-patch towns; from Oklahoma City take I-40 east to Henryetta and then US-75 north, about 90 minutes.
The nearest commercial airport is Tulsa International, with a wide range of domestic flights. Okmulgee Regional Airport handles only general aviation. There is no scheduled rail or intercity bus service to the town, so most visitors arrive by car.