Tulsa: History Walking Tour of Underground Tunnels

Tulsa’s underground tunnels are a captivating relic of the city’s prosperous oil boom era. This 1.5-hour walking tour offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the architectural gems and cultural significance hidden beneath the streets. Led by expert guides, the limited-capacity experience reveals fascinating stories about the tunnels’ role in Tulsa’s economic transformation during the vibrant Roaring 20s. Discover the hidden passageways that hold the key to understanding this city’s remarkable past.

This experience made our article of 2 Of The Best Historical Tours In Tulsa.

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Key Points

Explore Tulsa’s historic underground tunnels, built during the city’s oil boom era, on a guided 1.5-hour walking tour with a focus on the Roaring 20s history.
Discover the hidden network of tunnels that connect major skyscrapers in downtown Tulsa, learning about the architecture, engineering, and captivating stories behind their construction.
Gain insights into Tulsa’s economic transformation during the early 20th century oil boom, which led to the erection of opulent skyscrapers and a vibrant social scene.
Admire the architectural highlights of the tour, including Art Deco and Neoclassical structures like the 320 South Boston, Kennedy Building, and Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Note that the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or claustrophobia, and certain items are prohibited, with the meeting point at the lower lobby of the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Tulsa Underground Tunnels Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historic underground passageways that once connected several iconic skyscrapers in the heart of Tulsa.

This 1.5-hour walking tour, limited to just 10 participants, delves into the city’s oil boom era and Roaring 20s history. Guests will visit notable buildings like the 320 South Boston, Kennedy Building, and Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Led by expert guides, the tour provides captivating stories and insights into Tulsa’s past. Priced at $40 per person, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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Discover Tulsa’s Underground Tunnels

Beneath the bustling streets of downtown Tulsa, a hidden network of underground tunnels has captivated the imaginations of locals and visitors alike.

These once-bustling passageways, constructed during the city’s oil boom era, connected major skyscrapers, allowing executives and workers to move discreetly between buildings.

Today, these historic tunnels offer a glimpse into Tulsa’s past, as expert guides lead small groups on a fascinating journey through the city’s subterranean secrets.

Visitors can explore the intricate network, learning about the architecture, engineering, and captivating stories that lie beneath the surface of this vibrant Oklahoma city.

Exploring the Oil Boom Era

During the early 20th century, Tulsa experienced a remarkable oil boom that transformed the city into a hub of economic prosperity and innovation.

Fortunes were made, opulent skyscrapers were erected, and a vibrant social scene emerged. The underground tunnels connected these grand structures, facilitating efficient movement and discreet passages between them.

On the tour, you’ll learn about this captivating era, when Tulsa was dubbed the "Oil Capital of the World."

Hear stories of the oil barons, speakeasies, and lavish lifestyles that defined the Roaring Twenties in this thriving Midwest city.

Architectural Highlights

Visitors on the Tulsa Underground Tunnels Tour will explore a network of captivating architectural wonders.

They’ll marvel at the 320 South Boston, a striking Art Deco skyscraper, and the stately Kennedy Building, with its neoclassical facade.

The tour also visits the Mid-Continent Tower, a prime example of 1920s art deco design, and the Atlas Life Building, renowned for its ornate terra-cotta detailing.

Other highlights include the Philtower, Philcade, and the Hyatt Regency Hotel, showcasing Tulsa’s rich architectural heritage from the oil boom era.

These magnificent structures exemplify the city’s vibrant past and enduring architectural legacy.

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Captivating Storytelling

As participants embark on the Tulsa Underground Tunnels Tour, they’re captivated by the expert guide’s engaging storytelling. Their guide weaves a tapestry of tales that transport guests back in time to Tulsa’s prosperous oil boom era and the Roaring 20s. Captivating anecdotes about the city’s prominent figures and historic events bring the underground tunnels to life. Guests are enthralled as they uncover hidden secrets and learn fascinating details that enrich their understanding of Tulsa’s rich heritage. The guide’s charismatic delivery and command of the subject matter ensure an immersive and memorable tour experience.

| Guide Rating | Value for Money | Overall Rating |

| — | — | — |

| 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.9/5 |

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Meeting Point and Logistics

The Tulsa Underground Tunnels Tour conveniently meets at the lower lobby of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, located at street level on 2nd Street.

Look for the black and yellow Tulsa Tours signage near the escalator to easily identify your expert guide.

The meeting location offers several conveniences:

Self-park garage just east of the hotel driveway for $2 per 30 minutes.
Lobby restrooms and refreshments available before the tour.
Accessibility for most participants, though the tunnels have mobility restrictions.
Prompt departure to maximize the 1.5-hour walking tour experience.

Accessibility and Restrictions

While the Tulsa Underground Tunnels Tour offers a captivating historical exploration, there are some important accessibility and restriction considerations. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or claustrophobia, and is also not accessible for wheelchair users or those with non-folding mobility devices. Plus, the following items are not allowed on the tour:

| Prohibited Item | Reason |

| — | — |

| Baby strollers | Safety |

| Pets (except assistance dogs) | Safety |

| Mobility scooters | Accessibility |

| Baby carriages | Safety |

| Electric wheelchairs/scooters | Accessibility |

Participants should keep these limitations in mind when booking the tour.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Participants have overwhelmingly praised the Tulsa Underground Tunnels Tour, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 18 reviews.

The tour’s expert guides received a perfect 5/5 rating, with visitors commending their engaging storytelling and historical knowledge. The tour’s value for money was also highly rated at 4.5/5.

Standout testimonials include:

"Our guide brought the history to life in such a captivating way."
"This tour was the highlight of our Tulsa trip – highly recommended!"
"Exploring the underground tunnels was a unique and memorable experience."
"Excellent value for the price, would do it again."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Underground Tunnels Open to the Public Year-Round?

The underground tunnels are generally open to the public year-round, but access is limited and guided tours are required. Operating hours and availability may vary, so it’s best to check the tour provider’s schedule before visiting.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but participants are advised to check with the guide upon arrival. Some areas or buildings may have restrictions on photography for safety or preservation reasons.

Can I Bring My Own Water or Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own water and snacks on the tour. The tour does not provide any refreshments, so bringing personal items is allowed and recommended to stay hydrated and fueled during the 1.5-hour experience.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a limited group size of 10 participants. This small group allows for an intimate and personalized experience with the guide, ensuring everyone can actively engage and explore the underground tunnels.

Do I Need to Be Physically Fit to Participate in the Tour?

No, the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or claustrophobia. Wheelchair users, baby strollers, and mobility scooters are also not allowed. Participants should be able to walk for 1.5 hours without assistance.

The Sum Up

The Tulsa Underground Tunnels Tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and architectural gems. Led by expert guides, this captivating 1.5-hour walking experience offers an intimate glimpse into Tulsa’s vibrant past, uncovering the cultural significance of the subterranean passageways constructed during the oil boom era. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover Tulsa’s hidden secrets.