10 Unique & Interesting Experiences in Tulsa You Can't Miss

Tulsa has a way of surprising people. Whether you’re here for a business trip, a medical visit at St. John, or a curated weekend getaway, you’ll quickly realize that this city doesn't just do "standard." We do soulful. We do historic. And we definitely do unique.

As your unofficial Midtown concierges, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most interesting, quirky, and genuinely moving experiences within a short drive of our refined cottages. From acoustic mysteries to neon-lit nostalgia, here is how to see the "real" Tulsa.

1. Stand at the Center of the Universe

Right in the heart of downtown, there is a small concrete circle on a pedestrian bridge that defies the laws of physics. If you stand in the exact center and speak, your voice echoes back to you several times louder than you spoke: yet anyone standing outside the circle hears nothing but a whisper.

It’s a local secret, a bit of a mystery, and a total must-do. It’s located just over the railroad tracks at 1st and Boston. Pro tip: Go at night for a little extra urban atmosphere.

2. Go Underground with Tulsa Tunnel Tours

Did you know Tulsa has a secret subterranean world? During the oil boom of the 1920s, the city’s elite built a network of tunnels to move between buildings: partly for convenience, and partly for security.

Today, the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture hosts incredible tours that take you beneath the sidewalk to see these historic passages. You’ll see original 1920s tile work and feel like you’ve stepped into a noir film.

• Driving Time from Midtown: 8 Minutes

• Book Your Tour:Tulsa Architecture - Tunnel Tours

3. Reflect at Greenwood Rising

You cannot understand Tulsa without understanding Greenwood. Greenwood Rising is a world-class, immersive Black Wall Street History Center that honors the legacy of the historic district and the resilience of its people.

The exhibits are powerful, high-tech, and deeply emotional. It’s a sophisticated, essential experience for any traveler looking to connect with the true heart and history of our city.

• Driving Time from Midtown: 10 Minutes

• Plan Your Visit:Greenwood Rising

4. Take a Route 66 Neon Tour

Tulsa is the undisputed capital of the Mother Road. While you can drive the route during the day, the magic happens after the sun sets. Grab a cocktail to-go and head west to see the restored neon signs of Buck’s on 66 and the Meadow Gold sign.

The glow of the neon against the Oklahoma sky is pure nostalgia and perfect for those who appreciate high-end design with a vintage twist.

• Driving Time from Midtown: 12 Minutes

• Route Info:Oklahoma Route 66 Association

5. Tour The Church Studio

In Tulsa’s Pearl District, The Church Studio is one of the city’s most iconic music landmarks. This beautifully restored space was once home to Leon Russell’s Shelter Records, and today it stands as both a working recording studio and a thoughtfully curated museum.

The recent high-end restoration preserved the building’s soulful character while bringing it back with polished, design-forward detail. Now recognized as a National Historic Landmark, it offers a rare look at Tulsa’s music legacy in a setting that feels both storied and elevated.

• Driving Time from Midtown: 8 Minutes

• Learn More:The Church Studio

6. Marvel at the Art Deco Walking Tour

Tulsa boasts one of the largest concentrations of Art Deco architecture in the United States. We’re talking about "Oil Capital" money from the 1920s transformed into gilded lobbies and terra cotta facades.

The Tulsa Foundation for Architecture offers guided walks that point out the "hidden in plain sight" details of the Philcade and Philtower buildings. It’s a sophisticated way to spend a Saturday morning before heading to brunch on Cherry Street.

• Walking Time: Tours usually meet downtown, a quick 8-minute Uber from our properties.

• Tour Schedule:Tulsa Art Deco Tours

7. Kayak Through the "Best Park in the Country"

Gathering Place is a world-class, $465 million park that has been named the Best Public Playground in the nation. While the slides are legendary, we recommend the more refined experience of renting a kayak or pedal boat on Peggy’s Pond.

It’s a serene, beautifully landscaped way to spend an afternoon surrounded by lush gardens and modern architecture.

• Driving Time from Midtown: 5 Minutes

• Park Hours:Gathering Place

8. Immerse Yourself in the Woody Guthrie Center

Located in the vibrant Tulsa Arts District, the Woody Guthrie Center is more than a museum; it’s an interactive tribute to the power of the human voice.

It houses the archives of the legendary folk singer and uses music to tell the story of American social history. It’s curated, thoughtful, and sits right next to Guthrie Green, making it a perfect anchor for an afternoon of exploring downtown.

• Driving Time from Midtown: 10 Minutes

• Explore the Archives:Woody Guthrie Center

9. Wander the Tulsa Botanic Garden

For those who appreciate "calm over chaotic," a trip to the Tulsa Botanic Garden is essential. Located in the Osage Hills, it features the stunning A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces: over 8,000 plants and 3 miles of trails.

They often host unique seasonal events, like larger-than-life LEGO sculptures or sunset jazz in the gardens. It’s the definition of upscale outdoor relaxation.

• Driving Time from Midtown: 15 Minutes

• Garden Events:Tulsa Botanic Garden

10. Catch a Vibe at Guthrie Green

Guthrie Green is the communal living room of Tulsa. This urban park was converted from a former industrial site and now hosts free outdoor movies, yoga classes, and concerts.

Check their calendar for "Movie Night on the Green." Bring a blanket, pick up some gourmet takeout from the nearby Arts District, and enjoy the vibrant community spirit that makes Tulsa so special.

• Driving Time from Midtown: 10 Minutes

• Full Calendar:Guthrie Green Events

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Where to Stay in Tulsa?

Looking for a base for your Tulsa adventures? If you want a stay that's as unique and refined as these experiences, check out our upscale Midtown cottages at Select Living Properties.

Located within walking distance of Utica Square and just minutes from everything on this list (except the Tulsa Botanic Gardens, its a bit of a drive but worth it), our rentals offer sophisticated comfort, high cleanliness standards, and the quiet, adult-friendly environment you deserve.

Book your refined stay here:www.selectliving.lodgify.com