Tulsa stands out as a city full of surprises. Its skyscrapers, underground tunnels, and wild stories from the oil boom and Prohibition era make it a fascinating place to explore on foot. For travelers eager to see Tulsa through a historical lens, these tours deliver immersive stories and authentic places.
Personally, I’m especially taken with the Tulsa: History Walking Tour of Underground Tunnels, because walking through underground passageways connecting early skyscrapers feels like stepping into a secret Tulsa. Plus, the stories of a city that boomed in the 1920s are vividly brought to life here.
For a quick overview, I’ve selected the best tours that balance history, architecture, and local lore. Whether you’re into exploring underground tunnels, uncovering stories of Tulsa’s oil-rich past, or delving into its darker side with haunted tales, there’s an option for you. Now, let’s take a closer look at each one.
1. Tulsa: History Walking Tour of Underground Tunnels
At number 1, this walking tour offers a rare chance to explore Tulsa’s underground tunnel system that connects historic office buildings downtown. For about $40 per person, you’ll spend around 1.5 hours walking through a network of passageways that once served as hidden shortcuts between the Philtower and Philcade buildings.
Your guide shares stories about Tulsa’s Roaring Twenties period, oil boom, and the secret reasons behind these tunnels—like smuggling during Prohibition or avoiding street crime.
What makes this tour stand out is the authentic experience of walking beneath Tulsa’s streets. You get to see what’s buried beneath the modern skyline and learn how the early skyscrapers and underground corridors shaped the city’s development.
The guide’s insights into Tulsa’s oil prosperity and 1920s culture make history accessible and engaging. Many reviews highlight the tour’s fascinating stories, with a perfect 5-star rating based on 21 reviews.
People love the “interesting stories” and the “great access to Tulsa tunnels.” It’s best suited for history fans who enjoy architecture and urban exploration.
Bottom line: This tour offers a compact, engaging look at Tulsa’s underground secrets. Great for those interested in urban history and hidden passageways.
2. Tulsa History Tour with Underground Tunnels
Coming in at number 2, this tour also explores Tulsa’s underground tunnels but emphasizes the stories behind the historic buildings along with their architectural significance. Priced at $40, and lasting about 1.5 hours, it covers notable stops including the 320 South Boston Building, Regus – Tulsa – Kennedy Building, Mid-Continent Tower, Atlas Life Building, and Philtower.
The tour naturally includes these tunnels and hallways that connect Tulsa’s early skyscrapers and tell tales of oil fortunes and city growth.
The guide is praised for storytelling skills—Dennis, in particular, is called “an outstanding guide”—and the focus on architecture and history makes this a layered experience. You’ll learn about Tulsa’s oil barons, banking boom, and famous local characters as you walk past buildings built during Tulsa’s most prosperous era.
The tour has a 4.5/5 rating based on 15 reviews, with many visitors noting how interesting it is to learn about the people behind the buildings.
A highlight is the visit to Philtower, where you’ll hear about Waite Phillips and see his private oil man’s tunnel. This tour is perfect if you want a deeper dive into Tulsa’s urban development combined with captivating stories about individual buildings.
Bottom line: A well-rounded tour for architecture lovers and history enthusiasts wanting a more detailed downtown experience.
3. True Crime and Haunted History
At number 3, this tour takes a different route, focusing on Tulsa’s darker stories—true crime tales, haunted sites, and mysterious events. Costing around $24, and lasting about 1 hour 15 minutes, it guides you through the Arts District, visiting sites like Cain’s Ballroom, the OKPOP Museum, and the Tulsa Theater.
The storytelling is vivid and includes tales of murder, racial violence, and paranormal disturbances, making it ideal for those interested in mystery and crime.
This tour is for adults and covers some mature topics, but it’s highly rated (5/5 based on 1 review). Highlights include stories about Cain’s Ballroom’s history with legendary musicians and tales of paranormal activity in the Hunt Club. The walk-by visits include disreputable hotels and notorious characters that once populated Tulsa’s seedy side.
The guide’s storytelling style brings history to life with a dark twist, perfect for those who like a little adrenaline with their history.
It’s a shorter, more intense experience, ideal if you want a quick dose of Tulsa’s mysterious past with some chills. Note: this tour is less suitable for kids or those sensitive to mature themes.
Bottom line: For lovers of true crime, ghost stories, and haunted history, this tour offers a thrilling glimpse into Tulsa’s shadowed past.
How to Choose
Choosing between these tours depends on your specific interests and time. If you’re curious about hidden underground passageways and Tulsa’s early skyscrapers, the Tulsa: History Walking Tour of Underground Tunnels offers a rich, underground perspective.
For those who want a deeper architectural and historic overview of downtown Tulsa, the Tulsa History Tour with Underground Tunnels provides detailed stories behind prominent buildings and their histories.
If you’re intrigued by dark tales, ghost stories, or true crime, the True Crime and Haunted History is the perfect choice for a spooky, story-rich experience. Consider your interests—whether you prefer the urban exploration, architectural history, or mysteries of the past—and pick the tour that excites you most.
Final Thoughts
Tulsa offers a surprising variety of historical tours that cater to different interests. For those who love urban secrets and underground tunnels, the first two options deliver engaging narratives and authentic explorations. Meanwhile, adventure seekers or fans of spooky stories will find the haunted history tour an intriguing way to experience the city’s darker side.
In choosing, consider your schedule, budget, and what kind of stories you want to uncover. All three tours are well-reviewed, so booking early is wise, especially during peak travel seasons. Whether you want to walk through underground passageways, learn about Tulsa’s oil boom, or explore ghostly tales, these tours help you see Tulsa in a new, fascinating light.
Happy exploring, and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes—these stories are best experienced on foot!