Tulsa: Art Deco Walking Tour of Tulsa - Authenticity and Value: What makes this tour stand out?

Which Tulsa Tours To Choose? Our Best 15 Picks

Tulsa is a city that knows how to surprise visitors. Its unique blend of Art Deco architecture, underground tunnels, and dark tales make it a fascinating destination for those eager to explore beyond typical tourist stops. We especially love tours like the Tulsa Art Deco and Architecture Walk, which offers insider access to Tulsa’s most dazzling buildings, and the Underground Tunnels Tour, revealing hidden passageways that tell stories of the oil boom era. Whether you’re into architecture, local history, or haunted tales, Tulsa’s diverse tour options won’t disappoint.

Quick Overview

Our list includes walking tours, underground tunnel explorations, scavenger hunts, and ghost stories. Some tours are perfect for history lovers, like Tulsa: History Walking Tour of Underground Tunnels and Tulsa Black Wall Street Tour, offering deep dives into Tulsa’s past. Others, like Self-Guided Tulsa Scavenger Hunt and Wacky Walks Scavenger Hunt, provide fun, interactive ways to explore at your own pace. Below, you’ll find detailed overviews of each, helping you decide which suits your style.

1. Tulsa Art Deco and Architecture with Expert Guide Walking Tour

Starting at one of Tulsa’s most iconic Art Deco landmarks, this highly-rated architecture tour is the best way to appreciate Tulsa’s architectural gems. The tour lasts about 2 hours, beginning in the Deco District, where the guide leads you through buildings like the Philtower, Tulsa Club, and the Philcade. The guide shares fascinating stories about Tulsa’s oil boom and explains why the city boasts so many Art Deco structures.

What makes this tour stand out is the insider access and the tour guide’s wealth of knowledge, rated 5/5 by over 50 reviews. You’ll see buildings both inside and out, with stops at the Atlas Life and Sinclair buildings. The tour runs most Saturday mornings, so it fits well into a weekend itinerary. The walk is manageable, with some stairs, and the experience is perfect for architecture enthusiasts wanting an in-depth look at Tulsa’s most beautiful era.
Bottom line: A richly detailed, engaging tour that combines history, architecture, and storytelling — ideal for design lovers and history buffs alike.

2. Tulsa: History Walking Tour of Underground Tunnels

Tulsa: History Walking Tour of Underground Tunnels

For those intrigued by hidden passages and secret histories, this underground tunnels tour offers an hour and a half of discovery in downtown Tulsa. The tour includes walking through a network of tunnels connecting early skyscrapers, with stories of Tulsa’s roaring 20s and oil boom that bring these passages to life. You’ll see what’s buried beneath buildings like the Philtower and Philcade and learn how these passageways played a role in Tulsa’s rapid growth.

The tour is praised for its fascinating stories and atmosphere, rated 5/5 by 21 reviews. Guide Dennis is lauded as outstanding, making the complex history accessible and fun. The experience is perfect for history fans or anyone curious about Tulsa’s secret infrastructure. Keep in mind, no photos are allowed inside the buildings, but the storytelling more than compensates.
Bottom line: An engaging, story-rich tour that reveals the secrets beneath Tulsa’s surface — a must for architecture and history lovers.

3. Tulsa: Art Deco Walking Tour of Tulsa

Tulsa: Art Deco Walking Tour of Tulsa

If your main interest is Art Deco architecture, this guided walking tour is a must. Covering about 2 hours, it explores Tulsa’s rich Art Deco heritage, focusing on architectural details and cultural influences that shaped the skyline. The guide highlights buildings like the Philcade and Pythian, pointing out intricate designs and explaining how Tulsa became a showcase for this style.

This tour is rated highly for its engaging nature and depth of information. It’s well-suited for those who want to see the city’s elegant facades up close and gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship behind the structures. It’s a slower paced walk, allowing plenty of time for questions and photos. For a focused experience on Tulsa’s Art Deco gems, this tour offers excellent value at $54 per person.
Bottom line: Perfect for architecture buffs wanting a concentrated look at Tulsa’s Art Deco treasures.

4. Tulsa History Tour with Underground Tunnels

Tulsa History Tour with Underground Tunnels

This tour combines Tulsa’s underground tunnels with broader historic stories, offering a 90-minute exploration that connects the past and present. Starting at notable buildings like the Atlas Life and Philtower, your guide recounts tales of Tulsa’s oil wealth and architecture. You’ll get inside stories about the city’s development, with emphasis on buildings connected by underground passages.

Rated 4.5/5, reviewers praise the engaging storytelling and the access to Tulsa’s lesser-known history. While shorter than some other tours, it offers a rich experience that balances architecture and local lore. It’s especially suitable for visitors who want a quick but meaningful glimpse into Tulsa’s past and its hidden infrastructure. Be prepared for some walking and a few stops inside historic buildings.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for history enthusiasts who appreciate a mix of architecture and storytelling.

5. True Crime and Haunted History

True Crime and Haunted History

Looking for chills and dark stories? This ghost and true crime tour explores Tulsa’s spooky past in just over an hour. Walking past historic sites like Cain’s Ballroom and the Tulsa Theater, your guide shares tales of murders, ghostly sightings, and scandals. It’s a tour for adults, with mature themes, perfect for those who enjoy thrillers and supernatural stories.

Rated 5/5, the tour is praised for its captivating storytelling and atmospheric stops. The walk includes stories of paranormal disturbances at places like the Hunt Club and the historic Cain’s Ballroom. If you love haunted tales or want a different perspective on Tulsa’s history, this tour delivers a fun, spine-tingling experience.
Bottom line: A lively, spooky tour for fans of supernatural stories and Tulsa’s darker episodes.

6. Tulsa Tirade Scavenger Hunt

Tulsa Tirade Scavenger Hunt

For an interactive way to explore Tulsa, this scavenger hunt is perfect. It’s a 2-hour adventure where your team uses a remote, live host via phone to find clues, answer riddles, and learn about the city. It’s a social, game-like experience that encourages friendly competition, making it fun for groups of friends or family.

Rated 5/5, participants praise its originality and the opportunity to discover Tulsa’s streets in a playful way. It’s suitable for all fitness levels, and because it’s app-led, you can do it at your own pace. It’s a great choice if you want a personalized, engaging experience without a big time commitment.
Bottom line: An innovative, fun way to see Tulsa with friends, combining puzzle-solving and city discovery.

7. Self Guided Tulsa Scavenger Hunt: Center of the Universe

Self Guided Tulsa Scavenger Hunt: Center of the Universe

For those who prefer doing things at their own pace, this self-guided scavenger hunt offers a flexible way to explore Tulsa’s neighborhoods. This activity lasts about 2 hours and involves solving clues about the Oil Capital Historic District and Brady Arts District.

Rated 4/5, reviewers mention that even in bad weather, they could complete the hunt from their car and still learn about Tulsa’s attractions. It’s ideal for families or groups who want independence and some fun challenge. The cost is low, and you keep the digital photos of your adventure.
Bottom line: A practical, customizable option for explorers who like puzzles and independence.

8. Scavenger Hunt in Tulsa by 3Quest Challenge

Scavenger Hunt in Tulsa by 3Quest Challenge

This app-led scavenger hunt offers three different quests in Tulsa, focusing on riddles, photos, and city landmarks. It’s a straightforward, 2-hour adventure designed for small groups or families. As you solve clues, you collect points and learn about Tulsa’s culture and history.

Rated 0/5 (no reviews yet), it’s a newer option for travelers who enjoy tech-based exploration. Its affordability at $10 per person makes it attractive, though it might lack the detailed feedback of other tours. Still, it’s a flexible, fun way to see Tulsa with minimal planning.
Bottom line: An inexpensive, simple scavenger hunt suitable for tech-savvy explorers.

9. Art Walk Tulsa’s Mural Tornado

Art Walk Tulsa's Mural Tornado

If you’re into street art and murals, this art walk takes you through Tulsa’s vibrant Mural Tornado. It’s an app-guided adventure, lasting about 1.5 hours, where you’ll find colorful murals and hidden art installations around the city. The challenge involves trivia and puzzles as you discover each piece.

Though reviews are sparse, the concept of combining art with interactive challenges makes this a creative choice for urban explorers. It’s best suited for those interested in contemporary murals and street art scenes.
Bottom line: An engaging, artistic walk suited for fans of modern visual expressions.

10. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Tulsa by Operation City Quest

This engaging scavenger hunt lets you explore Tulsa using an app, with the goal of collecting objects and completing challenges. For about 2 hours, your team races to climb the leaderboard, with a remote host offering guidance. It’s designed for competitive groups who want a fun, interactive experience.

Rated 0/5 (no reviews yet), it’s a straightforward, game-based activity, ideal for families or small groups. The flexible pace and digital aspect make it easy to customize your adventure.
Bottom line: A simple, competitive way to explore Tulsa with friends or family.

11. Self Guided Scavenger Hunt Tulsa: Exciting Treks and Trivia

Self Guided Scavenger Hunt Tulsa Exciting Treks and Trivia

Similar to other scavenger hunts, this activity offers a trivia-based exploration in Tulsa’s streets. It lasts around 1.5 hours, with your team answering questions and completing tasks at your own pace. It’s ideal for spontaneous outings or rainy days when you want to stay flexible.

Though it has no reviews yet, the format encourages learning and fun, perfect for curious travelers. The cost is modest, and digital photos are included, so you can remember your adventure.
Bottom line: A flexible, trivia-focused activity that works well for independent explorers.

12. Tulsa’s Black Wall Street 1921 Massacre Self Guided Walking Tour

Tulsas Black Wall Street 1921 Massacre Self Guided Walking Tour

For those interested in Tulsa’s pivotal history, this Black Wall Street tour offers a self-guided exploration of the Greenwood District. Beginning at John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, it takes you along sites linked to Black success, tragedy, and resilience. The tour covers the 1921 Massacre, with stops at Greenwood Cultural Center, Vernon AME Church, and more.

Rated for its educational value, it’s an affordable way to understand Tulsa’s complex past. It’s suitable for those interested in civil rights history and African American heritage, and you can do it at your own pace.
Bottom line: A meaningful, self-paced journey through Tulsa’s African American history and the legacy of Black Wall Street.

13. Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Tulsa by Wacky Walks

Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Tulsa by Wacky Walks

This royal-themed scavenger hunt is a playful way to explore Tulsa’s streets. Using an app, your team finds objects and completes goofy tasks over 2 hours. The game adds a humorous, competitive element with the chance for team members to challenge or dethrone the reigning King or Queen.

Rated 0/5 (no reviews), it’s best for families or groups seeking lighthearted fun. It’s easy to customize, and the focus on humor keeps the mood lively.
Bottom line: A hilarious, interactive activity for groups looking for a relaxed, fun challenge.

14. Scavenger Hunt in Tulsa by Zombie Scavengers

Scavenger Hunt in Tulsa by Zombie Scavengers

In a different twist, this zombie survival scavenger hunt turns Tulsa into a fictional zombie apocalypse zone. Teams search for survival items and complete themed tasks using an app, all while trying to score the most points. It’s perfect for fans of zombies and adventure games who want to combine city exploration with a bit of fun horror.

Rated 0/5 (no reviews), it’s a unique, game-based experience that appeals to younger audiences or groups with a sense of humor. The remote host provides support, adding to the convenience.
Bottom line: A creative, zombie-themed challenge for thrill-seekers and game enthusiasts.

$20.00 per group (up to 10)

15. Tulsa Twilight Terrors Ghost Tour

Tulsa Twilight Terrors Ghost Tour

For a spine-tingling experience, this ghost tour takes you through Tulsa’s haunted streets at night. Visiting sites like The Tavern and Cain’s Ballroom, guides share eerie stories of spirits, scandals, and legends that linger in the city’s historic venues. The 1-hour walk is atmospheric and perfect for a quiet, spooky evening.

While reviews are yet to be posted, the tour’s focus on haunted Tulsa makes it an intriguing choice for night owls and ghost story fans. The walking route covers downtown’s most haunted spots, blending history with supernatural tales.
Bottom line: An atmospheric, spine-chilling walk that uncovers Tulsa’s haunted past.

How to Choose the Perfect Tour

When selecting the right Tulsa tour, think about your interests and how much time you want to commit. For architecture lovers, the Tulsa Art Deco and Architecture with Expert Guide offers detailed insight into Tulsa’s most iconic buildings. If you’re drawn to stories of resilience and civil rights, the Black Wall Street tour provides a powerful narrative. For a more active, playful outing, the scavenger hunts and app-led challenges can turn your exploration into a memorable game.

Consider your budget—most tours are under $55 per person—and the physical activity involved. Guided walks tend to be more detailed, while self-guided or app-based hunts offer flexibility. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular weekend tours, so plan your schedule accordingly.

Tulsa offers a fascinating array of tours that cater to history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you prefer walking through historic districts, solving puzzles around the city, or uncovering haunted tales, there’s an experience for you. For a comprehensive exploration, consider combining a guided tour like Tulsa Art Deco and Architecture with a more playful scavenger hunt, ensuring you see Tulsa from multiple angles. Remember to book early, and enjoy your journey into Tulsa’s vibrant past and lively streets.