The Cave House is one of Tulsa’s most recognizable landmarks, a quirky little building that every resident has driven past but few have visited. Take the time to see inside this unusual building by booking a guided tour. This is the only way to see the interior of this rock-like house, and it is well worth the effort.
Try to guess the age of the Cave House it is sure to be a struggle. The building’s architectural style is unlike any other. The façade of the building has been designed to look a bit like a pile of giant boulders. It is often said that it seems like the Flintstones could live there. However, the house was actually built in the 1920s. It owes its unique appearance to the fact that it originally housed a themed eating place called the Cave Garden Restaurant. It is rumored that during the Prohibition era, when alcohol was banned, the restaurant contained secret passageways that led to an illegal drinking spot.
Imagine this storied history when you visit the Cave House, which has been updated and renovated many times over the decades. Today it is owned by a mother and daughter who work together to maintain the house’s characterful interior décor. Spot the many quirky details that reference the house’s past inhabitants, some of whom are believed to haunt the premises to this day.
Look for strange sights such as the tree covered in keys, which is a tribute to a former resident known as the “Key Lady.” Her ghost has been blamed for mysterious disappearances of keys on the site. Other unexpected features of the interior include a bed made of branches and a pair of out-of-place minivan seats, as well as a range of other recycled bits and pieces.
Walk to the Cave House from downtown Tulsa in under 30 minutes. Tours are by appointment only, so book in advance. Afterward, enjoy a stroll along the banks of the Arkansas River, which is directly to the south.
