Lotsee OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lotsee, Oklahoma.
1. Center of the Universe
ACOUSTIC PHENOMENON SPOT
The Center of the Universe is a mysterious acoustic phenomenon where standing in the middle of a concrete circle creates an echo that only the person at the center can hear. This unique point of interest in downtown Tulsa is surrounded by historic architecture and local dining options. Visitors enjoy experimenting with the sound amplification effect and exploring the surrounding area, making it ideal for group interactions and casual exploration.
2. Philbrook Museum of Art
ART IN ITALIAN VILLA
Philbrook Museum of Art is housed in an elegant Italian-style villa surrounded by acres of lush gardens. The vast museum features numerous exhibits showcasing European, American, Asian, Native American, and African artists. Visitors can explore both the impressive art collections within the historic building and the beautifully landscaped grounds outside.
3. The Cave House
HISTORIC SPEAKEASY BUILDING
The Cave House is a historic building originally constructed as a restaurant and later used as a speakeasy during Prohibition in the 1920s. This eclectic architectural attraction features unique details including a tunnel-accessed speakeasy area, bone sculptures, and even an upstairs slide. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the halls and steep staircases inside this colorful piece of Tulsa history.
4. Gilcrease Museum
AMERICAN WEST ART
Gilcrease Museum houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of American West art and artifacts. The museum showcases thousands of paintings, sculptures, and archaeological pieces that tell the story of the American experience. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful themed gardens on the grounds that complement the museum's extensive collections.
5. Blue Whale
ROUTE 66 LANDMARK
The Blue Whale is an iconic Route 66 roadside attraction built in the 1970s as a surprise anniversary gift. The 80-foot-long smiling whale structure sits on a pond and once served as a popular swimming hole for travelers. Today, visitors can explore this whimsical landmark, picnic on the grounds, and take memorable photos with this beloved piece of Americana.
6. Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger
RETRO ROUTE 66 DINER
Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger is a nostalgic Route 66 diner known for its distinctive cuckoo clock-inspired exterior and vintage sign. This historic eatery has been serving classic American fast food including burgers, fries, and shakes since the 1960s. The restaurant preserves the authentic mid-century roadside dining experience that was once common along the Mother Road.
7. Sooner Park Play Tower
SPACE-AGE CLIMBING STRUCTURE
Sooner Park Play Tower is a unique space-age climbing tower designed by famed architect Bruce Goff. The restored play structure features a spiral staircase that leads to an observation deck 50 feet above the ground. Children and adults alike can enjoy scaling this one-of-a-kind architectural marvel that represents mid-century futuristic design.
8. Round Barn
HISTORIC WOODEN STRUCTURE
The Round Barn is a distinctive circular wooden barn built in 1898 that has become one of Oklahoma's most photographed landmarks. This architectural wonder features a unique self-supporting domed roof constructed using native lumber bent by soaking it in Bluff Creek. Now fully restored, the barn serves as a museum and event space where visitors can learn about early Oklahoma history and marvel at its innovative construction.
9. Spider VW Bug
ELEVATED AUTOMOTIVE ART
The Spider VW Bug is a creative roadside attraction featuring a classic Volkswagen Beetle transformed into a giant spider. Metal poles hoist the creatively painted black spider car with red eyes and fangs 15 feet off the ground. This quirky photo opportunity along Highway 77 provides a fun stop for families and road trip enthusiasts looking for unusual attractions.
10. Alien Landing Yard Art
UFO ROADSIDE CURIOSITY
Alien Landing Yard Art is a creative roadside attraction representing a UFO landing site constructed by local resident Craig McGuire. This unusual artistic installation is made from an assortment of used satellite dishes, metal scraps, aluminum foil, CDs, and various repurposed materials. Travelers along Route 66 can pull into a gravel parking area to get a closer look at this whimsical alien invasion scene.
11. Childhood Home of Mickey Mantle
BASEBALL LEGEND'S RESIDENCE
The Childhood Home of Mickey Mantle offers baseball fans a glimpse into the early life of one of America's greatest baseball players. This modest residence is where the New York Yankees legend developed his skills, practicing his swing against the property's tin barn. Visitors can see where Mantle's father built a practice field to help nurture his son's natural talents that would eventually lead him to baseball stardom.
12. John's Place OK County 66
VINTAGE GAS STATION
John's Place OK County 66 is a preserved vintage gas station that stands as a reminder of Route 66's golden era. This historic establishment features original gas pumps, signage, and architecture characteristic of mid-century roadside service stations. Visitors stopping by can experience a nostalgic glimpse into American car culture when the Mother Road was the nation's primary east-west highway.
13. Lucille's Service Station
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 STOP
Lucille's Service Station is a lovingly preserved 1929 gas station named after its longtime proprietor Lucille Hamons, known as the "Mother of the Mother Road." This historic two-story structure with its distinctive upper-level porch is one of the few remaining examples of the house-over-station design once common along Route 66. Though no longer operating as a service station, the restored building stands as an important landmark of Route 66 history and American road culture.
14. Tulsa County Historic Properties
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE SITES
Tulsa County Historic Properties encompasses 107 distinctive buildings and districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These historically significant sites include a National Historic Landmark that showcases the region's architectural and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore these well-preserved properties that represent various periods of Oklahoma's development and tell the story of the area's rich history.
15. Oklahoma Roadside Oddities Trail
QUIRKY ATTRACTION ROUTE
The Oklahoma Roadside Oddities Trail offers travelers a self-guided tour of unusual attractions and photo opportunities throughout the state, including locations near Lotsee. This curated route features weird statues, quirky museums, and interesting landmarks that showcase Oklahoma's unique character and sense of humor. Visitors following the trail can discover hidden gems and unexpected sights that make for memorable road trip experiences off the beaten path.