11 Amazing Oklahoma Secrets You Never Knew Existed
By Ashley|Updated on December 20, 2022(Originally published December 14, 2022)
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Ashley
Author
Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 30 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't writing about Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beach and exploring new areas.
The Sooner State is full of history and with that comes secrets that have unraveled over time. From hidden places to little-known facts, and even secret tunnels in Oklahoma, here are 11 amazing Oklahoma hidden gems and secrets you never knew existed:
1. A Chinese underground society once existed in tunnels under Oklahoma City.
Hidden passages below the city were filled with a rarely-seen Chinese community. Anti-Chinese sentiments drove the culture underground across the country, including Oklahoma City. During a flu epidemic during the 1920s, health inspectors stumbled across the Chinese underground. After their inspection, the inspectors were quoted as saying the nearly 200 residents were "in good health and surroundings and sanitary as all get out." An entire network of tunnels downtown that link various buildings to each other still exists today.
2. This location in Oklahoma is hidden on Google Earth.
Although still controversial, it is very probable that the Vikings erected the 12 ft. tall stone pillar at the Heavener Runestone. Its inscription dates back to AD 600-900, making it one of the oldest "old rocks" in America.
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4. Oklahoma State University's Stillwater campus has a vast network of steam tunnels that are part of the university’s utility distribution system.
Legend has it, the Marlow brothers use to avoid capture from law enforcement by hiding in a cave on Wild Horse Creek. In June 2004 a city worker discovered the cave after the tire of his riding mower fell through a sinkhole.
7. The boathouse at Ponca City’s grandiose Marland Mansion, is connected to the main building by an underground tunnel.
E. W. Marland Mansion, 901 Monument Rd, Ponca City, OK 74604, USA
A system of secret underground tunnels was built in the late 1920s to connect many of Tulsa’s early skyscrapers. In all, the Tulsa tunnels connect eight buildings, three parking garages, an upscale hotel, and numerous cafés and small businesses. It’s possible to go from Fifth and Boston to First and Main while staying indoors the entire time. Shown above is The Vault located at 320 S. Boston - beneath the streets of downtown.
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9. A few floors up from street level on Automobile Alley is a collection of classic cars that would raise any car enthusiast's eyebrows.
Starbucks allows customers to make their creations available as long as the location has the ingredients on hand and the barista knows the recipe. Try these suggestions: Butterbeer Latte or Frappuccino; Three C’s Latte; Fruity Pebbles Frappuccino; Chocolate Dalmatian; and Raspberry Caramel Macchiato.
11. A Roller Coaster Road exists in Seminole County.
If you haven't discovered this road in Oklahoma yet - go now! The technical name of this road is "County Road NS 366." It's one mile west of "Old Highway 56, and about 1.5 miles west of State Highway 56, just north of Wewoka, Oklahoma. If you're prone to car sickness, bring a brown paper bag.
Fast forward to 2:45 to see this Oklahoma location that is hidden on Google Earth:
It turns out there are a lot of hidden mysteries and secrets in OKC we didn’t know about. Were you surprised to find out about any of the secret tunnels in Oklahoma, or the delightfully delicious hidden menu items at Starbucks? Tell us about your favorite Oklahoma secrets with a comment – just don’t say it out loud, they are secrets after all.
Please note: Some images were not available and a similar photo was substituted in its place. (Like the Starbucks drinks, everyone must have slurped them down so fast they forgot to take a photo)
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More to Explore
Secret tunnels and tasty treats: More Oklahoma places to discover
Chris Muras|December 19, 2022
What are some secret places in Tulsa?
Tulsa, Oklahoma has many hidden gems from restaurants, hotels, and underground tunnels, to the most delicious sweets in town. Whether you are looking for new places to explore or tasty treats, here are a few secret places in Tulsa only the locals know about:
1. Bull in the Alley: A back alley bar and restaurant with the best steaks in Tulsa.
2. Muhanna Sweets: Since 1935, the best baklava can be found at the secret (or not-so-secret) shop off of 71st and Sheridan in Tulsa.
3. Cobbler Mom: This local secret offers a scrumptious cobbler with a dash of ice cream that will have you licking the plate for more.
4. A Gathering Place For Tulsa: A 66.5-acre park in Tulsa designed from the ground up to be the best park in Tulsa.
5. The Cave House: This 1920s stone house looks like it popped right out of the Flinstone's cartoon.
6. The Mayo Hotel: No, not that kind of Mayo. This mysterious hotel built in 1925 was abandoned in 1981 and left for rubble (not Barney Rubble). It has been restored to its former glory and is one of those secret places to stay in Tulsa that will leave you breathless.
If your idea of secret places falls more in line with fairy tale gardens and enchanting natural landscapes here are eight hidden gardens in Oklahoma you will absolutely love.
