Tulsa, Oklahoma, is home to a stunning collection of Art Deco architecture, which makes some of the best rides in Oklahoma. The downtown area boasts an impressive array of buildings from the 1920s and 1930s, showcasing the opulence and wealth of the city’s oil boom era. There’s no better way to explore these architectural gems than on a motorcycle.
Safety
Before you start riding in Tulsa, remember to prioritize safety. Always wear appropriate gear, follow traffic laws, and remain alert to your surroundings. Before you hit out, give your bike a once-over and make sure critical elements are in safe working order.
Tulsa Art Deco District
Start your journey through the Tulsa art deco district at the historic Mayo Hotel, once the tallest building in Oklahoma. Built in 1924, this grand hotel has welcomed notable guests like Charlie Chapin and Bob Hope. From there, cruise down to the Pythian Building on South Boulder, where you’ll marvel at the intricate plasterwork, colorful tile, and mosaic floors of one of Tulsa’s most elaborate Art Deco interiors.
As you ride through the streets, keep an eye out for the iconic Philtower, known as the “Queen of the Tulsa Skyline.” This 1927 masterpiece features a polychrome tile roof and an ornate lobby with travertine marble floors. Its sister building, the Philcade, is equally impressive, with stylized foliage concealing birds, reptiles, and mammals above the ground-floor windows.
Other must-see buildings include the Southwestern Bell Main Dial Building, with its intricate Zig-Zag Art Deco design and disguised transmission tower, and the Tulsa Union Depot, showcasing the influence of machinery in its geometric exterior. If you’re a fan of America’s classical music, drop in, as the former station is now home to the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.
Just south of downtown, you’ll find the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, whose soaring belltower looks more like the Empire State Building than a Gothic cathedral.
Exploring Tulsa’s Art Deco District by motorcycle is among the best rides in Oklahoma, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the city’s rich architectural history. The wind in your face and the rumble of your engine add to the excitement as you discover these timeless treasures.
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