Tulsa is known for many things. Route 66 culture, outstanding restaurants, a plethora of great shopping options, and an array of outdoor activities.
But there is a tiny mysterious section located in the downtown area that is truly unique if you ask me.
This tiny section is known as the Center of the Universe.
In this article, we will discuss this mysterious acoustic phenomenon that garners so much attention in the downtown Tulsa area.
I myself, love visiting mysterious and unique places, and this is a place worth visiting if you’ve never seen or heard of it before.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the article!
Uncovering Oklahoma has some great insight of this place, you can check them out here.
Where is the Center of the Universe located?
Back in 2006, when I was living in Broken Arrow, OK, a group of friends of mine who I was working with decided to partake in this Oklahoman phenomenon.
We had been to the downtown area several times before but had never heard of the center of the universe.
Located just off of Boston Avenue between 1st and Archer Street, lies a brick path that leads you to a brick circle that is directly over the railroad tracks.
If you’re a landmark person like me, it will be located north of the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. Some know this area as the old Union Train Depot.
When you finally arrive, you can easily walk by it if you’re not looking for it.
Address: 50 S. Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74114
An Acoustic Anomaly
It’s time for an acoustic phenomenon.
One that truly defies the laws of physics.
Standing in the middle of a concrete circle, probably no bigger than 8 feet in total diameter, is one of the craziest things I’ve come across in Oklahoma. And that is probably saying something!
Any noise that is made inside the brick circle is loudly echoed, but only those inside the circle can hear it.
That’s insane!
Amazingly, any of these loud sounds heard inside the circle cannot be heard outside the brick circle. I wish I had more answers than that.
The only way I can describe this place is a small private amplified echo chamber.
From what I have researched, the effect is thought to be caused by the sound reflecting off a circular wall, in this case a nearby planter.
Nobody truly knows the cause of the sound distortion, but from experiencing this firsthand, the cause of this natural sonic distortion makes this a truly amazing place.
Whether you’re into mysterious places or not, this is a must-see destination when visiting Tulsa, OK.
Thoughts & Takeaways
And that is a wrap. The Center of the Universe is one of the bewildering places I have gotten to experience. Oklahoma has no shortage of unique places, and this is definitely one of them. I hope you get a chance to visit this acoustic phenomenon soon. Please share your experiences in the comment section below.
-CT