These 5 Strange Buildings in Oklahoma Are Unlike Anything Else Around

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to find the most unusual architecture in town. I find odd buildings utterly fascinating and appreciate the creativity and artistry that go into creating something one-of-a-kind. If you're curious to discover some of the strangest buildings in Oklahoma, here are five you may want to check out in person:

1. Price Tower (Bartlesville)

A tall Frank Lloyd Wright-designed skyscraper stands over the city of Bartlesville, its 19 stories a mix of concrete, copper, and glass with a mid-century modern flair. As the only skyscraper Wright designed, it's a testament to his aesthetic—organic, Prairie-style with horizontal lines that create visual interest to those who gaze upon it. The Price Tower was completed in 1959 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2007. Tours are available for a fee.

2. Cave House (Tulsa)

West of downtown Tulsa on Charles Page Boulevard is a curious house that may make you ask a lot of questions. So, how did it come to be? Well, it all started in the 1920s when it first opened as the Cave Garden Restaurant, where patrons were served their meals outdoors at picnic tables. Years after the restaurant closed, it became a private residence that also serves as a museum. Tours are available, but you must call ahead to book one; there's also a fee. Visit the Cave House website for more.

3. Milk Bottle Grocery (Oklahoma City)

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Milk Bottle Grocery was built in 1930 along Route 66. The triangular-shaped building sits on a parcel of land where streetcars once stopped. On top of the 350-square-foot brick building is a tall milk bottle, which certainly makes a statement to those traveling the Mother Road. Not only did it serve as a market where road trippers could purchase provisions, but over time it became a real estate office, a cleaners, and a sandwich shop, among other business ventures.

4. BOK Tower (Tulsa)

While the BOK Tower on its own may not seem like one of the most unusual buildings in Oklahoma, it certainly sticks out among the buildings surrounding it. The name "BOK" stands for Bank of Oklahoma, but it was originally known as One Williams Center when it was built in the mid-1970s. Its design was modeled after the World Trade Center in New York. At 667 feet and 52 stories, it was once the tallest building in the state until the Devon Building in Oklahoma City was completed in 2012.

5. Pops 66 Soda Ranch (Arcadia)

Looking for examples of weird architecture in Oklahoma? Okay, maybe the giant soda bottle standing outside a modern gas station, which is just as intriguing to look at, is more "cool" than "weird." Either way, Pops 66 will certainly entice anyone to pull over for a closer look, take photos, and maybe stop for a dessert, shake, or soda.

What Makes Architecture in Oklahoma So Unique

Oklahoma's architecture is a vast mix of styles, with everything from Art Deco and Mid-century Modern to Victorian and Neoclassical, among others. It certainly depends on where you go in the state. The cities tend to have more modern architecture, while suburbs may feature a mix of Craftsman, ranch, and colonial styles, and rural areas have farmhouses, quonset huts, and ranches.

The Strangest Buildings You’ll Find in Oklahoma

From quirky buildings that double as roadside attractions to skyscrapers and a home reminiscent of a cave, these are among the strangest buildings in Oklahoma. Unique architecture, in my opinion, adds a bit of artistic flair to a cityscape or landscape and enhances the overall aesthetic of a city or town. Where have you discovered weird architecture in Oklahoma?

For more architecture, head to Guthrie, a small town in Oklahoma with more historic buildings than any other. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own architecture-focused trip around Oklahoma using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.