The Cave House
4.6(420)google
4.5(11)yelp
HistoryEerie & Haunted
Overview
The Cave House is an internationally famous and eccentric architectural landmark located near downtown Oklahoma City, wrapped in local folklore and architectural whimsy. Originally constructed in the 1920s as a quirky concession stand and secretly used as a speakeasy during the Prohibition era, the building features striking, fluid organic concrete walls that mimic a natural limestone cavern. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the mysterious, labyrinthine interior, listen to captivating ghost stories, and examine a vast collection of unique salvaged vintage artifacts and historical hidden traps.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeThis quirky flintstone-like historic house requires booking private tours in advance. The best time to experience it is between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM when scheduled; the angled afternoon sun brings out the dramatic, organic architectural curves and whimsical interior artifacts.
Getting ThereLocated just northwest of downtown at 1623 NW 10th St. Drivers can navigate north along Classen Blvd from the core, turn left onto NW 10th St, and drive two blocks west. The unique house stands right on the curb, offering limited, complimentary parallel street parking slots.
Travel Tips
- This is a strictly protected private property; trespassing past the perimeter fence or knocking without a confirmed appointment is illegal. You must book an exclusive tour via email/phone.
- The highly eccentric interior layout features low ceilings and uneven concrete projections; non-slip closed-toe athletic footwear is mandatory, while high heels and flip-flops are denied entry.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- The interior remains dim and bans high-intensity flashlights, tripods, or strobe equipment; all commercial video or portrait shoots require a signed property release and additional fees.
Reviews
Positive
- An incredibly eccentric, quirky 'cave-shaped' organic house packed with bizarre historical lore from the Prohibition era. A fantastic offbeat roadside check-in.
- The whimsical homeowner serves as the tour guide; her witty, passionate storytelling brings this quirky house to life, making the visit truly unforgettable.
- The interior is packed with unique handmade decor and oddities; though strange, it is kept orderly, radiating raw creative fun and historic charm.
- Tickets are very cheap (just a few dollars). Considering the sheer novelty and the homeowner's half-hour personalized storytelling, it's a great value.
Heads up
- The house is actually tiny. If you fail to book the guided tour and just snap a photo of the exterior, it takes 3 minutes; the physical scale is very small.
- Indoor tours require strict advance reservations via phone/web. Run privately, hours are highly erratic; walk-in drivers frequently encounter closed doors.
- Located in an older neighborhood, it lacks a dedicated lot, forcing cars onto narrow street sides. Accessibility is zero; wheelchairs cannot enter.
- Built decades ago and packed with vintage clutter, narrow passageways feel tight and slightly dusty, with poor air circulation that may bother allergy sufferers.