Below the hustle and bustle of Oklahoma City, extends a tunnel system spanning three-quarter-miles long that joins 16 city blocks and more than 30 buildings downtown. The first tunnel was built in the 1930s and several more were added in the 1970s and 1980s; they became known as the “Conncourse” after the developer Jack Conn.
It became a popular spot offering dining, shopping and service amenities for oil executives, lawyers and bankers. But after the oil bust, the underground tunnels fell into disrepair and closed down. In 2006, a $2 million dollar renovation went into reviving the tunnels by architect Rand Elliot and the tunnels were transformed into the “Underground.” Many new colorful lights were added to different sections of the tunnels, along with new businesses, new signage, historical photos and an art gallery.
Here’s an in-depth look into the “Underground.”
One of the more popular places to enter the tunnels is below the Sheraton Hotel on N. Broadway Ave.
Ryan Naeve/Youtube
Take the elevator to the basement and you will see the signs to the Underground tunnels.
Ryan Naeve/Youtube
Follow the map below to visit the colored sections and to navigate through the tunnel system.
downtownokc.com
The colorful lighting in the tunnels creates a fun ambiance.
Ryan Naeve/Youtube
The purple is electrifying.
Mark Alexin/Youtube
And yellow is soothing.
Ryan Naeve/Youtube
But some of them are a bit eerie.
Ryan Naeve/Youtube
If you’re hungry while wandering around, you can eat at Buzz Cafe.
Ryan Naeve/Youtube
Or grab a bite of Chinese food at China Chef.
Ryan Naeve/Youtube
Or maybe just a cup of coffee and pastry at the Underground Cafe.
Ryan Naeve/Youtube
You can even get a haircut at the Executive Barber Shop.
Ryan Naeve/Youtube
Walk the underground halls filled with historical photos of Oklahoma.
Mark Alexin/Youtube
If you don’t want to walk back the way you entered, there are many exit points along the route.
Ryan Naeve/Youtube
Doesn’t it look like a cool place to explore in Oklahoma City? Be sure to check out this really awesome video posted by YouTuber Ryan Naeve on the tunnels as well:
Ryan Naeve/Youtube
downtownokc.com
Mark Alexin/Youtube
Have you walked the tunnels since its renovation in 2006?
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