Center There are many road trip stops that require the unexpected; well, I present to you: a spot for the road trip you’ve never had, and that no other trip could duplicate. A pedestrian overpass for the train tracks in Tulsa, Okla., houses a space so bizarre it seems straight from a science fiction movie. It’s the Center of the Universe. Among many hidden places, this is one of the weirdest and coolest places in America.
Anyone bored by common tourist attractions, wanting to visit a place that defies all logic in the best way, needs to know how to visit the Center of the Universe sound anomaly in Tulsa, OK. It’s not a monument or park only a concrete circle in an outdoor, accessible area with a tendency to reflect sound in the most mystical manner possible. From a self described “nerd” who travels the U.S., I can show you what to expect at this natural wonder.
The Hype is Real What is the Center of the Universe?
Let’s get something out of the way upfront: The Center of the Universe is not the most visually impressive place on earth, and it’s entirely by design. Found at 20 E Archer St, Tulsa, OK 74103, it’s a small, somewhat beat up circle of concrete that rests inside a larger, eight-foot brick circle. It looks rather like a giant bullseye on the pavement.
However, it is here that things get truly weird and wonderful.
Step into the concrete circle and say hello, clap your hands or do something equally unremarkable, and you’ll hear the echo come back to you at an amplified volume. It comes back in a weird, distorted way that resembles some kind of metallic ringing or that tunnel sound effect on the phone. In addition to this peculiar amplification, the echo is so focused, it’s an example of a ‘private amplified echo chamber.’ Standing a couple of feet outside the circle, no echo can be heard at all, despite it resonating around your ears inside the ring.
The Science Behind the Echo in Tulsa
But how does it function? Is there a vortex of cosmic energy meeting? It is indeed one plausible theory, but a typical one science is going with is an accidental acoustic build.
The sound effect phenomenon is considered an acoustic problem which arises because of curved planters bordering the round boundary of the area, reflecting the voice waves back toward the circle. A parabola of sound. Nevertheless, no scientific conclusive results for this phenomenon are confirmed so far.
An Accidental Marvel of Architecture
And the best part? The bridge’s “sound defeating” characteristics were a total accident. In 1983, architect John Laur designed a pedestrian walkway between Tulsa’s northern and southern parts to replace the previous structure that had been damaged in a fire. In short, there was no intention to design a musical wonder.
Planning Your Trip: A Complete Guide
Ready to hear the echo for yourself? Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit.
How to Get to the Center of the Universe
- Location of the site The precise spot is on the corner of 1 S Boston Ave and W Archer St. You could also put 20 E Archer St in Google Maps. Getting there The trick is that you’ll need to get up on the pedestrian bridge spanning the railroad tracks.
- There is a brick path that will get you up there starting on the corner of Archer and Boston.
- It’s northwest of where the old Union Depot (currently the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame) used to be. Parking There is free street parking on weeknights and weekends. You could also park at an off street lot or garage nearby or even the Union Depot lot. You may have to walk a block or two to the bridge.
Best Time to Experience the Acoustic Phenomenon
- Weather is Key: Critical here. Wind annihilates the echo effect. Come on a windless day if possible, as otherwise the sound gets carried before bouncing back to you.
- 18.
- When: The site is accessible around the clock and completely free. For the best, “private” echo chamber experience, aim for aweekday morning to beat the crowds. 19. Photo Ops: Sunrise or evening light is ideal if you want the photo ops.
Pro Tips for Your Visit Don’t Get It Wrong
I’ve put together a list of tips for you to be sure that you don’t miss all the fun: The Right Spot Make sure you are dead centre on the concrete small circle, not just the large brick circle. Talk Loudly For you to hear yourself really well, don’t say just one word, try saying something or singing, or clap your hands. Partner – Take along a friend.
The friend should stand in the outer area whereas you stand in the inner area, where the sound is clear echo and in the outer area where the sound sounds distorted.
Visit the landmarks From the bridge, be sure to catch the site of the Artificial Cloud, a 60 ft steel sculpture by Robert Haozous that gradually turns colors over time as it rusts. Visit the construction status A few recently written reviews say that construction and scaffolding is happening. Before you go, it is best that you verify with others but the echo still works during some amount of construction, even then.
Conclusion
The Center of the Universe is essentially the physical representation of going somewhere unique, as there is nothing in the universe to say you can not spend a large chunk of change on it and have an out of the country type adventure! The place is certainly an awesome addition to a Oklahoma roadtrip as you would only need to spend a 15 minute stop to visit, but it would remain in the memories of you and your closest friends for hours after! Just be sure when programming the route into your GPS you put Tulsa!
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Frequently Asked Question FAQs
Is the Center of the Universe in Tulsa a real phenomenon?
Yes. It is a real acoustic anomaly caused by the curved planter walls reflecting sound waves . It is not a myth; the distortion is scientifically observable, even if not definitively explained.
Can you hear the echo at the Center of the Universe?
Yes, but only if you are standing in the exact center of the concrete circle. You will hear your own voice echoed back at you louder than it originally was .
Can people outside the circle hear the echo?
No. People standing outside the circle hear a distorted version of your voice, but they do not experience the amplified echo that the person in the center hears .
Is the Center of the Universe free?
Yes, the attraction is completely free to visit and is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week .
What is the “Center of the Universe” in Tulsa?
It is a small concrete circle in a brick plaza that produces an acoustic phenomenon where a sound made in the circle is echoed back with a “tinny” or “metallic” sound to the person standing in the center .
Why is it called the Center of the Universe?
The name was likely given due to the impressive and mysterious nature of the acoustic effect. Some folklore suggests local legends claimed it was a vortex where cosmic energies meet, but the name stuck because it is “out of this world” .
What is the history of the Center of the Universe?
The structure was built in 1983 when architect John Laur redesigned a bridge that was damaged by a fire. The echo effect was an unintentional result of the architecture, specifically the curved planter walls .
Is the Center of the Universe a good place for kids?
Absolutely. Kids love the interactive nature of the echo. It is a fun, 156 minute activity that is educational and exciting, making it a great free thing to do in Tulsa .