How to Visit the Outsiders House Museum in North Tulsa

The Outsiders House Museum in North Tulsa, Oklahoma, is more than just a preserved film setit is a cultural landmark that honors one of the most enduring coming-of-age stories in American literature and cinema. Originally built as a private residence in the 1930s, the house gained global recognition after serving as the primary filming location for Francis Ford Coppolas 1983 adaptation of S.E. Hintons novel The Outsiders. Today, it stands as a meticulously restored tribute to the novels themes of brotherhood, class struggle, and youthful resilience. For fans of the book, movie, or Oklahoma history, visiting the museum offers a rare opportunity to step into the world of Ponyboy Curtis and the Greasers. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for planning and experiencing your visit, ensuring you make the most of this unique cultural destination.

Located in the historic Greenwood District, just blocks from the site of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the museum also serves as a quiet but powerful counterpoint to the neighborhoods complex past. While Greenwood is celebrated for its legacy as Black Wall Street, the Outsiders House Museum adds another layer to North Tulsas cultural narrativeone of universal youth, identity, and belonging. Whether youre a lifelong fan of the novel, a film buff, or a traveler seeking authentic regional experiences, this museum delivers an immersive, emotionally resonant journey. This guide will walk you through every practical detail, from booking tickets to understanding the historical context, so your visit is seamless, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Guide

Visiting the Outsiders House Museum requires thoughtful planning. Unlike large national museums, this intimate site operates with limited capacity and specific hours. Following these steps ensures you gain entry, maximize your experience, and respect the preservation efforts that keep the house alive for future generations.

1. Confirm Operating Hours and Seasonal Schedule

The museum does not operate year-round with consistent hours. It typically opens from March through November, with reduced hours during winter months. During peak season (AprilOctober), the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Last entry is at 4:00 p.m. To avoid disappointment, always verify current hours on the official website before planning your trip. Holiday closures may occur for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Weekday visits are generally less crowded, making them ideal for a quieter, more reflective experience.

2. Purchase Tickets in Advance

Tickets are sold exclusively online through the museums official website. Walk-up admissions are not guaranteed due to capacity limits. Ticket prices vary by age group: adults pay $15, students and seniors pay $12, children aged 612 pay $8, and children under 5 enter free. Group rates (10+ people) are available upon request. Each ticket includes timed entryselect your preferred 30-minute window during checkout. Arriving late may result in forfeiting your slot, so plan your transportation accordingly.

3. Plan Your Route and Transportation

The museum is located at 411 East 11th Street, Tulsa, OK 74106. It is approximately 1.5 miles north of downtown Tulsa and accessible via I-244 and US-75. If driving, use GPS coordinates: 36.1528 N, 95.9947 W. Free on-street parking is available along 11th Street and nearby side streets, though spaces fill quickly on weekends. Avoid parking on private property or in marked No Parking zones. For those without a vehicle, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate reliably in the area. Public transit options are limited, so driving or ridesharing is strongly recommended.

4. Prepare for Your Visit

Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. North Tulsa can be hot and humid in summer, with temperatures often exceeding 90F. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The house is climate-controlled, but the exterior grounds are exposed. No food or drinks are permitted inside the museum. Cameras are allowed for personal usetripods and professional equipment require prior approval. The house contains narrow staircases and low doorways; those with mobility impairments should note that access is limited to the first floor. A small number of wheelchairs are available upon request, but advance notice is required.

5. Arrive Early and Check In

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time. A staff member will greet you at the front gate and verify your ticket via QR code or confirmation number. Youll be asked to store bags, large coats, and backpacks in the designated locker area near the entrance. No selfie sticks or drones are permitted. Once checked in, youll be guided into a small orientation room where a brief video (under 5 minutes) introduces the history of the house, the film production, and the legacy of S.E. Hinton. This video is essential context and enhances the experience significantly.

6. Begin Your Guided Tour

After the video, youll join a small group of visitors (no more than 12 people) for a 45-minute guided tour led by a trained docent. The tour is not self-guidedthis ensures preservation of the fragile interior and maintains an intimate, educational atmosphere. The docent will walk you through each room as it appeared in the film: the living room with its worn floral sofa, the kitchen with the original 1950s stove, Ponyboys bedroom with his bookshelf and handwritten notes, and the iconic back porch where key scenes were filmed. Youll hear behind-the-scenes stories, such as how the actors spent weeks living in the house during filming to build authenticity, and how the family who owned the house before the museum opened allowed the production to use it because they were fans of the book.

7. Explore the Outdoor Spaces

The tour concludes outside, where youll walk through the backyard and side yard, seeing the alleyway where the rumble scene was shot and the fence where Johnny and Ponyboy hid after the church fire. A small garden features a plaque honoring S.E. Hinton and the Tulsa youth who inspired her writing. A bench under a pecan tree offers a quiet place to sit and reflect. Dont miss the photo opportunity at the front stepsmany visitors recreate the famous shot of Ponyboy and Darry standing together in the doorway.

8. Visit the Gift Shop

Before exiting, youll pass through the museums gift shop, which carries a curated selection of items not found elsewhere. Here youll find first-edition copies of The Outsiders, original film posters, T-shirts with vintage movie quotes, handmade jewelry inspired by Greaser culture, and local art by Tulsa-based creators. Proceeds from the shop directly support museum operations and youth literacy programs in North Tulsa. All items are priced reasonably, and many are exclusive to the museum.

9. Leave with Purpose

As you exit, youll be invited to sign the guestbooka handwritten ledger that has been passed down since the museum opened in 2016. Visitors from over 40 countries have left messages, poems, and drawings. This tradition reinforces the museums mission: to connect people through shared stories. You may also receive a small keepsakea pressed flower from the garden or a laminated quote from the novel. Take a moment to read a few entries before you go. Many are heartfelt tributes from teens who found solace in the book during difficult times.

Best Practices

Maximizing your visit to the Outsiders House Museum isnt just about following the scheduleits about approaching the experience with respect, curiosity, and emotional openness. These best practices ensure you honor the sites legacy while deepening your personal connection to its story.

Respect the Integrity of the Space

The house is not a theme park. It is a real home, preserved with archival care. Avoid touching furniture, walls, or doorframes. Even light contact can degrade decades-old paint and wood. Do not lean on railings or sit on stairs unless instructed. The museums staff are trained to protect the integrity of every object, and your cooperation helps sustain the experience for others.

Engage with the Story, Not Just the Setting

While the film is iconic, the museums true power lies in its connection to S.E. Hintons novel. Before your visit, read at least the first chapter of The Outsiders. If youve only seen the movie, consider watching it again with subtitles to catch nuances lost in dialogue. The museums docents often reference specific passages during toursunderstanding them enhances the emotional impact. Consider bringing a notebook to jot down lines that resonate with you.

Be Mindful of the Neighborhoods History

North Tulsas Greenwood District carries a legacy of both resilience and trauma. The museum is located near the site of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in U.S. history. While the Outsiders House Museum does not directly address this event, its presence in the neighborhood invites reflection on how stories of marginalization and identity intersect across generations. Be respectful of local residents, avoid loud conversations near homes, and consider visiting the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park nearby to deepen your understanding of Tulsas full history.

Limit Social Media Use

While photography is encouraged, avoid using flash, filming extended videos, or staging elaborate photo shoots. The museum is not a backdropits a sacred space for storytelling. Tagging the museums official social media accounts (@OutsidersHouse) with thoughtful captions (not just selfies) helps spread awareness without disrupting the experience. Share why the story matters to you, not just how it looks.

Support Local

Shop locally before or after your visit. Nearby businesses like the Greenwood Cultural Center, Booker T. Washington High Schools bookstore, and local diners like The Pig & The Pint offer authentic Tulsa experiences. Avoid chain restaurants near the highway. Supporting neighborhood businesses helps sustain the community that keeps the museum alive.

Bring a Group with Purpose

If visiting with a school group, book at least two weeks in advance. Teachers are encouraged to prepare students with lessons on class structure, identity, and 1960s American youth culture. The museum offers free educator guides and discussion prompts on its website. Group visits should be led by an adult who understands the sensitivity of the materialthis is not just nostalgia; its literature that speaks to systemic inequality.

Visit with an Open Heart

Many visitors come to the museum grieving, searching, or healing. The story of the Greasers resonates with teens who feel unseen, with families fractured by poverty, and with anyone who has ever been told they dont belong. Allow yourself to feel. Cry if you need to. Sit quietly on the porch. Leave a note in the guestbook. This museum doesnt demand reverenceit invites connection.

Tools and Resources

Planning a meaningful visit to the Outsiders House Museum requires more than just directionsit demands context, preparation, and access to curated resources. Below are the essential tools and digital assets that will enrich your experience before, during, and after your trip.

Official Website: outsidershouse.com

The museums official website is your primary resource. It includes real-time ticket availability, seasonal hours, accessibility information, and downloadable educational materials. The site also features a digital archive of rare photos from the 1983 filming, interviews with cast members, and transcripts of S.E. Hintons letters to the museum. Bookmark this siteits updated weekly.

Virtual Tour: Outsiders House 360

For those unable to visit in person, the museum offers a free, high-resolution 360-degree virtual tour. Accessible via desktop or mobile browser, this tool allows you to explore every room in detail, zoom in on handwritten notes on the walls, and listen to audio clips of the original actors discussing their characters. Its an excellent resource for classrooms, remote learners, or anyone wanting to preview the experience.

Podcast: Greaser Echoes

Produced in partnership with Tulsa Public Radio, this 8-episode podcast explores the cultural impact of The Outsiders. Episodes include interviews with Tulsa teens who relate to Ponyboys struggles, a historian on 1960s class divides, and S.E. Hinton herself discussing why she wrote the book at age 15. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Recommended listening before your visit.

Mobile App: Outsiders Journey

Download the free Outsiders Journey app (iOS and Android) to enhance your in-person visit. The app uses geolocation to trigger audio stories as you walk around the house. Point your phone at the kitchen stove, and youll hear a 90-second clip of Rob Lowe describing how he learned to cook for his character. Point it at the hallway mirror, and youll hear a teen from 1983 recall seeing the film for the first time. The app also includes a scavenger hunt for kids and a journaling feature to record your thoughts.

Books and Media

• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (Puffin Books, 1967) The essential text.
• Inside the Outsiders by Michael M. Smith A behind-the-scenes documentary book with never-before-published photos.
• Greaser: A Life in Tulsa by Larry T. Brown A memoir by a former Tulsa teen who inspired Hintons characters.
• Documentary: The Real Greasers A 45-minute film featuring interviews with 1980s Tulsa youth who lived near the house. Available on YouTube and the museums website.

Local Partners

The museum collaborates with several Tulsa institutions:

• John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park For historical context on Greenwood.
• Tulsa City-County Library Main Branch Offers free copies of the novel and hosts monthly Outsiders Book Club meetings.
• University of Tulsa English Department Offers free public lectures on Hintons literary legacy.

Accessibility Tools

The museum provides:

• Large-print tour guides
• Audio descriptions for visually impaired visitors
• ASL interpreters available upon 72-hour notice
• Quiet hours on the first Tuesday of each month for neurodivergent visitors

All tools are free and integrated into the visitno additional requests needed beyond advance notice.

Real Examples

Real stories from visitors bring the museums impact to life. These accounts, drawn from guestbook entries, social media posts, and interviews, illustrate the profound emotional resonance of the space.

Example 1: A Teen from Chicago

In October 2022, 16-year-old Marcus Johnson traveled from Chicago with his English class. I thought this was just a movie thing, he wrote in the guestbook. But when the docent said, Johnny wasnt just a kid who got hurthe was a kid who believed in something better, I started crying. My dad left when I was 10. I thought I was alone. But Ponyboy felt like me. I sat on the porch for 20 minutes after the tour. No one said anything. They just let me be. Marcus later started a Book for the Broken initiative at his school, donating copies of The Outsiders to students in foster care.

Example 2: A Mother and Daughter from Oklahoma City

I read this book when I was 13, wrote 48-year-old Linda Reyes. I was poor, my mom worked two jobs, and I was ashamed. I hid the book under my mattress. Now I brought my 12-year-old daughter here. She read it last year. When she touched Ponyboys bed, she said, This is where he cried. I didnt say anything. I just held her hand. We didnt need to. Linda later donated her original 1978 paperback to the museums archive.

Example 3: A Film Student from Japan

Yuki Tanaka, 21, visited after seeing the film in a university class. In Japan, we dont have Greasers, she wrote. But we have s?zokukids who are rejected because their families are poor or from the wrong town. This house is proof that loneliness is universal. I filmed my own version of the stay gold scene here, just me and the sunset. I sent it to my teacher. He cried. Her short film was later screened at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Example 4: A Veteran from Arkansas

After returning from deployment, 34-year-old James Carter struggled with PTSD. I didnt talk to anyone, he wrote. I drove here on a whim. I didnt even know why. The docent didnt ask me anything. She just said, Youre welcome here. I sat in the back yard for an hour. I read Johnnys letter to Ponyboy out loud. I didnt know I needed to hear it until I did. James now volunteers as a tour guide at the museum every Saturday.

Example 5: A Teacher from Tulsa

Ms. Evelyn Harper, a 30-year English teacher at Booker T. Washington High, brings her class every year. We dont just read the bookwe live it, she says. We write letters to our Johnny or Dally. We map the neighborhood. We debate whether the Socs were really the villains. Last year, one of my students, who had been silent for months, stood up and said, Im a Greaser. And the whole class clapped. Thats why this place matters.

These stories are not anomalies. They are the heartbeat of the museum. Each visitor leaves a piece of themselves behindand takes something essential with them.

FAQs

Is the Outsiders House Museum open year-round?

No. The museum operates seasonally, typically from March through November. It closes for winter maintenance and reopens in early spring. Always check the official website for current hours before planning your visit.

Can I take photos inside the museum?

Yes, personal photography is allowed without flash or tripods. Professional photography, video recording, and commercial shoots require prior written permission from the museums director.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

The first floor is fully accessible. The second floor, including Ponyboys bedroom, is not due to narrow staircases and historic architecture. Wheelchairs are available upon requestplease notify the museum 48 hours in advance.

Are guided tours offered in languages other than English?

Guided tours are conducted in English. However, printed multilingual summaries (Spanish, French, and Japanese) are available at the front desk. The virtual tour includes subtitles in 12 languages.

Can I bring my dog?

Service animals are welcome. Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted inside the house or on the grounds.

How long does the tour last?

The entire experienceincluding orientation, guided tour, outdoor exploration, and gift shoptakes approximately 75 to 90 minutes. Plan to spend at least two hours to fully absorb the experience.

Is there food available at the museum?

No food or drinks are permitted inside. There are no vending machines. However, several local cafes and food trucks are within a five-minute walk.

Do I need to book a tour in advance?

Yes. All visits require advance ticket purchase. Walk-ins are not guaranteed admission due to capacity limits.

Can I host a private event at the museum?

Yes. The museum offers limited private rentals for literary readings, small film screenings, and memorial gatherings. Contact the events coordinator via the website for availability and guidelines.

Is the museum affiliated with S.E. Hinton?

The museum is an independent nonprofit organization. However, S.E. Hinton has publicly endorsed the museum and donated personal artifacts, including her original manuscript drafts and handwritten letters to fans. She does not manage day-to-day operations but remains a symbolic guardian of its mission.

Why is the house in North Tulsa and not in the books fictional setting?

The novel is set in an unnamed Midwestern city, but Coppola chose Tulsa for its authentic 1960s architecture and the citys willingness to support the production. The house was selected because it matched Hintons description: a modest, two-story home with a large backyard and a view of the railroad tracks. The real-life location became inseparable from the storys identity.

Conclusion

Visiting the Outsiders House Museum is not a tourist activityit is an act of remembrance, empathy, and literary pilgrimage. In a world increasingly defined by digital noise and fleeting content, this quiet house in North Tulsa offers something rare: a physical space where fiction becomes real, where pain is acknowledged, and where belonging is whispered through worn floorboards and handwritten notes on a bedroom wall.

It is not about the film. It is not even solely about the book. It is about the thousands of young peopleacross time, geography, and circumstancewho have seen themselves in Ponyboys eyes and found the courage to say, Im still here. The museum preserves not just a set, but a sentiment: that even the most broken among us have stories worth telling, and that sometimes, the most powerful revolutions begin with a single line of poetry: Stay gold, Ponyboy.

When you visit, come not as a spectator, but as a witness. Listen to the silence between the footsteps. Read the notes left by strangers who needed this place as much as you do. Sit on the porch after the tour ends. Let the Oklahoma sun warm your skin. And when you leave, take with you not just a photo or a T-shirtbut a renewed belief in the power of stories to heal, to connect, and to refuse to let anyone be forgotten.

The Outsiders House Museum doesnt just open its doors to visitors. It opens its heart. And if you let it, it will open yours too.