Barnsdall OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Barnsdall, Oklahoma.
1. Barnsdall Main Street Well Site
UNIQUE HISTORIC OIL WELL
The Barnsdall Main Street Well Site is the world's only oil well located in the middle of a Main Street. This unique historic site and roadside attraction is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can observe this distinctive feature that reflects the town's rich oil heritage.
2. Bank of Bigheart
HISTORIC COMMERCIAL BUILDING
The Bank of Bigheart stands as the oldest commercial building in Barnsdall. This historic structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building represents an important piece of the community's architectural and commercial heritage.
3. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
ART AND WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve offers visitors a unique combination of art, history, and wildlife just a short drive from Barnsdall. The 3,700-acre wildlife preserve is home to buffalo, elk, and longhorn cattle, providing visitors with an opportunity to observe these animals in a natural setting. The museum houses an impressive collection of Western art, Native American artifacts, and historical items that tell the story of the American West.
4. Birch Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Birch Lake offers 1,137 acres of water recreation in the eastern portion of Osage County. Visitors can enjoy RV and tent camping facilities along the scenic shoreline. The lake provides excellent fishing opportunities and serves as a popular outdoor destination for locals and tourists alike.
5. Osage County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Osage County Historical Museum showcases the rich history of Osage County and its communities, including Barnsdall. The museum features exhibits on Native American culture, pioneer life, and the oil industry that shaped the region. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of this unique part of Oklahoma.
6. The Swinging Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Swinging Bridge is a historic pedestrian bridge that spans Bird Creek in nearby Pawhuska. This iconic structure has been a favorite spot for locals and visitors since its construction in the early 1900s. The bridge offers a unique experience as it gently sways while providing beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
7. Lake Waxhoma
FISHING AND WATER SOURCE
Lake Waxhoma is located about 4 miles east of Barnsdall and serves as a key water source for the town. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers looking to catch a variety of freshwater fish. Its peaceful setting makes it a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor recreation.
8. The Buckin' Flamingo
UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Buckin' Flamingo offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience near Barnsdall in Pawhuska. This eclectic store features a wide range of unique items, including Western wear, home decor, and locally made products. Visitors can find distinctive souvenirs and gifts while enjoying the store's vibrant atmosphere.
9. Birch Cove
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Birch Cove is a popular recreation area located on the shores of Birch Lake near Barnsdall. The cove offers swimming, picnicking, and fishing opportunities for visitors of all ages. Its natural beauty and calm waters make it a favorite spot for local families and tourists seeking outdoor activities.
10. Pioneer Woman Museum
WOMEN'S HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Pioneer Woman Museum celebrates the spirit and determination of women who helped settle the American frontier. Located a short drive from Barnsdall in Ponca City, the museum features exhibits on pioneer life, women's roles in settling Oklahoma, and the challenges they faced. Visitors can explore historical artifacts, interactive displays, and the iconic 17-foot bronze statue of the Pioneer Woman that stands outside the museum.
11. The Pioneer Woman Mercantile
FAMOUS RESTAURANT AND SHOP
The Pioneer Woman Mercantile is a destination restaurant, bakery, and retail store created by Food Network star Ree Drummond. Located in nearby Pawhuska, this renovated historic building offers delicious home-style meals that attract visitors from across the country. The retail space features kitchen goods, home decor, and Pioneer Woman branded merchandise that fans will recognize from the popular television show.
12. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
NATURAL BISON HABITAT
The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is the largest protected remnant of tallgrass prairie in the world, located near Barnsdall in the Pawhuska area. The preserve is home to a free-ranging herd of approximately 2,500 bison that roam the 39,650 acres of protected land. Visitors can take a scenic driving tour through the preserve to observe bison in their natural habitat and experience the unique ecosystem of the tallgrass prairie.
13. Frank Phillips Home
OIL BARON'S MANSION
The Frank Phillips Home is the preserved 26-room mansion of oil baron Frank Phillips, founder of Phillips Petroleum Company. Located in nearby Bartlesville, this Neo-Classical mansion was built in 1909 and features original furnishings and artifacts from the Phillips family. Guided tours take visitors through the elegant rooms and provide insight into the life of one of Oklahoma's most influential oil pioneers.
14. Price Tower
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT SKYSCRAPER
Price Tower is the only skyscraper designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright that was actually built. Located in Bartlesville, this 19-story building now houses an arts center, hotel, and restaurant where visitors can experience Wright's unique architectural vision. Tours of the building highlight its innovative design features and the impressive collection of Wright-designed furniture and fixtures.
15. Osage Nation Museum
TRIBAL HISTORY AND CULTURE
The Osage Nation Museum is the oldest tribally-owned museum in the United States, established in 1938. Located in Pawhuska near Barnsdall, the museum showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of the Osage people through artifacts, photographs, and art. Visitors can learn about Osage traditions, their experience with the discovery of oil on their reservation, and the tribe's continuing influence in the region.