Kaw City OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kaw City, Oklahoma.
1. Kaw Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Kaw Lake covers 168 miles of shoreline and offers numerous recreation facilities for visitors to enjoy. The lake features picnic areas, boat ramps, playgrounds, and a swimming beach for family fun. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the full service amenities while enjoying the uncrowded waters.
2. Kanza Museum
NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER
The Kanza Museum preserves and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Kaw Nation. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, historical photographs, and interactive displays telling the story of the Kanza people. The museum offers a meaningful glimpse into the traditions and history of this important Native American tribe.
3. Pioneer Cove Marina
LAKESIDE BOATING HUB
Pioneer Cove Marina serves as a premier access point to the beautiful waters of Kaw Lake. The marina offers boat rentals, docking facilities, and supplies for visitors looking to enjoy time on the water. Fishing enthusiasts particularly appreciate the marina's proximity to some of the lake's best fishing spots.
4. Sun 'n' Fun Water Park
FAMILY AQUATIC ADVENTURE
Sun 'n' Fun Water Park provides refreshing entertainment for families visiting the Kaw Lake area. The water park features slides, splash zones, and swimming areas designed for visitors of all ages. During hot summer months, this attraction becomes a popular destination for locals and tourists seeking to cool off.
5. The Hub Entertainment Center
INDOOR FAMILY FUN
The Hub Entertainment Center offers a variety of indoor activities for families and friends to enjoy together. Visitors can participate in bowling, arcade games, and other entertainment options all under one roof. The center serves as a perfect rainy-day alternative or evening entertainment option for those exploring the Kaw Lake area.
6. Marland Mansion
OIL BARON'S PALACE
The Marland Mansion takes visitors on a journey through 55 exquisitely-appointed rooms telling the story of one family's rise to power and riches. Once home to oil baron E.W. Marland, this palatial estate showcases the opulence of Oklahoma's early oil industry. Tours of the mansion provide fascinating insights into both the architectural grandeur and the dramatic family history behind this magnificent structure.
7. Pioneer Woman Museum
FRONTIER WOMEN'S HISTORY
The Pioneer Woman Museum narrates the history and contributions of the women who braved Oklahoma's wild frontier. Exhibits showcase the tools, clothing, and daily life experiences of female settlers who helped shape the region. The museum stands as a tribute to the strength and resilience of women during the settlement of the American West.
8. Standing Bear Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Standing Bear Museum displays impressive collections of American Indian art and cultural artifacts. Named after the Ponca chief who won a landmark civil rights case for Native Americans, the museum honors indigenous heritage and accomplishments. Visitors can explore both indoor exhibits and outdoor cultural displays that celebrate Native American traditions.
9. Poncan Theatre
HISTORIC MOVIE PALACE
The Poncan Theatre, once an ornate Vaudeville house and movie palace, has been restored to its former glory. Inside, visitors can view the world's largest collection of hand-painted movie lobby art, a true treasure of cinematic history. This historic venue continues to host performances and film screenings in a setting that transports guests back to the golden age of entertainment.
10. Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
NATURAL BISON HABITAT
The Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve protects the largest remaining tract of tallgrass prairie in North America. Visitors can observe free-roaming bison herds in their natural habitat while driving the scenic tour road. The preserve offers hiking trails that showcase the diverse ecosystem of grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife native to this unique landscape.
11. Bivin Garden
TRANQUIL BOTANICAL OASIS
Bivin Garden offers visitors a peaceful retreat featuring beautifully landscaped grounds and diverse plant collections. The garden's winding paths lead through colorful flower beds, water features, and shaded sitting areas perfect for relaxation. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the seasonal displays and the opportunity to observe local birds and butterflies in this urban sanctuary.
12. Pioneer Woman Statue
ICONIC BRONZE MONUMENT
The Pioneer Woman Statue stands as a striking bronze monument honoring the strength and determination of frontier women. Created by sculptor Bryant Baker, this 17-foot tall artwork depicts a confident young mother striding forward while holding her son's hand. The statue has become an iconic symbol of Ponca City and a popular spot for visitors to reflect on Oklahoma's pioneer heritage.
13. Standing Bear Statue
TRIBAL LEADER MEMORIAL
The Standing Bear Statue commemorates the Ponca chief who successfully argued for Native American rights in a landmark 1879 court case. The impressive bronze sculpture captures the dignity and resolve of this historical figure who declared, "I am a man." Visitors from across the country come to view this meaningful monument that represents an important turning point in Native American legal history.
14. Wentz Pool and Water Park
HISTORIC AQUATIC CENTER
Wentz Pool and Water Park combines historic architecture with modern aquatic amenities for family enjoyment. The facility features an Olympic-sized swimming pool alongside water slides, splash pads, and play areas for visitors of all ages. The distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival style building, commissioned by philanthropist Lew Wentz in the 1920s, adds architectural interest to this popular recreational destination.
15. 101 Ranch Historic District
WILD WEST HERITAGE
The 101 Ranch Historic District preserves the legacy of one of the largest diversified farms and Wild West shows in the world. Visitors can explore remnants of this once-sprawling empire that employed famous performers including Buffalo Bill and Will Rogers. The site offers historical markers and occasional events highlighting the ranch's significant contributions to American entertainment and agricultural history.