Marland OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Marland, Oklahoma.
1. Marland Mansion & Estate
PALACE ON THE PRAIRIE
The Marland Mansion & Estate was built between 1925 and 1928 at a cost of $5.5 million after E.W. Marland was inspired by the Davanzati Palace in Florence, Italy. This palatial home contains 43,561 square feet distributed over four levels with 55 rooms featuring breathtaking details such as Waterford crystal chandeliers, gold leaf-covered ceilings, and hand-carved details. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the scandalous story of Lydie, Marland's adopted daughter who became his second wife, and the tumultuous rise and fall of the Marland Oil Company.
2. Marland's Grand Home
HISTORIC FAMILY MANSION
Marland's Grand Home, located at 1000 East Grand Avenue in Ponca City, was the first mansion-style home of Ernest Whitworth Marland and his family. Designed in Renaissance Revival style by Solomon Layton, the 16,500 square foot home features the first indoor swimming pool built in Oklahoma and showcased technology that was revolutionary for its time, including a central vacuuming system and automatic dishwasher. Visitors can explore restored rooms alongside exhibits featuring Marland Family displays, 101 Ranch artifacts, archaeology displays, Native American artifacts, and a Daughters of the American Revolution exhibit.
3. Red Rock Ranch
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
Red Rock Ranch offers visitors beautiful views overlooking a big river in Marland, Oklahoma. The property is known for its spectacular sunset views that create a perfect backdrop for visitors. The ranch features excellent dining with attentive chef and staff service.
4. Standing Bear Park and Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
Standing Bear Park and Museum honors the legacy of Chief Standing Bear and the Native American tribes of the region. The park features a 22-foot bronze statue of Chief Standing Bear as its centerpiece, surrounded by walking trails and educational exhibits. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of six area tribes: Ponca, Pawnee, Otoe-Missouria, Kaw, Osage, and Tonkawa.
5. 7 Clans Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
7 Clans Casino provides gaming entertainment for visitors to the Marland area. The facility offers a variety of slot machines and table games for gamblers of all experience levels. Guests can also enjoy dining options and occasional live entertainment at this tribal gaming venue.
6. Tonkawa Indian Casino East
TRIBAL GAMING EXPERIENCE
Tonkawa Indian Casino East offers a gaming experience near Marland with slot machines and table games. The casino provides entertainment options for visitors looking for gaming in the area. Guests can also enjoy on-site dining and occasional promotional events.
7. Conoco Museum
OIL INDUSTRY HISTORY
The Conoco Museum showcases the history of what began as Marland Oil Company before becoming Conoco. The museum displays artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits telling the story of the company's impact on the region and the petroleum industry. Visitors can learn about E.W. Marland's role in developing the oil industry in Oklahoma and the company's evolution through the decades.
8. The Poncan Theater
HISTORIC ART DECO VENUE
The Poncan Theater is a beautifully preserved 1927 art deco theater in downtown Ponca City. The venue hosts films, live performances, and community events in its ornate auditorium. Visitors can admire the theater's original features including hand-painted murals, vintage light fixtures, and ornate plasterwork.
9. Bryant Baker Gallery & Artist Studio
ART IN THE MANSION
The Bryant Baker Gallery & Artist Studio is located on the grounds of the Marland Mansion & Estate. The gallery showcases the work of Bryant Baker, a renowned sculptor whose connections to the Marland family made him an important figure in local art history. Visitors can view an impressive collection of sculptures and learn about Baker's artistic process.
10. Lake White Marsh
MANSION ESTATE LAKE
Lake White Marsh is a picturesque water feature located on the Marland Mansion estate grounds. Named after E.W. Marland's yacht, the lake adds to the scenic beauty of the mansion property. Visitors can enjoy peaceful views and landscaped surroundings while touring the estate.
11. Ponca Military Academy Museum
MILITARY EDUCATION HISTORY
The Ponca Military Academy Museum is housed in the Oil Building on the Marland Mansion & Estate grounds. From 1940 to 1974, the academy provided accredited education and disciplined training on the site. The museum collection depicts uniformed Cadets in their barracks quarters, medals, scrapbooks, photographs, and other memorabilia from the academy's history.
12. Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum
FRONTIER WOMEN'S MEMORIAL
The Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum honors the strength and determination of women who helped settle the American frontier. The 17-foot bronze statue, commissioned by E.W. Marland in 1926, depicts a sunbonneted woman leading her son by the hand. The adjacent museum features exhibits on pioneer life, women's history, and the domestic arts of the frontier era.
13. 101 Ranch Historic District
LEGENDARY WILD WEST
The 101 Ranch Historic District preserves the legacy of the famous Miller Brothers 101 Ranch, once one of the largest diversified farms in the United States. The ranch was known for its Wild West shows that toured internationally in the early 20th century, featuring performers like Bill Pickett and Tom Mix. Visitors can see remaining structures and learn about the ranch's significant contribution to agriculture, entertainment, and Oklahoma history.
14. Wentz Pool and Water Park
HISTORIC AQUATIC RECREATION
Wentz Pool and Water Park is a historic swimming facility built in 1932 as part of Lew Wentz Public Pool and Recreation Area. The Art Deco-style facility has been modernized while preserving its historic character and now features water slides, splash pads, and other modern aquatic amenities. The pool provides a refreshing recreational option for visitors during Oklahoma's warm months.
15. Kaw Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Kaw Lake is a 38-mile-long reservoir offering extensive outdoor recreation opportunities near Marland and Ponca City. The lake features excellent fishing for species including crappie, walleye, and catfish, along with boating, camping, and hiking activities. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing with bald eagles being a particular attraction during winter months.