Pawhuska OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
1. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
NATURAL BISON HABITAT
The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is a vast natural sanctuary where visitors can spot hundreds of bison roaming freely in their natural habitat. This preserve protects one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in North America, offering a glimpse into the landscape that once covered much of the central United States. Visitors can drive through the preserve on scenic roads, hike designated trails, and witness the changing seasons across this unique ecological treasure.
2. The Pioneer Woman Mercantile
HOMESTYLE FOOD & SHOPPING
The Pioneer Woman Mercantile is a popular destination featuring a menu of hearty comfort food with generous portions in a charming historic building. The upstairs bakery offers a tempting selection of treats, with their pecan pie being particularly noteworthy. This establishment has become a major attraction drawing visitors from across the country to experience Ree Drummond's vision of rustic hospitality and frontier-inspired retail.
3. Osage Hills State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Osage Hills State Park is considered by many to be the best Oklahoma State Park, offering stunning natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. The park features hiking trails, fishing spots, camping facilities, and picturesque picnic areas nestled among rolling hills and forests. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the clear waters, observing wildlife, and experiencing the tranquility of this well-preserved natural area.
4. Immaculate Conception Church
CATHEDRAL OF THE OSAGE
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, known as the 'Cathedral of the Osage,' features stunning Gothic architecture and exceptional artistry throughout its interior. The church houses twenty-two magnificent stained glass windows commissioned in 1919 and made in Munich, Germany, which attract visitors of all faiths. This historic monument serves as an important part of the life and history of the Osage people, representing the third church built by the parish since its establishment in the late 1800s.
5. Osage Nation Museum
TRIBAL HISTORY & CULTURE
The Osage Nation Museum showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of the Osage people through thoughtfully organized exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore displays that chronicle the tribe's journey, traditions, and significant contributions to the region. The museum serves as an educational resource that preserves and celebrates the enduring legacy of the Osage Nation.
6. Osage County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Osage County Historical Museum houses fascinating exhibits about the oil industry, pioneers, ranching, and the Osage Tribe that shaped the region's development. Among its unique collections is memorabilia from the first American Boy Scout Troop in North America, offering visitors insight into local history. The museum operates on a donation-based admission system and includes a gift shop featuring books and souvenirs related to the area's rich heritage.
7. The Swinging Bridge
HISTORIC PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
The Swinging Bridge is a charming historic pedestrian crossing that has become an iconic landmark in Pawhuska. Visitors can experience the gentle sway as they walk across this unique structure, appreciating both its practical purpose and its significance to the community. The bridge offers excellent photo opportunities and a glimpse into the engineering solutions of earlier eras.
8. The Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum
WESTERN HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum celebrates the western heritage of the region with exhibits honoring notable cowboys, including its namesake, Ben Johnson. Visitors can try their hand at the roping machine and pose for photos with buffalo statues as part of the interactive experience. The museum preserves the authentic cowboy culture that has been integral to Pawhuska's identity and development.
9. The Constantine Theater
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Constantine Theater is one of the oldest operating theaters in Oklahoma, offering a lively performing arts roster throughout the year. The historic building originally functioned as The Hotel Pawhuska before being converted into the entertainment venue it is today. Visitors can enjoy performances while appreciating the fascinating architectural legacy and cultural significance of this cherished local landmark.
10. The Dirty Laundry Saloon
MEXICAN FOOD & COCKTAILS
The Dirty Laundry is an independently owned Mexican Restaurant and Cantina known for its authentic Mexican classics and American hamburgers. This family-friendly establishment has become popular for its Taco Tuesdays, Fish and Chips Fridays, and excellent cocktail selection. The restaurant's eclectic frontier chic decor features walls lined with Stetsons and chandeliers adorning the ceiling, creating a unique dining atmosphere in downtown Pawhuska.
11. The Buckin' Flamingo
QUIRKY LOCAL ATTRACTION
The Buckin' Flamingo offers visitors a unique and memorable experience that stands out among Pawhuska's attractions. This quirky establishment combines unexpected elements that delight tourists and locals alike with its distinctive character. Visitors frequently mention it as a must-see spot that adds to Pawhuska's charm and diverse appeal.
12. The Pioneer Woman's Boarding House
COWBOY LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS
The Pioneer Woman's Boarding House is a historic hotel offering eight uniquely themed rooms that provide a 'cowboy luxury' experience for visitors to Pawhuska. Each room, from The Photograph Room to The Boudoir and The Ranch Room, features distinctive decor and amenities that blend frontier aesthetics with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy specially crafted room service meals designed by Ree Drummond herself or easily access the nearby Mercantile for dining options.
13. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
ART AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve is an impressive 3,700-acre wildlife preserve and world-class museum located just 13 miles from Pawhuska. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of Western art, Native American artifacts, and historical items that tell the story of the American West. Visitors can also enjoy driving through the wildlife preserve where bison, elk, longhorn cattle, and other animals roam freely in natural habitats.
14. Osage Casino and Hotel
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Osage Casino and Hotel provides visitors with a complete entertainment experience featuring gaming options, dining venues, and comfortable accommodations. The facility offers slots, table games, and regular promotions in a vibrant atmosphere that draws both locals and tourists. Located at 1421 John Dahl Ave in Pawhuska, the casino-hotel complex serves as a convenient hub for visitors exploring the many attractions of Osage County.
15. Philbrook Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Philbrook Museum of Art is a premier cultural institution housed in an Italian Renaissance villa surrounded by 25 acres of stunning gardens just 43 miles from Pawhuska. The museum features an extensive collection spanning multiple continents and centuries, including significant holdings of Native American, European, American, Asian, and African art. Visitors can explore both the impressive interior galleries and the meticulously maintained gardens that offer seasonal beauty throughout the year.