Ralston OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ralston, Oklahoma.
1. Ralston Opera House
HISTORIC COMMUNITY THEATRE
The Ralston Opera House, built in 1902, is a historic venue located at 501-503 Main Street. The 2nd-floor Opera House is considered endangered and badly in need of restoration funding as of 2018. This significant cultural landmark is listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NR 87001257).
2. White Hair Memorial
OSAGE CULTURAL CENTER
The White Hair Memorial serves as a learning center dedicated to preserving and showcasing Osage tribal culture. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting the rich heritage and traditions of the Osage Nation. The center provides educational opportunities for those interested in Native American history in northeastern Oklahoma.
3. Arkansas River Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Arkansas River Bridge at Ralston was constructed by the Canton Bridge Company and completed by November 13, 1903. This historic bridge connects Ralston to what was formerly the Osage Nation, serving as an important transportation link. The bridge represents an important piece of Oklahoma's early infrastructure development.
4. 7 Clans Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
7 Clans Casino offers visitors a variety of gaming opportunities in the Ralston area. The casino features slot machines, table games, and other entertainment options for guests. With a 4.2/10 rating, it serves as one of the main attractions for visitors seeking entertainment in this part of Oklahoma.
5. Pawnee Bill's Ranch
WILD WEST HISTORY
Pawnee Bill's Ranch, Museum and Wild West Show preserves the legacy of Gordon W. Lillie, known as Pawnee Bill, who was famous for his Wild West shows. The ranch includes the original 1910 mansion, outbuildings, and exhibits showcasing artifacts from the Wild West era. Visitors can tour the grounds and learn about Oklahoma's frontier history while experiencing the lifestyle of this famous showman.
6. Pawnee Bathhouse
HISTORIC WATER ATTRACTION
The Pawnee Bathhouse serves as both a historic site and recreational water park in nearby Pawnee. Visitors can enjoy the water features while learning about the bathhouse's significance to the local community. With a 4.3/9 rating, it remains a popular destination for those seeking outdoor activities in the area.
7. Osage County Historical Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Osage County Historical Museum houses collections documenting the rich history of Osage County and its surrounding areas. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents relating to pioneer life, Native American culture, and the development of the region. The museum provides insight into the unique cultural landscape that shaped northeastern Oklahoma.
8. The Pioneer Woman Mercantile
ICONIC SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, founded by Food Network star Ree Drummond, is a popular restaurant, bakery, and retail store located about an hour's drive from Ralston. Visitors can shop for kitchen goods, home decor, and branded merchandise while enjoying delicious comfort food in the restaurant. The 'Merc' has become a major tourist destination drawing thousands of visitors to the region.
9. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
NATURAL BISON HABITAT
The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve spans nearly 40,000 acres and is the largest protected remnant of tallgrass prairie in the world. Visitors can observe free-ranging bison herds and experience the ecosystem that once covered much of the central United States. The preserve offers driving tours, hiking trails, and photography opportunities showcasing Oklahoma's natural heritage.
10. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, known as the 'Cathedral of the Osage,' features stunning stained glass windows depicting Osage tribal members. The church was built using oil money from the Osage Nation and represents a unique blend of Catholic and Native American heritage. Its beautiful architecture and cultural significance make it a must-visit attraction in the region near Ralston.
11. Kihekah Steh
AUTHENTIC NATIVE CUISINE
Kihekah Steh offers authentic Native American cuisine featuring traditional Osage dishes and regional specialties. The restaurant provides visitors with a taste of indigenous food culture in a welcoming atmosphere. Diners can experience culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations of Osage families.
12. Sooner Park Tower
UNIQUE ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The Sooner Park Tower is a 66-foot-tall architectural marvel designed by renowned architect Bruce Goff. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and appreciate this unique example of mid-century modern design. The tower represents the innovative spirit of Oklahoma's architectural heritage and serves as an artistic landmark in the region.
13. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
ART AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, founded by Phillips Petroleum Company founder Frank Phillips, spans 3,700 acres of Oklahoma wilderness. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of Western art, Native American artifacts, and Colt firearms, while the grounds are home to bison, elk, and longhorn cattle. This unique combination of art museum and wildlife preserve offers visitors a distinctive Oklahoma experience within driving distance of Ralston.
14. Price Tower
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT MASTERPIECE
Price Tower is the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed skyscraper ever built and stands as an architectural treasure in northeastern Oklahoma. The 19-story tower now houses an arts center, hotel, and restaurant where visitors can experience Wright's innovative design principles. Tours of this National Historic Landmark provide insight into Wright's concept of the 'tree that escaped the crowded forest.'
15. Ponca City Standing Bear Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Standing Bear Museum and Education Center honors Chief Standing Bear and the six tribes that now make their home in north-central Oklahoma. The museum features exhibits on Native American history, culture, and art, including a collection of traditional crafts and historical documents. Outside stands a 22-foot bronze statue of Chief Standing Bear, commemorating his landmark 1879 court case that established that Native Americans are 'persons' under the law.