Shidler OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shidler, Oklahoma.
1. Oklahoma Mural
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY PHOTO SPOT
The Oklahoma Mural is located in the heart of town and is likely the first thing visitors notice when driving into Shidler. It makes the perfect Shidler photo spot for Instagram enthusiasts looking to capture their visit. The colorful mural showcases Oklahoma's heritage and serves as a popular backdrop for travelers.
2. Mandy's Cafe
BEST RIBEYE IN TOWN
Mandy's Cafe is a popular local restaurant that proudly boasts serving the 'best Ribeye in Shidler.' Visitors come for the delicious steak and potatoes and stay for the authentic rodeo stories shared by locals. The cafe serves as a community gathering spot where travelers can experience genuine Oklahoma hospitality.
3. Prairie Rattler's Winery
SMALL-BATCH HANDCRAFTED WINES
Prairie Rattler's Winery in Shidler produces small-batch, hand-crafted wine in an intimate setting. Visitors can plan a wine tasting experience and tour the vineyard to learn about the winemaking process. The winery showcases Oklahoma's surprising viticulture scene, offering a unique experience in Osage County.
4. The Bivin Garden
TRADITIONAL ENGLISH GARDEN OASIS
The Bivin Garden, established in 1981, was designed as an imitation of a traditional English garden and has been celebrating beauty in Osage County for over forty years. Today, it features thirty-five flower beds, over forty species of roses, and trees and objects collected from around the world. The garden serves as a perfect picnic spot on the route from Pawhuska to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.
5. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
NATURAL BISON HABITAT
The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is a natural wildlife area and park located near Shidler that has earned a 4.5 rating from visitors. Home to a free-ranging bison herd, the preserve protects one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in North America. Visitors can drive the scenic roads through the preserve to observe bison and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
6. The Pioneer Woman Mercantile
REE DRUMMOND'S FAMOUS STORE
The Pioneer Woman Mercantile is a specialty and gift shop in nearby Pawhuska that has earned a 4.4 rating from visitors. Founded by Food Network star Ree Drummond, this destination retail experience includes a restaurant, bakery, and store filled with kitchen goods and home decor. Visitors often make the short trip from Shidler to experience this popular attraction that draws tourists from across the country.
7. The Swinging Bridge
HISTORIC PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
The Swinging Bridge is a historic pedestrian suspension bridge that has become a popular attraction for visitors to the area near Shidler. Originally built to help children cross Bird Creek to reach school, the bridge offers both historical significance and a touch of adventure for those crossing it. Visitors enjoy the gentle sway of the bridge while taking in views of the creek and surrounding landscape.
8. Kaw Lake
RECREATIONAL WATER ACTIVITIES
Kaw Lake is a popular attraction located near Shidler that offers a variety of water recreational activities. The 38,000-acre reservoir provides opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and camping along its scenic shoreline. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and outdoor experiences available at this accessible destination.
9. Pioneer Cove Marina
BOATING AND FISHING HUB
Pioneer Cove Marina serves as a hub for boating and fishing enthusiasts visiting Kaw Lake near Shidler. The marina offers boat rentals, slip rentals, and a store with fishing supplies and other essentials for a day on the water. Visitors can launch their boats, get local fishing tips, and enjoy the amenities that make this a popular destination for water recreation.
10. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
MOVING HISTORICAL TRIBUTE
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum stands as a powerful tribute to those affected by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The outdoor symbolic memorial features the reflecting pool, Field of Empty Chairs, and the Survivor Tree, while the museum chronicles the events through interactive exhibits. Though located further from Shidler, many visitors make the journey to experience this deeply moving national monument.
11. Centennial Land Run Monument
IMPRESSIVE BRONZE SCULPTURES
The Centennial Land Run Monument in Oklahoma City features larger-than-life bronze sculptures spanning approximately a hundred yards and crossing a river. This impressive installation commemorates the 1889 Land Run with remarkable detail and scale, drawing visitors from across the country. Travelers from Shidler often make the trip to see this unique monument that captures an important piece of Oklahoma's history.
12. The Golden Driller
ICONIC OIL WORKER MONUMENT
The Golden Driller is an iconic 76-foot-tall statue of an oil worker that stands as a symbol of Tulsa's petroleum industry heritage. Originally built for a 1953 exposition, the statue has become one of Oklahoma's most recognizable landmarks and a popular photo opportunity. Visitors from Shidler often make the drive to see this massive monument that celebrates Oklahoma's oil history.
13. Skydance Bridge
ILLUMINATED ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
The Skydance Bridge is an architectural marvel spanning Interstate 40 in Oklahoma City that's particularly impressive when illuminated at night. The pedestrian bridge features a sculpture inspired by the scissor-tailed flycatcher, Oklahoma's state bird, creating a striking silhouette against the sky. Though located at a distance from Shidler, many visitors include this unique structure in their Oklahoma sightseeing itinerary.
14. Osage Hills State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Osage Hills State Park offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Cross Timbers region with hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and camping facilities. The park's rugged hills, peaceful streams, and abundant wildlife provide a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts visiting the Shidler area. Cabins built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps offer historic accommodation options for overnight stays.
15. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
ART AND ANIMAL SANCTUARY
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, established in 1925 by oilman Frank Phillips, combines an impressive Western art collection with a 3,700-acre wildlife preserve where bison, elk, and longhorn cattle roam freely. The museum houses one of the finest collections of Colt firearms in the world, along with Native American artifacts and Western art. Located within driving distance of Shidler, this unique attraction offers visitors both cultural and natural experiences in one destination.