If you’re looking for a nice place to visit, look no further than Bartlesville, Oklahoma. This charming town in Green Country is a great destination with plenty of things to do. Check out the museums, admire the architecture, and have a delicious meal at one of the local restaurants.
My family and I love visiting Bartlesville! It’s just a little over an hour away from our house. There are so many amazing historical sites and cool attractions to check out.
Best Things to do in Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Bartlesville is a charming town in Oklahoma that has plenty of attractions for visitors. There are several museums and a number of parks. Visitors can also explore the city’s history and admire the architecture.
1. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
One of the best things to do in Bartlesville is visit the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve. It is a fantastic spot to learn more about the history of Oklahoma while seeing some unique animals. It has a variety of activities to entertain the whole family.
Stop to take a picture at the Replica Phillips 66 Gas Station near the entrance before continuing the drive through the animal area. Keep an eye out for American Bison, Elk, Fallow Deer, Highland Cattle, Longhorn Cattle, Ostrich, Sika Deer, Water Buffalo, and even Zebras.
Oklahoma history as well as United States history is commemorated and preserved at the Woolaroc Museum. Native American artifacts, collections from the Wild West, and the booming oil history of the state are just some of the things that are on display.
Kids can play at the playground and stop in the animal barn to pet some common farm animals. Stop in at the Bunkhouse Wildlife Gallery and the Lodge to see a large variety of animals on display.
There are also three hiking trails on the property that winds through the woods and grasslands. Walk the short trail to Indian Princess Falls or take a longer hike. The longest trail is the 1.5-mile long Outlaw Loop.
2. Grab lunch at Frank and Lola’s Neighborhood Restaurant
Frank and Lola’s Neighborhood Restaurant is a great place to eat lunch. The burgers are delicious, the catfish are crispy, the fries are golden brown, and the steaks are juicy and tender.
3. Bartlesville Area History Museum
Another free museum in the area is the Bartlesville Area History Museum. Some exhibits include the life of the early pioneers, a one-room school, oil and mineral production, and Native American life.
4. Bartlesville Union Depot
The Bartlesville Union Depot is a historic train station that has now been turned into the Bartlesville Visitors Information Center.
Step outside to ring the bell of the steam locomotive. There is also a caboose and a few other train cars on display.
5. Price Tower Arts Center
The Price Tower Arts Center is a beautiful piece of architecture in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The 19-story unique building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s also home to a variety of art exhibits, a restaurant, and offers guided historic tower tours.
Even if you aren’t interested in a tour, it is worth seeing this impressive building from the outside. There is a music play area just outside as well as a green space to run around.
6. Hunt for Buffalo
Bartlesville is home to over 30 painted buffalo statues that are scattered around the town. See how many you find during your visit. For a complete list, Visit Bartlesville has you covered.
7. Jo Allyn Lowe Park / Pathfinder Parkway
If you are looking for somewhere to explore the outdoors, Jo Allyn Lowe Park is a wonderful option. This 31-acre park includes an arboretum, a fishing lake, a Monarch butterfly garden, and an old cabin from the 1920s.
For a longer adventure, hop on the Pathfinder Parkway. Go a little way and turn around or hop on some bikes to do more of the paved 12-mile trail.
8. Sooner Park
Another good thing to do in Bartlesville with kids is play at Sooner Park. It has a unique play tower built in 1963 that winds up to an observation deck. There is also an 18 hole miniature golf course, a swimming pool, and a splash pad at the park.
9. Dinner at the Painted Horse Bar & Grille
Once you have worked up an appetite, stop in for some dinner at the Painted Horse Bar & Grille. This local favorite serves up classic American food.
It has something for everyone, from salads and sandwiches to burgers and steaks. But, their most popular dish is the Five Cheese Mac. Get it by itself or loaded onto your locally sourced burger.
10. Nellie Johnstone No. 1
If you’re interested in learning about the history of oil production in Oklahoma, then be sure to visit Nellie Johnstone No. 1. This replica of the first oil derrick in Oklahoma is a neat little stop. It is located in Johnstone Park.
The derrick stands 82 feet tall and is made completely out of wood. There are signboards that explain the history of the derrick and this drilling location. There is also a cannon nearby that has a plaque describing how they used it to stop oil fires.
Johnstone Park also has a playground. If you are waiting for the kiddie park to open, it is a good place to spend a little time.
11. Bartlesville Kiddie Park
Finish your day with one of the best things to do in Bartlesville with kids: the Bartlesville Kiddie Park. It is a great place for kids to have some fun. The park has a variety of rides that cost 75 cents each, and miniature golf that costs $1.50.
The train, roller coaster, and carousel can be enjoyed by the entire family. There are numerous rides just for kids, though. Soar in an airplane, drive a boat and dangle your feet on the swings.
There’s also a concession stand where you can buy snacks and drinks. The park is open during the summer months typically from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. For their updated schedule, it is best to check their Facebook page.
12. Frank Phillips Home
The Frank Phillips Home is a grand estate. Completed in 1907, this home’s 20th-century architecture and amenities provided a luxury lifestyle at the time. It consists of 26 rooms.
Upon entering, one can’t help but marvel at the imported Philippine mahogany and be captivated by its handcrafted molded ceilings along with shimmering Waterford crystal chandeliers. This home is an important piece of Bartlesville’s history.
While it isn’t the most kid-friendly place on the list, kids can still enjoy seeing period pieces and how the Phillips family lived.
Best Time to Visit Bartlesville
Bartlesville has something to offer any time of year. The kiddie park is only open during the summer months and reopens temporarily for Halloween. Museums are great during the colder months. There are plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy during the mild spring and fall seasons.
Things to Do Near Bartlesville
While there are plenty of things to do in Bartlesville to keep you busy, you can also drive a little to see even more in the surrounding area.
Head to Pawhuska to see the Pioneer Woman’s Mercantile and her other businesses. There are also museums and other shops to check out while in town.
Osage Hills State Park is another great place to visit in the area if you want to get outdoors. You must take a drive through the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve to see bison and other animals among the tall prairie grasses.
Conclusion: Best Things to Do in Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Bartlesville is a nice town to visit with plenty of things to do to entertain everyone in the family. Learn about history, admire the architecture, eat some great food, and be a kid again. So what are you waiting for? Take a trip to Bartlesville and enjoy everything it has to offer!
