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Bartlesville, Oklahoma: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Ultimate Guide to Discovering the Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

Most of what is worth seeing in Bartlesville costs very little or nothing at all. The Frank Phillips Home and the history museum are cheap. Woolaroc charges admission, it is worth every cent of it, and it will take up most of a day on its own. The Price Tower is the one thing here that no other town anywhere in the world has got. Trails and river, free.

Planning a trip to Bartlesville, Oklahoma and wondering where to go? You are in luck. This charming city has a lot to offer, outdoor adventures through to historical attractions and most things in between. Traveling alone, with family or with friends, all three work here.

The art and culture scene is a real strength in Bartlesville. The Bartlesville Art Association through to the Price Tower Arts Center, and there is plenty of local and national work to look at. And music lovers should not miss the OK Mozart International Festival, which runs every June with classical and jazz performances.

For outdoor adventures, Bartlesville has you covered. Explore the beautiful Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, hike the trails at Osage Hills State Park, or take a leisurely canoe trip down the Caney River. And traveling with kids, do not skip the Kiddie Park, a family favorite for over 70 years.

Key Takeaways

• Bartlesville has a rich art and culture scene, with plenty of opportunities to appreciate local and national art.
• Outdoor adventures abound in Bartlesville, from hiking and canoeing to exploring the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve.
• Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, there’s something for everyone in charming Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

The Charm of Bartlesville

Welcome to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where the charm is as real as the cowboys and the oil rigs. This small town is not on everyone’s list of places to see, and it is worth the visit for exactly that reason.

The history is the most charming thing about Bartlesville. This town was built on the oil industry and the remnants of that era are still standing. The Phillips Petroleum Company Museum through to the Frank Phillips Home, and between them you get the people who built this town and the black gold that paid for it.

But it is not only the history. Bartlesville holds some of the best architecture in Oklahoma. The Price Tower Arts Center, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is the reason architecture enthusiasts come here at all. And for somewhere to stay, the Inn at Price Tower blends modern comfort with the building’s history.

No visit to Bartlesville is complete without Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve. This unique attraction puts art, history and nature in one place. Native American artifacts through to exotic animals, all of it surrounded by the Osage Hills.

But perhaps the most charming thing about Bartlesville is the people. The locals are friendly and the business owners are genuinely invested in the place. So come down to Bartlesville, where the charm is as real as the people who live in it.

Art and Culture in Bartlesville

Bartlesville carries more art and culture than its size suggests. There are museums and galleries covering the city’s history and its artistic side. These are the places to start:

Price Tower Arts Center

Designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, the Price Tower Arts Center is a marvel of modern architecture. The tower was originally built as a corporate headquarters for Harold C. Price’s pipeline construction company. It serves as a museum and arts center now, showing contemporary art and design. Take a guided tour and you get the history of the tower alongside the work on display.

Bartlesville Area History Museum

The Bartlesville Area History Museum is where the city’s past is laid out. The exhibits run from the Native American tribes who lived in the area through to the oil boom that transformed the city in the early 20th century. You also get the people who made Bartlesville what it is today.

Phillips Petroleum Company Museum

The Phillips Petroleum Company Museum is the stop for anyone interested in the oil industry. The exhibits cover the history of Phillips Petroleum, one of the largest oil companies in the world. The founders, the innovations, and the impact on the city of Bartlesville are all in there.

Art, architecture or history, Bartlesville covers all three. So grab a sense of humor and go and work through the city’s cultural side.

Food and Drink Scene

Bartlesville has a thriving food and drink scene that will satisfy any appetite. Juicy burgers through to succulent steaks, all of it in this charming Oklahoma town. These are the best places to eat and drink in Bartlesville.

Best Places to Eat

Burger Bliss

In the mood for a juicy burger? Murphy’s Steakhouse. The burgers are made with fresh, never frozen beef and served on a toasted bun with all the fixings. And if you are extra hungry, the Murphy’s Challenge is a 2-pound burger with a pound of fries. Finish it in 30 minutes or less and it is on the house.

Fry Fanatics

For the best fries in town, head to Frank & Lola’s. The hand-cut fries are crispy outside and fluffy inside, served with house-made aioli. And for something more adventurous, the truffle fries.

Steakhouse Sensations

Craving a properly cooked steak? Price Tower Grill. The steaks are hand-cut and cooked exactly right, served with your choice of sides. And if you are feeling fancy, the Wagyu beef.

Best Places to Drink

Beer Lovers Rejoice

Beer lovers should head to Copper Bar. There is an extensive selection of craft beers on draft plus a rotating selection of seasonal brews. And for something more adventurous, the beer flight gets you four of your choice.

Cocktail Connoisseurs

For the best cocktails in town, Tavern on the Plaza. The mixologists there are genuine artists and can build just about anything you can name. And if you cannot decide, the bartender’s choice gets you a custom cocktail.

So there you have it, the best places to eat and drink in Bartlesville. A burger, fries, steak, beer or cocktails, all five are covered in this charming Oklahoma town.

Outdoor Adventures

For outdoor time, Bartlesville has you covered. Hiking trails through to fishing in the Caney River. These are the best outdoor adventures in town.

Exploring the Trails

Bartlesville holds some of the best hiking trails in Oklahoma. Seasoned hiker or complete beginner, there is a trail that fits. The Pathfinder Parkway Trail is the popular choice, with its scenic views of the Caney River. For something longer, the Osage Prairie Trail spans over 12 miles. Bring a camera, because the wildlife along the way is worth it.

Fishing in Caney River

The Caney River is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Clear water and plenty of fish, which is all you need. Catfish, bass and crappie all come out of it. And if you are not sure where to start, the Caney River Cabins run guided fishing tours and can provide the gear.

Kayaking and Canoeing

If you would rather be on the water than in it, kayaking or canoeing the Caney River is the answer. It is a good way to see the river and the scenery around it. Rent kayaks or canoes from the Caney River Cabins, or bring your own. Wear a life jacket.

A leisurely hike or an exciting day on the river, Bartlesville has plenty of outdoor activities either way. Get out there and use them.

Family Fun in Bartlesville

Looking for family fun in Bartlesville? This charming town has plenty to keep the little ones entertained. These are our top picks:

Bartlesville Kiddie Park

With young children, Bartlesville Kiddie Park is the one. This whimsical park runs rides and attractions built for kids, a mini Ferris wheel and a train ride and a carousel among them. There is also a playground and a splash pad for hot summer days.

Sooner Park

Sooner Park works for families with children of all ages. This sprawling park has a play tower, a skate park and plenty of open green space for picnics and games. There is also a splash pad and a swimming pool, so pack the swimsuits.

Johnstone Park

Johnstone Park is the other family favorite. It has a playground, a splash pad and a walking trail. There is also a historic train depot and a mini golf course, which makes for a good family outing.

Whichever park you choose, the family will do well in Bartlesville. So pack a picnic, grab the sunscreen, and go.

Music and Performances

Music lovers are in luck. Bartlesville has a thriving music and performing arts scene that will fill an evening. These are the best places to catch live performances in town:

Bartlesville Community Center

The Bartlesville Community Center is the place for music and theater. It has a state-of-the-art stage and sound system, and it hosts performances through the year, Broadway shows through to classical concerts.

But that is not all. The community center also hosts the annual OKM Music Festival, which brings together musicians from around the world for nine days of non-stop music.

Live Performances in Downtown Bartlesville

For a more intimate setting, head to downtown Bartlesville. There are bars and restaurants there running live music on a regular basis.

The best place to catch live music in downtown Bartlesville is the Painted Horse Bar & Grille. It has a cozy atmosphere and a stage that is always working, which makes it the place to sit with a drink and listen.

Wherever you go in Bartlesville, there is music and live performance to find. So grab your dancing shoes and go.

The Price Tower deserves the fuss. It is the only skyscraper Frank Lloyd Wright ever finished, and it stands in a small town in northern Oklahoma. That is the strangest fact about this place. Woolaroc is the other one: a bison ranch, an art museum and a lodge built by an oil man who wanted somewhere to keep what he had collected. Neither is what you expect from the map.

Wildlife Encounters

Animal lovers have plenty here. Bartlesville puts bison, longhorn cattle, elk, deer and even water buffalo within reach, and you get close to most of them.

Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve

One of the most popular destinations for wildlife in Bartlesville is the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve. This 3,700-acre wildlife preserve holds bison, elk, deer and longhorn cattle. Take a guided tour of the preserve or explore on your own. And with luck, you catch a glimpse of the rare and endangered species that live at Woolaroc.

Osage Hills State Park

Osage Hills State Park is the other place to get into nature. This beautiful park covers more than 1,100 acres and holds deer, turkey and the occasional bobcat. There are hiking trails to explore, plus picnic areas and campsites for anyone staying the night.

Seasoned outdoorsman or a family after a day out, Bartlesville has the wildlife either way. So pack the binoculars, grab the camera, and go and see the natural side of Oklahoma.

Historical Attractions

Bartlesville carries a lot of history, and history buffs will get through it happily. These are the two historical sites to start with:

Frank Phillips Home

Frank Phillips, the founder of Phillips Petroleum Company, was one of the most influential figures in Bartlesville’s history. His former home, the Frank Phillips Home, is a museum now and it gives you the life of an oil tycoon at close range.

The Frank Phillips Home is a beautiful mansion built in the 1900s. It has been preserved properly, with the original furnishings and artwork that belonged to the Phillips family still in place. There is also a garden, which is where you sit for a while.

Nellie Johnstone No. 1

Nellie Johnstone No. 1 is a historic oil well drilled in 1897. It was the first commercial oil well in Oklahoma, and it started the development of the state’s oil industry.

The Nellie Johnstone No. 1 is a museum now and it covers the early days of the oil industry in Oklahoma. Original drilling equipment, photographs and documents tell the story of the well.

For anyone interested in history, the Frank Phillips Home and Nellie Johnstone No. 1 are the two attractions in Bartlesville. Between them they give you the city’s past and the people who shaped it.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Looking for something after the sun goes down? Bartlesville has options. Gambling, dancing, or simply sitting with friends, all three are covered.

Osage Casino

Feeling lucky? Head to the Osage Casino for the slot machines, the table games or the poker. With over 1,000 games, something will fit. And when you need a break from gambling, there are restaurants on site and a concert venue running live performances.

Bartlesville’s Best Bars

If gambling is not your thing, do not worry. Bartlesville has plenty of bars for a cold drink and a quiet hour. These are a few of the best:

• Angelo’s Tavern – This cozy bar is a local favorite, with a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff. Grab a beer and play a game of pool, or just sit back and enjoy the music.
• Painted Horse – Looking for a place to dance? Painted Horse is the spot for you. With a spacious dance floor and live music on the weekends, you’re sure to have a good time.
• Crossing 2nd – This trendy bar has a great selection of craft beers and cocktails, as well as a rotating lineup of food trucks parked outside. It’s the perfect spot for a night out with friends.

Wherever you end up, pace yourself and drink responsibly. And if you need a ride home, call a cab or use a ride-sharing app.

Where to Stay

On somewhere to stay in Bartlesville, there are more options than you would expect. A luxurious hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast, both are here, and both are within most budgets.

Inn at Price Tower

For a genuinely unusual stay, consider the Inn at Price Tower. This one-of-a-kind hotel sits inside the Price Tower, which is a working example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture rather than a museum piece.

You are staying in a piece of history and you still get the modern amenities. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and the technology is current. And the hotel’s restaurant, Copper Restaurant + Bar, does the food and drinks.

But the best part of staying at the Inn at Price Tower is the views. From the room you get downtown Bartlesville and the countryside beyond it. It is the place to sit after a long day of exploring.

So for a stay in Bartlesville that you actually remember, book a room at the Inn at Price Tower. You will not regret it.

Shopping in Bartlesville

If you love shopping, Bartlesville has more than the size suggests. Boutique shops through to large retail stores. These are the best places to shop in Bartlesville.

Bartlesville Farmers Market

Looking for fresh, locally grown produce? The Bartlesville Farmers Market. It runs every Saturday from May to October with fresh fruits and vegetables alongside homemade baked goods, jams and jellies.

But the Bartlesville Farmers Market is more than somewhere to buy food. It is where people meet, and the vendors are happy to talk about what they are selling and how it was grown.

So grab the reusable bags and head to the Bartlesville Farmers Market. It is a good hour and you eat well afterward.

Unique Bartlesville

Bartlesville has a long history and a couple of attractions you will not find anywhere else. These are the two most unusual places to visit:

Mobius Strip

You have heard of the Mobius Strip, but have you seen one in person? Bartlesville is home to the world’s largest, an impressive steel sculpture standing 60 feet tall. It is in Johnstone Park, so it slots easily into a list of things to do in Bartlesville.

The Mobius Strip is a mathematical wonder with only one side and one edge. It is a fascinating piece and it will leave you scratching your head. Take a stroll around it and look at the design properly. And take a picture to show your friends.

Travel Air 5000

Aviation fans should not miss the Travel Air 5000. This plane was built in Bartlesville in the 1920s and was used for both commercial and private flights. The Travel Air 5000 is an important part of Bartlesville’s aviation history and it has been restored properly.

You can visit the Travel Air Museum to see the Travel Air 5000 up close. The museum is at the Bartlesville Municipal Airport and it is open to the public. There are other exhibits there covering the city’s aviation history too.

Bartlesville has attractions you genuinely will not find elsewhere. Do not miss the chance to see the world’s largest Mobius Strip or the historic Travel Air 5000.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some hidden gems in Bartlesville that tourists often miss?

Bartlesville has a few places tourists drive straight past. The first is the Price Tower Arts Center, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and worth the trip on its own for anyone interested in architecture. Another is the Kiddie Park, which has been running since the 1940s and works for young children. And for a unique shopping hour, the Bartlesville Farmers Market.

What’s the best place to take kids for a fun day out in Bartlesville?

For a day out with the kids, Bartlesville has options. The Bartlesville Kids Park is the first one, with a carousel, train rides and a Ferris wheel, plus bumper cars and play airplanes. The Family Fun Center is the other, with mini-golf, laser tag and arcade games.

Where can I find the best burger in Bartlesville?

For the best burger in Bartlesville, Murphy’s Steakhouse is hard to beat. The burgers are made with fresh, never frozen beef and cooked properly. Frank & Lola’s is the other option, with a range of burgers on the menu.

What’s the craziest thing to do in Bartlesville?

For something crazier in Bartlesville, the Phillips Petroleum Company Museum has a replica oil rig you can climb and explore. The other option is a ghost tour of the historic Dewey Hotel, which is said to be haunted.

Are there any unique museums in Bartlesville worth visiting?

Bartlesville has several unusual museums worth the time. The first is the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, which holds a collection of Western art and artifacts alongside a preserve with bison, elk and other animals. The other is the Osage Hills Historical Society Museum, which covers the history of the Osage Hills region.

What’s the best way to spend a romantic evening in Bartlesville?

For a romantic evening in Bartlesville, start with dinner at Copper Restaurant & Bar, which has the atmosphere and the food to match. After dinner, take a stroll through Sooner Park, which has walking trails and a rose garden. Then catch a show at the Bartlesville Community Center, which runs performances through the year.

Frequently asked questions about Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Price Tower or Woolaroc, if you have only a single day?

Woolaroc, if it has to be one. It is a 3,700-acre preserve with bison, elk, deer and longhorn cattle, plus a museum full of Western art, and it will fill a whole day on its own without any trouble. The Price Tower is an hour and it is downtown, so most people end up doing both anyway. Woolaroc first.

Which Bartlesville park suits young children?

The Kiddie Park, which has been running since the 1940s and is built entirely at their scale: a mini Ferris wheel, a train ride, a carousel. Sooner Park is the one for a wider age range, with a play tower, a skate park and a swimming pool. Johnstone Park has the splash pad and the mini golf course. All three of them sit close enough together to do in one go.

Is the Caney River worth getting on?

Yes. Not for anything technical, but for a slow paddle it is exactly right, and it runs clear enough that catfish, bass and crappie all come out of it. The Pathfinder Parkway Trail follows the water if you would rather stay dry on the bank. Life jacket.

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