If all you wanted was a snapshot in time of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, you could pull up films documenting the histories and cultures of tribal nations such as the Osage, Cherokee, and Delaware peoples. Or you could read the history of Phillips Petroleum Company, which was headquartered in Bartlesville for nearly 90 years.
Nothing would come close, however, to hearing stories from the locals themselves. Besides, without a trip to Bartlesville, you wouldn’t be able to make your own memories — including hiking along the trails of Osage Hills State Park, viewing the impressive art collection at the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, and watching your child’s face erupt into joy as they board a miniature biplane at the Bartlesville Kiddie Park.
Bartlesville, Oklahoma, may not be on Route 66. But, being just 66 miles away from the historic highway, this vibrant city deserves a detour for a few days — if not longer. Here’s how we suggest you spend two days in Bartlesville, with options for folks of all ages, and ideas for how you might extend your trip.
Performance at the outdoor pavilion beside the “66” sculpture
This story was created in partnership with the Visit Bartlesville
Day One:
Morning: Meet the present moment at Osage Hills State Park
If you’ve been cooped up behind the wheel or fighting for leg space in the car, it’s a good idea to begin your trip to Bartlesville at Osage Hills State Park. Don’t skimp on breakfast this morning; we suggest fueling up at a place like Jude’s Health and Java House. You’ll thank yourself later, once you’re tackling the trails of this park on foot or on a mountain bike. These well-traveled routes are beginner-friendly and offer excellent views of the park.
If you haven’t brought along hiking shoes or a bicycle, consider experiencing the park from a different angle: The water. Fishing is immensely popular at this state park, and you can rent a boat at the lake before trying your luck at catching varieties like bass and catfish. Make sure to pack a lunch for today, which you can savor from a comfortable seat in one of the picnic areas.
Two people setting out on kayaks to fish
Afternoon: Wave hello to the past at Frank Phillips’ historic mansion
The Frank Phillips Home, open Wednesday through Saturday except for January and February, will delight your senses with its Neo-Classical architecture and historic furnishings. Though it’s better suited to adults than children, kids who often lose themselves in historical novels may still appreciate walking around Frank Phillips’ home. Vintage car lovers will likewise be enamored by the 1920 Mitchell Touring car on display, as well as the touching story behind its ownership.
The standard tour lasts about an hour and covers all three floors of the mansion. Not only will you learn personal details about Frank Phillips (co-founder of Phillips Petroleum Company), but you’ll also get a better context of what has shaped Bartlesville over the past century and more — including the nitty, gritty details that have influenced American history on a larger scale. That makes it a perfect first-day activity. After a brief rest (perhaps at Johnstone Park), round out your day with dinner at Painted Horse Bar & Grille, a steakhouse in a historic building.
People ice skating beside train tracks in downtown Bartlesville
Day Two:
Morning: Discover history through trails and tipis
Many restaurants in Bartlesville are closed on Sundays, so if you’re visiting on a weekend, we suggest grabbing breakfast at your hotel or visiting Weeze’s Cafe. Here, you can procure reliable favorites like omelets, hashbrowns, and French toast as early as 6:30 a.m.
Once your belly is full, head to the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, Frank Phillips’ country home. If you’re traveling with Fido, they’ll enjoy the opportunity to get out their zoomies amidst trickling streams and rolling hills (just keep them on a leash at all times). If it’s a kid with pent-up energy, stop by the playground before heading to the animal barn to visit goats, chicks, miniature ponies, and more.
No matter your age, the Mountain Man Camp at Woolaroc is a must. This memorable section of the park explores what it was like to be a fur trader in the mid-19th century. From stepping inside tipis to throwing tomahawks, the hands-on experiences offered here will help demystify themes most of us have only heard about through pop culture. Far from exoticizing the “cowboys and Indians” trope, the Mountain Man Camp is highly educational and attuned to detail.
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Woman dressed in period clothing firing a black powder rifle
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Young girl posing with donkey
Afternoon: Nourish your intellect with a trip back in time
Following a bite to eat at Prairie Dome Café (think: bison sandwiches and cheeseburgers), settle into a more leisurely afternoon touring the museum, which is handicap-accessible. You’ll come face-to-face with a wide range of art and artifacts, including Native American blankets and Colt firearms. Then there’s the fine art to peruse, including paintings by world-renowned artists like Frederic Remington and Thomas Moran.
After having your fill, mosey on over to the Woolaroc Lodge, where the experiences you’ve had all day will finally come together. Indeed, you can thank Frank Phillips for the whole preserve and museum. Keep your ears open for whispers from the past: many business deals were closed in this lodge, but lots of laughter once filled its halls as well. Once back in the city, grab dinner at Hideaway Pizza, where gluten-free options are also available.
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Bison sculpture by lawn
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Kid giving adult high five from amusement park ride
Reasons to extend your trip:
Don’t limit yourself to two days in Bartlesville simply because you don’t have a longer itinerary. Immersion is the best way to learn about a new culture and city, and you’ll find that even moments of stillness often turn up the most exciting discoveries. We’ve gathered several other activities that might convince you to stay an extra few days in the city.
- The Bartlesville Kiddie Park will enrapture children 12 and under during the summer months, but even older siblings may find pleasure in the rides and attractions here. As for adults, nostalgia will well up in you the moment you smell the fresh popcorn and see children’s faces playing peek-a-boo behind mounds of cotton candy.
- To unwind at night, see a show by the talented Bartlesville Civic Ballet, listen to a performance by the impressive Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra, or absorb yourself in a story performed by Theater Bartlesville, an organization that is now over a century old.
- Use Bartlesville as your home base for visiting the filming locations of highly acclaimed blockbusters like “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “August: Osage County.”
The Center, Bartlesville’s premier performing arts facility
