Highlights

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Bartlesville, OK  

Today, you travel to Bartlesville, OK where you will be staying the next three nights.  Dinner is on own.

Day 2 – Pawhuska, OK – Ree Drummond Mercantile – The Osage Nation Museum -The Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum  

You will spend this day in Pawhuska, OK, the Official Headquarters of The Osage Nation.  This tribe of Native Americans has a history similar to most tribes during America’s Westward Migration, but with one startling unique chapter.  Oil was discovered on their land in the 1894 and they quickly became the wealthiest group of people in America.  This is a Cinderella story that eventually turns tragic as told in “Killers of The Flower Moon” a best-selling novel that is soon to be a movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.

You are in for a treat today when you visit the Pioneer Woman Mercantile, owned by Food Network TV show host Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, this shop is a must-see destination. The Pioneer Woman Mercantile began in 1910 as Osage Mercantile and was a place for trading goods and browsing. Ree and family wanted to honor The Merc’s legacy by creating a shopping experience that hints to an earlier time in small town America. It takes time to see it all, so stop in and stay awhile!

Also included on this Tour Package will be a copy of Ree Drummond’s newest book. What ever the title is that is published closest to your tour’s departure date.

Shopping at The Merc is a treasure hunt, with surprises everywhere you turn. Come explore the glorious cabinets, browse the abundant shelves, and peek in all the drawers! There is also a Deli and a Bakery where you can enjoy comfort food classics and hand-crafted bakery items.  The offerings are endlessly delicious.

You will also have free time to explore downtown Pawhuska a spot that celebrates its rich history. The town was founded in 1872, and 86 buildings in the downtown area are on the National Register of Historic Places. Many were restored to their 1920 appearance for the movie filming this past year.  There are plenty of shopping opportunities in this pretty town everything from antiques and collectibles to fine art.

This afternoon you will visit the Osage Nation Museum devoted to history, art, and culture. Highlights include an extensive photograph collection of artifacts, plus traditional and contemporary art. Founded in 1938, this is the oldest tribally owned museum in the U. S.

Oklahoma’s western film history is also on display at the Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum. Dedicated to the Oscar-winning actor, this amazing collection features notable Osage County cowboys, cowgirls and western heritage.  If you like world-class art, this museum has the largest collection of John D. Free original paintings and bronzes on-site.  Also, while you’re here, find out more about the iconic Drummond family; they’ve been ranching in Osage County for over 100 years.

Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 3 – Black Gold & Wooly Beast Tour of Bartlesville – Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve – Nellie Johnstone #1 – the First Oil Gusher – The Frank Phillips Mansion 

This day’s touring features sights in and around nearby Bartlesville, OK related to the discovery of Oil and the magnificence of the American Buffalo.   You will see a Gusher as the Nellie Johnstone #1 (Oklahoma’s 1^st Oil Well from 1897) blows water into the sky replicating oil.  Then we discover Bartlesville’s Buffalo Art, there are more than 30 life-size painted buffalo statues scattered about town.

One of today’s highlights will be the 3700 acre Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve. Will Rogers said, ‘Of all the places in the U. S. Woolaroc is the most unique.’ It was the country estate of oil baron Frank Phillips, founder of Phillips Petroleum Company.  Its name comes from the woods, lakes and rocks. This rustic environment served as a one-of-a-kind entertainment venue. ‘Uncle Frank’ hosted U.S. Presidents, well known business titans, dignitaries, Indians, movie stars, lawmen and outlaws alike on this sprawling ranch.  On the grounds, you will find a museum with one of the world’s greatest collections of western art, relics and exhibits that tell the alluring story of the American West. You will also find an 1840’s Mountain Man Camp, the Woolaroc Animal Barn, and a herd of Buffalo roaming across the prairie with grasses blowing in the breeze, prairie flowers in bloom.

Some of the animals you will see include American Bison, elk and longhorn cattle and more. Then you will have time to visit the Museum with one of America’s most unique displays of Western art and artifacts; Native American pottery, baskets, beads, blankets and cultural art; historical displays and one of the most complete collections of Colt firearms.

Frank Phillips was one of Oklahoma’s original oil men, and his beautiful home in downtown Bartlesville is also on tour.  It’s your chance to step back in time and experience life in the early 20th century.  This 26 room Neo-Classical home was built in 1909.

Tonight, dinner is included at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 4 – Departure  

As the sun climbs above the prairie so your travelers climb the step of your coach and you motor toward home. (B)

Tour Map