Because of its unique place in history, this petroleum-rich town outside Tulsa offers mansions, museums, Wild West lore and more to visitors.
Where can families see roaming herds of exotic animals on an oil baron’s vast ranch, explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s only skyscraper, experience the art, culture and history of the American west, and shop for unique treasures? Bartlesville, Oklahoma, a charming treat to discover, brims with this tapestry of extraordinary richness.
In 1897, the frontier trading community of Bartlesville in Indian Territory became the site of the first commercial oil well in Oklahoma, when the Nellie Johnstone No. 1 blew in as a gusher. In the decades that followed, vast amounts of oil were discovered beneath the richness of the land and the area was propelled into economic prosperity almost overnight. Entrepreneurs like Frank Phillips — who became an oil baron (Phillips 66 Petroleum) — streamed into the area. He was among many who were indicators of the wealth of the time.
Today with a population of around 35,000, Bartlesville is deeply rooted in the spirit of the pioneers. They set the groundwork for a town of many attractions and assets that continues the tradition of exploration and innovation.
Everyone Can Explore The Sights
A good starting point is the Bartlesville Area History Museum (918/338-4290), where children of all ages can learn about the town’s unique blend of American Indian and Western heritage and visit a reconstructed one-room schoolhouse. The museum traces the roots of the community back to the Delaware, Cherokee and Osage people, with interactive displays, exceptional photographs and intriguing artifacts.
The Frank Phillips Home (918/336-2491), the in-town, 26-room family residence built in 1909, lets you absorb the era’s opulent furnishings, photographs, and the family art collection. The second floor bedroom that was shared by the Phillips daughters would still be every little girl’s dream. The Phillips 66 Museum behind the mansion depicts the stages of Phillips career and the history of Phillips Petroleum
Woolaroc Ranch, Museum and Wildlife Preserve (918/336-0307) named for its WOOds, LAkes and ROCk, was the 3,700-acre country estate of Frank Phillips in the early 1900s. The wildlife preserve is home to over 30 varieties of animals, including buffalo, bison, elk, longhorn cattle and deer that roam freely throughout the grounds. Don’t miss the museum. It showcases a collection of art and artifacts that tells the alluring story of the American west. In addition, there’s the Lodge ranch house and children’s petting zoo.
Prairie Song (918/534-2662) is an eclectic frontier village sprawling across a private working ranch. The owner, Kenneth Tate, personally designed and built more than 28 buildings of native stone and hand-hewn timbers that include a log cabin, trading post, jailhouse, post office, and depot. All have items that date back to the late 1800s.
Families will enjoy the sounds of world-class entertainment at the Bartlesville Community Center (918/337-ARTS), featuring a 1700-seat auditorium that’s the venue for local ballet, theater, choral and symphony offerings.
Kiddie Park opened in 1947 and offers children 12 and under 16 different midway rides, still priced at 25¢ each. It’s open weekends from from early September to May, then daily after school let out, except for Sundays, Monday and the 4th of July.
Around the Area
Nearby Dewey, the site of the Tom Mix Museum (918/534-1555), will especially appeal to the older generations. Mix, known as the “king of the cowboys” was the star of the silent film and early talkies era. Showcased are the actor’s western gear and memorabilia, as well as a life-size replica of his horse, Tony.
For another taste of nostalgia, cross the street to the Dewey Hotel Museum, and then on to Linger Longer Antiques & Old Fashioned Soda Fountain for a malt or banana split, and a browse through antiques, collectibles and craft booths.
The Keepsake Candle Factory and Country Store demonstrates the art of handcrafting “antique candles” and gives off an aura of vibrant scents. Red Dirt Soap Company, named for Oklahoma’s red dirt, gives you a peek into the craft of creating bathing delights for the entire family.
Details, Details
The perfect hub for the family is the Price Tower, completed in 1956. It was designed and constructed by noted architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who billed his tallest built skyscraper as “the tree that escaped the crowded forest.”
The Inn at Price Tower offers 21 high design guestrooms and suites, as well as upscale dining in its dramatically cantilevered Copper Restaurant. The multifaceted Price Tower Arts Center offers a one-of-a-kind experience of outstanding collections and exhibitions of art, architecture and design. For reservations, phone 877/424-2424 or visit www.innatpricetower.com.
Hotel Phillips offers quality family accommodations with a very popular B&B Weekend Package. For reservations, phone 800/331-0706 or visit the website at www.hotelphillips66.com
You can get to Bartlesville via Tulsa International Airport, serviced by most major airlines and just 40 miles to the south. For more information on planning local fun and finding getaway packages, contact the Bartlesville Area Convention &Visitors Bureau.
Photos by Mel Greenberg
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this is a beautiful piece of work!
this is a beautiful piece of work!
We went to Crown Paradise Cancun on 22nd Aug 09, a family of two kids age 9 and 3. It was the best experience. I have been to Maui, Hawaii in the summer of 2006, it beat that up. Couple of steps from the club to one of the best beach so you don't have to go exploring the place for beach fun. Take fresh cooked warm meals to the beach along with drinks, it is so convenient. You can never be hungry as room svcs is 24 hrs. 5 fancy restaurants you can dress up and go in the evening. Child care facilities all included. The perks are endless and the people are friendly.
Would love to go back in a heart beat
Really nice post. Thanks for sharing us.
Great article! It's good to know that there are lots of arts and athletic activities for kids to do at these lighthouses
Great article! It's good to know that there are lots of arts and athletic activities for kids to do at these lighthouses.
here is new information about the Alashan Desert in Inner Mongolia that listed in the UNECO, I think.
I love the grassland, horses, sheeps, clean and blue sky, red sun and silver moon, …
My husband and I are looking to host a family reunion in June, 2010 for about 25 family members – we would need lodging for all (8-10 bedrooms) and meals. All coming from Maryland – need travel information; driving distance and nearest airport. Thanks you
Pick this one Claudie!
According to a report by Channel 6 in Wilmington, Bald Head Island was named for a geographical feature, not an anatomical one. In sailors' terms, the "head" of an island is its highest peak, the landmark most visible at distance from the sea.
When first seen, this island next to the Cape Fear River (and a very important navigation point) could be spotted by its highest point, a sand dune at the river's mouth. A high point or 'head' covered in sand was known as a 'bald head' therefore the island's name.
let us know how your visit goes!
I already know Puerto Plata, I visited it last year when some friends and I went to pick my big brother up at charlisangels Caribbean vacations, he was spending an single vacations there. I have to admit this city has beautiful places.
hi
This is a beautiful island. I was there with my 5 year old just before Hurricane Wilma damaged the reefs, and I hear that it's all come back nicely. It's a great beach for kids cause it's very clean sand, with shallow warm water. No surf either…
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Please contact me for further info and prices for any festival you sponsor in the Norfolk region that could enjoy a boost in attention & attendance.
Thank you very much-
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President, Jan Wilkins Enterprises – Roanoke, VA
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What is the origin of the name, "Baldhead Island"?
Need a form traveling with my daughters and my dog to Canada
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We had a terrible time with the dot2dot service. When we arrived at St. Pancras we were not able to find the van. We called for assistance but were put on hold for 15 minutes. Unfortunately, there is only a fifteen minute window to catch the van. Even so when we finally got through the agent directed us out the wrong door and the call was disconnected. When we called back we were on hold for another 9 minutes when we saw a dot2dot van drive by us and ignore our attempts to wave it down. We ended up catching a very expensive cab to Heathrow. When we contact dot2dot about this thinking we could get at least a partial refund we were told to kiss off. They claim there service is good, but 15 minute holds and wrong directions under these circumstances is not good service.
Other than that this is a good article.
What kind of form need kid to have to travel with no parents. Parents will met him(her) at distanation aeroport.
Thanks.
Skiboards are not just for kids.
A very nice overview of the city with lots of great information (And thanks for mentioning the CVB, Positively Cleveland, as a resource for travelers.) I'd just add two points–for those who haven't been to Cleveland in years, there are some new downtown dining/nightlife districts in addition to the west bank of The Flats that include Gateway, East Fourth Street and the Warehouse District. And, in addition to nearby Geauga Lake, there is what has been repeatedly voted the greatest amusement park in the world–Cedar Point. Also, travelers looking for discounts might want to try the Cleveland Plus Pass, a multi-attraction discount ticket that gives admission to 10 major attractions at a savings of 30% or more.
What's more fun for kids than camping?
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There are many types of treks in Nepal, ranging from relaxed easy trekking where you can experience Nepalese Culture and Village life to tea-house trekking in popular regions, to unique treks into areas of Nepal that are off the beaten track and seldom visited by foreigners. All treks offer spectacular scenery and a viewpoint into Nepali culture. I can tailor our treks to meet your wishes.
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wow…very nice views and good adventures,and everything there were look like morning pearl bright lighting,and it's seems to me that was very happy family enjoying them happily and freely as their desires appeared on each them own faces,mates.I ask you might add any other interesting views like those above available .
THANK YOU
Sue Morse: Please see the form at the end of the article. Fill it out with the proper informatin and the forms will be sent to you. Thanks!
please email me a travel permission letter and also a medical permission letter.
Thank you
My name is Mercedes Abreu I was a Teachers' Assistant at John Young Elementary School.I love children! During the summers I would babysit kids whos parents had to work during the day.I have also worked whith many diffent age groups,ranging from new born to school aged children.
i like 2 job there what i can do
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parisattitude was indeed hepful during our stay in Paris on june 2009.
nice hotel to stay
i'm feeling watch envirment
It is an interesting experience to find prejudice you thought never existed. Great story!
This is awesome. You set the scene really well.
I love how you only focused on the greeting. Very memorable.
Wow, what a privilege! Twelve private accesses per year!
You guys really need to add a place to click on for the prices because i 39 and was hoping to take my ten kids up there camping but i do not know the prices… and i actually thought about being a regular camper there. your gonna loose alot of money since no one even knows how much we are supposed to pay!!!!
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dear you
we want to travel to your country but we can't.we need visa for it and visa need to invitation and invitation letter need to your kind attend.
please inform me.
sincerely yours
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Hello,
This is a nice and valuable article. Thank you very much.
I like to work beside the beach such as having shop, ship, and selling sea shells
I like to work beside the beach like have shop ,ship or sea shels
Great title, great story.
Amen. Terrifying. It’s amazing that you got to travel there, though.
Wow, what a great opportunity!