Over the last several years, the small town of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, set in the beautiful Osage Hills, has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Perfect for a daytrip or a weekend get away!
Eat at the Pioneer Woman’s restaurants
Though Pawhuska has other restaurants in town, one of the biggest draws in the chance to eat at one of The Pioneer Woman’s restaurants. Best known for her Food Network show, Ree Drummond offers several places to eat in town: The Mercantile, P-town Pizza, Charlie’s Ice Cream Shop, and a Coffee shop/Bakery. For more information on your restaurant options, check out this blog post.
Shop
Whether it’s shopping for kitchen supplies featuring the Pioneer Woman’s signature flower patterns at the Mercantile or finding treasures in an antique store, downtown Pawhuska is full of small shops.
Visit a Food Network filming location
When not in use, visitors are welcome at the Lodge…the filming location for the Pioneer Woman’s Food Network show. Ever wanted to peak into the pantry and dig through the drawers of your favorite cooking show? Now you can! Guests are welcome to explore…and encouraged to give a few pets to the resident farm dogs. Check out the Lodge tours schedule to make sure it will be open.
Osage Nation Museum
The Osage Nation Museum offers an opportunity for guests to learn more about Osage culture and history. The museum is free to visit.
Osage Heritage Trail
Part of a 70 mile route that stretches from Ponca City to Bartlesville, the Osage Heritage Trail cuts straight through Pawhuska. Several interpretative centers have been placed along the drive that provide information about Osage history and culture.
Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum
Learn about the life and accomplishments of Ben Johnson—a world champion rodeo rider, stuntman, and actor—at the Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum.
Walk across the swinging bridge
The swinging bridge was originally designed in the mid-1920s as one of the few ways to cross the creek into town…and still serves as a way to keep your feet dry!
Osage County Historical Society
Preserving local history, the Osage County Historical Society features exhibits on pioneers and ranching, the oil industry, the first Boy Scout troop, and the Osage tribe.
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
Appreciate the beauty of the Osage Hills at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Spot bison, hawks, and wildflowers as you drive or hike through ranchland.
Immaculate Conception Church
The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church features beautiful and unique stained glass windows that you won’t find anywhere else. Free tours are offered. Check out their website for a schedule.
Catch a show
Once a hotel, the Constantine Theater was converted to an opera house in the 1920s to bring a little culture to this Midwest town. And thanks to preservation efforts, you can still catch a show there! Check out their website for details.
Stand where the Million Dollar Elm once stood
When oil was discovered in the area, the price of mineral rights soared. And much of the selling and buying was done right here in Pawhuska under the shade of a large elm tree. Sadly the tree succumbed to Dutch Elm disease, but the monument marking the spot still remains.
WahZhaZhe Heritage Trails
Enjoy nature right in town. The WahZhaZhe Heritage Trail offers well maintained walking trails, many of them ADA accessible, and bridges that let people get just a little closer to nature. Future plans for the trail include adding playground and educational spaces.
Osage Nation Visitor’s Center
Whether you want to learn a bit more about Osage Culture or need a recommendation of where to eat or stay in the area, the Osage Nation Visitor’s Center can help out!
