If you find yourself near Kay County wondering, “what are some day trips near me in Oklahoma?” then you’re in luck! Conveniently located close to Oklahoma’s largest cities, Ponca City is the perfect place to visit for a day trip no matter the season. The city is full of history, museums, shopping, lakes and will keep you busy from morning ’til night. Get ready to immerse yourself in history as you take this memorable day trip to this booming cultural center in the Sooner State.

Welcome to Ponca City, Oklahoma! Start you day trip adventures by visiting Ponca City Hall - the backdrop of Centennial Plaza.
PoncaCityMainStreet/Facebook
Built in 1917 in Spanish Colonial style architecture, this building was designed by the same architects as the State Capitol building. It was completely renovated in 2003. Centennial Plaza houses three of Ponca City's favorite sculptures - The statue of Lew Wentz, E.W. Marland's statue and Centennial Monument.
Then head over to Veteran's Plaza.
PoncaCityMainStreet/Facebook
Veteran's Plaza is a newly built open air space to gather and honor all veterans of Kay Co. It is located on the northwest corner of 4th St. and Grand Avenue in historic downtown.
Observe the charming new stop signs recently installed downtown.
PoncaCityMainStreet/Facebook
One intersection to find them is at the corner of Second St. and Central Ave.
Walk the streets of downtown for a unique shopping experience.
PoncaCityMainStreet/Facebook
You'll find all sorts of treasures in the shops of downtown Ponca City. Main Street Ponca City is part of The Main Street Program - promoting quality of life through efforts focused toward economic growth, historical preservation, cultural development and revitalization of the downtown and surrounding area.
Tour Marland Mansion.
Di'Ann L'Roy/Flickr
E. W. Marland was a wealthy oil tycoon who modeled his dream home after the Davanzati Palace in Florence, Italy. It was nicknamed, "Palace on the Prairie" and is currently open to the public for tours. The home is over 48,000 sq. ft and is one of America's great castles.
Visit the Standing Bear Museum and Education Center.
travelok.com
travelok.com
A 22-ft. bronze statue of Ponca Chief Standing Bear stands tall outside honoring all Native Americans. The 63-acre park offers trails, a pond, shaded memorials and much more. The museum seeks to educate visitors about the role all Native Americans have played in the development of our country.
Cool off in Kaw Lake or enjoy a boat ride.
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Known as "nature's playground," Kaw Lake offers over 170 miles of shoreline to enjoy. The area is full of all the outdoor activities for summer fun.
If you're looking to stay indoors, visit the Poncan Theatre.
Travel Aficionado/Flickr
The theatre was built in 1927 and was the grandest theatre in town back in its heyday. It's hosted many superstars over the years and has been fully restored to its glory days. It is one of the few remaining atmospheric theatres in the country.
Or visit the Conoco Museum.
Todd Carr/Flickr
Todd Carr/Flickr
Admission is free to this informative museum about the history of Conoco and the oil industry. The museum features several exhibits, including a replica of an early service station with a visible gravity-fed gasoline pump.
Another Ponca City attraction worth visiting is the Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue.
danzil raines/Flickr
Pioneer Woman was created "in appreciation of the heroic character of the women who braved the dangers and endured the hardships incident to the daily life of the pioneer and homesteader in this country." The museum houses exhibits of women who have "pioneered" in areas of space, photography, medicine as well as settling a new land.

We hope we’ve provided a little inspiration to those wondering, “what are some day trips near me in Oklahoma?” Have you ever been to Ponca City? What did you think? Tell us all about your adventures in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! Check out more places to go on day trips in Oklahoma here.

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day trips near me in Oklahoma

Beth C. | August 19, 2021

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Ponca City, OK, USA