This Unexpected Place in Oklahoma Is One of the Best Road Trip Stops You’ve Never Considered

At Only In Your State, we believe the “detour is the destination.” Sure, getting to our final destination is the ultimate goal, but it’s those stops along the backroads that turn our trips into real adventures. Take, for instance, when driving along the 70-mile stretch on Highway 60 through northern Oklahoma, you’ll cruise by several small towns, Native American history sites, and a few truly unique museums.

Some of the attractions include the Marland Mansion and Kaw Lake in Ponca City, as well as the Osage Nation Museum and Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Pawhuska. Just off the highway, hiding in plain sight, there is an unexpected place that you might have overlooked. Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve in Bartlesville could very well be one of the best road trip stops in Oklahoma. Let’s find out why this museum and nature preserve is worth the detour. 

Discover Oklahoma’s Unexpected Road Trip Stop

Before I tell you all about the museum, let me introduce you to the small city of Bartlesville with 37,000 residents. The town is nestled in the rolling Osage Hills near the Caney River. When you drive along Highway 75, aka the King of Trails Scenic Byway, it should take less than an hour to get to Tulsa, and it’s about two hours from Oklahoma City. So, if you have never been here before, or even if you have, it’s an easily accessible place for a day trip in Oklahoma. 

Native Americans first settled the area, and in the late 19th century, Bartlesville became a booming town when oil was discovered nearby. Eventually, the successful petroleum industry led to major oil giants like Phillips Petroleum Company. But Bartlesville has more character than its oil-booming past. 

In fact, the town has incredible landmarks, like the Price Tower, our pick for one of the strangest buildings in Oklahoma. Not to mention the striking architecture of the Bartlesville Community Center. Both are worth seeing. Moreover, you can find several parks, local restaurants, breweries, historical sites, museums, casinos, and a vibrant downtown scene. While these are all good reasons to visit, Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve should top your list. 

Why This Stop Is Worth the Detour?

Ok, I get it, a museum and nature preserve isn’t necessarily a popular destination for a road trip stop. But I am here to tell you that Woolaroc is a must-visit. First, it’s an easy detour, about 12 miles off Highway 60, along Oklahoma State Highway 123. Next, the museum is not just a pit stop; it’s an entire experience on its own. 

The park was initially the ranch home of oil tycoon Frank Phillips, who eventually donated the property to preserve it for the public. It combines artwork, Native American artifacts, natural scenery, wildlife, and Western history. Yes, all in one destination! 

The museum has wheelchair accessible facilities, and it’s pet-friendly, too, so you can bring the entire family here. Finally, this hidden gem is a glimpse into local history and frontier culture, making it one of the most unexpected places in Oklahoma to visit on a road trip. 

What to See and Do Here?

There’s plenty! If you’re traveling with the little ones, I promise, they will have so much fun. At the beginning of the 3,700-acre property, the adventure begins with a two-mile drive-thru the animal preserve with over 30 species of animals. Be on the lookout for the American bison, elk, deer, longhorn cattle, water buffalo, llamas, exotic birds, and so much more. 

After the drive-thru, you’ll get to the centerpiece of the property, the 50,000-square-foot museum. Inside, you’ll find a large collection of Western art, Native American artifacts, old firearms, vintage planes, and old-fashioned cars. The exhibits tell the story of the American West, a time gone but not forgotten. Beyond the museum, you’ll want to explore the historic lodge overlooking Clyde Lake and the Mountain Man Camp.

Want to stretch your legs? Head out on the hiking trails that wind through the property. Also, the kids, or the kids at heart, will love meeting the barnyard animals on the property. You can see and, in some cases, pet rabbits, goats, miniature ponies, chickens, peacocks, donkeys, sheep, and more.

If that weren’t enough, there is a playground, a gift shop, a welcome center, an art gallery, and an on-site cafe, too. With everything to do and see here, this road trip detour could easily turn into a day-long adventure. If you have time, I recommend visiting the town of Bartlesville. The best part? There are several painted buffalo sculptures scattered throughout the town that are cool to snap pictures of. If you get hungry, stop by Dink's Pit Bar-B-Que for a heaping plate of smoked meat. 

So, the next time you find yourself on a scenic drive in Oklahoma, cruising through the rolling Osage Hills, consider visiting the town of Bartlesville to see Woolaroc and all the attractions here. It’s the kind of place where you can connect with the American West in the best way. 

If you enjoy road trips through Oklahoma, add the Talimena Scenic Drive to your list. As you meander through the Ouachita Mountains, you’ll appreciate how beautiful this state really is. Also, when you’re feeling inspired, you can use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to find more places in Oklahoma to love.