Bartlesville Travel Guide

Find out the best things to do, places to visit, where to eat, and everything else you need to plan your trip to Bartlesville, Oklahoma.


Introduction to Bartlesville

Located in Green Country, Oklahoma, Bartlesville is a charming mid-sized city with a rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Founded during the oil boom of the early 20th century, Bartlesville has evolved into a vibrant community with a thriving downtown, museums, art galleries, parks, and trails.

List of Places to Visit in Bartlesville

Whether you are interested in history, art, nature, or adventure, Bartlesville has plenty to offer. Here are some of the must-visit attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve: A unique museum that highlights the art, culture, and natural history of the American West, with displays of paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and live animals such as bison, elk, and deer.
  • Frank Phillips Home: A beautiful mansion built by the founder of Phillips Petroleum, showcasing the lavish lifestyle of a wealthy oil baron and his family.
  • Pioneer Woman Museum: A tribute to the pioneering spirit of women who made significant contributions to Oklahoma’s history, culture, and society.
  • Osage Hills State Park: A scenic park with hiking trails, fishing ponds, camping facilities, and a nature center, offering opportunities to explore the rugged terrain and wildlife of the Osage Hills.

Natural Attractions of Bartlesville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Tallgrass Prairie Preserve: One of the largest remaining protected areas of tallgrass prairie in the world, home to bison, pronghorns, coyotes, and numerous bird species, as well as hiking and driving trails.
  • Bartlesville Community Center Arboretum: A lush garden with over 1000 species of plants, trees, and flowers, including exotic specimens from around the world.
  • Pathfinder Parkway: A scenic trail along the Caney River, connecting several parks, playgrounds, and picnic areas, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bartlesville

Bartlesville is renowned for its scenic and well-maintained trails, suitable for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Pathfinder Parkway Trail: A 10-mile paved trail running through several parks and neighborhoods, following the Caney River.
  • Bison Trail: A 3.5-mile loop around the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, offering breathtaking views of the rolling hills and wildlife.
  • Osage Hills Trail: A 3-mile hike through diverse terrain and scenic overlooks, leading to a waterfall and a cave.

Best Things to Do in Bartlesville: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking and biking, there are plenty of other things to do in Bartlesville, such as:

  • Take a tour of the Bartlesville Oil Museum, and learn about the history of the oil industry and its impact on the city and the nation.
  • Attend the First Friday Art Walk, a monthly event in downtown Bartlesville featuring live music, art exhibits, food trucks, and shopping.
  • Visit the Price Tower Arts Center, a masterpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture, with a museum, gallery, and restaurant.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bartlesville

If you want to maximize your visit to Bartlesville, here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip:

Day Activities
1 Arrive in Bartlesville, check-in at hotel, explore downtown shops and restaurants
2 Visit Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, and Osage Hills State Park
3 Take a guided tour of Frank Phillips Home, and stroll along the Bartlesville Community Center arboretum
4 Drive to Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, hike Bison Trail, and have a picnic
5 Kayak on Caney River, bike on Pathfinder Parkway Trail, and attend a performance at Bartlesville Community Center
6 Visit Pioneer Woman Museum, and hike Osage Hills Trail
7 Check-out of hotel, buy souvenirs at downtown shops, and depart Bartlesville

Food and Drink Scene of Bartlesville

Bartlesville has a diverse selection of restaurants, cafes, and brewpubs, serving everything from Italian to Mexican to American cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Chicken Fried Steak: A Southern-style dish of breaded and fried beef steak, served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables.
  • Frybread Tacos: A Native American specialty of deep-fried bread dough, topped with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
  • BBQ Ribs: A classic American dish of slow-cooked pork ribs, slathered in BBQ sauce, and served with cornbread and coleslaw.

Local Beverages

  • Choc Beer: A locally brewed dark beer with chocolate and coffee notes, rich and flavorful.
  • Turner Falls Tea: A refreshing herbal tea made from the leaves of the turner falls plant, with a mild and sweet taste.
  • Oklahoma Wine: A selection of wines made from grapes grown in Oklahoma, such as reds, whites, and fruit wines.

Where to Stay in Bartlesville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bartlesville has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget motels. Here are some recommendations:

  • Hilton Garden Inn Bartlesville: A modern hotel with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a pool.
  • Inn at Price Tower: A boutique hotel with uniquely designed suites, a terrace, a museum, and a bar.
  • Candlewood Suites Bartlesville East: An affordable hotel with spacious rooms, a kitchenette, a laundry, and a gym.

What to Buy in Bartlesville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to take home some memories of Bartlesville, here are some ideas for souvenirs and local products:

  • Woolaroc souvenirs: T-shirts, hats, mugs, and other items featuring the iconic bison logo of the museum and the preserve.
  • Indian blankets and jewelry: Handmade items crafted by local Native American artists, such as blankets, shawls, necklaces, and earrings.
  • Oklahoma-made products: Food items, such as jams, honey, and popcorn, or beauty products, such as soaps, candles, and lotions, made by small businesses in Oklahoma.

Local Culture and Customs of Bartlesville

Bartlesville has a rich cultural heritage, shaped by its Native American, oil boom, and ranching traditions. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and practices, such as:

  • Dress modestly when visiting places of worship, or during formal events.
  • Ask for permission before taking pictures of Native American art, artifacts, or people.
  • Observe good manners and be respectful to others, especially elders, teachers, and authority figures.

Best Time to Visit Bartlesville

Bartlesville has a temperate climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when the weather is comfortable, and the outdoor activities are in full swing. Summer is also a popular time but can be hot and crowded.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bartlesville

Here are some general tips for visitors to Bartlesville:

Do:

  • Learn some basic phrases in Creek, the language of the local Osage tribe.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, suitable for outdoor and indoor activities.
  • Support local businesses, artists, and organizations.

Don’t:

  • Drink and drive, or use drugs or other illegal substances.
  • Litter, vandalize, or damage public or private property.
  • Disrespect local traditions, customs, or beliefs.

Safety and Health

Bartlesville is a safe and healthy city, but visitors should take some precautions and be aware of some health issues.

Safety in Bartlesville

  • Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in isolated areas.
  • Keep your valuables secure and out of sight, both in your car and hotel room.
  • Always wear a seatbelt in a car, and obey traffic rules and signs.

Health in Bartlesville

  • Use insect repellent, especially during spring and summer, to prevent tick bites and Lyme disease.
  • Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen to avoid dehydration and sunburn.
  • Wash your hands frequently and follow basic hygiene rules to avoid getting sick.

Getting to Bartlesville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Bartlesville is easily accessible by car, bus, or plane.

Airports Near Bartlesville

  • Tulsa International Airport: About 50 miles south of Bartlesville, with frequent flights to major US cities and international destinations.
  • Bartlesville Municipal Airport: A small airport with limited commercial service, located about 4 miles east of downtown.

Bus Stations Near Bartlesville

  • Greyhound Station: Located in Tulsa, with daily routes to major US cities and international destinations.
  • Jefferson Lines: Located in Joplin, Missouri, with connections to other Midwest destinations.

Other Options

  • Car rentals: Multiple options available at Tulsa International Airport or downtown Bartlesville.
  • Uber or Lyft: Ride-hailing services available in Bartlesville and Tulsa.

How to Get Around in Bartlesville

The best way to get around in Bartlesville is by car, although walking and biking are also popular options. There are no public transportation services except for taxis, which can be hailed on the street or called ahead.

Where to Go Next from Bartlesville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore Oklahoma and the surrounding states, here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Pawhuska: A historic town known for its preserved Osage architecture, upscale shops, and restaurants, about 30 miles north of Bartlesville.
  • Tulsa: The second-largest city in Oklahoma, with museums, parks, art deco architecture, and a vibrant arts and music scene, about 50 miles south of Bartlesville.
  • Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: A nature preserve and wildlife sanctuary in southwest Oklahoma, home to bison, elk, longhorns, and other animals, about 120 miles west of Bartlesville.

Conclusion

Bartlesville is a hidden gem of Oklahoma, with a distinctive blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, an outdoor adventurer, or a foodie, Bartlesville has something for you. Plan your trip today, and discover the many wonders of this charming Green Country city!