Blackwell Travel Guide

Get ready to explore the must-see attractions, activities, food, and culture of Blackwell with our ultimate travel guide.


Introduction to Blackwell

Located in the Red Carpet Country of Oklahoma, USA, Blackwell is a small, yet charming city in the Great Plains that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and history. This lesser-known destination has plenty to offer to its visitors, from fascinating museums to natural attractions, cultural landmarks, and excellent food and drink scene. If you’re planning to visit Blackwell, then look no further! We have put together a comprehensive travel guide that will help you plan your perfect trip to Blackwell.

List of Places to Visit in Blackwell

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Top of Oklahoma Historical Society Museum: Discover the rich history and culture of Blackwell through a vast collection of artifacts, archives, photographs, and exhibits showcasing local legends, oil exploration, and early pioneers.
  • Blackwell City Hall: Built in 1911, it’s an exquisite example of the Beaux-Arts architecture style and serves as a landmark and hub for community events.
  • The Electric Park Pavilion: Built in 1912, the grand pavilion was initially an entertainment hub and has since become a Blackwell landmark for concerts, community events, and local farmer’s markets.
  • Kay County War Memorial: A tribute to local heroes who served the nation, this memorial has sculptures and plaques dedicated to each branch of the military.

Natural Attractions of Blackwell: Outdoor Adventures, and Scenic Views

  • Gypsum Hills Scenic Drive: A 130-mile long scenic loop that offers panoramic views of Red Carpet Country, rolling hills, and unique rock formations.
  • Boiling Springs State Park: Located north of Blackwell, the park features natural springs, hiking trails, fishing lakes, and a swimming pool.
  • Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge: A unique landscape with salt flats and saline lakes, it’s a favorite spot for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Blackwell

  • Tonkawa Tribal Park Trail: A paved trail that’s ideal for biking, jogging, and walking. It’s a scenic route that stretches around a small lake and through a wooded area.
  • Ponca Tribal Park Trail: Another paved trail that connects Tonkawa Park to Lake Ponca Park. It’s perfect for biking enthusiasts and runners.

Best Things to Do in Blackwell: Activities and Tours

  • OKC Balloons: Enjoy a scenic hot air balloon ride and see Blackwell from a bird’s eye view.
  • Blackwell Municipal Golf Course: A seven-hole golf course that’s perfect for beginners or seasoned golfers.
  • The Blue Belle Saloon and Cocktails: Relax in this cozy saloon and enjoy live music, karaoke nights, and happy hour deals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Blackwell

Day 1 Visit Blackwell City Hall, The Electric Park Pavilion, and Dinner at Diner 29 Blackwell
Day 2 Top of Oklahoma Historical Society Museum and Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge Tour
Day 3 Ponca Tribal Park Trail and Boiling Springs State Park
Day 4 Golf day at Blackwell Municipal Golf Course and Lunch at Ma & Pa’s Cafe
Day 5 Shop for souvenirs at Phillips 66 Museum Gift Shop and Wine tasting at Willow Creek Winery
Day 6 Gypsum Hills Scenic Drive and Photo stop at Red Rock Canyon
Day 7 Hot Air Balloon Ride with OKC Balloons and Dinner at The Blue Belle Saloon

Food and Drink Scene of Blackwell

Must-Try Dishes

  • Chicken Fried Steak: Blackwell’s comfort food. It’s a dish made of beefsteak coated with seasoned flour and fried golden brown. Served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.
  • Phillips 66 Burger: A locally-made beef patty with secret spices, cheese, onion, and leaf lettuce, served on a bun with fries and a drink.
  • Frito Chili Pie: A delicious and hearty dish made with Chili, Fritos, and cheddar cheese.

Local Beverages

  • Willow Creek Winery: An award-winning winery that produces red and white wine varieties. They offer tours, tastings, and a wine club.
  • Hermann’s Old School Malt Shop: A classic diner that serves homemade sodas, milkshakes, and ice cream.
  • Highway 177 Liquor Store: A liquor store that has a vast selection of local and imported beer, wine, and spirits.

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

  • Comfort Inn & Suites: This hotel is located near all the major attractions and has excellent amenities such as a pool, fitness center, free breakfast, and Wi-Fi.
  • Holiday Inn Express: Another well-located hotel that has a complimentary breakfast buffet, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.
  • Downtown Blackwell Bed & Breakfast: Located in the heart of Blackwell, this B&B is a great option for travelers who prefer a more relaxed vibe. It offers cozy rooms, a porch, and homemade breakfast.

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

  • Phillips 66 Museum Gift Shop: Offers a broad range of souvenir items such as shirts, hats, magnets, postcards, and more.
  • C & C Candies & Gifts: A local shop that sells homemade fudge, chocolate, and candy.
  • Gibson Pharmacy: A unique pharmacy that still operates a soda fountain with handcrafted drinks and sandwiches.

Local Culture and Customs of Blackwell

Blackwell is a tight-knit community that appreciates the value of family, friendship, and local history. Visitors are expected to show respect and observe social etiquettes. It’s not customary to tip at diners, but it’s common at restaurants and cafes.

Best Time to Visit Blackwell

The best time to visit Blackwell is during the fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its peak. Spring (April to June) is also a great time to visit when the flowers are in bloom and the temperatures are pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of Blackwell

Do:

  • Observe local customs and traditions
  • Respect the community and their values
  • Enjoy the natural beauty of Blackwell
  • Visit local businesses and attractions

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the city or its culture
  • Litter or harm the environment
  • Provoke wild animals in natural habitats
  • Carry firearms or weapons

Safety and Health

Safety in Blackwell

Blackwell is a safe and quite town but taking the usual precautions is still the best practice. Visitors are advised to carry a copy of their identification, maintain caution in unfamiliar areas or while traveling alone.

Health in Blackwell

Visitors should drink bottled water and avoid tap water and ice cubes to avoid stomach issues. Stay hydrated in exposed areas under the sun and be prepared for outdoor activities, such as sun protection. In cases of emergency, dial 911.

Getting to Blackwell: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Blackwell

  • Ponca City Regional Airport: Located 22 miles east of Blackwell and offers regional flights via Air Flamingo.
  • Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport: A larger airport located 80 miles northeast Blackwell that offers flights from a multitude of airlines.

Bus Stations Near Blackwell

  • Greyhound Bus Station: A national chain station located 15 miles away in Ponca City that executes regional travel service to Blackwell.
  • Jefferson Lines: Another National chain located in Ponca City, the station is two blocks from Greyhound.

Other Options

Even though there is no direct train service to Blackwell, the Amtrak station is located a bit further in the nearby town of Arkansas City, Kansas, and features Thrifty car rentals and Greyhound service.

How to Get Around in Blackwell

Most visitors opt to drive in around Blackwell due to most routes, trails, attractions, and parks being scattered along the town’s perimeter. Local taxis, Uber, and Lyft services are also available.

Where to Go Next From Blackwell: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Ponca City: A charming city that offers great sightseeing around its Hubbard Mansion and the popular Marland Estate Historical Museum.
  • Winfield, Kansas: A small Kansas town located thirty minutes away from Blackwell and has a number of museums and art galleries, including the Marquee Museum and the Cowboy Museum.
  • Oklahoma City: The state’s capital, famous for its culture, art, and cuisine. With a short drive of eighty miles, you can enjoy a perfect city excursion.

Conclusion

Blackwell is an off-the-beaten-path destination that’s waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for natural wonders or a history and culture buff seeking cultural landmarks and museums, Blackwell has something to offer for everyone. From delicious food to friendly people and a rich history, Blackwell has all the ingredients to make your trip unforgettable. So pack your bags and have a great trip to the city of Blackwell, Oklahoma.