Bartlesville combines distinctive architecture with several perspectives on the history of the city and region: from the 19-story Price Tower to museums and a full-scale replica of a drilling rig. A trail system and an annual music festival add other points of interest. To plan your visit, it helps to first decide whether you are particularly interested in architecture, cultural history, music, or outdoor activities.
Architecture and Local History
The Price Tower was completed in 1956 and is considered a landmark of Bartlesville. At 19 stories, it is Frank Lloyd Wright’s only fully realized skyscraper. Another architectural highlight is the Frank Phillips Home: Walton Everman designed the 26-room Neoclassical mansion, built in 1909. The house retains its original furnishings and fittings. These two buildings offer different starting points for exploring architecture and regional heritage.
The Bartlesville Area History Museum is located on the top floor of City Hall. During the oil boom, the building formerly housed the Hotel Maire. Interactive exhibits, photographs, and artifacts tell the story of local history. Admission is free; donations are welcome. Check these details before your visit.
Indigenous History and Craftsmanship
The Delaware Tribe of Indians History Museum displays artifacts that are more than a thousand years old. Its exhibits also highlight the Delaware Tribe’s contribution to Bartlesville’s history. Tours were available by appointment. If a tour is important to you, check in advance whether they are currently offered.
Another place connected with the heritage of Indigenous communities is the G.L. Potteiger Cabin in Jo Allyn Lowe Park. The cabin was unveiled in 1988 as part of a community initiative to preserve this heritage. It also showcases an example of Delaware craftsmanship: the log beams are joined with a half-dovetail joint. Its connection to the park and its construction give this site a different focus from the museum exhibits.
Oil History, Trails, and Music
Discovery 1 Park is home to a full-scale replica of a cable-tool drilling rig. It is associated with the area’s first commercial oil discovery in 1897, in what would later become Oklahoma. Prearranged group tours may include a demonstration using an operating drilling rig and a gusher effect. Since this requires advance arrangements, plan your visit accordingly and check availability ahead of time.
In contrast to the historical exhibits, the Pathfinder Parkway is a trail system that extends for 12 miles through Bartlesville. It runs along the Caney River and the Turkey Creek drainage areas. The trail is therefore another element to consider when planning, if you would like to include time outdoors as well as cultural history.
The OKM Music Festival takes place annually in June and lasts a week. Events are spread across several venues; musically, the festival combines classical music with jazz, folk, country, and other genres. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the dates before traveling. The mix of genres can also help you decide whether the festival suits your musical interests.
A Visit with Children
Bartlesville Kiddie Park is an outdoor amusement park with 18 rides for children up to and including age 12. Adults can also ride some of the attractions. As the park operates seasonally, check its operating dates before traveling. Along with the museums, festival, and parkway, it offers a range of options with different focuses, without prescribing a set itinerary for your stay.
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