The Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond and her husband, Ladd, have been so generous to open up their Oklahoma lodge on Drummond Ranch to visitors. In fact, people come from near and far for the opportunity to drive 18 miles into the country to visit The Lodge, which serves as a guest house for the Drummonds and a production location for the filming of Ree’s popular TV show. If you’d like to visit The Lodge on your visit to Osage County and Pawhuska, then you’ll want to read this!
1. Check the website for open dates.
To see which dates The Lodge is open for tours, simply check The Pioneer Woman Mercantile website HERE. The dates are usually posted at least several weeks (if not months) in advance. There’s also always a chance they could add more, so be sure to check back often.
If The Lodge is closed to tours, there’s a good chance it’s because the film crew is in town and shooting the show. (And this means it’s likely Ree and Drummonds are in town). If The Lodge is not open on the dates you can come, don’t fret! There are plenty of other fun things to do in Pawhuska and Osage County when you visit The Pioneer Woman Mercantile. Be sure to open the Visit the Osage website (or download their app) before you come for more ideas.
2. Pick up tickets at The Merc
Admission to The Lodge is free (thank you Ladd and Ree) but tickets are required. Visitors must go to The Merc (532 Kihekah Ave, Pawhuska, OK) the day of their lodge tour to get a ticket with directions to the Drummond Lodge. Tickets are available at the check out counters or the gift wrapping station – just ask one of the hospitable staff there for a ticket. While there is no cost to receive a ticket, they are only good for that day’s date and are not available in advance.
The Pioneer Woman Mercantile website says the The Lodge will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the open dates, but it’s best to check with the staff at The Merc before you drive out to the lodge.
PIN FOR LATER
3. Don’t be afraid to drive on gravel
If you want to visit The Drummond Ranch Lodge, you should know that you’ll have to traverse a few miles of gravel roads. That shouldn’t stop you though. After all, gravel roads have been used for decades.
You will want to exercise some caution. You can’t go the same speed you would on a highway, so slow down a bit. That said, it is just fine to drive faster than 25 m.p.h. Considering how beautiful the country is, the slower speed is perfect for you to soak it all in, and see if you can spot the wild horses which often graze along the road. And if your car gets a little dusty? Well, there’s a great car wash back in Pawhuska.
While we’re on the topic of driving, please don’t suddenly stop on the road side at the Drummond Ranch sign for a picture. There’s no law against it, but we don’t recommend it. The highway can have lots of traffic, and the speed limit there is 65. If you stop, you may create an unsafe situation for yourself and others. For this one, there are plenty of photos on-line to help you remember what you saw as you drove past. Here’s one:
4. Meet the staff at The Lodge
There are several folks who meet and greet visitors at The Lodge on Drummond Ranch. One of the regulars is our friend, Bill Sweeden.
Bill will be more than happy to answer your questions, show you around, and tell you all kinds of stories about life on Drummond Ranch. He’s usually wearing a hat and a badge, so he’s easy to spot. Ask Bill to show you around the enormous kitchen and maybe he’ll even show you what we like to call the “measuring cup heaven” drawer.
5. Don’t miss the pantry behind the kitchen
One of our very favorite parts of The Lodge at Drummond Ranch is the newly renovated walk-in pantry behind the kitchen. I know jealousy is a sin, but I can’t seem to help myself from having pantry envy every time I walk into Ree’s.
It is a huge, well-organized space with lots of natural light from the skylights above. It even has a rolling library ladder for reaching the top shelves. We missed this pantry the first time we visited; we included it here so you don’t. And the jaw-dropping pantry is especially worth a look since she Ree-did it!
6. Look for new Pioneer Woman products
When we stopped by The Lodge a few weeks ago, Bill pointed out a few new Pioneer Woman products that had just arrived, including a new teal Kitchen Aid mixer and a floral trashcan. He said both items were garnering lots of attention from Pioneer Woman product collectors and they debuted at The Lodge.
7. It’s OK to play kitchen
If you have made the trek out to The Lodge, we think it’s safe to say that you probably enjoy cooking and watching “The Pioneer Woman” on television. The folks at The Lodge have left a couple of pieces of cookware on the stove and counter where you’ve seen Ree cook so many of her delicious dishes.
So when you’re there, pick up a spoon and pretend to mix up Ree’s Knock You Naked Brownies in the mixing bowl. You know you want to and we promise no one will laugh at you. Indeed, they’ll be in line waiting their turn. When we’ve visited, Ann loves nothing more than to stand across the counter and take pictures of people like these. Somehow, she even gets the husbands to smile.
8. Look for the wine glass above the mantel
On our last visit to The Drummond Ranch Lodge, Bill shared with us a little history of the building. In the stones above the fireplace, you can make out the shape of a wineglass. This is because that was the livestock brand of the family who originally built the building. See if you can spot it.
9. Enjoy the view
As impressive as the kitchen in the lodge is, the view is even more spectacular.
Also, while eating at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile is a treat, but dining outside at The Lodge on a nice day is heaven. We recommend grabbing something to go from the deli at the Merc (don’t forget a fruit flavored iced tea or lemonade) and eating your lunch on one of the picnic tables outside near the parking area at The Lodge. The view is absolutely stunning and you’ll enjoy this unique dining experience you can’t get anywhere else.
10. Don’t let the snake scare you
If you’ve watched Ree’s show on TV, you know that Ladd occasionally hides a fake snake to scare her. On our most recent trip, we found this realistic pretend snake waiting to scare us–so be on the lookout. Pro-tip: If the snake is moving, it isn’t fake. Back away slowly.
11. Ooh and ahh over the kitchen ware in the back
Are you a fan of Ree’s dishware? In the back section of The Lodge, there is a room with shelves and shelves and shelves of her products. Take some time and admire her beautiful collection. We think you’ll really enjoy it.
12. It’s ok to pet the dogs
When you visit The Drummond Ranch Lodge, you just may find one of Ree’s dogs there, hanging out on the couch and wanting to be loved by all the people coming through.
We know that Walter is super-friendly, and he has a spot behind his ears seems to love to be scratched. With all this talk of dogs, you might think this is a perfect place to bring your pet. It isn’t. On the Pioneer Woman Mercantile website, it says: “Very important: Please keep dogs and family pets at home. Country dogs can be very protective of the homestead.”
Do you have questions about visiting The Pioneer Woman’s Ranch Lodge? Let us know in the comments below. We’re happy to answer them or help you find someone who can.
We’re Steve and Ann Teget. We spent more than two decades in corporate America and public education before Ann’s health and Steve’s aversion to middle school girl drama convinced us to try something new. Now we are making the most of midlife and telling authentic stories about extraordinary travel. And yes, we send ourselves postcards.
Are the Merc and Lodge tours open to the public this summer? We are planning a trip and don’t want to be disappointed due to COVID19 restrictions.
Right now, both are open. It is best to check for up-to-date information on the Mercantile’s website. Hope this helps.
I Love the pioneer woman, I watch her everyday faithfully, would really Love to visit there, when is the best time to visit there, and to ever have a chance to meet her in person.
The spring (middle of March on) and summer tend to be busiest, but the fall can be pretty busy, as well, especially in September and October. If you like crowds, come then. If not, shoot for November, January and February. We’ll just add that Christmas is always a nice time to visit Pawhuska.
As for when you would have the best chance to meet Ree…that’s really hard to say as her schedule is usually pretty full. But when she’s in town, she’s usually through the Merc every few days, at least.
We are driving from northwest Arkansas which is about 3 hours away. We are planning lunch at the Merc then out to the lodge. It will be week of December 9th 2019. Any suggestions on least busy day?
I know Friday and Saturday is a no no.
Linda
Lunch at the Merc is typically very busy with long wait times, though Mondays are better. We’d recommend lunch at P-Town, then stay for dinner at the Merc later in the evening when the crowds thin out. Be sure to see the Swinging Bridge and have a pop at Handy’s. Also take some time to explore downtown Pawhuska…there are some really great stores here.
Can you spend one night? There are still some Airbnb properties available the night of the 9th (including our own Postcard Place). Check out our post on 70 things to do in Pawhuska here: https://postcardjar.com/pawhuska/
Check out our Airbnb listing here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33347820?s=67&shared_item_type=1&virality_entry_point=1&sharer_id=76819628
Where can I buy the floral trashcan?
The last we knew, they might be available from Walmart. You could also check the Merc’s website.
Are tour buses allow at the lodge or ranch?
From our understanding, tour buses are too large for the roads to and from the Lodge so are not allowed–but all is not lost!. There is a smaller van/bus (it holds about 20-25 people) run by a local tour operator that is allowed on the roads. They have worked with tour bus companies to shuttle large bus passengers to and from the Lodge in shifts. Call Roaming the Osage at (918) 440-5312 for more information or to set up tours. For what it’s worth, this company also gives a general tour of the area which we think is pretty good. You can see it described in a little more detail…it’s number 16 of our list of 70+ things to do in Pawhuska.
I thought you could only go to the Lodge by a shuttle, but it sounds like you can drive your own vehicle…and take a picnic lunch even?
Yes to both…drive your own car and take a lunch to eat on the deck outside. Just be sure the Lodge is open—check the link from the Merc in the article to be sure.
Is the lodge handicapped accessible? Thank you.
We are not sure. We will ask around and try to find out.
If your traveling with dogs…would you allow them to stay in their vehicle while visiting the lodge ?
I would not take a dog to the lodge. The Mercantile website clearly states “Very Important: Please keep dogs and family pets at home. Country dogs can be very protective of the homestead!”
We are traveling out of state with a camper. We plan on staying at a campground but cannot leave our small dog in the camper. Is it okay to bring the dog to the ranch but leave her in our vehicle? We would not let her out.
The Pioneer Woman Mercantile Website says, “Very Important: Please keep dogs and family pets at home. Country dogs can be very protective of the homestead!” (https://www.themercantile.com/pages/lodge-tours).
That said, we are not affiliated with The Pioneer Woman, so a call to the Mercantile for clarification given your situation may have a different answer.
If dogs aren’t allowed, we know that there is a veterinarian in Pawhuska who offers day boarding for dogs. The Johnston Veterinary Clinic can be reached at (918) 287-9990.
Hope this helps!
Beeno the Merc twice to eat and SHOP. and did the tour at the lodge. It is a must stop when coming or going to AZ from our kids in Kansas City. Will stop every time we go that way or coming home
Thank you for posting. My first trip will be in May. Can’t wait to see the Lodge and all Pawhuska has to offer.
We’re excited for you to see it and experience Osage County. Check out the Pawhuska section of our site (under the destinations tab) for lots of other ideas for things to see and do in Osage County.
Excited to visit the merc and ranch September 13! We’re planning on going to the merc in the morning since it will probably busy on a Friday. What time does the merc open? We want to eat breakfast and our tickets there. Thank you!
You are right–the Merc is usually pretty busy on a Friday. The Merc will open at 7:00, typically if you’re there by 8:00 you can get a table without a wait. The lodge opens at 9:00 on days when there are tours, and you have to go to the Merc first for your ticket and directions. If you head to breakfast early, you can get your ticket and then drive the 20 or so minutes out to the Lodge to be there by 9:00 or a little after.
When you get done at the Lodge, come back to Pawhuska as there are tons of things to do there. Of course, you’ll want to spend some time in the Merc, be sure you get to the bakery upstairs. Try lunch at P-Town and dessert at Charlie’s. There are a ton of great shops near the Merc, and don’t miss the stained glass at the Catholic Church (tours at 11:00, 1:00 and 2:00). Pawhuska also has great museums worth checking out like the Osage Nation Museum, and the new Ben Johnson Cowboy museum. Check our website for a complete list of 70+ things to do in Pawhuska after eating at the Merc.
Are you planning to spend the night in town?
I will be in OK in a week. Can’t wait celebrating my birthday April 26 with a visit to the lodge.
You will LOVE IT! Please let us know if you have any questions or if there’s anything we can do to help while you’re in town. We should be in Pawhuska.