The Pioneer Woman lodge tours are a must-do when you visit Pawhuska, Okla. Ree Drummond and her husband, Ladd, generously open up their Oklahoma lodge on Drummond Ranch to visitors. You can drive 18 miles into the country to tour the lodge, which serves as a guest house for the Drummonds and the main production location for the filming of Ree’s popular TV show, “The Pioneer Woman.”
Here are 12 tips for The Pioneer Woman lodge tours on Drummond Ranch.
1. Check the website for open dates
To see which dates The Pioneer Woman lodge is open for tours, simply check The Pioneer Woman Mercantile website HERE. The dates are usually posted 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 they are filming Ree’s show (which also means you might see her around town). If The lodge is not open on the dates you can come, don’t fret! There are plenty of other things to do in Pawhuska and Osage County when you visit The Pioneer Woman Mercantile.
2. Pick up tickets at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile
Admission to the lodge is complimentary (thank you, Ladd and Ree) but tickets are required. Visitors must go to The Merc (532 Kihekah Ave, Pawhuska, Okla.) the day of their lodge tour to get a ticket with directions to the Drummond lodge. An unlimited number of 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 admission cost, tickets 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 Pioneer Woman lodge, you should know that you’ll have to traverse a few miles of gravel roads. That shouldn’t stop you though.
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 mph. It’s a beautiful drive out to the lodge. 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.
A word of caution when visiting the lodge
While we’re on the topic of driving, please don’t slam on your brakes when you see the Drummond Ranch sign. There’s no law against stopping for a photo there, but we don’t recommend it. The highway can have lots of traffic, and the speed limit there is 65 mph. If you stop, you may create an unsafe situation for yourself and others. There are plenty of photos on-line to help you remember what you saw as you drove past. Here’s one of them:
4. Accessibility at The Pioneer Woman lodge
Tours are self-guided and the lodge does have ramps that can be used to access the single-level house. Note that visitors park in a gravel lot and must cross a small grassy area to access the lodge. There are a few places with larger rocks, but they can be avoided.
A ramp on the east side of the house goes up to the spacious deck. There is a small lip on the ramp (pictured below) and another lip on the sliding glass doorway that leads into the house.
Inside The Pioneer Woman lodge
Once inside, the wood, tile, and cement floors are smooth throughout with the exception of just a few area rugs. The lodge has wide hallways and lots of space between seating areas and furniture.
There is a gender-neutral bathroom available for public use inside. We’ll check out the accessibility of the bathroom the next time we visit.
5. Meet the staff at The Pioneer Woman 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 cowboy hat and a badge, so he’s easy to spot. Ask Bill to show you around the enormous kitchen and maybe he’ll even point out what we like to call the “measuring cup heaven” drawer.
6. Don’t miss the pantry behind the kitchen
One of our very favorite parts of The Lodge at Drummond Ranch is the 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 this one.
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.
7. Look around for new Pioneer Woman products
When we stopped by the lodge once, 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. Check out the beautiful glassware in the bar area, as well.
In the bedrooms, you also might see some of Ree’s newest fashions from her clothing line. Be sure to check out the open closets and racks to see new colors and styles. Then, when you go back into Pawhuska, stop by The Pioneer Woman Collection store downtown to purchase one of the brightly colored tops for yourself.
8. 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 while 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.
9. Find for the wine glass above the mantel
Tour guide Bill also shared with us a little history of the lodge. 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 when you visit.
10. Don’t be scared of the snakes
If you’ve watched Ree’s show on TV, you know that Ladd occasionally hides a fake snake to scare her. On one 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.
Need a place to stay?
11. Ooh and ahh over the kitchen ware
Are you a fan of Ree’s dish ware? 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.
And don’t forget the beautiful bedrooms
There are four guest rooms at the Drummond lodge, so be sure to take a look at each one. They are all just a little bit different and have unique furnishings. And the bathrooms? Absolutely gorgeous!
12. It’s ok to pet the dogs but don’t bring one
When you visit The Pioneer Woman lodge on Drummond Ranch, you just may find one of Ree’s dogs there, hanging out on the couch and wanting to be loved. We know that Drummond dogs can be super-friendly, and one has a spot behind his ears that 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.”
We hope this post helps you make the most of your visit to The Pioneer Woman lodge on Drummond Ranch. Do you still have questions about visiting The Pioneer Woman’s lodge? Let us know in the comments below. We’re happy to answer them or help you find someone who can. Also, if you need a place to stay in Pawhuska, we share our home called Postcard Place on Airbnb when we’re not there. It is a 3-bedroom whole house rental and perfect for a girls trip, solo vacation, or couple’s getaway.
Related content you might like:
20 best things to do outdoors in Pawhuska
Valentine’s weekend at The Pioneer Woman Boarding House
We planned a trip last October months ahead – and as it got closer there were no dates for lodge tours when we were there . We were bummed but the day we arrived in town – they added that next day , a Saturday , open for yours ! We were excited and relieved ! So things can change minute by minute !
Yes, we tell everyone to be sure to keep checking the Mercantile’s website. Things can and do change! So glad that you had a wonderful experience in Pawhuska…come back soon! 🙂
Steve and Ann are the best! They are super hosts and take good care of their guests. If you get the opportunity, try to stay at their place. The Postcard Place is one of the coolest places in Pawhuska. You will want to come back every year after staying there. I feel like they are old friends now♥️
Awww…thank you, Heidi! That’s so nice of you to say. We are so glad you enjoyed your time at Postcard Place in Pawhuska and would love to have you back, as well!
Is the Lodge handicapped accessible
My husband rides a 4 wheel scooter because he cannot walk long ways. He uses it in antique malls and Branson shows. Are there stairs to the lodge
We aren’t sure whether it is accessible by scooter or not. We know you park in a gravel lot, and there is at least one step up to get inside, though there may be a ramp–we just don’t remember. Once inside, everything is on one level. We’d recommend that you call the Mercantile and ask to be sure.
I will be traveling by RV to Pawhuska. Is there a place to rent a car or a shuttle service to the lodge?
There is no place to rent a car. At one point, a local tour company did offer a tour out to the Lodge (on days the Lodge is open). You might contact “Roaming the Osage – Historic Scenic Tours” and ask if they still offer that tour.
I’m visiting the Merc and the Lodge this summer with my daughter. We are renting a small car and wondering if we will regret not renting an SUV or truck given the gravel roads we will have to travel on. Will a small car be okay?
A small car will be fine. Most of the roads you’ll use in the area are paved. The road to the lodge is gravel, but it’s well maintained, as is the road up to Lookout Mountain should you decide to go there. Just drive with caution and you should be good.
How long do you suggest spending at the Ranch itself?
At the Lodge you’ll probably want 30-45 minutes. The drive to and from will take 20-30 minutes each way.
Do you know if they will add any tour dates for October?
Who can i contact to ask or beg?
All we know to do is to keep watching the Merc’s website. That’s where they post dates. We have seen dates be added in the past.
I enjoy your show. I would like more pricing on your knives. I really like to know about your butcher knife.
Hi Charley,
We are not Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. We just live part of the time in Pawhuska and have written several posts about the things to see and do here, including visiting The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, hotel, lodge, and ice cream shop. You might be able to find help with your question at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile’s website, here: https://www.themercantile.com/
I wanna buy the trash can and the mixer
We will be there the weekend of October 22. I sure hope Tours are available
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
We’re flying to Tulsa from Knoxville TN to tour Pawhuska and the Lodge. We planned our visit for August 31 as was posted on tour dates. Now it’s changed to September 4-7. We’re so disappointed as we are big fans of Ree and Ladd. Will the dates change again possibly?
We have no way to know whether the dates will change or not. We do know that the dates the Lodge is open are based on the family’s schedule and their needs around the Lodge including the schedule for filming the show. Our best advice is to keep checking her website for updates HERE.
Wow, I hope we get to see the Merc and maybe see the house on Sept 7!! We are coming in from the heart of Tx and will be staying in or near Tulsa for that night. Do I have a good chance? Our 30th anniversary is Sept 8, so this is what I asked for our anniversary and my birthday. 🙂
If you’re looking for other things to do in Pawhuska while you’re there (and there are plenty of things to do), check out our list of 70+ things to do in Pawhuska after you’ve eaten at the Merc.
Is there a local restaurant that serves Ree’s special foods.
Yes, there is! Pawhuska is home to the Pioneer Woman Mercantile which has a restaurant featuring Ree’s recipes. The Mercantile (or “Merc,” as Ree calls it), also has a large assortment of gifts, kitchen utensils and other great items as well as a bakery and coffee shop. Down the street from the Mercantile is The Boarding House, Ree’s 8-room hotel, and the Pioneer Woman Collection store, featuring many items from Ree’s cooking, clothing, and luggage lines. It also has her books. Across the street is Charlie’s Sweet Shop (Ree’s ice cream shop) as well as P-Town Pizza, her pizza restaurant. Click here for a bunch more articles we’ve written about Pawhuska. https://postcardjar.com/pawhuska-ok-2/.
We also have an airbnb called Postcard Place where you can stay during your visit to Pawhuska: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33347820?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=dee76659-1906-4866-9400-ec46ab26e344
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.
Is there a rv park near the ranch
The Settle Inn is just outside of Pawhuska and we’ve heard good things about it from others.
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.
Did you know exactly when they put the Christmas decorations up? Is it after Thanksgiving? Also, is it true you are allowed to go through some of the kitchen drawers or is that a big no-no?
In the past, the decorations went up after Thanksgiving, though this last year I think they went up after Halloween. And yes, you can open drawers in the kitchen and see what’s there.
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.