Searching for things to do in Pawhuska, Oklahoma? Look no further. You’ve come to the right place.
We’re Steve and Ann Teget. In 2017, we stopped in Pawhuska for lunch at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile. We were intrigued by this unique place and a year later, we bought a home in Pawhuska we call Postcard Place. We now enjoy spending time with family and friends in what we think is one of our nation’s very best small towns.
People are always asking us for tips for visiting The Pioneer Woman Mercantile and ideas on things to do in Pawhuska. So, we created this list of 70+ things to do here! There’s not enough time in one day to do everything on this list, so plan to book a few days and enjoy your stay.
Note: We were not paid or compensated by any of the residents or businesses mentioned in this post. This compilation is simply our gift to visitors of Pawhuska and the kind and generous people who call Pawhuska home.
1. Pour a pop at Handy’s
Handy’s is a convenience store that doesn’t sell gas or have a public restroom. What they do have is the best fountain pop in Pawhuska, offering both Coke and Pespi products as well as three choices of ice — cubed, pellet, or shaved. Be sure to snap a photo with twin sisters and owners, Martha and Margie. Oh, and there’s another little secret about Handy’s you can read HERE.
2. Book an Airbnb in town
Pawhuska doesn’t have a chain hotel, but it does have dozens of highly-rated Airbnbs, including ours called Postcard Place. Featured in The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Postcard Place is a three-bedroom cozy cottage with more than 230 consecutive five-star reviews and amenities that impress guests. Book your stay HERE.
PRO TIP: Book early as vacation rentals typically get booked at least 36 days in advance. Read the reviews carefully when you book a vacation rental. Look for words and phrases like “sparkling clean,” “they literally thought of everything,” and “hosts were easy to communicate with.”
3. Learn about the Osage Nation
Stop by the newly rennovated Osage Visitor’s Center on your way into town. Learn about the Osages’ history there and then visit the Osage Nation Museum. It is the oldest tribally-owned museum in the country and will give you a good overview of the tribe and its remarkable history.
PIN FOR LATER
4. Shop at The PW Mercantile
At The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, you can get the best plastic wrap dispenser ever made and much more! Shop your heart out in Ree Drummond’s store and come back often as inventory changes seasonally. You’ll find kitchen gadgets, gift items, home decor, cookbooks, and Drummond Ranch merch.
5. Stand in awe of the stained glass
There’s nothing quite like the German-made stained glass windows at the Immaculate Conception Church. The most famous window shows Father Shoenmaker bringing Catholicism to the Osage people and it is awe inspiring. While you’re there, step outside into the garden to see the Blessed Kateri Shrine of the West.
6. See where the movie was made
Look around town for remnants of sets used in the movie, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Director Martin Scorsese and actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert De Niro were all in Pawhuska the summer of 2021 to film much of the movie here. The photo below is what downtown Pawhuska looked like while they were filming on Kihekah Ave. The movie and several of the cast and crew were nominated for multiple Golden Globe and Oscar awards.
7. Indulge in ice cream
Ree Drummond’s Charlie’s Sweet Shop serves up Tillamook ice cream creations that are worth every calorie. We recommend the Bakery Blast sundae or a scoop of chocolate peanut butter ice cream. You can also find ice cream at McDonalds, Sonic, and the local grocery store’s freezer section. We love the Blue Bell ice cream there.
PRO TIP: Try the Huckleberry flavored ice cream at Charlie’s Sweet Shop. It’s a Tilamook favorite.
8. Shop local at a boutique
There are more than a dozen boutiques around town where you’ll find clothing, jewelry, and home goods. Some of our favorites include Mud Pies 2, Modern Cove, Prairie Cottage, Oilman’s Daughter Interiors, and GrayStone Vault. We highly recommend these Geometry dish towels at Modern Cove on Kihekah.
9. Take a walk on the trail
New in 2021, the WhaZhaZhi Heritage Park is a perfect place to take a walk. With a paved and accessible path, this trail meanders through a beautiful wooded area and crosses Bird Creek. The start of the trail is located near Main and Lynn Ave. For more ideas of things to do outdoors in Pawhuska, click HERE.
10. Purchase a piece of art
Osage owned and promoting Native artists, Big Rain Gallery is a great place to purchase art in downtown Pawhuska. The gallery features a range of art, jewelry, silver work, accessories, and clothing by Native artists in a variety of media and styles.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the beaded earrings or original pieces by Native artist Addie Roanhorse (pictured below). They are some of Ann’s favorites.
11. Design a custom hat
Design your own custom hat at The Corral on Main Street in Pawhuska. Book a private party or just stop by and select your hat and then add embellishments. Choose from a wide variety of ribbons, feathers, pins and more. And while you’re there, try your hand at axe throwing! Yep, it’s all under the same roof.
12. Visit the Drummond Lodge
Ree and Ladd Drummond invite visitors to tour their lodge where The Pioneer Woman shows are often filmed. Check the Pioneer Woman Mercantile website for open dates and details. Read our blog post “12 tips for visiting the PW Lodge” to make the most of your visit.
13. Tour Woolaroc Museum
About 20 miles from Pawhuska, you’ll find oilman Frank Phillips’ ranch retreat he called Woolaroc ( short for woods, lake, rocks). It’s now a museum and wildlife preserve with bison, water buffalo, zebras, and even giraffes.
14. Taste olive oils and balsamic vinegars
Sample a wide variety of flavorful olive oils and both white and dark balsamic vinegars at the new Pawhuska Olive Oil Co. on Kihekah. You can also pick up small batch dried pastas, sauces, syrups, tapenades, and more.
PRO TIP: The Cool Cucumber and Melon white balsamic vinegar is a fantastic compliment to summer salads and pairs well with cucumbers, red onion, chilled pasta and feta.
15. Snap a selfie with Sheriff Terry
Watch for Sheriff Terry around the Merc. He’s not a real sheriff but is one of the friendliest people in Pawhuska. He can answer almost any question you have about our town and he’d love to get a selfie with you! Believe us, he’s one you’ll want to remember.
16. Find fun at The Buckin’ Flamingo
Stop by the world famous Buckin’ Flamingo for a guaranteed good time. This locally-owned retail store specializes in metal yard art, decor, gifts, and other unique items.
17. Buy boots at Osage Outfitters
If you are looking for a unique pair of custom made cowboy boots or a cowboy hat that fits just right (yes, they steam and shape the hats right in the store at the hat bar), look no further than Osage Outfitters. The store is also full of fashionable clothing for a variety of tastes.
18. Sip a wine sample
The 3 C’s Wine Tasting on Main Ave. (just around the corner from The Mercantile) offers expansive wine tastings in a rustic, yet sophisticated setting. You and your friends can enjoy sipping a variety of fine wines from around the world inside or on the outdoor patio. Try their grab-and-go charcuterie options for the perfect accompaniments for your tastings.
19. Visit the Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum
The Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum focuses on the western heritage of Osage County. Pawhuska was the birthplace and home of Ben “Son” Johnson, who was the only man to win both an Academy Award and a Rodeo World Championship.
20. Drive through the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
At 39,650 acres, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is the largest protected remnant of native tallgrass prairie on earth. With about 2,500 free-ranging bison, any visitor to the preserve has a good chance of spotting one or more of these majestic creatures.
PRO TIP: No selfies! Never get out of your car when driving through the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Bison can charge, especially during mating season when testoerone-charged bulls can be much more aggressive.
21. Take home some turquoise
Just across the street from the world famous Buckin’ Flamingo is the Buckin’ Flamingo Jewelry Division. Shop the largest selection of authentic turquoise in the state of Oklahoma there.
22. Mail a postcard
Send a postcard to your friends or family or mail one home for your own Postcard Jar like we do. Of course, we’d love for you to send us a postcard, as well. Mail it to Postcard Jar, PO Box 334, Crete, NE 68333. You can purchase postcards at many of the local shops.
23. Take home Native American gifts
The Water Bird Gallery is a Native-owned shop that will help bring some style and color to you and your home. Framed Native American art, sterling silver jewelry, cedar boxes, and macaw beaded fans are just some of the curated items you’ll find here.
24. Visit the Chamber
Be sure to peek your head in the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce and say hello to the nice folks there. They are happy to answer your questions about Pawhuska and point you in the right direction.
25. Say “hi” to Hyacinth
If you see Hyacinth (her real name is Cyndi) out and about be sure to say hello. She’s Ree Drummond’s best friend and one of the nicest, most thoughtful people you’ll ever meet. She also published a fantastic book called “Save It Forward Suppers” which you can purchase HERE or at The Mercantile.
Courtesy photo
26. Go jump in the lake
Bluestem Lake near Pawhuska is a beautiful reservoir just a few miles out of town. The lake offers swimming and boating as well as cliffs that have waterfalls after a rain. Enjoy the lake during the hot summer months.
27. Indulge in Indian Tacos
Every year on the first Saturday in October, Pawhuska hosts the National Indian Taco Championships. Downtown is full of Indian Taco stands, crafts, games, entertainment and a Powwow dance competition. Read about our experience judging the competition in 2017 HERE.
PRO TIP: Be sure to look for booths that also serve grape dumplings. They are a Native tradition and sweetly delicious and something you should try (if you haven’t already).
28. Have breakfast at Buffalo Joe’s
This local favorite has something for everyone. We especially like the made-to-order breakfast burritos here. Be sure to ask for extra salsa.
29. Salute the Boy Scouts
Pawhuska claims to be where the first Boy Scout troop in the US was organized way back in 1909. A statue stands in front of the Osage County Historical Society Museum in commemoration of this event. You can learn more about this and the history of the area in the museum.
30. Try a Mexican meal
Spice things up a bit with a meal at the local Mexican restaurant. El Jalisco on the highway serves up flavorful dishes at reasonable prices.
31. See a show
The historic (and allegedly haunted) Constantine Theater in downtown Pawhuska is the second oldest performing arts center in Oklahoma. In its history, it has been a hotel, opera house, and theater. Restored in 1987, it still serves as a performing arts venue.
32. Scale the steps
Two long sets of stairs grace downtown Pawhuska. If you start near Modern Cove on Kihekah, 129 steps will take you to the top of the hill where the courthouse sits. While you’re up there, be sure to take in the commanding view of downtown Pawhuska and the surrounding area. The other set of steps is a couple of blocks up the street near The Whiting Hotel.
33. Shop for little ones
Find just what you need for your kids or grandkids at a couple of great shops downtown. Sage Blossom (pictured below) has clothing, toys and other cute mommy and me items. And don’t forget to stop in the Gypsy Cowgirl and The Mercantile where they have a children’s section, as well.
Honey Pot in Pawhuska
34. Roam the Osage
Get an overview of Pawhuska with Roaming the Osage Historic/Scenic Tours. You’ll experience a fantastic 90-minute panoramic tour of the community and will learn all about the history of the town from a comfortable Mercedes sprinter van with a retractable roof.
35. Come back for Ben Johnson Days
Pawhuska was the hometown of Oscar-winning actor Ben “Son” Johnson, and he’s remembered and celebrated each year. This Western extravaganza is held annually on Father’s Day weekend. There’s a two-day rodeo, street dance, trade show and more.
36. Get a refill on your pop at Handy’s
You’ve made it halfway down this list and by now your cup is dry. Remember that Handy’s offers discounted refills. Head back in for another round of the perfectly crunchy ice and cold, sweet pop. Be sure to fill Martha and Margie in on your tour so far!
37. Pitch a tent at a state park
About 15 miles east of Pawhuska sits the 1,100 acre Osage Hills State Park. It offers many outdoor recreation opportunities like camping, hiking, and fishing. With eight cabins to rent, RV parking, a pool, ballfield, and tennis court, this park has something for everyone.
38. Celebrate America
Pawhuskans are as patriotic as they come, and they really know how to celebrate the Fourth of July. The day begins with a non-motorized parade to celebrate America. Spectators enjoy free hot dogs, apple cobbler, and water after the parade. In the evening, The Pioneer Woman Mercantile sponsors a street fair with food, games, dancing, and one of the most spectacular fireworks displays you’ve seen. Ever.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the apple cobbler at the end of the parade. It is served in the pocket park near City Hall. The Methodist women make the BEST cobblers.
39. Caffeinate with a coffee
We can think of no better start to the day in Pawhuska than a Cowboy Coffee at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile. Order a cup from the restaurant or head up to the second floor bakery. In the bakery, you’ll find a great a coffee bar with beans sourced and roasted exclusively for the store. Coffee can also be found at the locally owned and operated Frikn Coffee on Hwy. 60 just west of the Mercantile.
40. Search for a Geocache
More than 80 Geocaches exist within a 10-mile radius of Pawhuska. Use the Geocaching app on your phone to search for hidden treasures, then mark that you found the item.
41. Freshen your load
The best way to freshen up a load of laundry is to add just a tiny bit of “Glamorous Wash” to your load. You can buy this local favorite at Tallgrass Prairie Flowers and More on Main Street in Pawhuska. Displayed near the front of the store, these laundry fresheners are a perfect gift to take home (and Tina will even gift wrap them). Just don’t forget to grab a bottle for yourself, as well.
PRO TIP: Our favorite scents are High Maintenance and Diva. And don’t use too much in your laundry load. A little bit goes a long way.
42. Try disc golf
With two of the top ten disc golf courses in the United States and three overall, Pawhuska is a destination for disc golf enthusiasts as well as novices. The city maintains a disc golf course in Williams park, but the real action takes place south of town at The Lodge at Taylor Ranch.
43. Find the site of the Million Dollar Elm
In the early 1900’s in the shade of a large elm tree, the Osages auctioned off leases for oil companies to drill on their land. Millions of dollars changed hands under this tree and there was even an occasional fistfight. While the tree is no more, you can find a stone marking this historic place.
44. Picnic in a park
Get some takeout from the Merc or pick up some meats and cheeses from Harp’s Hometown Foods and head to one of Pawhuska’s parks. Enjoy a picnic outdoors and bask in fresh air and sunshine. There’s a great picnic area at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near the Nature Center.
45. Grab some fast food
Pawhuska’s Subway is special. It has perfectly soft bread and fresh ingredients. It also has Chris, who has been there for more than 15 years and has had a hand in making more than a MILLION sandwiches. He and his teammates know exactly what they’re doing. Pawhuska also has a McDonald’s, Sonic, and Daylight Donuts.
46. See the bison
The Old West Buffalo Company offers visitors the chance to get up close to real bison–including the opportunity to hand feed these majestic animals. A fun activity for the whole family, the Buffalo Encounter provides an opportunity to learn all about bison and their comeback in the US.
47. View the vista
Head out of Pawhuska a few miles on Okesa Road and keep to the right at the fork. You’ll see a gravel road heading up a loooong hill. At the top, you’ll find the memorial and gravesite for Chief Fred Lookout and his wife, Julia. Pay your respects, then enjoy a panoramic view of Pawhuska, Bird Creek Valley, and Osage County.
48. Search for bronze sculptures
Pawhuska treasures the Arts, and a quick look around town proves it. Throughout the town you’ll find number of bronze statues, including several by famed sculptor John D. Free and his son John. See if you can find at least five of them.
49. Worship at a local church
Pawhuska has more than a dozen churches that are all excited to welcome visitors. Several are listed on this Chamber of Commerce directory.
50. Find a bargain
Downtown are two shops set up with consignment booths full of little treasures, collectables, and antiques you won’t find anywhere else. You never know what treasures you’ll discover at Sister’s Attic and Tallgrass Prairie Flowers & More. Best of all, the prices are right!
51. Stop and smell the roses
Make your Pawhuska stay extra special and decorate your accommodations with some fresh flowers. With several flower shops in town, it’s easy to get an arrangement you’ll love. Check out Tallgrass Prairie Flowers and More, Roots & Blooms, Pocket Full of Posies, or the flower shop in the local grocery store.
52. Celebrate the season
Like Hallmark Christmas movies? Well, you’ll feel like you’re in one when you visit Pawhuska this holiday season. Mark your calendars for the first Saturday in December and join us for the annual Christmas Parade of Lights.
Then, do your holiday shopping in Pawhuska. Need a place to stay? Book our Airbnb called Postcard Place for Christmas and enjoy some hot chocolate by one of our Christmas trees. We even provide a gift wrapping station for our guests!
53. Dance the night away
Each summer for more than 70 years, people have gathered in Pawhuska for Cavalcade, the world’s largest amateur rodeo. For a solid week, the town welcomes folks from all over. Festivities include a week of dances both downtown and at the rodeo grounds.
54. Get your Dawgs up
With football, volleyball, basketball, and more, there are plenty of opportunities to get your dawgs up and cheer for the home team Huskies. You can purchase Pawhuska Huskies gear at Spurs & Arrows downtown.
PRO TIP: Don’t forget to pack your orange and black, the Pawhuska Huskies’ school colors.
55. Collect it all
Ree Drummond’s newest store, The Pioneer Woman Collection, is just down the street from the Merc. It is filled with PW branded items including kitchen supplies, luggage, home decor, and Ree’s clothing line.
56. Watch a sunset
Pawhuska sits on the plains of Oklahoma, one of the places God set aside for having beautiful sunsets just about every single night. Head out west on Highway 60, find a safe spot to park along a side road, kick back, and take it in.
57. Have a slice of pizza
Pawhuska has several good options for a slice (or twelve) of pizza. P-Town Pizza offers pies baked in a wood-fired oven, cocktails, and more. Simple Simon’s is another local favorite for American-style pizza (pictured below). And don’t forget Casey’s – especially their out-of-this-world breakfast pizzas served each morning.
58. Go home with clean clothes
Why go home with a pile of dirty laundry? Osage Laundry, right in downtown Pawhuska, offers full service. Just drop your clothes off then pick them up. They’ll be beautifully washed, dried, and folded while you enjoy all the town has to offer.
59. Savor some barbecue
Who doesn’t love good barbecue? Trigger’s Barbecue (open every day except Tuesday) offers mouth-watering smoked meats. Bad Brad’s is another great option. We recommend anything on the menu served with Fritos.
60. Get uncorked
Every year, the Osage County Cattlemen’s Association teams up with the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition and the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce for an evening of fun, wine tasting, and good food to support the arts in Oklahoma.
61. Take a pic by the truck
Typically parked just outside The Pioneer Woman Mercantile is a bright red antique truck from Drummond Ranch. Snap a pic by the truck, but please don’t climb or stand on it.
62. Acknowledge the architecture
Pawhuska’s unique history and ties to oil (and the money it brings) gave it many beautiful, stately homes. Take a drive and notice some of the mansions lining the streets. Pay special attention to the buildings downtown with their decorative brickwork.
63. Pick up groceries
Harp’s Pawhuska Hometown Foods is located on Main Street in Pawhuska. Featured on The Pioneer Woman cooking show, it’s your one-stop shop in Pawhuska for fresh produce, quality meats, and beverages.
PRO TIP: Be sure to check out the seasonal goods on the end shelves. We’ve scored the best guacamole bowls, picnic supplies, and Fourth of July decorations there.
64. Read a book (or buy one)
Pawhuska has a wonderful public library that is open every day but Sunday. Anyone is welcome to come in out of the heat (or cold), use the restroom, and settle in a comfy chair with a book (like the New York Times Bestseller Killers of the Flower Moon), magazine, or newspaper. You can also purchase used books at the Book Burrow. They have a great children’s section.
65. Visit a service club
Are you a member of a service club? Pawhuska has a Rotary Club, Kiwanis, American Legion, PEO, and Lions Club chapters along with other service organizations. They’d love to have you visit a meeting while you’re in town.
66. Remember those who served
Visit Pawhuska’s Veterans Memorials which pay tribute to locals who served the US military. One is downtown and reflects the entire community, while the other honors the Osages who have served in our military. Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have given so much for our nation and freedom.
67. Wet your whistle at Dry Hollow Bar
Open Wednesday through Saturday, Dry Hollow Bar is a spot to relax, unwind, and meet some local cowboys. Turn off your phone, pull up a chair, and order a brew or cocktail from the full service bar.
68. Order the Not-Knots
At P-Town Pizza, we recommend you order the most wonderful little fried pizza dough creations called Not-Knots. These life-changing puffs of happiness are divine. Pro tip: Get the full order with both Ranch and marinara.
69. Tour the Drummond House in Hominy
Drive over to nearby Hominy where you’ll find the Victorian home of Fred and Addie Drummond. Mr. Drummond was one of the most successful ranchers and businessmen in the area and his historic home remained in the family for generations. It still has most of its original furnishings.
70. Wise up with Gio
If you spot our friend, Giovannie Soliano, be sure to say hello and ask him about anything. He loves to share his wisdom on everything from yard maintenance and remodeling a bathroom to why you must visit his beautiful native island of Bonaire in the Caribbean. We guarantee you’ll gain some wisdom!
PRO TIP: When you meet Gio, ask him to show you a pic from his native island of Bonaire. He’d love to show you!
71. Leave happy at Handy’s
Because you probably want another one, and the ice is sooo good that you can’t stop crunching, make one last stop at Handy’s for a half-priced fountain pop from 3-4 p.m. Heck, by your third stop there in a day, people will start to think you’re a local.
For even more information about what to see, do, and eat in Pawhuska, join our Visit Pawhuska Facebook Group. For for food, travel, and healthy living inspiration, join us on on social media @postcardjar on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
We have done 23 of these 🙂 Fun list! The flea market is a great option for a Sunday!
That is so awesome! Glad you enjoyed this list and were able to do so many things during your visit to Pawhuska. You’ll just have to come back someday to finish the list.
It was our good fortune to meet Ann and Steve at the Merc bakery. They offered to take a pic of all of us while on our ‘girl trip’ in Pawhuska. Once we started talking, I realized why they looked so familiar. I had used this blog and article here to plan our trip. They are the nicest and most generous folks with their time and knowledge of Pawhuska. They own the Postcard Place cottage rental. Buzz by there. You’ll want to stay. Sweet, nice neighborhood. Thank you Ann and Steve. Meeting you guys was our pleasure.
Judy, Jo, Taralyn-Jasper, AR.
Be sure to follow Postcard Jar folks.Great info.
Awww… Thank you! It was OUR pleasure to meet you–we really enjoyed our visit. Thanks for your kind words, and we hope to see you in Pawhuska again one day! 🙂
Will the lodge be open Dec. 4th or Dec. 6th?
Hi Cindy,
We’re just seeing this, so sorry we missed replying before your date. We aren’t affiliated with the Pioneer Woman so don’t know what dates will be open. You can always find out, though, by checking this link from the Pioneer Woman Mercantile’s website: https://www.themercantile.com/pages/lodge-tours
The Price Tower in Bartlesville is a must see. Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed it. It is incredibly interesting.
The Price Tower is definitely on our list of places to visit. It looks really interesting. Thanks for the idea!
Ann – this list is amazing and insightful! I finally scored 2 nights at the PW Boarding House! We are going for a whole week (Spring Break). Do you think there is enough to do in Pawhuska for a whole week? Do you recommend going to other cities like Tulsa & Oklahoma City afterwards? We are flying and renting a car as we live on the East Coast. It is just me and my 11 year old daughter. Any info is much appreciated.
Glad you liked the list! Yes, there is lots to do in and around Pawhuska and Osage County. We just had a family of four stay at Postcard Place (our home, which we share via Airbnb when we’re not there) for four nights. They had kids about your daughter’s age and found plenty to do. In addition to time in Pawhuska, consider visiting Woolaroc. It is Frank Phillips’ (of Phillips 66) “man cave.” It has exotic animals, a large museum, and is pretty cool. In Tulsa, you’ll find “The Gathering Place” which was literally just named the best city park in the United States by USA Today. Do you have a place to stay when you’re not at the Boarding House? Pawhuska has a bunch of great Airbnb properties that will give you a feel for the community. Ours can be found here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33347820?s=67&unique_share_id=afd8fe1e-3ce4-46ba-8cce-a7d825f70155
Ponca City is not too far off and you can visit the real Pioneer Woman, a large statue dedicated to all the pioneer women from days gone by. There are a couple of cook mansions too, as Ponca City was the home of Conoco OIl Company. Eat at the airport for lunch at a very well-known Mexican place. Pilots fly their planes in there just to have lunch.
It seems the Lodge is open only 2 days a month, We were really looking forward to going to the Lodge. However, you have provided a nice list of thing to see. What is there to enjoy in the evenings? After driving 10 hours we want to make the most of our visit !
Thanks for reading our post and for your questions. First of all, be sure to check back on the Merc website regularly for new/additional Lodge tour dates. Second, if you don’t already have a place booked, we highly recommend staying at a hotel or Airbnb home share in Pawhuska. It’s the best way to see the town and get a real feel for the small town life here. We suggest dining at The Merc or P-Town Pizza in the evening instead of lunchtime when it is usually the busiest. If you’re there on a Friday, be sure to check out the Pawhuska Huskies football schedule and a game if they are playing at home. There’s a new brewery in town as well as several other great restaurants. We enjoy Buffalo Joes and Grill 125. And be sure to have dessert at Charlie’s Sweet Shop (and yes, the Bakery Blast is worth every calorie). Oklahoma has great sunsets, and a late afternoon/early evening drive to the Tallgrass Prairie is always nice. Hope this helps. Just let us know if you have any other questions and enjoy your time in Pawhuska.
OMG HI MY NAME IS TONYA BORSH FROM OXFORD, ALA I LOVE WATCHING THE PIONEER WOMAN AND I YESTERDAY I PASSED THRU YOUR CITY WHILE TRAVELING TO WICHITA, KS TO VISIIT MY 3 DAY OLD FIRST GRANDCHILD MY DAUGHTER IS IN THE AIRFORCE I WILL BE HER TIL THE 16TH AND WOULD LOVE TO VISIT YOU ALL AND BY THE WAY I COOK A LIL BIT MYSELF
I’m so sorry but we had to head back to Nebraska. Maybe our paths will cross again someday. We hope you enjoy your time in Pawhuska.
Hi, my wife and I are in Pawhuska right now, but due to water damage at the lodge, it is currently closed, still a beautiful little town with plenty of things to see and do.
So love the osage county with the warmest good hearted men and women live today.
We are going 5/17-5/21, surprise 70 BD gift from the my husband 😍was looking forward to the lodge tour and not opened. Bummed. But after reading your list will find other things to do. Thanks
Happy Birthday! You are going to have a wonderful time in Pawhuska. It is such a great time to come. Even if you don’t get to see the Lodge, there are so many other things to see and do and you’ll just have to come back! Let us know if you have any questions or need recommendations.
I think the cemetery is beautiful too..
It really is, Joni.
My cousin and I are on our way there today. So excited to find out all these wonderful things to see and do. Thank you so much. See you later. Here we come
Great list! But you missed the stained glass windows in the Catholic Church. Only windows in the world with Native Americas depicted in the glass. Stunning
We actually did include that…it is the second thing to do on the list after getting a pop at Handy’s to have with you for the day. The stained glass at the church is truly some of the best we’ve seen anywhere!
and then after all of that you can drive 30 minutes to Dewey and see all the great antique shops, the Dewey Hotel and the Tom Mix Museum!
We love Dewey! Thanks for sharing your suggestions.
Loved all the tips! Coming in June. Don’t know how to remember all these places I want to go!!
We think you’ll love it!
I would like plan a trip your way. Thank you…From TX.
Let us know when you’re coming…who knows, maybe our home in Pawhuska will be available as a place to stay. We list it on AirBnB when we’re not there. It’s called Postcard Place in Pawhuska.
Is everything open with Covid? Don’t want to miss a thing. Church looks beautiful.
To our knowledge, everything is open with Covid. That said, schedules for various places may change depending on the pandemic.
Beautiful ranch
Shop the Prairie Pickens Mall inside Tallgrass Prairie Flowers. Lots of “uniques and boutiques”.
Yessss please come see us at 131 east Main! We are the lost treasure in Pawhuska. Many forget us but we are still here. And we are proud to have the lowest prices!
Come check us out! We are a flower and gift shop on one side and an antique and Boutique mall on the other side!
Ya’ll come!!!
My grandparents owned the Triangle Building in the 1950’s. The 5th floor was their home. Santa brought my first bicycle to me at the Triangle Building – I rode it up and down the hall. My grandfather was the Post Master during that time.
What a neat memory of such a unique building!
That is AWESOME!! We are going to stay there next weekend and I’m very excited!! Whoever restored it, did a SUPER job!!
You will love it! Let us know if you have any questions.
Ann, when would you say is the best months to come to Pahuska as far as weather not being too hot and long lines for the Merc and Lodge? Thanks!!
Anytime between early October and Spring Break in March is good. Holidays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays seem to always be the busiest. The best advice we have for avoiding the crowds is to stay right in Pawhuska. All of the people who stay in another nearby town seem to leave Pawhuska by mid/late afternoon. When you stay in town, you have the place to yourself in the late afternoon and early evening and you’re first in line for breakfast at the Mercantile. Hope this helps. Let us know if you have any other questions.
I think my grandfather succeeded your grandfather as postmaster.
That was quite a tour I loved it thanks
Glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks for following along.
Loved reading this brought back so many memoriesof my growing up there..born in Hominy but raised completely in Pawhuska till I married in 1954..going home during Thanksgiving ‘yea’..we can’t wait, married someone who also grew up in Pawhuska. This is beautifully written. Thank You for writing and posting.
Sidney Ann (Shook) Jones
Your kind words mean a lot to us. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your memories of Pawhuska with us.
Thank you for your great list!
By the way, the hours for visiting the Catholic Church are Tuesday-Friday, 10am-3pm.
Also, the address for the St. Kateri Shrine is the same as the Church: 1314 Lynn Avenue.
Thanks!
– Father Donovan
Pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Thanks so much! We appreciate your kind words and have edited the visiting hours. The church is one of our favorite places in Pawhuska and we always recommend it to others.
Visit Chief Baconrind’s grave.
Thank you for the suggestion.
Thank you for sharing your visit to Pawhuska. I was born and raised there. I love that place and I remember a lot of the places you talk about. It touches my heart to see some of the places you took pictures of. I remember them well. The swinging bridge we used to run across when we were kids. It never scared any of us. The Catholic church is a beautiful church. I went to school at the Catholic school for a while. I could just go on and on about Pawhuska. But just wanted to say thank you.
You are so welcome. Pawhuska seems to create lots of good memories for anyone who lives or visits there. We can’t wait to go back.
One of my favorite places in Pawhuska was the Chinese Steps and Wishing Well.
Thanks for sharing, Virginia.
You missed the WaterBird Gallery, located across the street from the Post Office. Native American Art Work, plus Osage Clothing, and moccasins, bead work. Antique furniture, and more..
Thanks so much for the recommendation. When we returned to Pawhuska we visited the WaterBird Gallery and just loved it. We added it to our list at #64.
There is much to see and do in Pawhuska–start with the Mercantile, but don’t be afraid to venture further afield and try some of what is mentioned in this post. I learned so much, and appreciated so much more our amazing frontiers and our amazing citizens. The Osage people are amazing in their care for the land, and their efforts to preserve the history of the area. Loved my time there!
We’re glad you enjoyed your time in Pawhuska.
Ask about the old Virginian Appartments and the nearby Chinese Gardens.
Also, Williams Park is fun with its barrel house, unique merry go round and intricate slides.
The HELP Workshop would also be a great place to visit.
Locals can also enlighten you on a certain road that gets barricaded when it snows and becomes an amazing sledding hill.
Pawhuska has SO many hidden treasures. You have made me homesick!!! Loved your article.
Thanks for all your great suggestions. We did go back and found Williams Park and the barrel house and we found the sledding hill. 🙂
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your posts.
We’re so glad. Thanks for following along on our journeys.