Discovering Ponca City, Oklahoma: A Hidden Gem in the Heartland

Place: Ponca City, Oklahoma

Attractions:

• Marland's Grand Home: a historic Renaissance Revival-style mansion built in 1916 by E.W. Marland, showcasing early 20th-century luxury with innovative features like a central vacuuming system, an automatic dishwasher, and Oklahoma's first indoor swimming pool.

• Marland's Mansion: In 1928, Marland constructed the "Mansion," also known as the "Palace of the Prairie." Inspired by an Italian palace, this opulent residence cost over $5 million to build.

• Pioneer Woman Museum: honors the legacy of pioneering women from all backgrounds who shaped the state's history, featuring exhibits, educational programs, and the iconic Pioneer Woman Statue, a symbol of resilience and determination.

• Conoco Musuem: showcases the history and evolution of Conoco from its early days as a kerosene distributor in the Cherokee Outlet to its rise as an international energy empire, featuring interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and engaging stories of the people who built the company.

• Standing Bear Museum: honors the legacy of Ponca Chief Standing Bear, the first Native American judicially granted civil rights, through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs that celebrate Native American heritage and history.

Restaurants:

• J. W. Cobbs $: serving made-from-scratch comfort food since 1987, offering homestyle breakfasts, hearty dinners, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps locals coming back.

• Danny's BBQ $$: a beloved local institution known for its award-winning barbecue, where meats are expertly smoked over pecan wood and served with Oklahoma's #1 selling BBQ sauce, all crafted by Hall of Fame pitmaster Danny Head.

• Rusty Barrel Supper Club $$$: a historic steakhouse known for its legendary steaks, cozy ambiance, and unique entrance tradition, where guests ring a bell at the orange door before stepping into a classic supper club experience.

Shops:

• Marland Mall: 3 floors of vintage/antique shopping.

• Brace books & More: bookstore plus coffee shop and kitchen gadgets.

• Rikki's Market: Candy, spices, teas, and specialty meats.

• Sharps Indian Store: Discover authentic Native American regalia, beadwork, and supplies.

Places to Stay:

• Comfort Inn & Suites Ponca City near Marland Mansion: A cozy stay near a historic landmark.

• Pioneer Woman Guest House: A cozy stay with a 4.5-star rating.

• Osage Casino Hotel Ponca City: sleek, stylish suites, casual dining and bar with outdoor pool.

Ponca City, OK, located just 1.5 hours south of Wichita on I-35, serves as a convenient halfway point to Oklahoma City. As you approach the town, you'll notice a casino right off the highway. Personally, I love stopping here for the museums. E.W. Marland, the founder of the Marland Oil Company (which later became Conoco), built his first home, the "Grand Home," in 1916. This impressive 16,500-square-foot mansion houses Oklahoma's first indoor swimming pool and features artifacts from the 101 Ranch and Native American history. I highly recommend visiting both homes, starting with the "Grand Home." It boasts several Native American exhibits, including one that inspired the story of "Killer of the Flower Moon," recently adapted into a movie directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Al Pacino and Leonardo DiCaprio. If you haven't seen the film yet, I highly recommend it. Exploring the 101 Ranch artifacts and the indoor swimming pool at the "Grand Home" is fascinating. The "Mansion" is equally stunning, with its large kitchen in the basement and a hidden tunnel. Don't forget to look up and admire the magnificent hand-painted ceilings!