Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve – Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve

In 1925 an oilman names Frank Phillips decided to build a retreat in Northeastern Oklahoma.  This ranch encompasses 3,700 acres where it is a wildlife preserve for many different species of native and exotic wildlife.  There are buffalo, elk and longhorn cattle.  On the land is also a museum showcasing a wonderful collection of western art and artifacts.  Included in the displays are Native American material, one of the best collections of Colt firearms in the world and amny other items.  There is a nature trail and two living history areas for you to experience the natural environment of Woolaroc.  There is the pre-Civil War 1840’s mountain man camp and an early-day oil lease.

At the museum you will be able to see one of America’s most unique displays of Western art and artifacts from Native American pottery, baskets, beads, blankets and cultural art; there are historical displays and the Colt display.  The Native American displays trace the prehistoric civilizations of Oklahoma with the baskets, pottery and Navajo blankets.  The displays include items from the Apache, Hopi and Pueblos located in Arizona and New Mexico.  There are beaded buckskins and feather bonnets from the Plains tribes showing their beauty to all that visit.  With approximately 40 different tribes work on display you will certainly get a broad exposure to the culture of the past.

The Fine art paintings include the work of greats such as Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russel, William R. Leigh, Frank Tenney Johnson, Thomas Moran and others.  Contemporary artists such as Wilson Hurley, John Clymer, Clark Hulings, and Bettina Steinke. Five of the original six Taos Society Artists are represented: O.E. Berninghaus, E.I. Couse, Herbert Dunton, Bert Phillips, and J.H. Sharp.

Is there anything that is more beautiful than good sculpture?  Here you will see pieces by many of the great western artists, including Remington and Russel. There are 12 bronzes for you to see. There are heroic-sized sculptures by Bryant Baker and Jo Mora both inside and outside the museum.

There are also the works of contemporary sculptors such as Harry Jackson, Joe Beeler and John D. Free.

The over 30 varieties of native and exotic animals and birds that call Woolaroc home are part of the working ranch.  You can take the two mile drive through the animal preserve to the main complex where you may well see the animals which roam the entire preserve, then again, they may not be near enough for you to see them so you will have to come back another time and try then.

Of course the most prominent species at the ranch are the American Bison, elk and longhorn cattle, which are native to this area.  Some of the other species include the Japanese Sika deer, North European fallow deer, water buffalo, llamas, aoudads, ostriches, Sardinian donkeys and pigmy goats.  These are wild animals so stay in your car.  Don’t leave your car to photograph, feed or touch any of the animals…they are wild and will stay that way!

Regular Schedule: Wednesday thru Sunday 10 – 5
Summer: Tuesday thru Sunday 10 – 5

Admission: Adults $8; Over 65 $6 and Children 11 and younger are Free.

Directions: Woolaroc is located on Oklahoma State Highway 123, twelve (12) miles southwest of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Tours/services
Group Tours

For school or other group tours, please call Carol at 918-336-0307, ext. 31. She will help schedule your dates, help you with food services and can discuss our group rates. Woolaroc will help make sure that your trip is special and that your group experiences some of the MAGIC of Woolaroc!
Shopping

The Museum Store is located in the Woolaroc Museum. The Museum Store carries a wide variety of gifts, Native American-made jewelry, pottery, books on related subjects, reproductions of some selected paintings, and other unique gifts.
Food Service

Buffalo Haunt Concession Stand – Sandwiches, snacks and drinks are available at the Buffalo Haunt located adjacent to the Woolaroc Heritage Center. There are picnic tables and a covered pavilion at the adjacent picnic area. Indoor seating is also available in the Heritage Center Building.
Facility Rentals

The Clyde Lake Pavilion and the Woolaroc Events Center are available for rental for special events and business functions by calling the Foundation Office at (918) 336-0307-x10.

Location: Mailing address: 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Road, Bartlesville, OK 74003

Phone: (918) 336-0307 ex. 10
Fax: (918) 336-0084
Toll free: 888-WOOLAROC (966-5276) ex. 10

Email: woolarocmail@woolaroc.org

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2. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge – Lawton, Oklahoma