The Osage Nation Heritage Trail The Osage Nation Heritage Trail is identified as beginning at Ponca City and proceeding East along U.S. 60 through Pawhuska to Bartlesville. The Byway travels through the beautiful Osage Hills past historic landmarks, charming small towns, and natural wonderlands. Whether you are looking for a wonderful day trip or a multiday immersion, this Byway puts it all within reach. For Osage culture please see their website: www.osagetribe.com. There they also have a font program available for download.

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Black Gold Motel 544 Mathews Pawhuska, OK 74056 918-287-3303	Holly Cottage 2100 Lynn Pawhuska, OK 74056 918-287-3879	The Wah Zha Zhi House 414 E. 9th St. Pawhuska, OK 74056 918-287-3736
Inn at Woodyard Farm Lynn Ave Pawhuska, OK 74056 918-287-2009	Economy Inn 415 W. Main Street Pawhuska, Ok 74056 918-885-4465	Double N Motel 3537 E HWY 60 Ponca City, OK 74064 580-762-6331

 

Attractions

Triangle Building

The Triangle Building is a landmark for travelers of HWY 60. It occupies a triangular wedge of land that was one home to a large bandstand.

 

Blacksmith House

Built in 1872, the Blacksmith House was the first structure built in Pawhuska. The two-story, five room building is made of sandstone, typical of an early settler’s home in the area.

 

Cathedral of the Osage

The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church is unofficially referred to as the Cathedral of the Osage. The church was constructed from 1910-1915, but the windows, built by craftsmen in Munich, had to survive WWI before being shipped to Pawhuska in 1919.

 

Swinging Bridge

Recently re-planked, this venerable landmark has either thrilled or terrified every creek-crosser since the early days of Pawhuska. Kids love it, and those having issues with heights can watch from one end. It’s safe (high side rails), but it bounces, moves and swings when occupied. It’s just a couple of blocks south of downtown where Kihekah curves at Bird Creek. There is a small park across the street from the north entrance to the bridge.

 

Museums

Gilcrease Museum

Tulsa’s Gilcrease Museum is one of the county’s best facilities for the preservation and study of American Indian art and history. The museum’s charm, beauty and art collections draw thousands of visitors from around the world to the hills just northwest of downtown Tulsa. Gilcrease Museum houses the world’s largest, most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West.

 

Osage County Historical Society Museum

The Osage County Historical Society Museum has five main exhibit areas: Boy Scouts, western life, pioneer life, early day oil industry, and Native American life. The Boy Scout troop centers around the first Boy Scout troop in the United States, which was founded in Pawhuska in the Spring of 1909. This troop preceded the organization of the Boy Scouts of America in 1910 and thus had a charter from the Boy Scouts of England. A statue of a Boy Scout in the British Uniform of 1909 is located in front of the museum.

 

Osage Tribal Museum

The Osage Tribal Museum is the “oldest tribally owned museum in the United States opening its doors in 1938”. Constructed in 1872, the museum is housed in a building finished with native Oklahoma sandstone. Today, the museum consists of two exhibition galleries and a collections/office area. Both galleries are also user-friendly for the physically handicapped.

 

Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve

Hidden away in the rugged Osage hills of Northeastern Oklahoma, Woolaroc was established in 1925 as the ranch retreat of oilman Frank Phillips. The ranch is a 3,700 acre wildlife preserve, home to many species of native and exotic wildlife, such as buffalo, elk and longhorn cattle. Woolaroc is also a museum with an outstanding collection of western art and artifacts. The complex also features a nature trail and two living history areas inviting you to experience the natural environment of Woolaroc.

 

Bigheart Museum

Named after prominent Osage Chief James Bigheart, the museum includes Cherokee and Osage artifacts and area history.

 

Nature

Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

The 39,000-arce Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is a truly awe-inspiring sight. The preserve is home to 2,400 bison and over 700 plant species. Large collections of other wildlife can also be observed and include: white-tailed deer, bobcats, coyotes, badgers, and greater prairie chickens. Enjoy taking the 35 mile scenic drive through the preserve. Two nature trails are also available for a closer inspection of the landscape. www.nature.org

 

Lakes

Various lake opportunities are available along the Osage Nation Heritage Trail Byway and include:

 

Birch Lake

Bluestem Lake

Hulah Lake

Hominy Lake

Kaw Lake

Keystone Lake

Skiatook Lake

Pawhuska Lake

 

The Bivin Garden

Open from May-September on weekends or by appointment. www.bivingarden.com

 

Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Gardens

This work in progress will feature many diverse gardens, a nature trail, and host many gardening workshops. www.botanicalgardentulsa.org

 

Osage Hills State Park