Hey there – Welcome to my blog! My name is Kaitlyn and I love history. I have a master’s degree in American history and love to write about history tips and museum visits! This post includes some of my favorite museums and historic sites to visit in Ponca City, Oklahoma. So, let’s get started!

*For more information about each individual museum, please click on the blog links at the end of each section. There is a lot more information and links to websites in those posts written about the specific location.

Matzene Art Collection at the Ponca City Library

The Matzene Art Collection at the Ponca City Library is one of those hidden gems in Northern Oklahoma. I stumbled across it when doing some research before visiting Ponca City. There are hundreds of pieces of art in this collection and it is free to view. Make sure to stop by the information desk inside the library and ask for a FREE guide to the collection – it’s amazing.

For more information, see my longer blog post: Matzene Art Collection

Ponca City – City Hall

The Ponca City – City Hall Building is beautiful. This wasn’t on my original list of places to stop, but as I was driving through town I had to know what the building was so I turned around. It’s very close to the Ponca City Library so that was nice! City Hall has an interesting history and I loved all of the statues that were outside. I didn’t go inside, but there is a guide online that talks about the history of the inside of the building which was cool.

For more information, see my longer blog post: Ponca City – City Hall

Marland’s Grand Home

E.W. Marland’s Grand Home is beautiful. There are multiple rooms and many floors to explore. Each level tells part of the Marland story. You can purchase a guide book at the front desk and I’d say it’s worth it!

For more information, see my longer blog post: Marland’s Grand Home

Marland Mansion

The Marland Mansion in Ponca City is magnificent. There are multiple levels and rooms to explore. You can see why it’s called the “Palace on the Prairie” – it’s beautiful! I love the architecture of this building and all of the ornate decorations.

They have guided tours through the mansion, but I chose to walk through on my own. I really want to go back for the guided tour because there are 2 buildings you can walk through with the tour that are not available to the public.

For more information, see my longer blog post: Marland Mansion

Pioneer Woman Museum

I loved the Pioneer Woman Museum and have visited more than once. I study women’s history so this museum is one of my favorites in Oklahoma! I learn something new every time I go 🙂

For more information, see my longer blog post: Pioneer Woman Museum

Poncan Theatre

How beautiful is the outside of the Poncan Theatre?! The architecture on the inside is equally as grand and detailed. I walked through the theatre while it was empty and was able to look at the collection of movie posters from the 30s and 40s. They still play movies and host theatre productions. I need to go back and watch a movie one of these days!

For more information, see my longer blog post: Poncan Theatre

CONOCO Museum

The CONOCO Museum was really cool! The staff was so kind and they took the time to talk with me about the history of the museum and Ponca City in general which was amazing. The museum has all kinds of oil history which I found fascinating. Make sure to watch the video at the beginning before walking through the museum! It’s extremely informative and well-done!

For more information, see my longer blog post: CONOCO Museum

Standing Bear Park & Museum

The Standing Bear Park and Museum is one of those places I felt honored to visit. The staff was very kind and they took time to chat with me about the museum which I always think is amazing. Please go visit this museum and learn about the history of Standing Bear and the local tribes.

The park is beautiful and has more information throughout the walking trails. The statues are beautiful as well. Make sure that you take good walking shoes!

For more information, see my longer blog post: (FORTHCOMING)

Cann Gardens and Estate

The Cann Gardens and Estate are beautiful! The home is simple, yet holds an air of sophistication. I loved the stained glass windows in the stairwell and the pictures on the walls. The gardens are beautiful and the perfect place to have a picnic or spend an afternoon relaxing. Make sure to pack some walking shoes for the trail that winds through the garden.

For more information, see my longer blog post: Cann Gardens and Estate

Concluding Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed looking through all of these super cool historic sites and museums in Ponca City! Make sure to use this post when you plan your next trip to Ponca City because you don’t want to miss out on these cool activities.

If you have any questions about the places I visited, please feel free to send me a message on my contact page.

Happy Traveling, friend! I’ll talk to ya soon! 🙂