10 Fun Things To Do Near Bartlesville, Oklahoma (Washington County Travel Guide)

If you’re looking for a small-town getaway with surprising culture, history, and outdoor fun, Bartlesville, Oklahoma deserves a spot on your list. Tucked up in Washington County in northeastern Oklahoma, Bartlesville is about 45 miles north of Tulsa. It’s oil country, cowboy country, and Frank Lloyd Wright country all rolled into one. Whether you’re road-tripping along Highway 75, visiting family, or planning a weekend escape, here are 10 great things to do in and around Bartlesville.

1. Explore the Price Tower – Bartlesville’s Vertical Landmark

You really can’t miss it. The Price Tower stands out against Bartlesville’s skyline like something from a movie set. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, it’s famously called the “tree that escaped the crowded forest.” It’s one of the few skyscrapers Wright ever designed, and it feels more like a piece of modern art than an office building. Inside, you’ll find:

Guided tours that walk you through Wright’s design details.
Art galleries featuring rotating exhibits.
Beautiful views of downtown Bartlesville from upper floors.

If you’re into architecture, design, or just cool photo spots, this is a must-see. Even if you’re not an architecture buff, it’s fun to wander and imagine what it was like when this wild-looking tower opened in the 1950s. Travel tip: Check tour times ahead of time, especially on weekends and holidays.

2. Step Back in Time at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve

About 12 miles southwest of town, you’ll find one of the most unique attractions in Oklahoma: Woolaroc. This 3,700-acre ranch and wildlife preserve was created by oilman Frank Phillips (yes, the “Phillips 66” Phillips). Today, it feels like a mix of western movie set, nature park, and world-class museum. Here’s what you can do at Woolaroc:

See bison, elk, and longhorn cattle as you drive through the preserve.
Visit the Woolaroc Museum with its amazing collection of Western art, Native American artifacts, and oil boom history.
Walk the grounds, picnic, and enjoy the quiet Oklahoma countryside.
Check out seasonal events like Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights around the holidays.

If you’ve got kids, they’ll love seeing animals up close. Adults usually end up surprised by how much there is to see inside the museum.

3. Tour the Bartlesville Community Center & Enjoy a Show

If you enjoy live performances, don’t skip the Bartlesville Community Center downtown. The building itself is striking, with architecture inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s style. Inside, you’ll find:

Broadway-style touring shows
Symphony performances
Local theater and dance recitals
Concerts and community events

Many visitors are surprised that a town this size has such a high-quality performance hall. It’s a good reminder that Bartlesville once pulled in big oil money, and it shows in the arts scene. Travel tip: Check the event calendar before your trip. Catching a show here is a great way to spend an evening after exploring the town.

4. Visit the Phillips Petroleum Company Museum

Oil history might not sound exciting on paper, but the Phillips Petroleum Company Museum does a great job bringing it to life. Located downtown, this free museum tells the story of how Bartlesville grew from a frontier settlement into a major oil town. Inside you’ll find:

Interactive exhibits about refining and energy
Old photos and films from early Bartlesville
Stories about the Phillips brothers and their famous brand, Phillips 66

If you’ve ever driven past a Phillips 66 gas station and wondered where it all began, this is the place. It’s also a nice cool stop on those hot Oklahoma afternoons.

5. Stroll Through Downtown Bartlesville & Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour

One of the best free things to do in Bartlesville is simply walk around downtown. You’ll find:

Historic brick buildings and restored storefronts
Local shops, cafes, and restaurants
Public art and murals
Views of the Price Tower from different angles

The downtown area is compact, so it’s easy to explore on foot. Grab a coffee, poke into a few antique or gift shops, and take time to look up—there’s a lot of character in the old architecture. If you enjoy photography, early morning and late afternoon light are perfect for capturing downtown Bartlesville’s charm.

6. Enjoy the Outdoors at Johnstone Park & Pathfinder Parkway

Need some fresh air? Head to Johnstone Park, just north of downtown. It’s one of Bartlesville’s classic community parks, and it connects to a larger trail system. At Johnstone Park you’ll find:

Open green spaces for picnics or tossing a frisbee
Play areas for kids
Access points to the Pathfinder Parkway

Pathfinder Parkway is a paved multi-use trail that winds along the Caney River and through wooded areas. It’s great for:

Walking
Jogging
Biking
Bird-watching

If you brought your walking shoes or a bike, this is an easy way to enjoy nature without leaving town.

7. Visit the Bartlesville Area History Museum

To really understand a place, you need to hear its stories. The Bartlesville Area History Museum, located in the old City Hall building, helps you do exactly that. Inside, you can explore:

Exhibits on early settlers and Native American tribes in the area
Displays about the oil boom and how it shaped Washington County
Old photographs, clothing, tools, and everyday items from decades past

It’s not a huge museum, but it’s packed with interesting details. If you like local history and want to understand how Bartlesville became the city it is today, this is worth an hour or two.

8. Take a Day Trip to Dewey & the Tom Mix Museum

Just a few miles north of Bartlesville is the small town of Dewey, also in Washington County. It’s an easy side trip with a fun Old West flavor. The big draw here is the Tom Mix Museum, dedicated to one of the earliest Hollywood cowboy stars. If you’ve never heard of him, that’s part of the fun—you get to discover something new. At the Tom Mix Museum you’ll see:

Movie posters and memorabilia from early Western films
Costumes, hats, and saddles
Stories about Tom Mix’s life and career

While you’re in Dewey, stroll through their historic district, which includes charming old buildings and several antique shops. It’s a slow-paced, small-town Oklahoma experience that pairs nicely with your Bartlesville visit.

9. Relax at Hulah Lake or Copan Lake

If you’re willing to drive a bit, there are several lakes within easy reach of Bartlesville where you can fish, camp, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet. Two popular spots near Bartlesville are:

Hulah Lake – northwest of Bartlesville
Copan Lake – a little farther north, near the Kansas border

Both offer:

Fishing (bass, crappie, catfish, and more)
Picnic areas
Boating opportunities
Wildlife viewing

On a clear evening, the sunsets over these lakes can be beautiful. If you’re traveling in an RV or like tent camping, consider spending a night at one of the campgrounds and then heading back into Bartlesville the next day.

10. Experience Local Flavor: Diners, Barbecue, and Small-Town Eats

No trip is complete without some good food, right? Bartlesville and the surrounding area offer plenty of home-style cooking, classic diners, and barbecue joints. You’ll find:

Comfort food like chicken-fried steak and mashed potatoes
Hearty breakfasts with biscuits and gravy
Local burger spots and grills
Family-owned restaurants that have been around for decades

One of the joys of traveling through smaller towns in Oklahoma is stumbling across a local café that isn’t part of a national chain. Ask a local where they go for lunch or pie—that’s usually where you’ll get your best meal and best stories.

Planning Your Bartlesville Getaway

Bartlesville offers a nice mix of:

History – oil, cowboys, Native American heritage
Culture – museums, architecture, live performances
Nature – trails, parks, lakes, and wildlife

It’s an easy weekend trip from cities like Tulsa, Oklahoma City, or even Wichita and Kansas City if you don’t mind a few hours on the road. If you’re looking for a quieter destination with character, Bartlesville and Washington County are a great choice. You won’t find huge crowds, but you will find people who are happy to share their town with you.

Share Your Bartlesville Experience

Have you visited Bartlesville, Oklahoma or anywhere else in Washington County?

What was your favorite thing to do?
Did you discover a great local restaurant or hidden spot?
Are there any Bartlesville attractions you’d add to this list?

Drop your thoughts in the comments and help other travelers plan their trip. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend, pin it for later, or post it to your favorite travel group. Your shares and comments help more people discover this underrated corner of Oklahoma.

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Bartlesville, Oklahoma: 10 Best Things To Do Nearby