10 Easy Road Trips Near Bartlesville, Oklahoma (All Outside Washington County)
If you live in or around
Bartlesville, Oklahoma, you know it’s a cozy place to call home. But what about those days when you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and see something new without driving all day?
You’re in luck. Within about an hour or so of Bartlesville, you’ll find waterfalls, wild horses, small-town diners, and even a jazz museum. And don’t worry — every stop on this list is
outside Washington County, just like you asked.
These 10 short
road trips near Bartlesville cover the surrounding counties of Chautauqua (KS), Montgomery (KS), Nowata (OK), Osage (OK), Rogers (OK), and Tulsa (OK).
1. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve – Wild Bison & Big Skies (Osage County, OK)
If you only take one road trip from Bartlesville, make it this one.
About an hour west, near Pawhuska in Osage County, the
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve feels like stepping into a different world. Endless rolling hills, big blue sky, and a free‑roaming bison herd that often wanders right near the road.
- Drive a scenic loop through the prairie.
- Watch for bison, birds, and wildflowers.
- Stop at the visitor center (seasonal) to learn about the prairie ecosystem.
I still remember the first time I heard the low rumble of a bison herd here with the car windows down. It’s one of those sounds that sticks with you.
Tip: Go early or around sunset. The light across the grasslands is incredible, and the temps are cooler in summer.
2. Pawhuska & The Pioneer Woman – Small-Town Charm (Osage County, OK)
While you’re in Osage County, spend some time in
Pawhuska, just under an hour from Bartlesville. This little town has gotten famous thanks to
The Pioneer Woman, but it still holds onto its historic small‑town feel.
- Eat at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile (expect a line, but it moves).
- Wander the downtown shops and restored brick buildings.
- Visit the Osage Nation Museum and learn about Osage history and culture.
If you like combining food, shopping, and a bit of history in one easy stop, Pawhuska makes a perfect
day trip from Bartlesville.
Road trip combo idea: Pair Pawhuska with the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve for a full but manageable day.
3. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve – Art, History & Animals (Osage County, OK)
Southwest of Bartlesville in Osage County, you’ll find
Woolaroc, a ranch-turned-museum and wildlife preserve created by oilman Frank Phillips.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Buffalo, longhorn cattle, and other animals roaming the grounds.
- A surprisingly large museum with Western art, firearms, and local history.
- Pretty walking areas and picnic spots around the lake.
It’s one of those places that’s fun for kids but still interesting for adults. You can make it a half-day outing and still be home in time for dinner.
4. Oologah Lake & Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch (Rogers County, OK)
Head southeast into Rogers County and you’ll hit
Oologah Lake, a great spot if you love the water or just want to slow down for a few hours.
- Swim at one of the lakeside areas (seasonal).
- Bring a fishing pole and try your luck along the shore.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy the view of the lake and rolling hills.
Just up the road is the
Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, a historic home overlooking the lake. You can walk through the house, see farm animals, and learn about one of Oklahoma’s most famous humorists.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, low-cost road trip near Bartlesville, this one is hard to beat.
5. Claremore – Museums, Antiques & Route 66 Vibes (Rogers County, OK)
Still in Rogers County,
Claremore makes a fun stop, especially if you’re into history or old-school Americana.
Highlights include:
- Will Rogers Memorial Museum – Movies, memorabilia, and a great overlook of the town.
- Downtown Claremore – Antique shops, diners, and classic Route 66 charm.
- Route 66 drive – Enjoy a stretch of the Mother Road on your way in or out.
Claremore is an easy day trip from Bartlesville and pairs well with Oologah Lake if you want to stretch the day into a full outing.
6. Tulsa – Big-City Culture in a Short Drive (Tulsa County, OK)
When you’re ready for a bit more action, point your car southeast to
Tulsa. Depending on your route, it’s roughly an hour to this bigger city with lots to do.
Here are a few options for a
day trip to Tulsa from Bartlesville:
- Gathering Place – A huge riverfront park with walking trails, playgrounds, and beautiful landscaping. Free to visit.
- Philbrook Museum of Art – Art inside a stunning Italian-style villa with formal gardens.
- Cherry Street or Brookside – Neighborhoods with local restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques.
Whether you want a date day, a family outing, or a solo wander, Tulsa gives you plenty of choices.
7. Owasso – Shopping, Dining & a Convenient Stop (Tulsa & Rogers Counties, OK)
Just north of Tulsa,
Owasso can be a handy stop when you don’t want the full big-city experience but still want more options than a small town.
- Grab lunch or dinner at a sit-down restaurant or local spot.
- Do some shopping or catch a movie.
- Use it as a “halfway break” if you’re pairing Owasso with Tulsa or Claremore.
Owasso may not be a classic tourist town, but it’s a practical and comfortable place to spend an afternoon — especially if you’re craving a change of scenery and a good meal.
8. Coffeyville – Dalton Defenders Museum & Small-Town Kansas (Montgomery County, KS)
Now let’s head north into Kansas. About an hour from Bartlesville, in Montgomery County, you’ll find
Coffeyville, a town with a dramatic Wild West story.
The
Dalton Defenders Museum tells the tale of the Dalton Gang’s failed bank robbery attempt and how local citizens fought back.
While you’re there:
- Walk past the old bank sites downtown.
- Explore the museum exhibits on local and outlaw history.
- Grab lunch at a local café and soak in the small-town feel.
If you’re into outlaw history or just enjoy old Main Streets, Coffeyville is a solid road trip from Bartlesville.
9. Independence, Kansas – Riverside Park & Little House Country (Montgomery County, KS)
A short drive from Coffeyville in Montgomery County is
Independence, Kansas. This town is surprisingly family-friendly and easygoing.
Don’t miss:
- Riverside Park & Zoo – A nice city park with walking paths, playgrounds, and a small zoo. Great for kids.
- Little House on the Prairie Museum (a bit south of town) – A site related to Laura Ingalls Wilder, with a replica cabin and historical displays.
This makes a relaxed, low-stress day trip, especially if you have kids or grandkids. You can easily pair Coffeyville and Independence in one day.
10. Chautauqua Hills & Caney, Kansas – Quiet Country Escape (Chautauqua County, KS)
For something quieter and more off the beaten path, head up toward
Chautauqua County, Kansas. The
Chautauqua Hills area offers gentle hills, country roads, and a peaceful, rural vibe.
You can:
- Drive the back roads and enjoy the scenery.
- Stop in small towns like Caney (just over the line in Montgomery County) for a meal or snack.
- Look for local events or festivals, especially in spring and fall.
This isn’t a “check all the attractions” kind of trip. It’s more about wandering, talking with whoever you’re traveling with, and just enjoying a slower pace for a few hours.
Bonus: Simple Scenic Drives in Nowata County, Oklahoma
While
Nowata County doesn’t always top the tourist lists, it’s perfect when you want an easy drive with wide‑open views and zero crowds.
Try:
- Taking a loop through small towns like Nowata and Delaware.
- Watching for old barns, oil pump jacks, and big-sky sunsets.
- Bringing a camera and pulling over safely for photos along quiet roads.
Some of the best
road trips near Bartlesville aren’t about big attractions — they’re about the journey, the playlist, and the conversations in the car.
Tips for Enjoying These Short Road Trips from Bartlesville
To make the most of your day trips:
- Check hours for museums and restaurants, especially in smaller towns.
- Bring water and snacks, just in case options are limited.
- Keep some cash on hand for small museums or local shops.
- Gas up before you leave Bartlesville so you don’t have to worry about finding a station.
If you like, you can even string a few of these together into a weekend loop — for example, Pawhuska + Tallgrass Prairie one day, then Claremore + Oologah Lake the next.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips Near Bartlesville
Have you taken any of these
short day trips from Bartlesville? Do you know a hidden diner, a quiet fishing spot, or a small-town festival in these nearby counties?
Drop your tips, stories, and questions in the comments — your experience might help someone plan their next adventure.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who live in or around Bartlesville. Sometimes the best getaways are just an hour down the road.
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