Discovery 1 Park
Oklahoma’s oil production got its start in Bartlesville in 1897 when the Nellie Johnstone No. 1 Oil Well hit a gusher on the banks of the Caney River. That first well operated until 1964, when the site was donated to the city of Bartlesville. Local preservationists soon built a replica of the Nellie Johnstone on the site to recount oil’s role in Bartlesville and Oklahoma history.
The replica well is in Discovery 1 Park. With advance arrangements, groups can have docent presentations at the Nellie Johnstone. After their talks, docents activate the pump, which sends water gushing high into the air.
Historic Dewey
Just four miles north of Bartlesville, the town of Dewey gives visitors several ways to connect with the area’s Western history. One favorite experience for groups is a visit to the Tom Mix Museum, which tells the story of the early Western movie star. Next, groups can stop in at the historic Dewey Hotel Museum, which preserves a hotel built in town in 1900.
There are a number of small shops and restaurants for visitors to enjoy in Dewey, including one restaurant with a performance area. The Bartlesville CVB can help groups arrange presentations by area Native American heritage organizations to accompany meals there.
Pioneer Woman Mercantile
About 30 miles west of Bartlesville in Pawhuska, the Pioneer Woman Mercantile attracts thousands of visitors each day. Built by Ree Drummond, who came to culinary fame as a food blogger and host of the Food Network’s “Pioneer Woman,” the mercantile is a restored building in downtown Pawhuska that was constructed in 1910. Today, the 25,000-square-foot complex features a deli, a bakery and a retail shop with country-themed merchandise for sale. Numerous members of the Drummond family spend time at the Merc, as they call it, so fans may get a chance to meet the Pioneer Woman during their visits.
Most of Pawhuska’s overnight accommodations are in bed-and-breakfasts, so groups looking to visit the Mercantile often stay in Bartlesville.
