Things To Do In Pawhuska Oklahoma
If you follow along on my social media links, Facebook and Instagram, you know that earlier this month, my best friend, Bree and I spent a weekend in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. While Pawhuska is known as the birthplace of the FBI, Boy Scouts of America, and Western actor Ben Johnson, what it is probably most recently famous for is being the home of Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. Our trip to Pawhuska really revolved around a 3-night stay in Ree’s PW Boarding House, we also made sure to take in as much of the town and Osage County as possible. Boy, they did roll out the red carpet for a couple Midwest girls! So, without further ado, here are my list of Things To Do In Pawhuska Oklahoma!
Things To Do In Pawhuska Oklahoma: Where to Stay
The PW Boarding House
I plan to write a whole blog post later that just revolves around this amazing (A-MA-ZING!!!!) place. Even then I am not sure if words and pictures will do it justice. It is that beautiful!
The view outside wasn’t too bad either.
But.
This bathroom.
And the claw foot tub, deserve all the heart eye emojis!
Things To Do In Pawhuska Oklahoma: Where to Shop
The Mercantile
No trip to Pawhuska would be complete without a stop to shop at The Mercantile.
Full of souvenirs, kitchen supplies, gadgets, and really anything you can think of.
My favorite part about The Merc is how all of the merchandise is displayed to make it seem like an authentic “old school” mercantile.
Various drawers, shelves, baskets, and etc. hold products to make it such a special shopping experience.
Plus, Bree and I were there in December, everything was so beautifully decorated for Christmas, making the space seem extra magical!
Don’t forget to check out the bakery upstairs to take home some delicious homemade goodies.
The Pioneer Woman Collection Store
Pure Luck!
It became a bit of a theme the weekend that Bree and I were in Pawhuska.
We just happened to learn that the Saturday of our stay, was going to be the opening day of Ree’s new store, The Pioneer Woman Collection Store.
With a similar set up to that of The Merc, the Collection Store is where Ree is selling items from her Walmart product line.
Including the launch of her clothing brand.
(And yes…. I did buy this navy blue shirt!)
Downtown Pawhuska Shopping
Again, pure luck.
The weekend of our stay, many of Pawhuska’s small shops and stores held a Christmas Open House. Offering snacks, drinks, and great deals just in time to get all my Christmas shopping wrapped up.
Mimosas while I try and pick a beautiful hat from this wall at Osage Outfitters, don’t mind if I do!
Things To Do In Pawhuska Oklahoma: What to Eat
The Mercantile Deli
I’m certain if you looked the word Pawhuska up in the dictionary, the words “Great Food” would have to be part of the definition!
Bree and I made sure to hit up The Merc Deli at least once for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Okay… one day we were so FULL! from breakfast that we skipped lunch and went straight to dessert of homemade ice cream at Charlie’s Sweet Shop.
Another day for lunch, we just did all appetizers and side dishes!
Bree and I are slightly unconventional. And I love it!
Again, can’t forget about the dessert!
It was hard to choose my favorites from the menu, but here they are (in no particular order).
- The Ranch Hand Sandwich
- Homemade Ranch Dressing
P-Town Pizza
Pizza is one of my love languages.
The crust on the pizzas at P-Town is hands down the best I have ever had!
Paired with the huge offering of specialty (and super fun) cocktails, Bree and I made sure to hit up this spot a couple times during our stay.
If for no other reason then to die of heavenly bliss while eating these fried garlic-y dough balls of goodness.
Also known as, P-Town’s Knot Nots.
Holy. Cow.
Honorable Mention: The Boarding House
The Boarding House gets an honorable mention for providing some delicious drinks and snacks every day of our stay for their 5 o’clock happy hour.
Bree and I loved the chance to kick back, enjoy an adult beverage and reflect on our day’s adventures.
Things To Do In Pawhuska Oklahoma: What to See
The Pioneer Woman Lodge Tour
Here again comes in our weekend’s theme of “Pure Luck”.
Back in October, Ree’s Lodge, where she films all of her Food Network shows, was partially flooded because of a water main break. Because of the accident they had to cancel the ever popular Lodge Tours that are offered on day’s that Ree is not filming her show.
I kept checking back on the website, hoping and praying that everything would be fixed in time for our trip to Pawhuska.
A few days passed.
A few weeks.
A whole month.
And I started to worry. We would be in Pawhuska for a long weekend and not even be able to see the Drummond Ranch and Lodge!
Bummed was an understatement.
Then just a day or two before leaving, bam!, there it was the first day they were going to reopen the Lodge Tours was the first full day Bree and I would be in town.
Again. Pure luck!
The whole building is beautiful!
My biggest love was the pantry!
I took so many pictures in the Lodge (maybe to use for future house inspiration?) that similar to my pledge to bring you a whole post dedicated just to The Boarding House. Be prepared for a blog solo dedicated to all that is special about this beautiful building!
Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
Pawhuska is at the heart of Osage County. Which is the heart of Oklahoma ranching. Before supporting cattle operations, the grass and land supported thousands of head of buffalo.
Something that can still be experienced north of Pawhuska on the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.
The preserve is almost 40,000 acres of untouched prairie that includes a 15 mile loop through the grassland, giving you a taste of unspoiled nature.
Including, if you are lucky, a herd of bison close enough to the road to nab a few pictures.
The Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum
Bree and I are both lovers of westerns, rodeos, and really anything cowboy. So when we found out there is a museum in Pawhuska dedicated to the late Western actor, Ben Johnson Jr., we decided, why not?
In addition to displays about Mr. Johnson, the museum also housed information about famous area rodeo cowboys and large Osage County ranches.
Including a display dedicated to Drummond Ranch history.
Another display centered around PW herself!
Pawhuska Murals
Pawhuska likes to show its Native American and ranching roots. Probably one of its most beautiful ways of displaying that history is the murals around town.
Pawhuska Huskies Football
When I travel, I like to at least do one thing “like the locals”.
Another “Pure Luck” moment of the weekend was being in Pawhuska when their high school football team (which Ree’s sons Bryce, Jamar, and Todd play on) started their state playoff run.
It was a bit chilly, but still fun to watch the Huskies dominate on the field and win the game!
Christmas Light Parade
By now you have to be getting tired of me saying that our weekend had a ridiculous amount of “Pure Luck” happening. Well stick with me because it happened one more time!
The last night Bree and I were in Pawhuska, the town held a Christmas Light Parade!
Seriously.
Y’all.
It was like a scene out of a Hallmark Christmas movie! Such a special moment to be a part of.
Things To Do In Pawhuska Oklahoma: Who To Do Them With
My choice is my best friend, Bree!
This last year or two has brought a ton of changes and challenges to our personal lives. Even during a global pandemic it was wonderful to get “away” from our daily grind.
Fun side note… We did not plan the matching red Christmas truck masks. On our drive to Oklahoma, Bree brought up her new mask that a family member had made her and she brought along for the trip. Coincidentally, I had a separate family friend gift me with a mask made of the same material that I had also packed for our trip.
And this is why we have been best friends for over 20 years!
Especially because we can take funny pictures.
And also “nice” pictures.
Pawhuska is perfect for anyone to visit. Even if you aren’t all up on the latest happenings of the Drummond family, the people of Osage County are warm and inviting.
Even though it survives on “tourists”, you never feel that way. You are just another member of their close community.
So go ahead. Grab your best friends, sisters, mothers, and anyone else. P-Town is the perfect place to relax, reconnect, have fun, and kick up your cowboy boots!
I got a gift certificate for Christmas to the merc! can’t wait to go!
Barb, that is so exciting! The Pioneer Woman Plastic Wrap Dispenser is probably my favorite thing I purchased at the Merc. You will have so much fun shopping.
I lived in Pawhuska for 9 months or so and it IS a charming little town. It’s gotten bigger and maybe a hair busier. There are places I really liked there that you didn’t mention so I assume they are no longer there. I can’t remember their names anyway. I worked at the IGA – is it still there?
Thanks for sharing this. It’s been a pleasant walk down memory lane!
Hi Sandy! I’m so happy you could come along on a trip (again) in Pawhuska.