Go Back in Time at the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum in Pawnee, Oklahoma

Of all the museums in the Sooner State, the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is one of the best. Nestled about halfway between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, this hidden gem has something for everyone. Visitors from all the world have enjoyed the exhibits and the beautiful scenery.

The Pawnee Bill Ranch was the home of the world-famous Gordon W. “Pawnee Bill” Lillie and his wife, May. The 14-room mansion still contains the original furnishings from when Pawnee Bill and May lived there. The tour of the home is spectacular. When there, pay close attention to the playroom where their son lived. The tour of the mansion takes about 45 minutes. The guides, dressed in period clothing, are informative and friendly. They love answering questions and pointing out little tidbits that make the tour even more interesting.

In addition to the tour Pawnee Bill’s home, there is also the museum. There, visitors will find all sorts of artifacts from The Pawnee Bill Wild West Show. Original posters for the wild west show, photographs, and other memorabilia is a blast from the past that should not be missed.

Before leaving the mansion and the museum, be sure to take the drive around grounds. The one-lane road is well-maintained and leads visitors through the pastures. Don’t forget your camera! You will want to take photos of the bison, longhorn cattle and draft horses that live there. If you visit in the spring and summer, you might be able to take a photo of a mother bison nursing her calf. We went on a school field trip and had a blast!

Feel free to call ahead (918 762 2513) and check the hours of operations. They are open year round, closed for major holidays, but weather can change their hours. Children under five are free and students, six to 18 years old, the admission price is $4. Admission for adults is only $7, and the price for seniors is $5. Veterans and members of the military put away your money – admission is free when you bring your military I.D.

Although you may have never heard of Pawnee Bill, after you visit the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum, you will never forget him. His legacy will not leave you. With its proximity to both Oklahoma City and Tulsa, it is a must-see for Oklahoma day trippers as well as anyone driving through the Sooner State.

Sources: http://www.okhistory.org/sites/pawneebill.php,
Pawnee Bill Ranch Historic Site & Museum | TravelOK.com – Oklahoma’s Official Travel & Tourism Site
[Featured Image via Attribution: Jzwei at English Wikipedia]

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