Ponca City Tourist Attractions
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Ponca City (pop. 30,000) is located in north central Oklahoma. The town was created during the land runs of the late 1800s. The settlement was built in the midst of the Cherokee Strip which was reserved for the American Indians. President Grover Cleveland opened the land for settlement. The town has many historic attractions.
Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum
The Pioneer Woman is a bronze statue of a young, sun-bonneted pioneer mother, protectively leading her son by the hand. The monument stands on a quarter section of land homesteaded in 1893. In October, 1926, E.W. Marland invited sculptors to submit designs in the form of small models which were then voted on - Bryan Baker's entry was the most popular.The Pioneer Woman Museum pays tribute to women from all races, creeds and nationalities who have contributed to the development of Oklahoma. "A Oklahoma Woman" is an exhibit that looks at the lives of 16 different woman.
Marland Estate Mansion
The Marland Estate Mansion in Ponka City was the second home of E.W. Marland. It took three years to build and construction was completed in 1928. There are 55 rooms, including 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, 7 fireplaces, and 3 kitchens. The Estate has several small historic museums housed in original buildings that have been restored.
Bryant Baker Studio
The Bryant Baker studio in the Marland Mansion in Ponca City showcases the life of the sculptor of the "Pioneer Woman Statue" which still stands in the town today. Bryant Baker's New York studio was moved to the Marland Mansion after his death in 1970.During his career Baker made more than 100 sculptures. The museum collection includes 44 plaster and bronze busts and model sized statues, divided into four areas of interest: the President's Gallery, British Subjects, Mythological Creatures, and Pioneer Women.
Marland's Grand Home
E.W. Marland's home on Grand was built in 1916. He was a millionaire oilman and the 10th governor of Oklahoma. The 22 room home had one of the first indoor swimming pools in the state and eight acres of formal gardens.
Indian Museum
The Indian Museum is located in the Marland Grand Home. It contains a collection of artifacts representing more than 30 tribes from across the United States. Arrowheads, knife sheaths, moccasins, and an Osage Wedding Costume are displayed.Two of the most historically significant highlights are original peace treaties signed by the U.S. Army and the Kanza Tribe in 1815 and 1825. The Indians signed the 1815 treaty in blood.
101 Ranch Room
The 101 Ranch Room is located in Marland's Grand Home in Ponca City. The 101 Ranch was home to hundreds of participants in the famous 101 Wild West Show which traveled the world from 1908 to 1929. Memorabilia includes saddles, ropes, and photographs.
D.A.R. Memorial Museum
The D.A.R. Museum is located in the attic of the Marland's Grand Home in Ponca City. Exhibits include relics and artifacts such as a 13-star U.S. flag, documents, clothing and furnishings that have been donated by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Ponca City Art Center
The Ponca City Art Center is housed in the Soldani Mansion built by Anthony Godance Soldani, a French Osage Indian. The house features artists' exhibits, art classes, workshops, and an annual Fine Arts Festival.
Sun 'n Fun Water Park
The Sun 'n Fun Water Park is located east of Ponca City. It features waterpark attractions as well as go-karts, bumper boats, mini-golf and kiddie rides. There is an on-site campground with games room, horseshoes and shuffleboard.
