Pawhuska is a historical town that traces its roots to 1872 when it was known as Deep Ford. The town lies fifty-seven miles northwest of Tulsa in the heart of Osage County. It had an important place during the Osage oil boom but quickly fell off the oil map during the Great Depression. It’s no longer as important as it used to be, so you won’t find many big hotels in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. What you will find instead, are several gorgeous B&Bs.
Although the town is relatively small, there are quite a few things to experience here from its quaint museums to the sprawling outdoors. Pawhuska claims to be the place where the first Boy Scout troop in the US was organized in 1909 and with all the open space around, it’s easy to understand why. One of the best ways to experience all that the town has to offer is to take a Osage Historic/Scenic tour.
Where to Stay in Pawhuska, OK
Pawhuska is no sprawling metropolis so it really doesn’t matter which part of town you stay at. Main Street is where you’ll find several shops and restaurants. While one of the most popular destinations is The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, you’ll find other attractions too in the vicinity.
Like we mentioned earlier, hotels in Pawhuska, Oklahoma are in short supply. While you will find many B&Bs and some great hotels too, don’t expect a wide range of hotels like you would find in Oklahoma City. The big city is just a little over two hours from here so if you’re staying in one of the best hotels in Oklahoma City, you could even make a day trip to Pawhuska.
If you’re visiting Pawhuska, another good place to base yourself is at Bartlesville, which is about 30 minutes away. Besides the wider range of accommodation, you’ll also find quite a few attractions to explore in this city.
Historic Whiting Hotel Suites
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If you’re looking for hotels in Pawhuska, Oklahoma with history, the Historic Whiting Hotel Suites is the place for you. Built in the 1920s, the hotel was once a popular choicer for newlyweds and oil field workers. However, over the last few years, it has transformed itself into cozy suites, loaded with history. The hotel enjoys a great location on Main Street and is adjacent to many shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It’s a short drive to the Osage Tribal Museum and Tallgrass Prairie Preserve from here.
Each of the suites here is uniquely designed to reflect the characteristics of the region. Some rooms also feature the original Murphy bed frames that have been in use for almost a century. Suites are located on the upper-level balcony and accessed by two staircases. Rooms come equipped with refrigerators, microwaves, and coffeemakers. They also have a full bath with shower/tub combos or a vintage claw foot soaking tub. Apart from the in-room amenities, you won’t find much else here.
Holiday Inn Express, Bartlesville
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Since hotels in Pawhuska are in short supply, a good idea would be to stay at nearby Bartlesville. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Bartlesville is a good choice for someone looking for affordable accommodation. It’s a 30-minute drive from here to Pawhuska but you can also explore popular attractions in Bartlesville too. Washington Park Mall is just across the street.
This is one of the newest Bartlesville hotels so the interiors still feel fresh. Comfortable guest rooms feature triple-sheeted plush beds. You’ll also find a good range of in-room amenities.
Guests enjoy a free hot breakfast each morning which comprises a rotating menu. If you feel like staying in you can also order room service from an off-site restaurant. A heated indoor pool and whirlpool are at your disposal as well as a well-equipped fitness center.
The Mabelle
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You won’t find many hotels in Pawhuska, Oklahoma but you will find plenty of gorgeous B&Bs like the historic Mabelle. This 1922 home is conveniently situated near the Pioneer Woman Mercantile. There are plenty of restaurants and shops in the vicinity.
This beautiful home was built in the era of the Craftsman but has been upgraded to fuse the old with the new. Each of the three bedrooms has a unique décor and can be booked individually or as a group. However, there is a shared bath. Guests have access to the kitchen, breakfast room, and formal dining room. Amenities at the house include an indoor fireplace, air conditioning, toiletry, and an equipped kitchen.
Candlewood Suites, Bartlesville
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Candlewood Suites is another Bartlesville hotel that is a good option for extended stays. It’s a convenient location near the Bartlesville Regional Airport and Hwy 75 provides easy access to Tulsa or other places nearby. Bartlesville’s attractions and businesses are also easy to access from here.
This all-suite pet-friendly property comes with spacious kitchens and a flexible workspace. The kitchens are equipped with appliances and dishes, while the rooms come with home comforts. There’s an onsite convenience store to help stock up your kitchen. A business center and fitness center complete the range of amenities at the Candlewood Suites.
Frontier Hotel
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Right in the heart of downtown Pawhuska, you’ll find the iconic Frontier Hotel, a five-story triangular building that resembles New York’s Flatiron Building. The triangular piece of land on which the building stands lay vacant for many years till 1915. The flat iron building was constructed to house over 100 lawyers and other businesses during the Oil Boom. However, when the oil boom died out the Triangle Building closed its door and lay dormant for years until its renovation.
In 2017 a $3 million renovation transformed the historic building into a 20 room boutique hotel. Most of its original features were lovingly restored to create a unique, welcoming space. The suites have comfortable, ranch-style interiors, with king and queen bed plus a pull out sofa. It also has a kitchenette and plenty of modern comforts. You’ll get to taste a slice of the building’s history in the Osage Double Queen room at the corner of the building with its ten large windows. Given the size of the property, there’s not much else on offer for guests.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Pawhuska, OK:
- Buffalo Joe’s Drive-in – This quaint restaurant on Main Street serves up some excellent American favorites. They’re known for their delicious burgers and are open for all meals.
- The Pioneer Woman Mercantile – The extensive menu of sandwiches and other delicious treats at this restaurant is definitely worth the trip here. The Mercantile is one of the most visited places in town not just for the restaurant but for the local handicrafts and other things on offer.
- P-Town Pizza – If you love pizza you’ll definitely relish the wood-fired pizzas and other tasty bites at this popular restaurant in town.
Recommended Activities In Pawhuska, OK:
- Immaculate Conception Church – Even if you’re not an art aficionado you’ll definitely appreciate the exquisite stained glass windows at this church with their 3D effect.
- Osage Nation Museum – This museum has the distinction of being the oldest tribally owned museum in the country. It’s one of the best places in town to understand its roots and all that makes it tick.
- Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum – If cowboys and their culture fascinate you, you’ll definitely enjoy your time at this museum which prides itself on being a melting pot of cowboys, western heritage, and the boom of the oil era.
