Pioneer Woman Museum, Ponca City

Built to honor the pioneering spirit of the women who settled Oklahoma, the Pioneer Woman Museum offers a collection of memorabilia and educational exhibits designed to educate young and old alike in the history of pioneering women and their struggles to settle the prairies of Oklahoma.

The Education Center features the Pioneer Woman Museum Wall of Fame. Visitors can look at Oklahoma’s past from the perspective of 16 different women. Though their lives were very different, each was a pioneer.

The museum is used extensively by elementary school children who can explore exhibits depicting artifacts of the period including authentic clothing and musical instruments. An interactive display allows hands-on play and guessing games aimed at emersion in the period.

Across the street from the museum the Pioneer Woman is captured in the bronze statue of a young, sunbonneted pioneer mother, leading her son by the hand, eyes fixed on the far southwestern horizon. The design of Bryant Baker was chosen from one of 17 submitted by leading sculptors of the period. Unveiling ceremonies were held on April 22, 1930.

The Pioneer Woman Museum is located at 701 Monument, Ponca City, For admission and hours of operation, call 580/765-6108.

Getting there: Ponca City is less than two hours by car from Oklahoma City. Take I-35 north from Oklahoma City, then turn east on I-40 toward Amarillo, where you’ll find Ponca City just a few miles distance.

Where to stay: When visiting the “Sooner State” or taking an Oklahoma vacation, Ponca City is a “must see” for history buffs. There are a handful of hotels to enjoy for overnight stays. One of the nicest is Fairfield Inn by Marriott. You’ll also find affordable chain hotels such as Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn. It makes the trip well worth the effort.