52.1 miles from my house is Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Frank Phillips, Phillps 66, established his 3,700-acre ranch in the Osage Hills in 1925. I went on field trips to Woolaroc as a kid and never appreciated it. I will say as an adult I feel like this is a hidden treasure. Today Woolaroc is a fun day trip where you can see buffalo, zebras, and donkeys. You can explore the museum and look at native art you can go inside the home of the Phillips, and you can hike all over the beautiful estate. The best part is it is puppy-friendly.
How Much It Cost To Get Into Woolaroc? If you are an Okie looking for a day trip or if you are visiting from out of town Woolaroc is affordable. The cost to get in is $14 for adults and kids 12 and under are free. They do have military and senior discounts. Once you pay at the gate the only other thing that costs is the gift shop and the concession.
The Mountain Man Camp: This was the highlight of our day. Brothers Wes and Roger Butcher have recreated the life of a fur trader in the 1840's. We got to set inside a real tipi with a fire, where one of the brothers told us about all the animal skins inside the tipi and what they would have been used for. I had to ask for a close-up picture because I was absolutely amazed. Then after we exiting the tipi Tyler got to shoot a black powder long gun. How freaking cool is this?
I of course recorded Tyler shooting the gun. Here is the video. If you want to see more pictures I took at Woolarock click here: https://adobe.ly/3xcQnmr
The Animals: My favorite part was the animals on the drive up to the Museum. As soon as you go through the entrance you start seeing them. I totally got out of the car a few times to capture a few photos. I wish I would have brought my other lens. You can get so close and they are absolutely beautiful in this setting. I feel like I would go back just to look at the animals again.
The Museum & The House: I'm not much of a museum person but Willaroc was able to capture my attention. There are literally thousands of pieces of art. Mr. Phillps had a vision many moons ago about educating the youth and future generations of man's past that will enable them to plan and live a happier future. I think he did an amazing job. It really is like taking a step back in history. There was some art that literally made my jaw drop. There is a lot of "trophies" on the wall. The gift shop worker told me every animal has at one time lived on the ranch. This made me wonder if today we would see Mr. Phillips as a Tiger King?
Would I go back? Absolutely. I am already planning to go back this month and hike the trials. Woolaroc is magical and is a step back to a simpler time. I highly encourage you to skip Starbucks this week and take a trip to Woolaroc. Live Beyond The Click and don't forget to share your pictures with me.