Woolaroc: Museum, Wildlife Refuge, and Oklahoma Landmark
The lodge that Phillips built was patterned after the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon. Rustic pine walls and Old West decor including chandeliers fashioned from antlers characterize the place he called his home away from home. A back terrace overlooks Clyde Lake and is surrounded by 3,600 acres of near wilderness.
Visitors can tour this Lodge which remains furnished as it was during Phillips’ life. They can also visit the Woolaroc Musuem. The facility began in a smaller structure to house Frank Phillips’ own growing art collection. As his collection grew, his ambition increased until he had a self-directed mission. To preserve the history and culture of the Southwestern United States, he began collecting artifacts from around the nation and world. Iowa born, Phillips was fascinated with the Old West so both his home and collections demonstrate that interest.
Already impressive before his death, the Woolaroc Musuem collections include Navajo blankets, Western artworks that include works by Frederick Remington and Charles Russell, firearms, Native American items that include clothing, tools, and more, gowns from former First Ladies, and too many items to list.
The museum, lodge, and grounds of the estate were left to the public upon Phillips death. Frank Phillips had already introduced buffalo and long horned cattle to his ranch. With an interest in wildlife, he had also added species that included yaks, camels, and black swans. Some proved unsuited to the Oklahoma climate but today the descendents of the original buffalo and cattle roam among elk, deer, bison, ostriches, and emu. A two-mile drive through the wooded estate allows visitors to catch a glimspe of these creatures. There is also a petting zoo.
The Oil Patch camp recreates the early days of Oklahoma’s oil boom with an emphasis on the importance of “black gold” within the state. Each spring and fall, an 1840’s era trader’s camp is set up north of the museum. During the month of June, the Bartlesville Mozart Festial is held with an outdoor concert on the back terrace of the lodge. Native American dancing precedes the annual concert and fireworks are the finale. The festival is always sold out so interested persons should buy tickets well in advance.
Woolaroc is open year round. Adult admissions are $5 and senior citizens are $4. Children under 11 are admitted free so a trip to Woolaroc makes a fun, affordable family outing.
Woolaroc is located twelve miles southwest of Bartlesville, Oklahoma on State Route 123. For additional details, prospective visitors may phone 1-888-966-5276.
