Tour Description

What’s in Ponca City, Oklahoma you ask? Great question, and we’d be glad to show you! Reserve your spot on this great little getaway, and discover an entire world in northern Oklahoma all to itself. You’ll be amazed at all we’ve packed into this short trip. Here was home to Standing Bear, who stood before the US District Court in 1879 gaining equal rights for Native Americans. We’ll explore the scandalous life of E.W. Marland by touring several of his estates, one known as “The Palace on the Prairie” and the other as one of America’s castles. The Conoco Museum, the historic Poncan Theater and the Cann Memorial Garden are also on the itinerary for these back-to-back action and adventure packed days.

Day 1:

Lodging: Fairfield Inn and Suites

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

A short trip means a short travel day. Have no worries – we are not cutting corners. We will escort you in style with our quality coach and safe-rated driver as we roll on over to Ponca City. Standing tall and only just a few miles apart, two bronze statues stand as tribute to people who shared this land. Their stories are of endurance, hope, pride and determination. The bronze statues represent the Ponca Native people who landed after the Cherokee outlet land run in 1893. We’ll meet Madame Opal, our accompanying guide throughout the Pioneer Woman Museum. The entrance is engraved with, “I see no boundaries,” as the museum pays tribute to all eras of pioneer women. We have a special lunch slated at the Marland Mansion followed by a tour. This Mansion is modeled after Davazati Palace in Florence, Italy. Early afternoon finds us touring the Conoco Museum, giving life to the extensive collection celebrating 125-year success in this international energy company. We’ll land at our hotel giving you a bit of time to rest. Our next destination is one where the doors first opened in 1927 and will open in 2015 for you! This evening finds us at a National Register Property, the Poncan Theater. Making Memories invites you to dinner at a local favorite the El Patio, where we will delight in authentic Mexican food.

Day 2:

Meals: Breakfast

The Native American culture here honors six tribes around Ponca City. Visiting the Standing Bear Native Museum and Park will ensure we see tribal displays while taking in the 22’ bronze statue giving tribute to his story. Next we arrive at the E.W. Marland Grand Estate, this modest 22 room home with 8 acres of formal gardens was home to the politician and successful business man who lived an eye-raising family life. This is one of the first indoor swimming pools installed in the state of Oklahoma! The expected mid-70s temperature makes our stop at the Cann Memorial Gardens delightful. This 10-acre estate is in the heart of Ponca City. Built in 1908, this home has been lovingly refurbished with shade patios and 2500 feet of brick walkways. The winding paths invite you to explore the formal gardens and over 70 species of trees. After these exciting visits, we head home just in time for you to catch the weekend and share your unique Making Memories experience with others!