Bartlesville

Bartlesville is a small city in northeastern Oklahoma's Green Country region, approximately 45 miles (72 km) north of Tulsa. Founded in 1875, the city grew rapidly with the discovery of oil and became the headquarters of Phillips Petroleum Company, now merged into ConocoPhillips. The city's oil boom heritage is visible in its distinctive Art Deco architecture, most notably the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Price Tower.

With a population of roughly 37,000, Bartlesville offers a blend of small-town charm and cultural sophistication. The city is known for its well-preserved historic downtown, thriving arts scene, and the annual OK Mozart International Music Festival. The surrounding Green Country landscape features rolling hills, lakes, and forests, making it a pleasant base for exploring northeastern Oklahoma.

Climate is humid subtropical with hot summers (average highs around 93°F / 34°C) and cold winters (average highs around 48°F / 9°C). Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons to visit, with mild temperatures and colorful foliage.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Tulsa International Airport (TUL), approximately 50 miles (80 km) south. From TUL, take US-75 North to Bartlesville. A rental car is recommended for the drive, which takes about 50 minutes.

By Car / Road

Bartlesville is easily accessible via US-75, which runs north-south through the city. From Tulsa, take US-75 North approximately 50 miles. From Oklahoma City, take US-75 North approximately 160 miles. US-60 also connects the city to the east and west.

Bartlesville is a car-friendly city with easy navigation. Downtown is walkable, with most attractions within a short distance. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft operate in the area. Local taxi services are also available.

• Frank Lloyd Wright Price Tower and Arts Center — 510 Dewey Ave, ☏ +1 918 336-4949. Tu–Sa 10AM–5PM, Su noon–5PM. The only remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed skyscraper, originally slated for New York. The 19-floor tower features world-class art exhibits and tours. Adults $4, Under 16 Free.

• First Presbyterian Church — A striking mid-century modern building resembling a sailing ship, with unique abstract stained glass. Free, donations accepted.

• Bartlesville Area History Museum — Features exhibits on the city's oil heritage and local history.

• Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve — A 3,700-acre preserve with a museum housing art and artifacts collected by Frank Phillips, founder of Phillips Petroleum.

• Red Apple Sports Center — 1414 SE Washington Blvd, ☏ +1 918 333-6640. Open daily. Features glow-in-the-dark bowling on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Jo Allyn Lowe Park — A city park with an arboretum, fishing lake, and a 1920s log cabin.

• Price Tower Plaza — Dine on the 15th and 16th floors of the Frank Lloyd Wright tower with panoramic views of the city.

• OK Mozart International Music Festival — An annual summer festival featuring classical music performances throughout the city.

Bartlesville offers a range of dining options from casual to upscale. Local fare includes classic American comfort food, barbecue, and Mexican cuisine.

• Price Tower Plaza — 510 Dewey Ave, ☏ +1 918 336-1000. The only restaurant on the Great Plains decorated with Prairie-Style decor, matching the original architect's designs.

• Grill 66 — Located at Hotel Phillips, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with classic American dishes.

• Local diners and cafes — Downtown Bartlesville has several casual eateries serving burgers, sandwiches, and home-style cooking.

• Price Tower Plaza — The restaurant and bar on the 15th and 16th floors of the Price Tower offers cocktails and wine with city views.

• Local cafes — Downtown Bartlesville has several coffee shops and casual drinking establishments.

Tap water in Bartlesville is safe to drink.

• Budget — Several budget motels along US-75 offer rooms starting around $60–80 per night.

• Mid-range — Hotel Phillips, ☏ +1 918-336-5800, toll-free +1-800-331-0706. A nice medium-size hotel with the Grill 66 restaurant. Room prices range from $85 to $190 per night, with weekend rates starting at $49.

• Upscale / heritage — The Price Tower offers unique lodging within the Frank Lloyd Wright tower for a distinctive architectural experience.

• Red Dirt Soap Company — 118 W. Second St, ☏ +1 918 338-2276. Quality soaps and bathing products named for Oklahoma's red earth.

• Windle's Jewelry — 3430 SE Washington Blvd, ☏ +1 918 333-2814. One of Oklahoma's finest Native American jewelry stores.

• Washington Park Mall — 2350 SE Washington Blvd, ☏ +1 918 335-2535. Regional shopping mall with Dillard's and Durham's Sport as anchors.

• Tulsa (50 miles south) — Explore Art Deco architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife.

• Dewey (10 miles west) — Remember the King of the Cowboys and visit local historical sites.

• Pawhuska (40 miles northwest) — Tribal Headquarters of the Osage Nation and home to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

• Ponca City (60 miles west) — Visit the Marland Mansion and explore oil baron history.