Chamber Chat

When you think about Ponca City, do you think we are a tourist destination? If not, I know you are not alone. However Ponca City is truly a tourist destination. This is what we promote at our tourism shows.

First off, we have a 55-room castle with 24-karat gold leaf-covered ceilings and million-dollar chandeliers. There is nothing in the southwest like the Marland Mansion. It is one of America’s top five castles. It is truly incredible and everyone is overwhelmed with its beauty and architecture.

We have the largest collection of memorabilia from the famous 101 Ranch housed at Marland’s Grand Home, plus an incredible collection of Native American artifacts. The Grand Home has one of Oklahoma’s first indoor swimming pools. It is always so impressive to visitors.

Ponca City is home to the largest bronze statue, Ponca Chief Standing Bear, in Oklahoma. The museum tells the story of our six tribes that call our area home. The grounds are beautiful with a great trail system.

We have the largest collection of oriental art, some say in the United States. This type of art can only be seen in Ponca City.

Our hand-painted movie lobby art at the historic Poncan Theatre can only be seen in Ponca City. There is not another collection of this size anywhere else in the United States.

The Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum tells the story of women throughout the decades. It is a one-of-a-kind museum.

Wentz Swimming Pool and Camp is by far the most beautiful swimming pool anywhere. The pool and view are awesome.

What other Oklahoma rural community has a 10-acre botanical garden? The trails are great, especially in the spring and summer.

We have not even gotten to our lakes, casinos, disc golf courses, annual events, dining, historic City Hall, shopping, golf courses, mountain bike trails, beautiful downtown, Destination Exploration, and unique murals. I guarantee you I have left out something!

Ponca City is at least a two-day destination and that is economic development for all of us to benefit from.