Was I pleasantly surprised by my recent visit to Ponca City. I’ve not been to this city since a friend’s wedding many years ago, but had I done my research earlier, this would have been on our family’s summer activity “must see and do” list when our kids were young. Ideally, an overnight stay is needed. But, only 90 miles from the Oklahoma City Metro makes Ponca City an easy destination to come back to for multiple visits.

Rich in History
Named after one of the six Native American tribes that once surrounded the area, Ponca City was formed in 1893
with the first known “town lot drawing” whereby lots were literally drawn out of a hat for residents and/or business owners. From there, the history of Ponca City just gets richer and is shown off in the 14 museums offered throughout the city. Here are a few that I recommend:

The Pioneer Woman Museum (701 Monument Rd). Most Oklahomans are familiar with the famous statue depicting a pioneer mother standing defiantly with her young son. The corresponding 10,000 square foot museum showcases women who have pioneered in various fields throughout Oklahoma’s history and honors the daily life of early Cherokee Strip woman settlers. Admission is $3; open Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm. 580-765-6108.

The Marland Mansion (901 Monument Rd). Constructed in the style of an Italian Renaissance villa in 1928, this opulent 43,561 square foot mansion showcases the intricate ornamentation of E.W. Marland’s second custom-built home that boasted a $5.5 million price tag at the time. Open daily 10am-5pm, Sundays 1-5pm. Group and guided tours are available. (Marland’s first home is also on tour at 1000 E Grand).

Conoco Museum (501 W South Ave). Ponca City may be best known for its oil industry, and the Conoco Museum provides the story. Visitors will enjoy the colorful and interactive displays. Parents will appreciate the old commercials. (Remember when service attendants dressed in hats and uniforms cleaned your window with a smile?) Kids can play service attendant in a replica station complete with a working gravity-fed gas pump. Free admission. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm.

Poncan Theatre (104 E Grand). Built in 1927, the beautiful and ornate Poncan Theatre is a museum in its own right. Now used as a performing arts center, the lobby’s walls are adorned with vintage movie posters. July’s events include free family film festival showings and a live production of the musical, “Grease.” Call 866-763-8092 or visit PoncaCityTourism.com for schedules and tickets.

Outside Fun
There are plenty of options for having fun in the sun in Ponca City. Oh, my kids would have loved these places!

Sun’N Fun Water Park (8900 Lake Rd). Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this cool retreat will thrill with water slides, a wave pool, bumper boats and a lazy river, arcade, kiddy rides and food grill. Located west of town, general admission is $11.95, less for children under six, groups of 20 or more and at sunset. 580-762-5999.

Wentz Pool (905 W Hartford Ave). Donated by one of Ponca City’s biggest philanthropists, Lew Wentz, this large pool is 50 feet wide and 150 feet long with two diving boards. Built in 1928 as part of a group camp, Wentz Pool is beautifully located off Lake Ponca. While part of Wentz Camp (a group camp with cabins available for rental), the pool is open to the public for an affordable daily rate of $2 for adults and $1 for children.

Kaw Lake and Lake Ponca. These two lakes are available for all the usual family lake recreation—but you’ll need to bring your own boat and supplies. At 16,000 surface acres, Kaw Lake is the larger of the two and is run by the Army Corp of Engineers. Lake Ponca is a beautiful, smaller oasis run by the city.

Where to Eat
Great restaurants abound in Ponca City. Here are a couple of suggestions:

Zino’s Italian Restaurant (200 N Second). “Yum” is just one word to describe the unique Italian fare. We sat on the shaded patio of this quaint, corner downtown area gem for lunch. Owner, Zinee Rhazi, suggested the stuffed mushroom appetizer and my husband and I opted to split the Zino’s Veal entree served with dill, mushrooms, shallots and brandy cream sauce. Everything was scrumptious and what family member doesn’t love good Italian food? Open daily, closed Sundays. 580-718-0104.

Daily Grind (202 E Grand Ave). A “small” coffee shop, this local favorite offers a large menu of
unique and sizeable sandwiches, salads, and beverages for breakfast, lunch and dinner. View the menu at TheDailyGrinder.com. 580-762-5594.

Whether for a day, multiple visits or an overnight or two, Ponca City is a definite must see and do family destination. But take your kids now or before you know it, they’ll be grown. For more information on attractions, eateries or overnight accommodations, call 866- 763-8092 or visit PoncaCityTourism.com.

Karen Mitchell, a lifelong resident of the Oklahoma City metro area, lives in Edmond with her husband, Mark, teenage son, Ryan, and one spoiled Welsh Corgi. Daughter, Megan, attends college in Stillwater.