(FREE) 10 Things to Love About Ponca City
Story by Kelsey Wagner | Editor In Chief
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Ponca City is a community that holds a special place in the hearts of its residents. From Ponca City’s rich history to its vibrant cultural scene and natural beauty, Ponca City offers a diverse array of experiences that make it a truly unique and lovable place to call home. Here are the top ten things to love about our wonderful city:
1. Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum
Standing tall as a symbol of strength and resiliency, the Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum originally paid homage to the “pioneering women” who shaped the American West. The awe-inspiring statue and the museum's exhibits provided a glimpse into the frontier spirit that helped build the nation. Over the last several decades new exhibits have been added dedicated to Pioneering Women of Oklahoma. The Pioneer Woman Museum, as stated on their website, is “dedicated to preserving women’s history and showcasing the historical and continued influence of women on the development of Oklahoma and the United States”. Baker stated in a letter to Gareth Muchmore “I have frequently been asked who posed for my statue, the Pioneer Woman, and I have to tell them no one did,” said Baker. He continued, summarizing his inspiration behind the strong, female statue, “She is the “abstract, beautiful, ideal woman of the spirit of great faith and hope,” Baker said.
2. Lake Ponca
In his book, The Immense Journey "The Flow of the River" (1957) Loren Eiseley wrote that, “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” I tend to agree. If I am having a bad day, or need a break from the daily grind, a drive out by Lake Ponca is a healing drive. When the weather is nice, a walk by the lake is even better. On any given nice day there are dozens if not hundreds of people out by, near or on Lake Ponca, enjoying it in one way or another. Originally constructed in 1926 as a water reservoir, Lake Ponca has evolved over the decades to become not only a vital water source but also a recreational haven for residents and visitors alike. Lake Ponca provides a picturesque backdrop for local outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking. Its well-maintained parks, walking trails and swimming beach offers those seeking tranquility and natural beauty a miniature escape from the great, wheat covered plains of Oklahoma. Lake Ponca it a true asset to Ponca City, where generations have created lasting memories against the backdrop of its serene waters.
3. Historic Marland Mansion
The Marland Mansion, once the home of oil baron E.W. Marland, is a marvel of architecture and history. Take a guided tour to explore the opulent rooms, intricate artwork, and gardens that surround this iconic mansion. Originally built in the 1920s by E.W. Marland, the mansion is a symbol of Ponca City’s historic oil boom era and the opulence it brought to the community. Its stunning architecture, a blend of Italian Renaissance and Mediterranean Revival styles, stands as a testament to the grandeur of a treasured time in Ponca City’s history and enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
4. Ponca City Development Authority
Most communities have some sort of Economic Development organization that either operates with the city structure or perhaps within the Chamber. Ponca City is particularly lucky to have a stand-alone economic development organization that is funded by a dedicated sales tax. Ponca City Development Authority (“PCDA”) has an entire team of creative professionals whose primary job is to look for ways to create new economic opportunities for businesses that will bring in new wealth to our community. PCDA routinely wins state and national awards for their innovative and forward-thinking programs.
5. Ponca City Herb Festival
The Herb Festival in Ponca City is an annual celebration that holds a special place in the hearts of both residents and visitors. Attended annually by over 10,000 visitors, this event has grown to be one of the largest and most successful horticultural events in the state of Oklahoma. What makes the festival truly exceptional is its unique blend of horticultural expertise, culinary dishes, and a vibrant community atmosphere. This event offers attendees the opportunity to explore a wide variety of herbs, plants, and gardening décor from vendors from far and wide, making it a staple for gardening enthusiasts. The festival also features live music, art vendors, and a warm, welcoming ambiance. It's a day to celebrate nature, and the event itself is the unofficial opening to summer to our community.
6. 101 Wild West Rodeo
The 101 Wild West Rodeo is one of Ponca City's most cherished and largest annual events, drawing in crowds from near and far, and for good reason. The 101 Wild West Rodeo gets its name and inspiration from the 101 Ranch Wild West Show, a legendary entertainment spectacle that showcased cowboy skills, daring stunts, and Native American culture that captured the spirit of the Old West in Ponca City, Oklahoma, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The 101 Wild West Rodeo has kept the spirit of the Wild West show alive for over 60 years. Beyond its entertainment value, the 101 Wild West Rodeo plays a pivotal role in preserving Ponca City's cowboy culture and history. In essence, the 101 Wild West Rodeo is a beloved tradition that combines adrenaline-pumping rodeo action with a celebration of Ponca City's heritage, making it one of the most eagerly anticipated and biggest events in the city's calendar.
7. Education Excellence
Ponca City takes pride in its top-notch education system. The city is home to exceptional schools that provide quality learning experiences and foster the growth of young minds. Ponca City Public Schools passed a 60 million dollar bond issue in 2022, and that investment marks
a significant milestone in the district's commitment to providing top-notch educational and sports facilities. With a new cutting-edge STEM building currently underway, PCPS is poised to have some of the best learning environments in the state. The upgrades and improvements include state-of-the-art classrooms, enhanced safety measures, and expanded educational resources.
8. The FOOD
Ponca City boasts a diverse culinary scene with a variety of restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences. For those seeking classic American fare, Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters and Jim’s Jumbo Burger are both local favorites, serving up mouthwatering American dishes that never disappoint. Rusty Barrell Supper Club is known for being “The best little steakhouse in Oklahoma”, specializing in perfectly cooked steaks in an elegant atmosphere with some of the best cocktails around. Enrique's Mexican Restaurant and El Patio are both the best go-to spots for authentic Mexican cuisine, where flavorful tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas take center stage. If you're in the mood for sushi and Japanese delights, Sakura is the place to be, offering an extensive menu of fresh and creative sushi rolls. For a delightful breakfast or brunch experience, Provisions Coffee House or the Ponca City Country are both ideal choices, but other fan favorite breakfast spots include Garrett Wranglers and Perkins. For an authentic Italian meal, there’s only one option – Napolis Italian Eatery.
View Amy Guerin’s Food Crush Guides to local eateries here: FoodCrushOK.com
View the Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to Ponca City on the Visit Ponca City website here: VisitPoncaCity.com/foodie
9. Wildcat Spirit
Several years ago, Ponca City Public Schools united the district by rebranding all the schools to the “Wildcats.” Before this, only the high school was the Wildcats and all the elementary schools and middle schools had their own mascots, which made the district fragmented. The rebranding did what it was designed to do, and now the Wildcat logo can be found everywhere and has truly become a unifying symbol, and brings pride to the Ponca City Community.
10. Preserving History
Ponca City values its history and heritage. Efforts to preserve historic landmarks, buildings, and traditions ensure that the city's unique past continues to enrich its present and future. Our local Historic Preservation panel works diligently on projects to make sure a keen focus is always fixed on our immense historic assets. There are 38 properties and districts listed on the National Register in Ponca City, including 2 National Historic Landmarks – The 101 Ranch Site and Marland Mansion. National Historic Landmarks are on the same level as the White House and Mount Vernon in regard to historic significance. To put this in perspective neither Enid or Stillwater have anything listed on the National Historic Landmarks register, and there are only 22 listed in the entire state of Oklahoma. So the fact that Ponca City two is truly amazing.
These ten things to love about Ponca City are just a glimpse of what makes this city a cherished and welcoming home for its residents. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, there's no shortage of reasons to fall in love with Ponca City.
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