The Wild West conjures up visions of American outlaws, cowboys, and gunfights. It makes for great stories, entertaining television, and endless make-believe fun for kids taking turns playing the sheriff vs bandits.
While it sounds pretty wild, some of what you’ve heard about the Wild West just may be true.
What is the Wild West?
The Wild West is part of American history that occurred over a period of nearly 100 years, beginning after the Louisiana Purchase in 1804, which expanded the country West of the Mississippi River beyond the original 13 colonies.
This launched a free-for-all where Americans eagerly expanded Westward, claiming a piece of land to call their own. As pioneers made their way West, they quickly realized they were leaving the comfort of civilized living of law and order and embarking on a journey where there was no established rule of law.
This time of lawlessness in the region West of the Mississippi was called the Wild West. And it came to a halt by the 1890s when there was no longer a clear frontier line of expansion. All we have left today are tales, re-enactments, and a few remnants in museums and nature—the rest we’ll have to leave to our imaginations.
The Wild West Ozarks
Naturally, the Ozarks region was part of the Wild West since it made up a large portion of the Louisiana purchase. And it’s also home to many Wild West tales since the natural landscapes of mountains, caves, and abundant sources of fresh water provided a safe haven for outlaws to hide out.
Read below to find out where you can experience a dose of playful history in the Wild West of the Ozarks.
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Discover the hideouts of bandits and outlaws in each state, including:
Arkansas Hideouts like Devil’s Den State Park
Missouri Hideouts like Meramec Caverns
For the rest of this post, we’ll focus on some of Oklahoma’s Wild West treasures.
Where to Experience the Wild West in the Oklahoma Ozarks
Pawnee, Oklahoma is the first location where you can experience the excitement of Wild West history in the Ozarks.
Pawnee Bill’s Ranch and Museum
Gordon William Lillie, AKA Pawnee Bill, was a famous wild west performer that began his career just as the Wild West era ended in the 1890s. At this ranch and museum, the modest price of admission ($7 per adult or $18 for a family of up to six people) includes a lot!
On the grounds, you’ll find Pawnee Bill’s Mansion turned museum where you can go back in time with a tour of the 14-room home that has been preserved with the original furnishings. Other sites to see on the grounds include:
Blacksmith shop
A 1903 Log cabin
Barn
Indian Flower Shrine
Pasture filled with living bison, longhorn, and draft horses
Picnic shelters
Teepee-covered picnic tables
Fishing ponds
Playground
If you time your visit right, there’s a free Wild West Show performed in the summer month of June that features an all-day celebration including re-enactments, trick riders, and more. It’s called Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Fest.
Some of the events of this special day include:
Magician
Medicine Show
Native American dancing and storytelling
Gunfights
Trick riding
Axe throwing
Stagecoach photos
Even if you miss the show, the grounds are definitely worth checking out.
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
Take your family on an adventure to explore this 3700-acre ranch, wildlife refuge, and museum in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Watch the bison, elk, and longhorns for a while, take a walk through the museum, and then let the kids play on the playground for a day of fun.
This beautifully maintained museum has a collection of saddles and riding gear, carts, wagons, and other evidence dating back to the Wild West. There’s also a huge antique collection of Colt firearms, including some of the first revolvers. The museum also showcases Native American pottery and cultural art. Read more about Native Americans in the Ozarks.
While you're at Woolaroc, visit the lodge, where the people of the Wild West came together.
Be sure to check the calendar of events as you plan your Ozarks family vacation because there are a lot of exciting things going on at Woolaroc. Your kids will love learning what life was like in the 1840s during Mountain Man Camp.
National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City
Although it’s just outside the reach of the Ozarks, if you’re close enough to make the drive over to Oklahoma City, the National Cowboy Museum is one place you won’t want to miss if you’re looking for a true understanding of Wild West history in the Ozarks.
While your older family members will probably enjoy the museum, there’s an outdoor play area where the kids will have a blast playing around the old-town frontier storefronts and Native American settings.
Other Places to Find Remnants of the Wild West in the Ozarks
Springfield, Missouri’s public square in 1865 was the scene of one of the first quick-draw gun duels between Wild Bill Hickok and Davis Tutt
Kearney, Missouri is the birthplace of Jesse James —visit and tour his restored home to hear the stories of the legend
Fort Smith, Arkansas still resembles the Wild West today and even has a historic gallows called the Hanging Judge
Are You Ready to Book Your Trip to the Ozarks and Experience the Wild West Up Close?
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