Experience History Naturally

Visit Woolaroc’s Mountain Man Camp, an authentic reproduction of an 1840s fur traders’ camp.

Take a step back in time at Woolaroc’s Mountain Man Camp, beginning March 31 and lasting through Labor Day. The annual Mountain Man Camp is an authentic reproduction of an 1840s fur traders’ camp, located next to Crystal Lake on the Woolaroc ranch.

“Find out what life was like for the fur traders and mountain men of the 1840s by meeting our mountain men, learning how the tipi was constructed, and learning how to load and shoot a black powder long rifle. While there, you can also discover the fine art of how to throw a tomahawk. The Mountain Man Camp is a must to see and is fun for all ages,” says Bob Fraser, CEO of Woolaroc. “Like everything at Woolaroc, this event is fun as well as educational.”

Brothers Wes and Roger Butcher have been leading the camp for almost 20 years. They are part of Woolaroc’s ranch crew during the winter, but the Mountain Man Camp is their true passion. “They always say they were born 200 years too late,” says Bob.

On April 13 and 14, Woolaroc welcomes the spring Trader’s Encampment to Crystal Lake. Hosted by Woolaroc’s Mountain Men Wes and Roger, the camp has quickly become a favorite for traders and re-enactors from across the country. The camp will be historically accurate, recreating what a ­settlement of this type would have looked like in the 1840s. “This is where all the true mountain people like Wes and Roger come and set up camp. There are usually about 125 camps, and they love doing it at Woolaroc because it’s so realistic and natural,” says Bob. “Everyone has to remain authentic and dress in period clothing. You can drink a Diet Pepsi, but it can’t be out of a can – it has to be from a 19th century-style flask.”

The Trader’s Encampment is open to the public, and guests are encouraged to park and walk through the camp. There is no additional admission required; regular admission at the gate includes the spring Trader’s Encampment. “This camp is not only unique, it also serves as a wonderful educational tool for children to visit and experience the lifestyle of earlier times,” says Bob. “They will better understand some of the hardships of life back in the day and what it took for families to survive when they truly lived off the land.” In addition, many of the campers will have period crafts for the public to view and purchase.

Woolaroc has lots of great events coming in the next few months. For horse owners, the Spring Trail Ride will be held Saturday, May 12. The annual Kidsfest event will be June 23 and 24, and Camp Woolaroc ­follows in July.

Woolaroc includes a 3,700 acre wildlife preserve and is home to many species of native and exotic wildlife, including buffalo, elk and longhorn cattle. The museum houses an outstanding collection of western art and artifacts, Native American material, one of the finest collections of Colt firearms in the world, and more. Admission is $10 for guests ages 12 through 64 and $8 for ages 65 and older. Children 11 and younger are admitted free. The fee includes admission to the museum, walking trails of the ranch, and the Mountain Man Camp and Traders’ Encampments. For more ­information about visiting or any of their exciting events, call (918) 336-0307.

For more information, contact

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve

1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd.

Bartlesville, OK 74003

(918) 336-0307

www.woolaroc.org