Image of Value News Advertisement
 

Saddle Up for Woolaroc Spring Trail Ride

Hidden away amongst the beauty of the Osage Rolling Hills, the country retreat of oilman Frank Phillips will open its gates to riders looking to explore native terrain filled with buffalo, elk, deer and longhorn cattle.

By: Sheryl Sowell | Category: Recreation/Leisure | Issue: May 2011

Bob Fraser, CEO of Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve.

Bob Fraser, CEO of Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve.

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve encompasses over 3,700 acres of ranch land, and most people only see a small percentage of that acreage. If you own a horse and would like to see parts of Woolaroc that 99 percent of visitors do not have the opportunity to view, mark your calendar for Saturday, May 14 for the Woolaroc Spring Trail Ride. Hidden away amongst the beauty of the Osage Rolling Hills, the country retreat of oilman Frank Phillips will open its gates to riders looking to explore native terrain filled with buffalo, elk, deer and longhorn cattle.

“The trail ride has been held twice a year for several years, and we have seen a big increase in participation in the past few years,” says Bob Fraser, CEO of Woolaroc. “Participants can ride their horses all over the entire ranch, whereas in a car you can only go to certain places.”

The Spring Trail Ride is $30 per rider and includes overnight primitive camping on Friday prior to the ride (if you choose to camp), a morning and afternoon guided trail ride, and admission to Woolaroc. Lunch and dinner are provided on Saturday. Riders must have their own horse and gear, and current coggins papers are required. While not on the trail, participants can enjoy all that Woolaroc has to offer, including the on-site lodge and museum, featuring a premier Western art collection, one of the world’s finest collections of Colt firearms, and an extensive collection of Navajo blankets.

The trail ride begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. Two Woolaroc Mountain Men will lead the ride. Participants return around 11:45 for lunch including a barbecue buffalo sandwich, chips, a cookie, and tea or water. The afternoon ride begins at 1 and explores a different region of the ranch. After the ride, participants are treated to dinner, consisting of smoked meats, salad, baked potatoes and dessert. Total time in the saddle is approximately five hours, covering approximately 15 miles. Everyone is encouraged to bring a camera, weather-appropriate clothing, a water canteen, a rain poncho, sunscreen and insect repellent.

“On the Woolaroc Spring Trail Ride, you’ll go over rocks and through creeks and encounter all the animals on the back side of the ranch that the public usually doesn’t see. You are truly able to go places visitors normally do not get to go,” says Fraser. “We often have visitors from several states participate. The group is always diverse, too – you’ll ride with males and females of all ages and experience levels. It’s a fun, unique thing to do, and it is very reasonably priced.”

Early registration is encouraged, and the $30 fee covers the morning and afternoon rides, lunch, dinner, admission to the museum, and camping Friday evening, if you choose. Call (918) 336-0307, extension 14 with your credit card information, or register online at  www.woolaroc.org. The Fall Trail Ride will take place Saturday, September 17.

Another great event coming up at Woolaroc is the Gallery of Artists, an exhibit featuring ten nationally-known wildlife artists. Sponsored by the National Wildlife Conservancy, the exhibit is open to the public Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8. The show features incredible wildlife art in different mediums – painting, miniatures, sculptures and more – and is included in the museum admission price.

Woolaroc’s 24th annual Kidsfest will be held June 25-26. “This is a really neat event for kids. Our theme this year is ‘Under the Big Top’ and will feature fire breathers, clowns and jugglers. We chose a circus theme because Mr. Phillips used to bring the circus to Bartlesville and pay for it himself so that families could enjoy it for free,” says Fraser.

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve is a short road trip from the Tulsa metro area, located 12 miles southwest of Bartlesville on Highway 123.

For more information, contact

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve

(918) 336-0307

www.woolaroc.org


Image of Value News Advertisement
Sheryl Sowell Profile Picture

About Author Sheryl Sowell

Sheryl Sowell was born and raised in Tulsa, OK. She graduated from Will Rogers High School and received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Northeastern State University in 2007. She has worked for Value News as editor, writer and advertising copywriter since 2008. She enjoys meeting and interviewing people for Value News articles, learning about their backgrounds, and helping to promote their businesses and local events. In her free time, she enjoys reading, trying new recipes and crafts from Pinterest, attending concerts and sporting events, and spending time with family and friends. Sheryl lives in Tulsa with her fiancé Paul, their daughter Scarlett, and their two dogs, Gunner and Boo.

« All May 2011 Stories

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve

For more information, contact:

(918) 336-0307 ext. 14
12 miles SW of Bartlesville and 45 miles NW of Tulsa on State Highway 123

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve Online:


More about Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve:

Image of Better Air Duct Cleaning Advertisement

Subscribe
For Free!