Marland Mansion & Estate

What you will find if you ever tour Herculaneum, or the EW Marland Mansion, is that after people are comfortable and well-fed, additional wealth basically is poured into art. Lots of art. Big art, small art. I especially delight in small artful details, and am posting a few pics as examples. Just know that this place is packed with them. Almost anywhere you look, there's something interesting.The Petroleum Hall Of Fame resides on the bottom floor. I view it very differently than the two women who wandered in and commented, "A good old boys' club." They need to read Atlas Shrugged! One of the men on that wall employed my grandpa - he worked for Hughes Oil. Personally I would not be willing to make the sacrifices necessary for my picture to be on that wall, but I appreciate the way of life those guys made possible. EW Marland in particular seems to have been quite generous in funding hospitals and many other things that benefitted all Ponca City residents.Have you seen the large portrait of Lydie? Apparently the artist disliked her, so he painted a serpent in near her feet. But I can't decide if that's also the reason the angle of her leg is so wrong, or if it was just a lack of talent. Either way, I'm surprised the Marlands would hang that portrait. Maybe they never noticed.

Fascinating place with fascinating history, highly recommended. I had recently arrived in Oklahoma when we first went here, after seeing some one-sentence review somewhere. All I knew is, it was a historical home on the prairie. I thought I was going to a log cabin. We were in complete shock. The guides are amazing, I love how invested they are in the estate and its history, and all their stories about the town during that time period. It's a story with many twists and turns; odd to think we might be filling up at Marland gas stations if not for a hostile takeover. I hope one day a high-quality movie is made that accurately tells the story with nuance and with all its ups and downs. We haven't been there yet either but do keep in mind that there is also the prior Marland home on Grand Avenue to visit. And, as you drive through town, take a close look at the architecture of the buildings, with details high near the roofs, etc. I enjoyed seeing the designs; lights up the imagination, echoes of town's rich history and heyday. Still mostly very well-tended, from what I can remember--although honestly, I can even enjoy the story that an abandoned building whispers. Would be cool if the town or private individuals offered town tours once per season, or somehow periodically (or on AirBNB Experiences), illuminating buildings and history.

If you're visiting Ponca City, be sure and check out the Oil Baron's mansion. The architecture is phenomenal...such attention to detail. Be sure and snag one of the local tour guides so you don't miss out on any of the rich historical stories. If you have time, be sure to also stop by the Pioneer Woman museum and statue as well as Marland's first hole on Grand.

We got the tour from David, who is the director. He is very knowledgable about the Marland family and the house. Rich culture of the city and oil industry. The house is absolutely beautiful and the story is so interesting. I do not recommend coming here without a tour guide- the story really gives it value.

The Marland Mansion is an impressive estate to visit. It is the largest mansion in Oklahoma and has many historic and artistic features. It is well worth a drive to come and see. Even the kids will enjoy this. Great afternoon to spend with the whole family. There are many weddings per year here for good reason. The place exudes elegance at every turn. If you want to make a grand statement for a party or reception - this is a great place for it. The grounds are well kept and clean. Flowers are planted in various beds and planters. You can have a great time here - whether its fishing in the small pond or a picnic on the lawn. Just a wonderful, serene place that the City of Ponca City manages and maintains well.

Such a cool place to go to for a day when you'd like something different and out of the ordinary to do. A fantastically restored estate from the prohibition era with fun secret tunnels and hidden servants' hallways. You can just imagine the opulence and grandeur of that time period while you're walking through the estate. A wonderful place for a photo op on the grounds. If going through Ponca City, it's a hidden gem that is well worth the stop.

Came yesterday for a wedding and was the most beautiful venues we've had the pleasure to attend. Truly a one of a kind place!

Great place, fully restored with a complete tour of almost all the rooms. Docent provides great history of the family that lived there as well.

Okay, this place is a DO NOT MISS in Ponca City! I visited it in June, 2020, with a friend who grew up in PC, and it is well worth the visit! Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, we literally had the place to ourselves, and did the self-guided tour. The inside is ornate, lavish, and beautiful. The grounds are well kept, and lovely. If I'm ever in PC again, I will certainly visit again!