Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum

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Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum The Pawnee Bill Ranch was once home to world-famous Wild West showman Pawnee Bill. The site is currently closed for renovation and restoration projects.
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09/24/2026

Crews are hard at work at Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum. The site is closed while we work to improve the visitor experience. This video explains some of the work happening with the roads, parking lots, and driveways.

On September 17, 1936, May Lillie died in the early morning hours while holding her husband’s hand. She succumbed to pne...
09/17/2026

On September 17, 1936, May Lillie died in the early morning hours while holding her husband’s hand. She succumbed to pneumonia that had developed after she had been admitted to the hospital following a car accident on September 14, 1936.

For the rest of his life, Pawnee Bill would mourn his wife. He would state that everything he ever did was for May Lillie, and now that she was gone, he would patiently wait until he could hold her again.

(1991.260.20083, Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum Collection, OHS)

Today marks 90 years since Pawnee Bill and May Lillie were in a car crash.On September 14, 1936, Pawnee Bill and May wer...
09/14/2026

Today marks 90 years since Pawnee Bill and May Lillie were in a car crash.

On September 14, 1936, Pawnee Bill and May were headed back to their home in Pawnee after meeting friends in Tulsa. They had gathered to view the newsreel of their wedding, along with those who couldn’t make it to Taos two weeks earlier for the couple’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Pawnee Bill crashed into another vehicle outside of Cleveland, Oklahoma. Pawnee Bill, May, and the two people in the other vehicle survived but were injured.

May Lillie had a broken femur and a broken jaw. She was immediately transported to the Pawnee Hospital, which was on the ranch property. Unfortunately, pneumonia set in, which caused her condition to worsen. Despite being in an oxygen tent and receiving the best care that 1936 had to offer, May Lillie died on September 17, 1936. Pawnee Bill was holding her hand.

(1991.260.20181, Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum Collection, OHS)

Construction is underway at Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum! Here’s a look at what’s happening as we continue preserving th...
08/07/2026

Construction is underway at Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum! Here’s a look at what’s happening as we continue preserving this historic site while improving the visitor experience.

All existing asphalt has been removed, and crews are now preparing to put in new roads, parking lots, and driveways.

Upcoming Projects:
• Concrete work for curbs, gutters, and sidewalks is expected to begin this month
• Installation of new storm drain utilities will also start this month
• The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is scheduled to begin new asphalt paving this month
• Final grading and backfilling will follow, with roads and parking lots expected to be completed by mid- to late September.

Once those improvements are finished, phase two begins with restoration and renovation projects that will include the museum, barn, mansion, and general site updates.

Thank you for your patience as these exciting improvements take shape. Stay tuned for more updates as work continues. The entire site is currently closed as renovation work continues.

Join us on Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for a public meeting to learn about the exciting capital improvement...
08/03/2026

Join us on Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for a public meeting to learn about the exciting capital improvements taking place at the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum. Oklahoma Historical Society leadership will provide updates on current projects, discuss future preservation plans, and visit with community members about ongoing efforts to protect and enhance this historic site.

Admission is free, and light refreshments will be served. The meeting will be held at the Buffalo Theatre, located at 537 6th Street in Pawnee. No registration is necessary.

The public is invited to attend a community meeting on Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to learn about the capit...
07/29/2026

The public is invited to attend a community meeting on Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to learn about the capital improvement projects currently underway at the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum. Leaders from the Oklahoma Historical Society will share updates on ongoing and future preservation efforts and answer questions from community members.

The meeting is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. The event will be held at the Buffalo Theatre, 537 6th Street in Pawnee. Registration is not required.

You are invited to a public meeting on Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to learn more about the capital improvem...
07/23/2026

You are invited to a public meeting on Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to learn more about the capital improvements underway at the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum. Oklahoma Historical Society leadership will meet with community members interested in the current and upcoming projects to preserve the site’s history.

The event is free, and light refreshments will be available. The meeting will take place at the Buffalo Theatre, located at 537 6th Street in Pawnee. No registration is required.

REMINDER: Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is closed to the public in its entirety for restoration and construction work. Th...
07/10/2026

REMINDER: Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is closed to the public in its entirety for restoration and construction work. This closure includes buildings, the picnic area, playground, drive-through pasture, and all other areas of the site. Please do not go past barricades or gates or attempt to access the property during the closure.

There are some new residents at Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum! The site is going back to its roots and adding a herd of g...
07/08/2026

There are some new residents at Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum! The site is going back to its roots and adding a herd of goats to the pasture—just like Pawnee Bill did when he was alive.

With support from the Pawnee Bill Ranch Association, the site purchased 16 Nubian goats from Sweet Creek Goat Farm Oklahoma in Poteau, Oklahoma. The animals will help clear underbrush and low tree growth throughout the ranch grounds.

Fencing will be used to create two one-acre rotational grazing areas. This system will keep the goats contained while the other area recovers, ensuring healthy vegetation management over time.

Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is currently closed for preservation and restoration funded by the Legacy Capital Financing Fund.

The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will be closed starting on Wednesday, June 24, as renovation and restoration projects f...
06/23/2026

The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will be closed starting on Wednesday, June 24, as renovation and restoration projects funded by the Legacy Capital Financing Fund kick off in earnest. The first project involves replacing all roads on site. We will keep you updated on social media and at okhistory.org/pawneebill.

Address

1141 Pawnee Bill Road
Pawnee, OK
74058

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(918) 762-2513

Website

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