Marland Mansion & Estate

E.W. Marland built the Marland Mansion in 1928 at a cost of $5.5 million — modeled after the Davanzati Palace in Florence, Italy. The result is one of the most spectacular private homes ever built in Oklahoma: 43,561 square feet across four floors, with a 24-karat gold leaf-covered ceiling worth over $1.9 million, seven fireplaces, hand-carved walnut paneling, and a swimming pool with a polo field behind it. But the Mansion is more than its scale. It was the home of an oil baron who was, briefly, one of the richest men in America — and then lost it all. Marland founded the Marland Oil Company (which later merged with Continental Oil to become Conoco), commissioned the Pioneer Woman statue, employed thousands of Ponca City residents during the Depression, and ended his life nearly broke in a small cottage on the estate grounds. The Mansion is open year-round for self-guided and docent-led tours. Don't miss the Bryant Baker Studio on the grounds — Baker was the sculptor behind the Pioneer Woman. The Mansion's annual Christmas tour, Halloween candlelight tours, and Easter events are among the most popular cultural events in northern Oklahoma. Reserve early for any of them.