Welcome to Pawnee, Oklahoma, strategically located in north central Oklahoma within easy reach of Tulsa and Oklahoma City.   Pawnee is a thriving, century old community of 2000, where the atmosphere of the old west is very much alive.  While it is true that the Pawnee Indians no longer wear feathers and breech-cloth, traditional braids are not uncommon.  Likewise, the cowboys no longer shoot up the town on Saturday night, but working cowboy garb is the common dress and western boots remain the foundation footwear for those in more formal attire.

The entire town of Pawnee and much of the surrounding area was originally the Pawnee Agency, which was listed as the first post office in the area in 1874.  The agency, with many of the original buildings, is located just east of downtown.  The town itself was not established until the opening of the Cherokee Strip in 1893, at which time it became just plain “Pawnee.”  Besides being home to the Pawnee Nation, Pawnee also became home to Major Gordon W. Lillie (“Pawnee Bill”), of wild west show fame.  His home and buffalo ranch just west of Pawnee is now the property of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is open daily to the public.

As the county seat, Pawnee has a “relatively” modern courthouse (built in the early ‘30’s) dominating the business district.  The square thus created is flanked by original turn-of-the-century native stone buildings.   Many of our structures both in town and at the agency are on the National Historic Register. Our unique shops, museums, historical landmarks and fine dining establishments guarantee a pleasant and interesting experience for those willing to venture off the Interstate.

It has been said that Pawnee has more parades per capita than any other place in the world.  That may be true.  The town is host to many outstanding events including the southwest’s largest steam and gas engine show in May, Pawnee Bill Wild West show in June, Pawnee Indian Veteran’s Homecoming and Pow Wow in July, Pawnee Bill Memorial Cattle Drive & Rodeo in August and the Lights On, Pawnee! Festival of Lights in November.  Each of these events requires a parade, as does a plethora of minor local happenings throughout the year.

The community is blessed with active churches, a full service hospital and a top ranked school system. Whether coming to a special event, or exploring the possibility of joining the slower lifestyle of small town middle America, you will find Pawnee a fun place to visit, a friendly place to live.   Come see for yourself.  Come “Out Where The West Remains.”