Discover Dewey

For a trip to Dewey, the museums offer different areas of focus: the Dewey Hotel Museum looks at the early history of Dewey and Bartlesville, while the Tom Mix Museum centers on an actor and memorabilia associated with him. There is also a clearly defined rodeo history and events related to Tom Mix.

The Dewey Hotel Museum and local history

The Dewey Hotel Museum is a Victorian hotel built in 1899 by Jake Bartles, founder of Dewey. The restored Dewey Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NR 75001578). Its exhibits cover the early history of Dewey and Bartlesville. The museum thus brings together a historic building and the local history of two places. Visitors interested in the building and the beginnings of Dewey and Bartlesville will find a shared thematic starting point here.

Visits are self-guided; tour guides are also available to provide information and answer visitors’ questions. You can explore the museum independently and ask questions if needed. North of the Dewey Hotel Museum stands the renovated concrete jail, known as the Tom Mix Jail.

Tom Mix, memorabilia, and silent films

The Tom Mix Museum has a different focus. Exhibits include Tom Mix’s clothing, saddles, weapons, photographs, and other memorabilia. The different types of objects range from clothing and equipment to images, giving the collection a tangible connection to him. It is complemented by a life-size replica of Tom Mix’s horse, Tony. The focus here is on items associated with Tom Mix, rather than the early history of Dewey and Bartlesville.

Silent films are shown daily at the Tom Mix Museum, but not after 3:30 p.m. If the screening is an important part of your visit, check the current visitor information in advance. This will let you plan your museum visit around the screening time.

Rodeo history and events

The Dewey Roundup rodeo took place annually on July 4 from 1909 to 1948. Its historical period is therefore clearly defined. In October, Western Heritage Weekend in Dewey honors the memory of Tom Mix. The weekend also aims to keep the spirit of Tom Mix and the Dewey Roundup alive.

The Stray Kat 500 takes place in downtown Dewey and around Stray Kat Station. The venue may change for future editions. So if you’re including this event in your trip, check the details for the specific edition.

Choose the reason for your stay

This gives you a thematic choice for your stay: the Dewey Hotel Museum combines architectural and local history, while the Tom Mix Museum focuses on one person. The events add a historical or event-based dimension. If you’re looking for hotels in Dewey, start with the reason for your trip and take the relevant visitor information into account if you plan to attend a screening or event.

Discover more destinations: Bartlesville

Back to the main travel overview: Washington County.