10 Minutes from Rivershire

Marland Mansion

One of Oklahoma's most extraordinary landmarks — a 55-room Italian Renaissance palace right here in Ponca City.

The Palace on the Prairie

Built in 1928 by oil baron and Oklahoma Governor E.W. Marland, the Marland Mansion is one of the most remarkable homes ever constructed in the American heartland. Modeled after the Davanzati Palace in Florence, Italy, the 55-room estate sits on expansive grounds and stands as a testament to the extraordinary wealth — and equally extraordinary downfall — of one of Oklahoma's most fascinating figures.

E.W. Marland discovered oil in Ponca City and built a fortune that made him one of the wealthiest men in America — controlling at one point nearly 10% of the world's oil supply. He lost it all to J.P. Morgan's bankers, then rebuilt his life in public service, eventually becoming Oklahoma's 10th Governor. The mansion tells that whole story.

From Rivershire RV Resort, you're just 10 minutes away. It's an easy morning trip — tour the mansion, walk the grounds, and be back at camp in time for lunch.

What to See

~10 min from Rivershire

Guided Mansion Tours

Step inside all 55 rooms of this extraordinary home. Guided tours walk you through the opulent interiors — original furnishings, hand-painted ceilings, and the story of the family who built it all. Tours run regularly; check ahead for times.

Included with admission

The Grounds & Gardens

The estate sits on beautifully maintained grounds. Stroll the gardens, take in the architecture from the outside, and get a sense of the sheer scale of what Marland built at the height of his wealth.

~5 min from the mansion

Marland's Grand Home

Before the mansion was built, Marland constructed a smaller — though still impressive — home nearby, now known as Marland's Grand Home. It offers another window into the family's history and is worth a visit on the same trip.

Part of every tour

E.W. Marland's Story

The rise, fall, and redemption of E.W. Marland is one of Oklahoma's great stories — oil discovery, extraordinary wealth, corporate betrayal, and a second act in politics. The mansion is where that story comes alive.