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Wichita Mountains - Holy City


category : Landmarks
Wichita Mountains - Holy City While you're in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, be sure to visit the Holy City of the Wichitas, an interesting manmade intrusion that is historic in its own right. Built as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the 1930's, the Holy City is located on 110 acres and features 22 native granite buildings including the c. 1936 World Chapel. A natural amphitheater is the setting for the nation's longest running Easter passion play in America, The Prince of Peace.

Holy City was founded by Reverend Anthony Mark Wallock who viewed the Wichita Mountains as resembling the hills and mountains of the Holy Land. The Chapel of the Holy City, built of native stone, was completed in 1936. The design, inspired by a church in Alexandria, Virginia, is reminiscent of an Old World Temple. In the interior of the Chapel are wood carvings, paintings and murals of the Biblical days of Christ in 1933. Government land in the Wichita National Forest Reserve was designated by the U.S. Government for the site of the Holy City and its Easter Pageant. The nationally famous Easter Pageant is a dramatization of the life of Christ held on Easter Eve.

This annual event is held the Saturday evening before Easter.


Admission: FREE VIEWING
Phone: 800-872-4540
Fax: 580-429-9323
Our Website:www.theholycitylawton.com

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is located 25 miles northwest of Lawton, Oklahoma. From Interstate 44, take exit 45 west 10 miles to the Refuge gate. If coming in from Highway 62, take Highway 115 (Cache exit) north to the Refuge gate. Contact Refuge Headquarters for more information.

Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center Hours:

The Visitor Center is closed on Tuesdays but is open every other day of the week from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
The Center is closed on major holidays, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day.
It opens at 1:30pm on Easter Sunday.
For further information about the Visitor Center, please contact Refuge Headquarters.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Headquarters
(Six miles west of the Visitors Center on Hwy. 49
Rt. 1, Box 448
Indiahoma, OK 73552

Come visit us in Lawton, Oklahoma

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Carnegie Library Town Hall

Lawton, OK Carnegie Libraries

Wichita Mountains NWR - Fishing

There are 13 Public Use Lakes on the Refuge which provide ample fishing opportunities for both bank and boat anglers. Largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish are likely to be caught in Refuge lakes.

Lawton, OK Fishing

Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area

Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area is your one-stop family fun and outdoor recreation location. LETRA is nestled in the picturesque Wichita Mountains and offers a 360-acre lake surrounded by native prairie.

Lawton, OK Recreation

Museum of the Great Plains

At the Museum of the Great Plains, the natural and cultural history of the Great Plains of north America is studied and shown in many exhibits and programs that will be enjoyed by all members of the family. Special events include a twice-yearly encampment of 1830

Lawton, OK Museums

Wichita Mountains - Mt. Scott

Mount Scott is one of Oklahoma's most prominent mountains, rising 2,464 feet above sea level. Located on the eastern edge of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, it is a legendary site which boasts tales of ancient spirits, Spanish gold and buried outlaw loot.

Lawton, OK Natural Attractions

Things to do Landmarks near Lawton, OK

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Wichita Mountains - Holy City

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