Great Plains Country, Oklahoma
In southwestern Oklahoma the golden shortgrass prairie extends for mile after undulating mile, mirroring the sky in its vastness. Less than a century and a half ago, the Southern Plains were the domain of the Kiowa and Comanche, who hunted buffalo on horses bridled with Spanish silver and traded with the Wichitas, farmers who lived in grass houses. To the Kiowa, the earth was sacred, and the Wichitas believed their ancestors lived on in the 650-million-year-old granite boulders of the Wichita Mountains. Travelers exploring the region today may encounter moments of similar reverence -- watching the sun set from atop Mount Scott in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, for instance, or watching an eagle soar in winter. A rowdier spirit lives endures in the area, too: Teddy Roosevelt created the wildlife refuge after he traveled to Oklahoma Territory to hunt wolves. Bison now graze on the 60,000-acre preserve, along with longhorn cattle, antelope and elk -- rugged mountain biking, hiking, camping and backpacking are permitted in some areas.
Explore Great Plains Country
Beckham County Courthouse
The impressive Beckham County Courthouse was built in 1911. If you have watched the movie, "The Grapes of Wrath," it may look familiar to you. It appeared in the brief 30-second montage of shots depicting the beginning of the Joad family's westward journey along Oklahoma Route 66
Sayre, OK Historic CourthousesFort Sill Museum
The Fort Sill Museum has 26 historic buildings including seven with exhibits on the Frontier Army, Native Americans and Field Artillery. One of the these, the Old Post Guardhouse erected in 1873
Fort Sill, OK MuseumsRamona Theatre
The historic Mediterranean style theatre was once known as "The Showplace of The Southwest!" It was restored by volunteers and the Frederick Arts Council and provides a variety of cultural opportunities to the public. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Frederick, OK TheatresGreer County Cemeteries
A detailed listing and accompanying photos of some of the headstones can be viewed at these informative websites.
Lake Lawtonka
Water recreation, camping, hunting - 2,398 surface acres and 21 miles of shoreline. Noted for smallmouth bass catch and release program. Also largemouth bass, catfish, walleye, saugeye and crappie. 30 primitive sites, group shelters, restrooms/
Medicine Park, OK RecreationWar Memorial
The bronze sculpture stands in front of the Caddo County Courthouse with the inscription "In Memory of Our Brave Boys."
Anadarko, OK MemorialsRoute 66 - America's Main Street
It is known as the Main Street of America - The Mother Road - The Free Road - even the Will Rogers Highway. And it evokes images of roadside diner's, mom-and-pop truck stops, old-fashioned service stations, motor courts, neon signs, and classic American automobiles.
Sayre, OK Landmarks
Red Rock Canyon Trails
Red Rock Canyon features two wonderful nature trails. The Rough Horsetail Nature Trail is located in the Caddo Maple Conservation Area portion of the park at the bottom of the steep entrance hill. This 0.4 mile loop trail is marked with interpretive signs. Trail difficulty is mild.
, OK Hiking TrailsIndian City, U.S.A.
- CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - The only authentic restoration of American dwellings and way of life in America, Indian City, U.S.A. is on the site of the massacre of the Tonkawa Indians by a band of Shawnees and other mercenaries during the Civil War.
Anadarko, OK Museums