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
War Memorial
The bronze sculpture stands in front of the Caddo County Courthouse with the inscription "In Memory of Our Brave Boys."
Anadarko, OK MemorialsStephens County Historical Museum
The Stephens County Museum, located at the old National Guard Armory, was accepted into the National Registry of Historic Places in the Spring of 1997.
Visiting the museum can transport you back into a simpler time; you can literally "step" into Grandma'
Duncan, OK MuseumsHarmon County Historical Museum
Located in the Abernethy Building, the Harmon County Historical Museum features rotating displays depicting the life of pioneers and residents, dinosaur fossils, covered wagon and blacksmith shop. The works of local artists are also showcased.
Hollis, OK MuseumsElk City Lake
- 750 Acre Park
- 250 Acre Lake
- Picnic Pavilions with Grills
- Boating & Fishing
- Playground
- Swimming Beach Area
- 2 Boat Ramps with Docks
(1 Fishing Dock) - Campgrounds
- R V Sites - Free
(with electrical hookups) - Dump Station (Nearby)
- Hiking< Elk City, OK Recreation
Southwest Technology Center
The Southwest Technology Center provides flexible, quality vocational technical training to high school students and adults as well a business and industrial leaders.
Altus, OK CollegesGreat Plains State Park
Great Plains State Park is located on 6400-acre Tom Steed Lake west of the Wichita Mountains in Kiowa County near the town of Mountain Park. A drive along Hwy 183 provides a scenic route that winds its way through the mountains along the lake'
, OK State ParksLake 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 RecreationKiowa County Courthouse
The Kiowa County Courthouse and Square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed by J. Riley Gordon and constructed in 1902
Hobart, OK Historic CourthousesRed Rock Canyon Camping
Red Rock Canyon is one of the most beautiful examples of nature's artwork in Oklahoma. Wind and water have shaped 260
, OK CampingOld City Hall
The building was constructed for the use as the City Hall in 1912 by the City Administration. All city offices were located there, including the 2-horse Fire Department. Its upper floor was an auditorium, seating 1200. Through the 1930
Hobart, OK Historic BuildingsPioneer Heritage Townsite Museum
The Tillman County Historical Museum was founded to preserve artifacts and
Frederick, OK Museums