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
Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area
At one time Hackberry Flat was a large isolated wetland that in the wettest of years may have been more than 3,000 acres in size. Thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds once used this wetland as a stopping place during both fall and spring migrations. In the early 1900
Frederick, OK Wildlife AreasWaurika Lake Camp Areas
The scenic irregular shoreline and gently sloping land to the water'
, OK CampingRamona 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 TheatresWichita 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 AttractionsAltus Air Force Base
Altus Army Air Field began training pilots to fly twin-engine aircraft in 1943. At the end of World War II, the Army stopped using the field and it was closed in 1945. The Air Force activated Altus Air Force Base in 1953. A Tactical Air Command troop carrier wing operated from Altus for 10
Altus, OK Military BasesWichita Mountains NWR - Rock Climbing
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, the Access Fund and the Wichita Mountains Climbers Coalition have come together to support and present a quality climbing experience at the Refuge. The following guidelines have been established between the three organizations.
Lawton, OK RappellingOld 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 BuildingsRS & K Railroad Museum
Relive the days when the Railroads brought us everything from soup to hay. Experience the entertainment of twelve model trains running at the same time, different gauges, and over 350 feet of track! See over 100 trains beautifully displayed and lots of memorabilia. Over 30
Sayre, OK MuseumsRoute 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.
Elk City, OK LandmarksPercussive Arts Society Museum
The Percussive Arts Museum and Library are currently closed and have been moved to Indianapolis, IN with the administrative offices as of April 2007. The PAS Museum and Library will open in a new space downtown Indianapolis in 2008.
Lawton, OK Museums