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
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 AttractionsCrossing the Red
The "Crossing the Red" statue depicts a cattle drover herding cattle across the Red River which flows just 30 miles south of Altus along the Oklahoma /
Altus, OK ArtsOld Plantation Restaurant
Medicine Park, unique with its eccentric cobble buildings, was originally founded on July 4th, 1908 by Oklahoma Senator Elmer Thomas. Medicine Park was Oklahoma's first planned tourism resort located in the Wichita Mountains that drew state legislators, journalists and gangsters. Listed on the <
Medicine Park, OK Historic BuildingsAltus Reservoir Fishing
Altus Reservoir and adjacent Quartz Mountain State Park provide a major recreation spot in southwest Oklahoma. The lake holds two state records for largest walleye (13 pounds) and hybrid bass (22
, OK FishingQuanah Parker Star House and Eagle Park Ghost Town
Comanche Chief Quanah Parker had stars painted on the roof of his home to mimic those on the uniforms of the U.S. military officers. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cache, OK Famous HomesElk 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
Waurika Lake Camp Areas
The scenic irregular shoreline and gently sloping land to the water'
, OK CampingRock Island Railroad Depot/Public Library
The Rock Island Depot in Waurika has been restored for use as the public library. Come visit this historic structure that is part of the history of the only county seat on the 98
Waurika, OK Railroad HistoryWichita Mountains - Holy City
While you're in the 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
Cache, OK Historic SitesRed 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 Camping