Lake Country, Oklahoma
Before southcentral Oklahoma was lake country, it was river country, home to the mercurial Red, the gentle Washita and the pristine Blue rivers. Corralled, the rivers created four major lakes -- and a whole new world of water. Lake Texoma splashes into three counties and draws fisherman from all over the country, lured by the best striped bass fishing to be found anywhere. Near Ardmore, clear spring water fill Lake Murray, built in the shady foothills of the Arbuckle mountains and the sparkling centerpiece of Oklahoma's oldest, most historic state park. (A limestone castle houses the park's nature center.) The 9,000-acre McGee Creek National Scenic Recreation Area, adjacent to Atoka Lake, is home to white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and the occasional mountain lion. Campers can apply for a permit to backpack into the recreation area, or stay in relative luxury in a rustic log fishing hut at McGee Creek State Park.
Explore Lake Country
Hardy Murphy Coliseum
Numerous western events take place in this WPA-era stone building and arena, named for "Mr. Ardmore," Hardy Murphy, a horseman who performed with his palomino, Old Buck, throughout the U.S and Europe. The Hardy Murphy Coliseum is a multi-use facility offering a 25,000
Ardmore, OK Historic BuildingsNorton's Indian Territory Museum
The museum houses Indian Territory relics and the largest collection of antique medicine and pop bottles in southern Oklahoma.
Marietta, OK MuseumsEast Central University
Located on a hillside in the center of town, East Central University is one of Ada's crown jewels. A state-supported, fully accredited regional four-year university, ECU serves over 4,500 students. Founded in 1909
Ada, OK CollegesMcSwain Musical Theatre
"Branson Style" live music variety shows liven up Ada every first and third Saturday night in the historic 1920 refurbished theater. Shows featuring country, gospel and 50
Ada, OK TheatresWashita Valley Museum
The Historical Society works diligently to preserve Pauls Valley'
Pauls Valley, OK MuseumsArdmore Parks
Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, camping, picnics, athletics, and other outdoor activities are plentiful in Ardmore. The City's dozen parks and four lakes cover hundreds of acres under supervision of the Ardmore Parks and Recreation Dept. Ardmore Regional Park
Ardmore, OK ParksThe Garold Wayne Interactive Zoological Park
G.W. Zoo, located west of Wynnewood, Okla., at I-35 and Exit 64, was established in 1999 as a non-profit, no-kill sanctuary for abused and abandoned wildlife. The 16
Wynnewood, OK ZoosMasonic Lodge
The Masonic Lodge of Pauls Valley is the oldest enterprise in Pauls Valley in continuous existence. Valley Lodge #6 was chartered on September 7th, 1875 by the Grand Lodge of Indian Territory and has met continuously since that time. Silas Rogers was the first Master of Valley Lodge #6.
Pauls Valley, OK Historic Buildings