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Lawton, Oklahoma

Lawton, Oklahoma

When you come to Lawton-Fort Sill, you've got a tough decision to make - what to see and do FIRST! Is it the rugged splendor of the Wichita Mountains? How about a step back in time at one of Lawton's many historic sites or exiting festival and events? Or is it a trip to one of Lawton-Fort Sill's many museums? Get ready, whatever your choice - it's going to be a fun and exciting time!

Lawton was founded on August 6, 1901, when the Kiowa-Comanche reservation was opened for white settlement. A lottery was used to distribute the land, meaning a person wanting a claim - which was 160 acres in the new section - had to register for a drawing. The town site was on a section of prairie south of Fort Sill, which had been in existence since the 1860s. General Henry W. Lawton is the town's namesake.

Today, Lawton is the third largest city in the state. Lawton serves as a prominent shopping, medical, recreational, educational and religious center for the region. Most people want all of the conveniences of a large city, but also want the advantages of living in a small town. Lawton-Fort Sill combines the best of both worlds, offering an excellent quality of life. Ranked as one of the best 100 cities in which to live by Money Magazine, Lawton's people are friendly and helpful and our crime rate is low - advantages often found in a small town. Yet, we are the educational, cultural, and medical hub of southwest Oklahoma, offering all of the advantages of the big city.\!

Lawton-Fort Sill is recognized nationally as one of the most culturally diversified communities in the United States. Our community is the home of several museums and countless cultural, arts, and humanities activities and organizations. Museums include the Fort Sill Museum, the Museum of the Great Plains, and The Percussive Arts Society Museum. Art displays are available for viewing at Cameron University, the Leslie Powell Gallery, McMahon Auditorium, Town Hall, and at Southwestern Medical Center. We have the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), the Lawton Community Theater (LCY), the Southwest Oklahoma Dance Alliance (SODA), and the Southwest Oklahoma Opera Guild (SOOG), among many other culturally oriented organization

Lawton-Fort Sill also offers a variety of recreational activities, including auto racing, bowling, miniature golf, skating, and swimming. There are also several golf courses, outdoor exercise facilities, and numerous neighborhood parks.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Little Chapel

The Little Chapel was built in 1902 and is believed to be Lawton's oldest remaining public building. Its stained glass and restored antique organ are a highlight of any visity to Lawton .

Lawton, OK Historic Churches

Wichita 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 Rappelling

Wichita Mountains - Holy City

While you're in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife 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

Lawton, OK Landmarks

Wichita Mountains NWR - Hunting

Elk and Deer Hunting Opportunities The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge hosts two of Oklahoma's most popular controlled hunts, the annual elk and deer hunts. Set amidst granite mountains and prairie grasslands, the hunt is 2 1/2

Lawton, OK Hunting

Wichita Mountains NWR - Fishing

There are 13 Public Use Lakes on the Refuge which provide ample fishing opportunities for both bank and boat anglers. Largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish are likely to be caught in Refuge lakes.

Lawton, OK Fishing

Things to do near Lawton, OK

Marlow Museum

The sons of Dr. Marlow were accused of stealing cattle from drovers on the Chisholm Trail. Some say the boys were wrongfully ...

Horn Canna Farm

One of the world's largest exclusive canna growers....

Quartz Mountain Resort Cabins

Quartz Mountain offers cabin accommodations. Eight of our cabins have two bedrooms, fireplaces and kitchenettes, plus a Murph...