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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

Museum of the Great Plains

At the Museum of the Great Plains, the natural and cultural history of the Great Plains of north America is studied and shown in many exhibits and programs that will be enjoyed by all members of the family. Special events include a twice-yearly encampment of 1830

Lawton, OK Museums

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 - 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 - 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 Attractions

Percussive 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

Things to do near Lawton, OK

Riverside Municipal Golf Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

Altus City Reservoir

The Altus City Reservoir provides many possibilities for those who like to get away for a few hours and just relax in the idy...

Lake Fuqua Camping

The park at Lake Fuqua offers 54 hook-ups, some full service, 2 boat ramps and a dump station....

Steen's Buttes

Steen's Buttes, mounds south of the city, were first reported by army explorers in the 1840s. The easternmost mound is "Rock ...