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Lawton, Oklahoma

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 1830s trappers and hunters, plus re-enactments of 19th and 20th century events and activities.

Hide Tipi - A buffalo hide tipi dominates the space devoted to Native Americans in the new museum. Its supple skins cover Hide Tipisoaring lodge poles, creating a living space filled with the tools and household goods used by the nomadic tribes of the southern Plains.

Tingley Store - The recreated Tingley Store has already attracted international visitation. The Jake Tingley family operated an Indian trading store in Anadarko, Oklahoma Territory, beginning in 1901. Their hand-crafted moccasins, cardboards, buckskin clothing, jewelry, and other items brought in travelers and collectors. The majority of the store's contents contains items made from 1920 to 1960, but the collection includes over 3,200 pieces of 20th century Plains Indians artifacts assembled by the Tingleys. Friends of the Museum worked to keep the collection intact and as a source of pride for all Oklahomans.

Red River Trading Post - Living history demonstrations are held in May and November at the reconstructed Red River Trading Post. The two-story trader's cabin inside the fortified log stockade is filled with buffalo hides, beads, and trapper's supplies used in the frontier fur trade. The cabin with living history interpreter is open during peak summer months from Wednesday through Sunday, and by appointment during winter.

Steam Engine and Grounds - Have you ever wanted to be an engineer on a vintage locomotive? See a one-room school? Elgin DepotWatch the prairie dogs? Kids of all ages enjoy climbing on board the 1926 steam locomotive near the restored Elgin Depot and one-room school. Both evoke memories of train travel in its heyday and pioneer school days. In addition, the grounds contain an array of farming equipment used to tame the vast grasslands.

Prairie dogs frolic near the post and in the adjoining Elmer Thomas Park. The popular park offers picnic areas jogging paths, and a small lake with fountain, ducks, and geese.

Attractions and Upcoming Events


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

Mattie Beal Home

The Historic Mattie Beal Home is a 3,580 square foot, 14-room mansion constructed in 1907-1909. It sits on a portion of the 160-acres selected by Mattie Beal, the young woman whose name was drawn second in the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache Land Lottery of 1901

Lawton, OK Museums

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

Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area

Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area is your one-stop family fun and outdoor recreation location. LETRA is nestled in the picturesque Wichita Mountains and offers a 360-acre lake surrounded by native prairie.

Lawton, OK Recreation

Things to do near Lawton, OK

Oklahoma Route 66 Museum

Showcases the history and development of "The Mother Road"....

Hinton Historical Museum

The History of the Hinton area is showcased at the Hinton Historical Museum and Parker House . The museum contains many arti...