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Museum of the Great Plains


category : Museums
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 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.


Admission: Adults, $6.00
Children 7 to 11 years, $2.50
Children Under 7, no charge
Seniors 60+, $5.00
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Address: 601 NW Ferris Avenue, in Elmer Thomas Park
Phone: 580-581-3460
Our Email: mgp@museumgreatplains.org
Our Website:www.museumgreatplains.org
(From southbound I-44 take exit 39B to Ferris Avenue and turn right. From northbound I-44, take exit 37 (Gore Avenue) and go west to 2nd , turn right to Ferris Avenue, turn left to the museum, or follow the blue museum of the Great Plains signs posted throughout the city.

Come visit us in Lawton, Oklahoma

Attractions and Upcoming Events

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

Wichita Mountains NWR - Hiking

The Refuge maintains four series of hiking trails as well as wayside exhibits throughout the Public Use Area. While visitors may hike anywhere in the Public Use Area of the Refuge, these trail systems are maintained for optimum viewing opportunities, ease of access, and diversity of scenery.

Lawton, OK Hiking Trails

New Holy City History Book Available

Oklahoma City author, Jacqulein Vaughn Lowry has authored a new pictorial history book about the Holy City of the Wichitas. Published by Arcadia Publishing company, the book chronicles the rich history of the Holy City from 1926

Lawton, OK Literature

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

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

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