Great Plains Country, Oklahoma
In southwestern Oklahoma the golden shortgrass prairie extends for mile after undulating mile, mirroring the sky in its vastness. Less than a century and a half ago, the Southern Plains were the domain of the Kiowa and Comanche, who hunted buffalo on horses bridled with Spanish silver and traded with the Wichitas, farmers who lived in grass houses. To the Kiowa, the earth was sacred, and the Wichitas believed their ancestors lived on in the 650-million-year-old granite boulders of the Wichita Mountains. Travelers exploring the region today may encounter moments of similar reverence -- watching the sun set from atop Mount Scott in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, for instance, or watching an eagle soar in winter. A rowdier spirit lives endures in the area, too: Teddy Roosevelt created the wildlife refuge after he traveled to Oklahoma Territory to hunt wolves. Bison now graze on the 60,000-acre preserve, along with longhorn cattle, antelope and elk -- rugged mountain biking, hiking, camping and backpacking are permitted in some areas.
Explore Great Plains Country
Downtown Mural
The mural reflects downtown Sayre facing east towards the courthouse. - Artist, B. Cochron, '84
Sayre, OK ArtsPercussive 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
RS & K Railroad Museum
Relive the days when the Railroads brought us everything from soup to hay. Experience the entertainment of twelve model trains running at the same time, different gauges, and over 350 feet of track! See over 100 trains beautifully displayed and lots of memorabilia. Over 30
Sayre, OK MuseumsNational Route 66 Museum
Step back in time at the National Route 66 Museum and Old Town Museum Complex. The museum focuses on the people who lived, worked and traveled "The Road" and offers visitors a road motif to travel through all eight states along Route 66 "The Mother Road".
Elk City, OK MuseumsFlorence Hospital
This photo shows the 1911-1912 Florence Hospital. The hospital, named for the wife of Cordell doctor A. H. Bungardt, was housed on the second floor of this building until the Cordell Memorial Hospital was built in 1957. Photos of the interior include one of the door to the fathers'
Cordell, OK Historic BuildingsParker Ferris Wheel
Every August for over 90 years, Mountain View, Oklahoma holds its annual free fair. Dominating the skyline is a 1920's Parker ferris wheel, only 1 of 4
Mountain View, OK One Of A KindsMuseum 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 MuseumsRed Rock Canyon Camping
Red Rock Canyon is one of the most beautiful examples of nature's artwork in Oklahoma. Wind and water have shaped 260
, OK CampingPresbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church is the last original church building still remaining in Sayre. 1908 - 1988
Sayre, OK Historic ChurchesWashita County Courthouse
The imposing Washita County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed by Solomon Andrew Layton in 1910 and completed in 1911, and has been called the "Grandfather of Oklahoma's Courthouses."
Cordell, OK Historic CourthousesNew 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 LiteratureGreer County Cemeteries
A detailed listing and accompanying photos of some of the headstones can be viewed at these informative websites.