Red Carpet Country, Oklahoma
A vast prehistoric sea that covered what's now northwestern Oklahoma colored the soil a deep red-brown -- and left a few other surprised as well. Like the cedar-flecked canyons in Roman Nose State Park, carved by receding water, or the Alabaster Caverns, the world's largest gypsum-lined cave. Shifting sand dunes tower 40 feet high at Little Sahara State Park and the 4,973-foot-high, lava topped Black Mesa near Kenton was created by an ancient volcano. The mesa, the state's highest point, has long been a have for wildlife and for hikers -- some of them bigger than others, as nearby dinosaur footprints testify. The prairies were once dotted with tipis; northwest Oklahoma were the winter campgrounds for the Cheyenne-- the last great herd of buffalo on the Oklahoma plains was spotted near Fort Supply in the 1870s. Two decades later, the largest of all the land runs took place when the Cherokee Outlet was opened in1893 to settlement. In a single afternoon, 100,000 men and women raced to claim 160-acre quarter-sections; some of their great-grandchildren still live on original homesteads. In Aline, the Sod House Museum shelters the only remaining sod house in the state, built in 1849.
Explore Red Carpet Country
Cultural Center Museum & Visitors Center
The Ponca City Cultural Center Museum is the former home of Ernest Whitworth Marland, tenth Governor of Oklahoma, who came to Ponca City to visit the 101 Ranch. He remained to build a vast oil empire. He was the founder and president of Marland Oil Company, now Conoco Inc.
Ponca City, OK Museums
Ellis County Courthouse
Built in 1912, the historic Ellis County Courthouse stands in the center of the Courthouse Square in Arnett. Just south of the Courthouse stands the old jail and an historic log cabin that is stilll in use today by the local Boy Scouts.
Arnett, OK Historic CourthousesSanta Fe Depot
Cheyenne was the western terminus for the Clinton, Oklahoma, and Western Railroad (also known as the "COW") until the Santa Fe took over in 1928 and extended the line to Pampa, Texas. Passenger service survived until the 1960's using a "doodlebug" (AT&SF Motorcar #M.177) as train numbers 63 & 64
Cheyenne, OK Railroad HistoryOutdoor Murals
A series of outdoor murals throughout downtown Freedom depicts the area's significance. One inspirational mural entitled, "Posting The Colors" was created by western artist, Jack J. Wells, PRCAA.
Freedom, OK Arts
Beaver Dunes Camping & Recreation
Hackberry Bend Campground has seven RV campsites with water and electric hookups and 10 tent sites; Five RV sites are pull-thrus and one is handicapped accessible. Also located in Hackberry Bend is a one room primitive cabin which sleeps 4 and can be reserved. Pioneer Campground
, OK CampingWashita Battlefield National Historic Site
Washita Battlefield National Historic Site protects and interprets the site of the Southern Cheyenne village of Peace Chief Black Kettle that was attacked by the 7th U.S. Cavalry under Lt. Col. George A. Custer just before dawn on November 27, 1868
Cheyenne, OK BattlesitesMedford Centennial Buildling
The Medford Centennial Buildling lets you view records the City's History from 1893 to present.
Medford, OK MuseumsAlabaster Caverns Caving
In the caves at Alabaster State Park, massive boulders of alabaster, a fine-grained mass gypsum, can be seen in many colors of pink, white and even a rare black. But gypsum isn't all you'll see!
, OK CavingWorld War II POW Camp
A World War II POW Camp was located just south of Alva in the 1940s. More than 5,000 prisoners were interned at a time when the population of Alva itself was only 3,500.
Alva, OK Military HistoryKaw Lake Fishing
Kaw Lake and the Arkansas River have long been known for great hauls of giant catfish. Kaw Lake also has bass, crappie, walleye, stripers and even a spoonbill or two. With 168 miles of shoreline and 17,500
, OK FishingChisholm Trail Museum
The Chisholm Trail Museum, named for Jesse Chisholm, is situated directly on the Chisholm Trail and presents artifacts from the historic Chisholm cattle trail. See, first hand, items and their history and Kingfisher's place within.
Native American Artifacts
Kingfisher, OK Museums