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Lawton, Oklahoma

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 acres and features 22 native granite buildings including the c. 1936 World Chapel. A natural amphitheater is the setting for the nation's longest running Easter passion play in America, The Prince of Peace.

Holy City was founded by Reverend Anthony Mark Wallock who viewed the Wichita Mountains as resembling the hills and mountains of the Holy Land. The Chapel of the Holy City, built of native stone, was completed in 1936. The design, inspired by a church in Alexandria, Virginia, is reminiscent of an Old World Temple. In the interior of the Chapel are wood carvings, paintings and murals of the Biblical days of Christ in 1933. Government land in the Wichita National Forest Reserve was designated by the U.S. Government for the site of the Holy City and its Easter Pageant. The nationally famous Easter Pageant is a dramatization of the life of Christ held on Easter Eve.

This annual event is held the Saturday evening before Easter.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

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 - Camping

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of camping opportunities.


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

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

Wichita Mountains NWR - Fishing

There are 13 Public Use Lakes on the Refuge which provide ample fishing opportunities for both bank and boat anglers. Largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish are likely to be caught in Refuge lakes.

Lawton, OK Fishing

Things to do near Lawton, OK

Owl Drug and Soda Fountain

Built in the 1920s, the Owl Drug invites you to guzzle down a frothy root beer float or a rich chocolate malt made at the 50s...

Johnson's Peanut Company

Seasonal; tours by appt, gift shop open year round. ...