Comanche County, OK
In southwest Oklahoma, the golden shortgrass prairie extends for mile after mile - proving this captivating corner of Oklahoma more than lives up to its Great Plains Country title. Less than a century and a half ago, the Southern Plains were the domain of the Kiowa and Comanche who hunted buffalo until the herds were almost exterminated from the plains in the last half of the 19th century. Today, bison, longhorn cattle and elk roam free at the 60,000-acre Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.The Wichita Mountains are remnants of a mountain range that was formed more than 500 million years ago and subsequent erosion has resulted in the exposure of the granite and gabbro core. These mountains rise abruptly from the relatively flat surrounding plains, with several peaks on the refuge exceeding 2000 feet above sea level, interspersed with valleys and prairie grasslands.
It would be another century, on January 8, 1869, before Major General Philip H. Sheridan staked out the site that would become Fort Sill.
In July 1901, 29,000 homesteaders registered for the land lottery at Fort Sill. On August 6, the town of Lawton sprang up and quickly grew to become the third largest city in Oklahoma.
Lawton-Fort Sill flows southward into a flat plain with the Wichita Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop to the north. Thousands of tourists visit the National Wildlife Refuge in these mountains each year to explore an area full of roaming wildlife, romantic history, picturesque scenes, and the towering splendor of these mountains.
The peak of Mt. Scott, which towers 2,465 feet above sea level, can be reached by venturing the winding road that climbs above the refuge floor. The Holy City of the Wichitas is located nearby. This is the site of the famous Easter Pageant held each year on Easter Eve. The structures are recreations of the ancient city of Jerusalem and are open to the public for viewing. There are also several lakes and streams in the surrounding areas.
Explore Comanche County
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 RecreationFort Sill Museum
The Fort Sill Museum has 26 historic buildings including seven with exhibits on the Frontier Army, Native Americans and Field Artillery. One of the these, the Old Post Guardhouse erected in 1873
Fort Sill, OK MuseumsLake Lawtonka
Water recreation, camping, hunting - 2,398 surface acres and 21 miles of shoreline. Noted for smallmouth bass catch and release program. Also largemouth bass, catfish, walleye, saugeye and crappie. 30 primitive sites, group shelters, restrooms/
Medicine Park, OK RecreationWichita 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 AttractionsNew 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 LiteratureWichita 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
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 LandmarksWichita Mountains NWR - Camping
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of camping opportunities.
- Doris Campground is a modern camping facility with individual and group sites.
- Fawn Creek Campground Lawton, OK Camping
Wichita Mountains - Holy City
While you're in the 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
Cache, OK Historic SitesThe Meers Store
The Meers Store, serving up plate-sized longhorn beef burgers, is all that remains of a boom town born in the Wichita Mountains turn-of-the-century gold rush. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was once a drugstore, doctor'
Meers, OK One Of A KindsPercussive 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