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
First National Bank Building
. L. Hull, long-time president of the First National Bank, was instrumental in the construction of both the old First National Bank Building in 1909-1910 and the Carnegie Library in 1911. He is seen above in the right corner of the 1910 photo of the bank'
Cordell, OK Historic BuildingsWashita Theater
The grand tradition of the Washita Theater has returned to the City of New Cordell. Over 50 years has passed since the days of the Saturday matinee, the preview, and the news reel ... and now the art deco splendor of the Washita will be home to a new generation of movies and movie-goers!
Cordell, OK Historic TheatresJackson County Courthouse
The Jackson County Courthouse was built in 1910 of native granite. A noticeable feature of the structure is the artful contrast of the red granite foundation, and most remarkable is the size of the granite blocks which undoubtedly has given the structure its stability throughout the years.
Altus, OK Historic CourthousesWichita 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 FishingLake Frederick
Frederick offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. Lake Frederick, only a few miles away, offers sites for motor homes, RVs, and tents. Visitors won'
Frederick, OK RecreationDuncan Area Lakes
Duncan area lakes offer 4000 acres of outdoor fun with camping, fishing, boating, skiing,swimming, mountain biking, jet skiing, and just plain ole' relaxing in the shade.
Duncan, OK Recreation
Western Oklahoma State College
Western Oklahoma State College, established as Altus Junior College in 1926, is the oldest continuing two year college in Oklahoma. An emphasis in academic transfer and more than 59
Altus, OK CollegesWichita 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