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
Ponca Chief, Standing Bear
Standing Bear won the battle for himself and for all Native Americans to become "persons" under United States law. His fight for his land and his dignity has been recorded as one of the first victories for civil rights in America.
Ponca City, OK Ethnic HeritageEllis 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 CourthousesNorthwestern Oklahoma State Museum
Northwestern Oklahoma State University Museum houses one of the top taxidermic bird collections in the United States and also has natural history exhibits, fossils, and Indian artifacts.
Alva, OK MuseumsOutdoor Murals
The Cherokee Strip Land Run - Robert Cooke, 1998 Northwest wall at 6th and College
Alva, OK ArtsMidgley Museum
At the Midgley Museum, you can view an eclectic assortment of objects and artifacts collected over a lifetime of rock collecting by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Midgley. Gem and mineral enthusiasts will enjoy the array.
The museum is a monument to the Midgley family, one of Oklahoma'
Enid, OK MuseumsBoiling Springs Campgrounds
Open Year Round - Boiling Springs has two designated campgrounds. Assigned Campground Area #3 offers RV sites with electric and water hookups - groups may reserve campsites in advance. Campground Area #4
, OK CampingAlfalfa County Museum
The Alfalfa County Museum occupies the 1929 National Historic Cherokee Hotel, that to this day is the tallest four story building in Alfalfa County. Currently the museum'
Cherokee, OK MuseumsAutograph Rock
Autograph Rock contains hundreds of carved signatures of Santa Fe travelers and others dating as early as 1826. Autograph Rock is a 200 yard long rock cliff about 20-25 feet high. There are over 323 names on the rock itself and 500
Boise City, OK Natural AttractionsCentennial Marker
The Alva Centennial Marker ( 1893 - 1993) is "dedicated to the Cherokee Outlet's pioneers whose sacrifices made the prairie bloom and provided the descendants with a proud heritage."
Alva, OK Historical MarkersThe Augusta Metcalfe & Break O'Day Farm
Break O'Day Farm and Metcalfe Museum, the historic homestead and repository for the works of Oklahoma pioneer and “Sagebrush Artist,” Augusta Corson Metcalfe Directions:
Cheyenne, OK MuseumsBeaver Dunes Hiking & Wildlife
The self-guided Pioneer Interpretive Trail, a one mile hike through the dune area, is an excellent way to view the wildlife, plant species, and geology of Beaver Dunes State Park.
, OK TrailsBoiling Springs Cabins
Boiling Springs State Park offers four one-bedroom guest cabins; each will sleep up to four people. All cabins have living areas and kitchens furnished with dishes, cookware, flatware, coffee pot, linens, and cleaning supplies. All cabins have fireplaces and televisions, but do not have telephones.
, OK Cabins