Lake Country, Oklahoma
Before southcentral Oklahoma was lake country, it was river country, home to the mercurial Red, the gentle Washita and the pristine Blue rivers. Corralled, the rivers created four major lakes -- and a whole new world of water. Lake Texoma splashes into three counties and draws fisherman from all over the country, lured by the best striped bass fishing to be found anywhere. Near Ardmore, clear spring water fill Lake Murray, built in the shady foothills of the Arbuckle mountains and the sparkling centerpiece of Oklahoma's oldest, most historic state park. (A limestone castle houses the park's nature center.) The 9,000-acre McGee Creek National Scenic Recreation Area, adjacent to Atoka Lake, is home to white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and the occasional mountain lion. Campers can apply for a permit to backpack into the recreation area, or stay in relative luxury in a rustic log fishing hut at McGee Creek State Park.
Explore Lake Country
Hardy Murphy Coliseum
Numerous western events take place in this WPA-era stone building and arena, named for "Mr. Ardmore," Hardy Murphy, a horseman who performed with his palomino, Old Buck, throughout the U.S and Europe. The Hardy Murphy Coliseum is a multi-use facility offering a 25,000
Ardmore, OK Historic BuildingsChickasaw Nation Cultural Center
At the Chickasaw Tribal Complex, Headquarters of the Chickasaw Nation, the Cultural Center is located in a beautifully preserved two-story building and offers an educational look at modern tribal society, plus providing an opportunity to view tribal artifacts dating back to the 1500s.
Ada, OK Cultural CentersMoore-Settle House
Three-story, circa 1899 home listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Wynnewood, OK Historic HomesLake Murray Fishing
Lake Murray was built by the WPA back in the 1930's close to Ardmore, Oklahoma. It was the first major lake impounded in Oklahoma and contains largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass. The lake is noted for yielding large numbers of smallmouth in the 2-3
, OK FishingTucker Tower
Tucker Tower Nature Center is not only a great place to visit, with its many interesting and educational displays and exhibits, it also has a history as colorful as the view from high atop the tower. Tucker's Tower sits on a steeply dipping outcrop named the Devil'
Marietta, OK Historic BuildingsLake Murray Golf Course
Lake Murray Golf Course combines a public, 18-hole course, plus miniature golf. Nestled in the wooded hills of Oklahoma's largest state park, the course's tight, tree-lined fairways put the emphasis on accuracy. Murray's signature par-three 16
Marietta, OK Golf CoursesEliza Cruce Hall Doll Museum
Over 300 rare and antique dolls are on display at the museum located in the Ardmore Public Library. Eliza Cruce Hall came as a child to Indian Territory in 1896 and was the niece of the state'
Ardmore, OK MuseumsWashita Valley Museum
The Historical Society works diligently to preserve Pauls Valley'
Pauls Valley, OK MuseumsHistoric Registered Downtown
Twelve blocks in the downtown business district are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Walking and Driving Tour Maps of Historical Pauls Valley are available at the depot, the Chamber of Commerce and the MAIN STREET PAULS VALLEY office. Listed in the tour guide are 61
Pauls Valley, OK Historic Downtowns