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
Homestead Museum
Some of the items in the museum came from the people who came by covered wagon to homestead in what is now Ellis County, Oklahoma in the the late 1890s and early 1900s. There are household items (tables, pie cabinet, bed, dishes, more), personal items (powder boxes, watches, mirrors, more)
Shattuck, OK MuseumsVeteran's Memorial
This memorial honors those from the Laverne community who so honorably served their country so that freedom might live. - Dedicated, July 4, 1991 Located near the west pavillion in the city park.
Laverne, OK MemorialsCheyenne City Park - Museums in the Park
The Cheyenne City Park contains seven museums, several memorial structures, playground equipment, a pavilion with a stage, a swimming pool, ball diamonds, handicap accessible bathrooms, and plenty of parking.
Cheyenne, OK MuseumsBlack Mesa Park Campgrounds
Black Mesa State Park offers 2 campgrounds and a group camp adjacent to Lake Carl Etling providing 64 Campsites, picnic facilities, 2 boat ramps and a mooring buoy, fishing, a playground, restrooms with showers and a group camp with 12 bunkhouses to accommodate 132. 2 picnic areas with 18
, OK CampingArtesian Well
An ever-flowing "Artesian well" spring is located northeast of Cherokee, Oklahoma, and provides a cool drink for travelers and a "fill-your-own-container" source of water for many homes of the area. In 2003
Cherokee, OK Natural AttractionsCCC Ranch Headquarters
The CCC Ranch Headquarters was built in the 1880s of native stone, cut and laid up in a running bond. The rough-faced stone bunkhouse stands nearby. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 3C ranch was owned by Vickers, Wells, and Gates out of Tombstone, Arizona.
Texhoma, OK Historic Homes
Kaw Lake Trails
Hikers and horseback riders are attracted to the beautiful trails along Kaw Lakes eastern shore. The Eagle View Hiking Trail is approximately 12 miles long and runs between Osage Cove and Burbank Landing.
, OK TrailsGuymon Wild Game Reserve
Sitting to the north of Thompson Park, across the dam, is the Guymon Game Reserve. Driving up to the reserve fence or sitting on one of the park benches, you may be able to view Aoudad sheep, llamas, buffalo, prairie dogs, African Watusi and Longhorn cattle and elk.
Guymon, OK Wildlife RefugesT. B. Ferguson Mansion Museum
The Ferguson Mansion was built in 1907 and is open for tours of its period furnishings and historic memorabilia. T.B. Ferguson, appointed Oklahoma's sixth territorial governor by President Theodore Roosevelt, is best remembered for his efforts to turn Oklahoma Territory into Oklahoma the State. <
Watonga, OK MuseumsBoiling 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