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
Greater Southwest Historical Museum
Housed in a native-stone building constructed during Roosevelt's WPA days, the museum traces the heritage of settlers who carved out a living in early day Indian Territory to those living in the 1930s. Featured is an 1892 Cabin inside the museum.
Ardmore, OK MuseumsMurray Mansion
At Erin Springs near Lindsay, stands the largest farm in cultivation in all Indian Territory. The owner of this land and the 1880 handsome, three-story home was rancher, Frank Murray. He owned 20,000 acres with corn fields three miles wide and five miles long.
Lindsay, OK Historic HomesLake Murray Riding Stables
The riding stables at Lake Murray State Park offer hayrides and trail rides through some of the most beautiful scenery in Oklahoma. Trail rides leave every hour and no reservations are needed. Hayrides & Moonlight rides must be reserved.
, OK Equestrian TrailsMcSwain Musical Theatre
"Branson Style" live music variety shows liven up Ada every first and third Saturday night in the historic 1920 refurbished theater. Shows featuring country, gospel and 50
Ada, OK TheatresMoore-Settle House
Three-story, circa 1899 home listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Wynnewood, OK Historic HomesHistoric Downtown
Take in some of Atoka's History by viewing the historic downtown buildings. 1901 Bank Building
Atoka, OK Historic DowntownsLove County Courthouse
This unique octagonal architecture with four impressive columns at each of four entrances is Oklahoma's first county courthouse built after statehood. The cornerstone of Nelson Georgia Marble was laid during Masonic ceremonies on April 29, 1910. The building was dedicated on November 24
Marietta, OK Historic CourthousesPauls Valley Municipal Golf Course
The Pauls Valley Municipal Golf Course is a 9-hole course that has bent grass greens and bermuda fairways, and, along with a driving range and practice area, provide an enjoyable golfing experience. Golf lessons are available from the head golf pro, Frankie Rinehart (PGA)
Pauls Valley, OK Golf CoursesButterfield Stage Line
Standing at the forefront of the old Butterfield road imagine the stage coach hustling along the old wooden fence line up the well-ridden ruts that are still visible today and coming to an abrupt halt at the rest stop. The Butterfield Overland Mail route directed its route to Boggy Depot in 1858
Atoka, OK Railroad HistoryMasonic Lodge
The Masonic Lodge of Pauls Valley is the oldest enterprise in Pauls Valley in continuous existence. Valley Lodge #6 was chartered on September 7th, 1875 by the Grand Lodge of Indian Territory and has met continuously since that time. Silas Rogers was the first Master of Valley Lodge #6.
Pauls Valley, OK Historic Buildings