With Open Prairies and Rugged Trails, Oklahoma’s Beauty Awaits on This Day Trip

Start your adventure in Oklahoma City, with the morning sun stretching over the city’s skyline. For breakfast, head to Waffle Champion on N Walker Avenue, where creative takes on classic waffles - like the fried chicken and waffle sandwich - are sure to fuel your day. Sip your coffee, take in the flavors, and then it’s time to hit the road. Your first stop awaits about an hour and a half to the southwest.

After about an hour and a half on the road through picturesque Oklahoma countryside, you’ll reach the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Spanning 59,000 acres, this stunning preserve offers rugged granite peaks, rolling prairies, and abundant wildlife. Stop by the visitor center to get familiar with the area’s natural wonders.

For those up for an adventure, the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Trail is a must. This 2.4-mile hike takes you through boulder-strewn paths and mountain streams, giving you a firsthand look at the refuge's diverse wildlife. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for bison grazing or elk traipsing through the landscape. The trail concludes with sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains - a perfect spot for a pause and a photograph.

If you have a little more time, consider a scenic drive up Mount Scott. The winding ascent offers some of the most stunning panoramic views of the entire refuge and beyond, with several observation points along the way to take it all in.

By lunchtime, make your way to Medicine Park, a charming cobblestone town established in 1908. The main street is lined with quirky shops housed in historic round stone buildings that add to the town's unique character.

For lunch, stop by Riverside Cafe, where you can enjoy hearty local fare, like a buffalo burger or a classic chicken fried steak. Afterward, stretch your legs with a peaceful stroll along Medicine Creek, which winds through the town and adds to its serene atmosphere.

The afternoon brings you to Lawton, a city deeply rooted in Oklahoma's military and Native American heritage. Your first stop should be the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum. This active military post, dating back to 1869, played a significant role in the late 19th-century conflicts between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. The museum houses an impressive collection of military artifacts and provides insights into the complex history of the American West.

While at Fort Sill, pay a visit to Geronimo's gravesite. The legendary Apache leader spent his final years as a prisoner of war at Fort Sill, and his grave serves as a poignant reminder of the area's turbulent past. Nearby, the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center offers a deeper understanding of Native American history and culture in the region, with a focus on the Comanche people, through its exhibits, and educational programs.

As the day begins to wind down, take some time to relax at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area, located just outside Lawton. Nestled at the base of Mount Sheridan, the calm waters and surrounding landscape offer a tranquil setting to watch the sunset and reflect on the day.

End your day back in Medicine Park, where you’ll check in to the Birdhouse Cottages. These creekside accommodations are a peaceful retreat, with each cottage named after a native Oklahoma bird. Surrounded by the sounds of Medicine Creek and with the Wichita Mountains in the backdrop, it’s the perfect place to rest, unwind, and journal about your trip.