Wichita Mountains Oklahoma, USA Travel Guide
Meetings with magnificent animals, challenging hikes, and views that stretch for miles await. This destination guarantees a refreshingly different kind of travel experience.
Location: Southwestern Oklahoma, near Lawton and Medicine Park.
Size: Over 59,000 acres of diverse ecosystem.
The Wichita Mountains hold deep historical and cultural importance. For thousands of years, Native American tribes, including the Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache, considered these mountains sacred ground. They were hunting grounds, spiritual sites, and places of refuge. Evidence of their presence, from ancient campsites to rock art, reflects their long connection to this land. The famous Apache leader, Geronimo, spent his final years as a prisoner of war at nearby Fort Sill, adding another layer to the area's complex history.
In more recent history, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge was established in 1901 by President William McKinley. It is one of the oldest managed wildlife refuges within the United States, originally created to protect diminishing wildlife populations. The refuge played an important role in bringing the American bison back from the brink of extinction, introducing a herd in 1907 from the New York Zoological Park. This successful conservation effort also extended to thek and the iconic Texas longhorn cattle, making sure these animals once again thrive in their native habitat.
Native American presence
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge established
American bison reintroduced
Holy City Passion Play begins
Final years at Fort Sill (nearby)
The Holy City of the Wichitas, an unique religious site built from local stone, complements the area's cultural narrative, hosting America's longest-running Passion Play since 1926.
The refuge played an important role in returning American bison, elk, and Texas longhorn cattle to their native habitats.
This unique religious site, built from local stone, has hosted America's longest-running Passion Play since 1926.
The area's rich history, from ancient Native American grounds to modern conservation efforts, shapes an unique visitor experience.
The Wichita High hills Wildlife Refuge invites you to immerse yourself in its natural splendor and captivating story. You can drive a scenic road to the summit of Mount Scott, where panoramic views await.
Observe herds of bison, elk, and longhorns grazing in the prairies, or watch playful prairie dogs from a safe distance. The refuge has vast stretches of hiking trails, from easy walks in unique forests to challenging rock scrambles up granite peaks.
Drive Mount Scott for breathtaking views.
Observe bison, elk, and longhorns in their natural habitat.
Explore miles of hiking trails for all skill levels.
Beyond the refuge boundaries, the charming cobblestone town of Medicine Park has a quaint base with unique shops and dining, while Lawton, a larger city, has modern amenities and additional cultural attractions.
