Lawton Fort Sill Visitors Guide

Lawton

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Fort Sill, Oklahoma

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TOURISM GUIDE

LawtonSill Fort Lawton Fort Sill The Lawton Fort Sill area is ideal for year-round outdoor activities. The January average high temperature is 53 degrees and the average low is 27 degrees. The July average high temperature is 97 degrees and the average low is 70 degrees. The area receives an average of 28 inches of rain and two inches of snowfall each year. Lawton Fort Sill sits 1,142 feet above sea level.

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A QUICK LOOK

Lawton Fort Sill Lawton is centrally located in the heart of southwest Oklahoma. Fort Sill is located on its northern border and flows into the distinctive Wichita Mountains. Five highways connect Lawton Fort Sill. Interstate 44 leads north to Oklahoma City or south to Wichita Falls, Texas. State Highway 62 leads west to Altus; State Highway 7 leads east to Duncan.

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LawtonSill Fort Historic

Lawton Fort Sill

Lawton is a great place to experience the influence of Native Americans, pioneers and military heroes. Our meaningful past and unique present will make your visit unforgettable. You will find inspirational beauty, historic importance, natural splendor and great fun for all ages.

Fort Sill

National Historic Landmark

Founded by General Philip H Sheridan during the winter campaign against the Southern Plains tribes in 1868, Fort Sill played a major role in the history of the west.

The post was constructed by the African-American Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th U.S. Cavalry.

Nearly all of the original buildings survive today, encompassing the most complete fort from the Indian Wars period still in existence.

The 50 original buildings around the Post Quadrangle include historic officer’s family quarters, infantry and cavalry barracks, quartermaster warehouses, the forge house, the granary and corral, the guardhouse, the bakery and the hospital complex. These structures house exhibit galleries and research collections, comprising the largest museum in the US Army system.

580.442.5123 • sill-www.army.mil/museum

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HISTORY

Field Artillery Museum This museum tells the history of artillery from ancient times to the present. It contains 75 cannon, artillery-related pieces, weapons, uniforms, flags and insignia. It features two lifesize dioramas of the Mexican War and the Battle of the Bulge.

It houses a section of the World Trade Center and a section of the Berlin wall. An outdoor park features more than 80 United States and foreign artillery pieces from World War I to present day.

580.442.1819 • sill-www.army.mil/museum

Fort Sill

Historic Sites

In addition to the landmark and museum, other historic sites located on post include: • Geronimo’s Grave • National Fort Sill Historic Landmark Museum • United States Field Artillery Museum

• Seven Native American Cemeteries – Famous Native American leaders such as Geronimo, Quanah Parker, Ten Bears, Black Beaver, Satanta and Satank are interred in these cemeteries.

• Cannon Walk L A W T O N F O R T S I L L C O N V E N T I O N A N D V I S I T O R S B U R E A U | V I S I T L A W T O N O K . C O M | 8 0 0. 8 7 2 .4 5 4 0

LawtonSill Fort Museum and Cultural Center This museum offers visitors a glimpse of traditional cultural objects and detailed historical information about the largest American Indian tribe in southwest Oklahoma. The museum tells the story of the Comanche through informative panels, interactive displays and historical artifacts. The museum is home to a variety of collections including the Egli and Chibitty collections and a Comanche military collection. The museum houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Comanche fine art in the United States.

Historic

Mattie Beal Home

This 14 room Greek Revival-style mansion was constructed in 1909. In the land lottery of 1901, the federal government opened southwest Oklahoma to settlement. The second name drawn was Mattie Beal. This determined young woman from Wichita, Kansas chose her 160-acre allotment just south of the Lawton town site. Instant fame was hers and she received hundreds of marriage proposals, but it was local lumberyard owner Charles Payne who stole her heart. The home is restored to the way Mattie Beal remodeled it in 1923 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

580.353.0404 • comanchemuseum.com 580.678.3156 • lawtonheritage.org

Foundation & Gallery The Leslie Powell Foundation began in 1986 and was funded through a trust left by a native Lawtonian. The foundation funds scholarships and grants, as well as a working art gallery. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from noon until 4:00 p.m.

580.357.9526 • lpgallery.org

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GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center The aquarium is new and exciting component to the vast variety of family activity and attraction for our entire region.

Stop by to feed the turtles in Turtle Town, visit the electric eel in the Marvels & Mysteries Gallery, or stroll to the Butterfly House. Open 10:00 am to 6:00 pm with the last ticket sold at 5:00 pm.

580.529.3601 • mpmns.org

of the Great Plains This museum features special collections and exhibits that spotlight the cultural and natural history of the Great Plains.

One of the newest exhibits is the Tornado Theater. Sit inside a replica storm shelter as 5 survivors narrate their “Terrible Tuesday” experience.

The Red River Trading Post, located next to the museum, is a replica of the trading posts that existed in the region in the 1830s. It features a fortified log stockade and two-story blockhouse. Actors in period costumes occupy the post and recreate trading post activities.

580.581.3460 • discovermgp.org

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LawtonSill Fort Wildlife Refuge Wild, rugged and weathered, the Wichita Mountains offer visitors opportunities to view one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America. In the unspoiled reaches of the refuge, you are certain to broaden your appreciation of nature.

The 59,020-acre refuge is the oldest managed wildlife preserve in the United States. Over 22,000 acres are open for hiking and general wildlife observations. The lakes, streams, canyons, mountains and grasslands are ideal for hiking, fishing, camping and photography. The rock outcroppings, forests and grass prairies create an excellent habitat for the free-roaming herds of bison, elk, deer and longhorn cattle.

Mount Scott is one of Oklahoma’s most prominent peaks, rising 2,500 feet above the plains. Located on the eastern edge of the wildlife refuge, it is a legendary site that boasts tales of ancient spirits, Spanish gold and buried outlaw loot.

A 3.5 mile paved road leads to the summit and a breathtaking view of southwest Oklahoma.

580.429.3222 • wichitamountains.fws.gov

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ADVENTURE

of the Wichitas No trip to the refuge is complete without a visit to the historic grounds of the Holy City of the Wichitas. The site is a labor of love and is amazingly similar to the lands Jesus walked.

The grounds include the World Chapel, which has a priceless ceiling and wall paintings.

The Holy City is the stage setting of the annual Easter Pageant. It is the longest running outdoor passion play in America and depicts the life, death and resurrection of the Messiah.

580.429.3361 • theholycitylawton.com

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Holy City of the Wichitas

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POINTS OF INTEREST

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Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge

Comanche National Museum & Cultural Center

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Historic Mattie Beal Home

Fort Sill National

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Historic Landmark & Museum

Lawton Fort Sill Convention & Visitors Bureau

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4

Museum of the Great Plains

Leslie Powell Art Gallery

10

5

US Army Field Artillery Museum

Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center

3

LawtonSill Fort Recreation Area (LETRA) Fort Sill’s premier 360-acre lake is surrounded by a sandy beach, picturesque native prairie and the Wichita Mountains.

Located 12 miles northwest of the main post, it can be reached through Key Gate on Interstate 44. Amenities include a double flume water slide, paddleboats, an archery range, canoes, volleyball, playgrounds, a miniature golf course, a bathhouse, a country store, a lakeside snack bar, ad fishing. It features a multi-purpose lodge, picnic pavilions, hiking trails, RV and primitive campsites and charming, fully-equipped wood cabins.

580.442.5854 • sillmwr.com

Northside offers primitive camping and RV sites, day and group use areas, swimming beach, boat ramp, and a lakeside store. Robinson’s Landing has RV camping, a boat ramp, fishing dock, and a lakeside store with permits, bait, tackle, beer, groceries, ice, and pizza.

You can rent kayaks and canoes; there is live band music on weekends.

580.529.2663 • cityof.lawton.ok.us Robinson’s Landing General Store 580.529.1800

Edgewater, Chandler Creek and Collier Landing offer primitive and RV camping and features a boat ramp.

580.529.2663 Fisherman’s Cove Resort has a boat ramp, RV sites and a lakeside store with snacks, bait, tackle, ice and permits.

Ralph’s Resort is located on the East side of the Lake Ellsworth Dam. If you are wanting a fun day trip for fishing, swimming, boating or one of the many other activities available nearby.

580.492.4763

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ADVENTURE

The Fawn Creek Campground is reserved for organized youth groups through college-age.

Back country camping is available in the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area. The Doris Campground is a modern camping facility with individual and group sites. Individual sites are available on a first come-first serve basis with no reservations required.

580.429.3222 • wichitamountains@fws.gov

Buffalo Bob’s RV Park 580.647.0107 Robinson’s Landing General Store 580.529.1800

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LawtonSill Fort Casinos

Comanche Spur Casino 9047 US Hwy 62 • Elgin, OK 580.250.3090

Apache Casino Hotel is the only casino hotel in the area. Featuring slots, a wide range of table games and live poker.

Enjoy luxurious hotel rooms, delicious dining, live music, cocktails and more.

Comanche Star Casino 263171 Hwy 53 • Walters, OK 580.250.3100

Apache Casino Hotel 2315 E Gore Blvd 580.248.5905 Bingo Country 809 SE Interstate Dr. 580.248.7712 Welcome to the family of Comanche Nation Entertainment casinos, home of great food, the friendliest folks on the planet and certified loose slots. Stop in.

Give them a spin. Get ready to win!

Comanche Nation Casino 402 SE Interstate Dr. 580.250.3030 Comanche Red River Hotel Casino 196747 HWY 36 • Devol, OK 580.250.3060

With more than 800 slot machines and nearly one dozen table games, three unique restaurants and the friendliest service in the state, Kiowa Casino & Hotel is your entertainment destination.

Kiowa Casino & Hotel 198131 Hwy 36 • Devol, OK 580.299.3333

Excellent fishing can be found just north of Lawton at Lake Lawtonka and Lake Ellsworth. LETRA is another favorite fishing hole. An Oklahoma state fishing license is required for these lakes. Fishing is also available at Lake Helen in Elmer Thomas Park.

Deer and small game hunting is available at the base of Mount Scott, bordering the wildlife refuge.

Oklahoma state hunting licenses are required.

Comanche Nation Water Park 501 NE Lawrie Tatum Road 580.353.6129 Hog Pin Bowl 3140 NW Cache Road 580.699.8333 Kid Zone Greer Park 38th St (Between Gore Blvd & Cache Rd) 580.581.3400 Laugh Out Loud (LOL) 6720 Quanah Parker Trailway 580.536-4FUN (4386)

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SPORTS & LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Playground in the Park Elmer Thomas Park 2nd & Ferris Ave (Park Entrance) 580.581.3400 Splash Pad - Elmer Thomas Park 2nd & Ferris Ave (Park Entrance) 580.581.3400 Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park 5324 NW Cache Rd 800.960.4778

Elmer Thomas Park is the largest of Lawton’s 76 city parks. It features picnic areas, pavilions, an amphitheater stage, a playground, fishing, fitness areas and bike trails.

McMahon Sports Complex contains multiple softball fields with complete concession stand facilities. It includes in-line skate and in-line hockey areas.

Lawton Community Theatre provides six plays and musicals throughout the year.

1316 NW Bell Avenue 580.355.1600 • lct-ok.org Cameron University produces many concerts, lectures and stage productions.

2800 W Gore Blvd • 580.581-2346 cameron.edu/theatre

The Lawton Speedway is located 1.5 miles south of Lee Boulevard on Sheridan Road. It has provided exciting dirt track racing for over 50 years, including Champ Sprints, USA Modifieds, Limited Modifieds, Factory and Mini Stocks.

580.355.6417 Lawtonspeedway.com

Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra expands your mind and feeds your soul.

580.531.5043 • lawtonphil.com

Lawton Fort Sill boasts one roller derby team – the 580 Rollergirls. Home bouts are held at the Great Plains Coliseum.

580Rollergirls.com

Boss Go-Kart Speedway is a quartermile, all-concrete track with 9 hp Racer Rental Karts.

2102 SW 97th Street 580.531.5059

The Duty Rowe Fit Kids Fitness Trailway provides an extensive trail and bike system in the Wichita Mountains. fitkidsofswok.org

For a complete list of parks visit: lawtonok.gov/services/find-park

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LawtonSill Fort

Apache Casino Hotel 580-248-5905 2325 E Gore Blvd

Candlewood Suites 580-354-9906 940 NW 38th St

Baymont Inn & Suites 580-353-5581 1203 NW 40th St

Comanche Red River Hotel Casino 580-250-3060 196747 Hwy 36, Devol

Best Western Plus 580-353-0200 1125 E Gore Blvd

Comfort Suites 580-248-2200 201 SE Interstate Dr Days Inn 580-355-7155 601 NW 2nd St

Echo Canyon Spa Resort 580-421-5076 350 Lawton Ave, Sulphur

Hampton Inn & Suites 580-355-8200 2610 NW Cache Rd

Executive Inn 580-353-1682 3134 NW Cache Rd

Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Fort Sill Convention Center 580-280-2100 135 NW 2nd St

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 580-248-5500 201 SE 7th St

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 580-248-4446 209 SE Interstate Dr

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WHERE TO STAY

Homewood Suites

by Hilton 580-357-9800 415 SE Interstate Dr Kiowa Casino & Hotel 580.299.3333 198131 Hwy 36, Devol, OK

Knights Inn 580-353-0310 2202 NW Hwy 277 La Quinta Inn & Suites 580-355-6800 1408 NW 40th St

Sleep Inn & Suites 580-353-5555 421 SE Interstate Dr

Stardust Inn Bed & Breakfast 580-529-3270 Medicine Park

SpringHill Suites by Marriott 580-248-8500 3 SE Interstate Dr

Wichita Mountain Lodge 580-574-1099 425a East Lake Dr, Medicine Park

Motel 6 580-355-9765 202 SE Lee Blvd

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LawtonSill Fort

No trip to Lawton Fort Sill is complete without a little bit of time to shop. Whether you are looking for souvenirs, local retailers or national stores, as the shopping destination in Southwest Oklahoma, we have it! Visit our shopping districts and experience the friendliness of a neighborly community.

Cache Road Square 38th St and Cache Rd

Central Mall 100 Centrall

Lawton Marketplace 82nd St & Cache Rd

Lawton Town Center 2nd St & Gore Blvd

3801 NW Cache Rd

1912 NW 82nd St

3rd & C Ave

Sheridan Mall 36 NW Sheridan Rd

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WHERE TO SHOP & DINE

Taste what Lawton Fort Sill has to offer! Enjoy national chains, local favorites with a personal touch, food trucks or something in-between, Lawton Fort Sill has a variety of cuisine in delicious style. Our eateries offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. So go on, grab a quick bite for lunch, plan a romantic dinner for two or schedule a night out for the entire family.

Click here to see a list of great dining options!

Bon AppĂŠtit!

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LawtonSill Fort

Great Plains National Pig & Lamb Show 580.353.6047 Search of Eagles Tour 580.429.2151

Battle of the Bands 580.581.2217

Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra - lawtonphil.com

Medicine Park Stomp medicinepark.com

Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra - lawtonphil.com

Polar Bear Plunge medicinepark.com

Wichita Mountains Historic Sites Tour 580.429.2151

Open Streets 580.581.3375

Cameron University Senior Art Exhibition 580.581.3460

Stars Over the Wichitas Tour - 580.429.2151

Cameron University Jazz Festival - cameron.edu Comanche County Junior Livestock Show 580.355.3541

The Prince of Peace Passion Play 580.429.3361

Farmers’ Market Comanche County Fairgrounds

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ANNUAL EVENTS

Spring Wilderness Hike 580.429.2151

Armed Forces Day Parade - 580.355.3541 Arts for All Festival 580.248.5384 Farmers’ Market Comanche County Fairgrounds Mayor’s Red Dirt Ball medicinepark.com

Red River Trading Post Spring Encampment 580.581.3460 Tour de Meers 580.704.6002

Synergy in Motion Bike Festival - 580.353.7496

Freedom Festival 580.581.3470

Wildlife Tours 580.429.2151

Military Appreciation Day - 580.355.3541 Under Cover of Darkness Tour - 580.429.2151

Wildflower Walk 580.429.2151 Army Concert Tour 580.442.1799 Farmers’ Market Comanche County Fairgrounds

Farmers’ Market Comanche County Fairgrounds

Vintage 19th Century Baseball Game 580.442.5123

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LawtonSill Fort

International Festival 580.581.3471 Farmers’ Market Comanche County Fairgrounds

Bugling Elk Tours 580.429.2151

Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra - lawtonphil.com

Comanche County Fair 580.355.1176

Lawton Rangers PRCA Rodeo - lawtonrangers.org

Comanche Nation Fair 380.353.0404

Mattie Beal Home Tours & Historic Reenactments 580.678.3156

Farmers’ Market Comanche County Fairgrounds

Longhorn Auction 580.429.2151 Mayor’s Blues Ball medicinepark.com Poochez Palooza Dog Festival - 580.581.3560 Shoshone Reunion 580.678.1187

Buffalo Auction 580.429.2151 Fall Foliage Tours 580.429.2151 Farmers’ Market Comanche County Fairgrounds Lawton Speedway Winter Nationals - 580.355.6417

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Oktoberfest 580.442.9480 Open Streets 580.581.3375

Chili Cook-Off medicinepark.com

Spirit of Survival 580.585.5406

Fall Foliage Tours 580.429.2151

Trail of Fear Scream Park - trailoffear.com

Frost Ya Fanny 5K Run 580.581.3400 Holiday in the Park Lights Parade Elmer Thomas Park

Red River Trading Post Fall Encampment 580.581.3460

Holiday in the Park Lights Spectacular Elmer Thomas Park

Wilderness Hikes 580.429.2151

In Search of Eagles Tour 580.429.2151

77th Army Band’s Christmas Concert 580.442.2010

Wichita Mountains Classic Steer, Heifer and Pre-Junior Show 580.355.3541

Comanche Christmas 580.353.0404

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LawtonSill Fort

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW

Lawton’s rich history began on August 6, 1901 when the Kiowa-Comanche reservation was opened for settlement. A person wanting a claim, which was 160 acres, had to register for a drawing. The town site was selected by federal authorities and located on a section of prairie south of Fort Sill. Today, Lawton has grown to almost 100,000 citizens and features the latest in restaurants, lodging facilities, transportation options and exceptional experiences.

Fort Sill is an active United States Army installation. The fort was established in 1868 for the stationing of cavalry troops during the Indian Wars. It is the oldest military installation in the state of Oklahoma. Today, Fort Sill hosts the United States Army Fires Center of Excellence, which integrates field artillery, air defense artillery, and electronic warfare.

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