Why You Should Visit the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

If you are headed to southwest Oklahoma or the Lawton/Ft.Sill area then you are just a few short miles from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge where there are some attractions you definitely will not want to miss. It is the second most visited wildlife refuge in the country.

The first thing on your agenda should be a drive through the picturesque refuge where you will get an up close look at buffalo, elk, longhorn, wild turkey and even prairie dogs. The 59,020 acre refuge was established in 1901. There are a variety of activities to partake of at the refuge. You can enjoy picnicking, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking and fishing to name just a few.

Several public tours also take place throughout the year to give visitors a specialized view of this historic land area. If you think you might be interested in "Stars Over the Wichitas", "Fall Foliage Tour", or another tour you may check here http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/wichitamountains/tours.html for dates and times.

A stop at the refuge's Visitor Center is worth taking the time for. The center offers a self-guided tour giving viewers the chance to learn more about the history and geology of the refuge as well as the wildlife, flora and fauna. The center is open every day except Tuesdays and major holidays from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.

You will be hungry by now and that means a stop at the Meers Store and Restaurant for one of their famous Meers burgers. The store is all that is left of an historic mining boomtown that prospered from 1901-1905. Enjoy a burger as big as your plate and peruse the historic pictures on the wall. You may also want to check out the seismograph installed in 1985 by the Oklahoma Geological Society to monitor the "Meers Fault".

Also located in the Wichita Mountains is the Holy City. It is the site of the nationally famous Easter Pageant, which is held annually on Easter eve and depicts the life and crucifixion of Christ as well as his resurrection. You will also behold the magnificent "Christ of the Wichitas" statue. The 8500 lb statue was carved by an Italian sculptor in 1975 and shipped to the Holy City. The chapel in the Holy City was built in 1936 and features frescoes that were painted by artist Irene Malcom.

Traveling down the road from the Holy City will take you past Mt. Scott. This 2,464 foot tall mountain is the second tallest in the refuge and the third tallest in the state of Oklahoma. A three and a half mile paved road leads to the summit of this mountain where you will have a breathtaking view of Lake Lawtonka and quite a bit of southwest Oklahoma. Make sure you have your camera because this is the perfect spot for scenic photos or even an informal family picture.

Just outside the refuge you will find historic Medicine Park which was Oklahoma's first planned tourist resort, founded by Senator Elmer Thomas on July 4, 1908. Medicine Park is named after Medicine Creek, which the Native Americans believed had healing powers. You will see charming cottages and stores made with rounded cobblestones that are unique to Oklahoma.

The local swimming hole, known as "Bath Lake" is open to the public, free of charge and is perfect for cooling off on a hot afternoon. There are a variety of shops that sell everything from motorcycle accessories to Oklahoma salsas. Purchase paintings, pottery and Native American items at "The Laughing Lizard Trading Post". Art gifts and jewelry creations can be found at "Stone Creations". Bicycle rentals are also available at "Base Camp Adventure Outfitters".

When you are ready for dinner along Medicine Creek, try the Riverside Cafe where you can enjoy burgers, catfish, steak and much more, either indoors or outside on their deck overlooking the creek and feed the fish.

The refuge makes an ideal day trip. It's perfect for spending a day with family or friends. Hike a trail, indulge in a picnic lunch,take a dip in a creek, spend time on top of a mountain with a brisk Oklahoma wind blowing through your hair, but don't miss the natural beauty of this prairie wonderland.