Explore WOODWARD Woodward

What are YOU waiting for!

Northwest Oklahoma offers a little something for everyone,fromquiet evenings,a chance to see the stars at night,activities during the day, and history galore.Woodward is the hub of all those recreational and historicactivities.

UseWoodward as your jumping off point to explore the wonders of western Oklahoma.From cave exploration atAlabaster Caverns to fishing, camping, rodeos, expos, festivals.....Woodward has many annual events for you to enjoy.

You’ll

be glad you made it this far!

The History of Woodward

The City of Woodward was established in 1887 at the junction of the Fort Reno Military Road and the Southern Kansas Railway on the south bank of the North Canadian River.

It soon became an important shipping point, both in provisioning Fort Supply as well as a place for loading cattle to be sent to eastern markets. Since the opening of the Cherokee Outlet on September 16, 1893, Woodward has served as the county seat of Woodward County. It was known as one of the wildest and woolliest towns in the Outlet. At one time, 23 saloons and 15 brothels lined the red-dirt streets.

Woodward, with a population of over 15,000 continues to serve northwest Oklahoma as a commercial hub for over 70,000 area residents.

As one Woodward resident put it in 1944, Woodward’s eastern aggressiveness and western hospitality combine to enthrall you with the fact that “Woodward is the town you’ve been wishing for, dreaming of, and looking for.”

Woodward Today

Today Woodward is recognized as the regional hub in the northwest portion of the state. Woodward enjoys a thriving economy and low unemployment. New construction is everywhere you look in Woodward today. Several banks, hotels, and restaurants have recently constructed new or expanded existing facilities in Woodward.

Woodward has been a major focus of the energy industry for many years and has enhanced its regional position with the addition of alternative energy solutions such as wind power generation.

Community Development and infrastructure improvements have been a top priority of our city leadership. Woodward has embarked on a multi-million dollar renovation of the Crystal Beach Park which will become another jewel for the entire community to enjoy. Northwest Oklahoma State University’s new Woodward campus and will add greatly to our ability to offer quality higher education opportunities. Woodward Main Street is undergoing a revitalization with the start of the street-scape project due to begin soon.

All in all, today is truly a great time to be in Woodward.

June

May Lion Heart Half Marathon

May

May-June

October Fall

December

Crystal

Woodward Elks Rodeo

This annual event livens up the nights in June with the oldest pro rodeo in Oklahoma. Dubbed “toughest of ‘em all”, the rodeo features bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, bareback and saddlebronc riding, barrel racing and several kids events.

Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum

Visitors can follow Woodward’s history from the early days until now at this jewel. The rotunda features murals by Paul Laune and Pat “Kemoha” Patterson. A special area is set aside for Temple Houston, a well-known attorney in early Woodward and the son of Sam Houston. The Anna Lorry Williams Art Center features exhibits by local authors and others.