For
over a century, Lawton-Fort Sill has played an active role in shaping the great State of Oklahoma. WHAT WE
Located near the historic Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, Lawton-Fort Sill was founded upon the pioneering spirit and its rich history can be felt by every visitor to the community. Take a step into our deeply rooted past and see how it has shaped our unique present.
Discover and explore the pioneering spirit of Lawton-Fort Sill. WE INVITE YOU TO
From the diverse and rich experience of Native American culture and western history to the awe-inspiring Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, it is not surprising that two million visitors each year are captivated by its charm and revel in its unique characteristics.
Courtesy David Thomas Courtesy Suttle Inspirations
Lawton’s rich history began when the Kiowa-Comanche reservation was opened for settlement on August 6, 1901. Lawton takes its name from Major General Henry W. Lawton, a quartermaster at Fort Sill. Lawton’s location was selected and identified by federal authorities on a section of prairie south of Fort Sill. Fort Sill was established in 1868 for the stationing of cavalry troops during the Indian Wars. It was founded by General Philip H. Sheridan during the winter campaign against the Southern Plains tribes. Fort Sill played a major role in the history of the west.
The post was constructed by the Buffalo Soldiers, an African American regiment of the 10th U.S. Cavalry in the 1800s. Nearly all the original buildings survive today, encompassing the most complete Fort from the Indian Wars period still in existence.
Fort Sill is an active United States Army installation and the oldest military installation in Oklahoma. Today, Fort Sill is one of four Basic Training bases in the nation and hosts the United States Army Fires Center of Excellence, which integrates field artillery, air defense artillery and electronic warfare.
Other historic sites located on post include the Medicine Bluffs, The Fort Sill National Historic Tar Pits, and Native American Cemeteries of famous leaders such as: Geronimo, Quanah Parker, Ten Bears, Black Beaver, Satanta, and Sitting Bear.
Historic Fort Sill, built by the Buffalo Soldiers. Come see the wonder and history of the prairie at the Museum of the Great Plains and the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center.
Visit the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge and explore one of the hundreds of hiking trails or climb Mount Scott. Relive the notoriety of the Roaring ‘20s with a visit to Medicine Park where the famous and infamous vacationed together. Visit
580.355.0404 | comanchemuseum.com 1 2 3 1
SILL NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK AND MUSEUM
Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum is a 19th century historic frontier army post museum with programs throughout the year. There are approximately 50 original buildings encompassing the area. The exhibit facilities are open to the public and include the Post Quadrangle featuring historic homes, the original Post Chapel, The Quartermaster Quarrel, and several museum buildings.
580.442.5123 | sill-www.army.mil
The U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum tells the story of artillery from 1775 to the present with more than 70 artillery weapons and equipment along with numerous historical artifacts from ammunition to dress uniforms.
580.442.1819 | sill-www.army.mil
The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center offers visitors a glimpse of traditional cultural objects and detailed historical information about the largest American Indian tribe in Southwest Oklahoma. Experience the story of the Comanche tribe through informative panels, interactive displays and historical artifacts. The museum is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Comanche fine art in the United States.
The Museum of the Great Plains features special collections and exhibits that spotlight the cultural and natural history of the Great Plains. One of the most popular exhibits is the Tornado Theater. Sit inside a replica storm shelter as five survivors narrate their “Terrible Tuesday” experience.
The Red River Trading Post offers a unique, historical view as a recreation of trading posts during the 1830’s and features a fortified log stockade and two story trader’s cabins. Historical reenactments are regularly available and feature actors in period costumes teaching and reenacting trading post activities.
580.581.3460 | discovermgp.org
HISTORIC MATTIE BEAL HOME
The Historic Mattie Beal Home is a 14 room Greek-revival style mansion originally constructed in 1909 and is listed as a National Register of Historic Places. The story of the home began during the land lottery of 1901 when the federal government opened Southwest Oklahoma for settlement. As the second name selected, Mattie Beal chose her 160-acre allotment to be reserved in Lawton’s townsite.
Anoutdoor adventure awaits you! Explore more than 80 City parks, bike and mountain trails, 43 hiking trails, and a variety of recreation opportunities which will immerse you in the beauty of Southwest Oklahoma.
WICHITA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Boasting 59,020 acres of natural grasslands, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is home to American bison, elk, deer, and longhorn cattle. 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. Various sites within the refuge are popular attractions, including the scenic drive to the Mount Scott summit; a state of the
art Visitor and Education center, and the Prairie Dog Village.
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.
America’s cobblestone community, is considered a hidden gem in Southwest Oklahoma. It is the ideal mountain resort escape with plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking trails, fishing, kayaking and more. Experience the natural beauty of Medicine Park and learn why it has become a relaxing retreat for tourists. Medicine Park was a getaway to historical figures such as President Roosevelt, Al Capone, Will Rogers, Bonnie and Clyde, Jack Abernathy, and Pretty Boy Floyd.
Courtesy Suttle-Inspirations
Courtesy Suttle-Inspirations
Courtesy David Thomas
LAKE ELMER THOMAS RECREATION AREA
Fort Sill’s premier 360 acre lake is surrounded by a sandy beach, picturesque native prairie and the Wichita Mountains. Amenities include paddle boats, an archery range, canoes, playgrounds, miniature golf course, country store, and fishing. It features a multipurpose lodge, picnic pavilions, hiking trails, RV and backcountry campsites and charming, fully equipped wood cabins.
FISHING
Fishing opportunities are plentiful at signature Lawton Fort Sill lakes. Oklahoma state fishing license is required.
Lake Helen Elmer Thomas Park
580.581.3400 | lawtonok.gov
Liberty Lake Park
580.581.3400 | lawtonok.gov
Lake Lawtonka
580.529.2663 | lawtonok.gov
Lake Ellsworth
580.529.2663 | lawtonok.gov
HUNTING
Bordering the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, deer and small game hunting are available. Oklahoma hunting licenses are required to participate as well as recreational permits from the City of Lawton.
The largest of Lawton’s 80 city parks and grounds. It features community picnic areas, pavilions, an amphitheater stage, a playground, fishing, fitness areas and bike trails. 1 2 2 1 3 5 4 3 5 4
A unique inclusive playground completed in 2024 almost entirely from public donations. The 16,000 sq. ft. includes specialized equipment that allows for children and adults of all levels of mobility and development to play together. It is one of just a handful of parks of this type in the entire country.
501 NW Ferris Ave | lawtonok.gov
CHILDREN UNITED ANNEX AT MCMAHON FOUNDATION PLAYGROUND KID’S ZONE PARK ELMER THOMAS PARK MCMAHON SPORTS COMPLEX
Containing multiple softball fields with complete concession stand facilities. The complex also includes inline skate and inline hockey areas.
38th St. & Lee Blvd. lawtonok.gov
A 16,000 square foot, multilevel, community built playground located in Greer Park on 38th Street. The elaborate design, crafted in wood and plastic, was the vision of local children. The playground features a multitude of play areas, many of which are handicap accessible.
541-573 NW 38th St. | lawtonok.gov
Courtesy Suttle-Inspirations
friendly activities to do? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’ve been working on your golf swing, have the need for a high speed chase on the track, or want to catch the latest blockbuster at the movies, Lawton Fort Sill has all your family fun needs.
2803 NW 67th St. 580.215.4645 imax.com/theatres/ amcclassicpatriot13imax
Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center Medicine Park, OK 580.529.3601 mpmns.org Urban Air & Trampoline
Park 5324 NW Cache Rd. 580.303.7243 urbanairtrampolinepark Vaska Theater 1902 NW Ferris Ave 580.353.5000 vaskamovies.com
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WINE & DINE
MEERS STORE & RESTAURANT
Serving some of the best burgers in Oklahoma, the Meers Store and Restaurant’s famous lean patties are made from grass-fed, Meers-raised Longhorns, ground fresh and served the cowboy way. The Meers Store and Restaurant is all that remains of Meers, a boom town in the Wichita Mountains during the turn of the century gold rush. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was once a drugstore, doctor’s office, newspaper office and general store before it became a restaurant.
THE OLD PLANTATION WAYNE’S DRIVE
Originally built in 1910, located in downtown Medicine Park, the Old Plantation Restaurant serves up plenty of charm alongside its legendary food. One step into this grand, three-story building will transport you back in time as you browse through the historic Medicine Park photos lining the wall. The original reception desk from when the restaurant was named the Grand Hotel remains, as well as a gift shop and the original Tap Room bar complete with beer, wine and spirits.
A Lawton staple dating back over 70 years. Serving a wide variety of American fair in a classic drive inn format. From burgers, to salads, to some of the best sodas in town this iconic eatery is a can’t miss for anyone visiting the area.
Burgess Grill Facebook: @TheBurgessGrill 617 SW C Ave. 580.355.7473 5
360 Restaurant
apachecasinohotel.com 2315 E Gore Blvd. 580.248.5905
Backporch Draft House bpdrafthouse.com
Featuring 2 Locations Details: lawtonfortsillchamber.com
The Bent Fork thebentforkcatering.com
2702 W Gore Blvd.
580.699.3332
Chili’s Grill & Bar chilis.com
6109 NW Cache Rd. 580.250.0088
Kiowa Casino kiowacasino.com
198131 Hwy 36 Devol, OK 73531
580.299.3333
Billy Sims BBQ billysimsbbq.com
Featuring 2 Locations Details: lawtonfortsillchamber.com
Golden Corral goldencorral.com 2632 NW Cache Rd. 580.357.5113
Mike’s Sports Grille mikessportsgrille.com 517 E Gore Blvd. 580.357.3080
Laugh Out Loud lollawton.com 6720 NW Quanah Parker Trlwy 580.536.4FUN (4386)
Hilton Garden Inn & Lawton-Fort Sill Convention Center lawton.hgi.com 135 NW 2nd St. Lawton, OK 73501 580.280.2100
Texas Roadhouse texasroadhouse.com 5340 NW Cache Rd. 580.248.7427
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Victoria’s Restaurant and Lounge bestwesternlawton.com 1125 E Gore Blvd. 580.353.0200
Chick-fil-A chick-fil-a.com 2301 NW Cache Road 580.353.7766
Chicken Express chickenexpress.us 4712 NW Cache Rd. 580.350.3124
Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Store Featuring 4 Locations Details: lawtonfortsillchamber.com
Jersey Mike’s jerseymikes.com 2504A NW Cache Rd. 580.699.8800
Firo’s Fire Kissed Pizza firopizza.com 3902 NW Cache Rd. 580.699.3476
Milano’s Italian Restaurant milanoslawton.com 1424 NW Sheridan Rd. 580.248.1887
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant 207 SW Sheridan Rd. 580.595.9250
Chef India chefindia.us 2621 NW Cache Rd. 580.699.5100
Zaiqa Pakistani Cuisine zaiqarestarauntlawton.com 6512 NW Cache Rd 580.699.7960
Viridian Coffee Co. viridiancoffee.com
Featuring 2 Locations Details:lawtonfortsillchamber.com
What’s Poppin Gourmet Popcorn
Facebook: @LawtonWhatsPoppin 6714 NW Cache Rd. 580.699.2088
The Healthy Hippie Cafe & Bar thehealthyhippiecafe.com 18314 OK-49, Medicine Park, 580.529.4522
Frozen Monkey
Facebook: @FrozenmonkeyLawton 1132 NW Cache Rd 580.919.1523
Dragon Leaf Tea Bar
Facebook: @Dragonleafteabar 1348-A NW Homestead Dr. 580.699.8871
Ally’s German Bakery
Facebook: @Allysgermanbakery 1006 W Gore Blvd, Suite C 580.699.2065
HTeaO hteao.com
Lawton
Fort Sill is home to the most spectacular events in Southwest Oklahoma! Arts & Culture Festivals, top competitive rodeo shows, traditional Pow Wow ceremonies, and the longest running outdoor Easter pageant in the country, there is so much to explore in Lawton Fort Sill.
