Wichita Mountains Panoramic Road

Take a scenic road trip through the Wichita Mountains in the United States. Start your journey in Lawton, Oklahoma, and travel through Medicine Park, Cooperton, and Meers along the 155 km route. This road trip is suitable for every driver and can be managed with a moderate budget. It is best to enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains during the warmer months, as the road conditions are generally good. In Medicine Park, be sure to visit the cobblestone streets and take in the unique architecture of the area. Cooperton offers views of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, and Meers provides a glimpse of the historic Meers Store and Restaurant, which has been serving up delicious burgers since 1901. Take your time and enjoy the sights along the way, as the recommended time to complete the trip is 1 day. Plan your trip today and experience the beauty of the Wichita Mountains!

Lawton, located in the beautiful state of Oklahoma, is the ideal starting point for the Wichita Mountains Panoramic Road. This scenic road trip traverses the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, a 59,020-acre refuge that is home to bison, elk, deer, and bald eagles. When in Lawton, visitors can explore the historic Fort Sill, the site of a former cavalry post and a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can also explore the Museum of the Great Plains, a museum dedicated to the region’s history and culture. The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center is another must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the history and culture of the Comanche people. Lawton is also home to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, a 59,020-acre refuge that is home to bison, elk, deer, and bald eagles. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and birdwatching in the refuge. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Will Rogers World Airport (OKC). Car rentals are available at the airport. Lawton is the perfect starting point for the Wichita Mountains Panoramic Road. With its historic sites and natural attractions, Lawton is sure to please any traveler looking for an unforgettable road trip experience.

Welcome to the Lawton - Medicine Park stage of your road trip! This is a 15mi journey that takes less than an hour to complete, and you will be able to visit some of the most interesting places along the way. In Lawton, you can explore the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, a 59,020-acre refuge that is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and deer. You can also visit the historic Fort Sill, a former military post that has been in operation since 1869. Medicine Park is a charming little town with a lot to offer. You can explore the cobblestone streets, visit the Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Science Center, and take a stroll through the Nature Conservancy's Great Plains Trail. You can also explore the nearby lakes and rivers, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

Start your road trip in Medicine Park, a small town in the United States, and make your way to Wichita Mountains. Along the way, you will be able to take in the beautiful scenery of the rolling hills and the wildlife that inhabits the area. Wichita Mountains is a great place to explore, with its rugged terrain, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking views. Take a hike and observe the local wildlife, such as bison, elk, and deer. Don't forget to take a break and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains. After your visit, make your way to Cooperton, a small town about 32mi away and a drive that will take less than an hour. Here, you can take a break and enjoy the local cuisine, or take a stroll around the streets of the town. You can also visit the local museum and learn more about the area's history. Don't forget to take a few pictures of the beautiful scenery. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embark on this wonderful road trip!

Welcome, road-trippers! Today's stage of your journey will take you from Cooperton to Meers, a distance of 26 mi that can be driven in less than an hour. During this stage, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most interesting places in the area. In Cooperton, make sure you visit the Cooperton Park, a great place to relax and admire the beauty of nature. On the way to Meers, you can also stop at the Meers Store & Restaurant, a popular spot for locals and travelers alike. In Meers, you can explore the Meers Post Office, an iconic building that is part of the local history. Also, don't miss the chance to visit the Meers Cemetery, a beautiful place with a unique atmosphere. Remember that more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Embark on an exciting road trip stage that starts in Meers, United States and leads through Lawtonka Acres! This 23mi journey will take you fewer than 1 hour to complete, and will be one of the most memorable stages of your larger tour. Meers is a beautiful small town with a population of only a few hundred people. It is known for its wildflower meadows and its picturesque mountains. Be sure to take a few photos of the stunning scenery! Lawtonka Acres is a small rural community located in the Wichita Mountains. It is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the area, with rolling hills, lush grasslands, and the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. Be sure to take a few photos of the stunning landscape! Finally, your road trip ends in Lawton. This historic city is home to a variety of attractions, including the Museum of the Great Plains, the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, and the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark. Be sure to explore the city and take in the sights! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the ride!

Lawton is the end point of the spectacular road trip known as the Wichita Mountains Panoramic Road. Located in the southwestern part of Oklahoma, Lawton is a vibrant city full of culture, history, and plenty of attractions to explore. For the outdoor enthusiast, Lawton is the perfect destination. Enjoy fishing, boating, camping, and hiking at Lake Lawtonka, or take a leisurely stroll through the historic Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum. For a unique experience, visit the nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, a haven for native animals and plants. When it's time to take a break from the outdoors, visitors to Lawton can explore the city's many cultural attractions. Learn about the city's history at the Museum of the Great Plains, or visit the Comanche Nation Museum for an in-depth look at the culture of the Comanche people. For a unique shopping experience, head to the Comanche Market, where you can find handcrafted items, traditional foods, and more. Lawton is also home to plenty of entertainment options. Catch a show at the McMahon Memorial Auditorium, or take in a movie at the Great Plains Cinema. And for those looking for a night out on the town, Lawton has plenty of options, from lively bars and clubs to cozy restaurants. Lawton is easily accessible by car, with the closest international airport being the Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City. So, if you're looking for a scenic road trip and an adventure-filled destination, look no further than Lawton, Oklahoma.

Before you set off

Embark on a picturesque journey through the heart of the Great Plains with the Wichita Mountains Road Trip. This 155-kilometer (96-mile) route commences in Lawton, Oklahoma, and meanders through the quaint town of Medicine Park, the charming community of Cooperton, and culminates in the small town of Meers. It's an achievable adventure for travelers of all experience levels, offering a medley of awe-inspiring landscapes and rich historical narratives, all on a moderate budget.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Lawton: The gateway to the Wichita Mountains, Lawton is home to the Museum of the Great Plains, which provides a captivating insight into the area's cultural heritage, and the Fort Sill Military Reservation, a national landmark with historical significance.
• Medicine Park: This enchanting resort town is celebrated for its cobblestone lanes and distinctive architecture. Nestled at the foothills of the Wichita Mountains, it serves as a serene haven for nature lovers and artists alike.
• Cooperton: A serene spot that provides unparalleled vistas of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, an expansive protected area that is home to free-ranging American bison, Texas longhorn cattle, and rocky mountain elk.
• Meers: Renowned for the Meers Store and Restaurant, which has been serving up its famous Meers Burger for over a century. The building itself is a relic of the gold rush era and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Best Time to Go:

The optimal season for this Road Trip is from late spring to early fall when the weather is warm, and the landscapes are vibrant. Wildflowers bloom throughout the refuge, and the wildlife is more active, providing an unforgettable experience.

Potential Risks:

Travelers should be mindful of the region's weather patterns, which can include sudden thunderstorms or extreme heat. Wildlife is abundant within the refuge, so caution should be exercised when driving, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.

Fascinating Facts for Roadtrippers:

• The Wichita Mountains are one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, with an estimated age of over 500 million years.
• The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge spans over 59,020 acres and was established in 1901 by President Theodore Roosevelt to protect wildlife species that were in danger of extinction.
• The region's geologic diversity is on display with granite mountains and prairies creating a unique ecosystem that supports a wide array of plant and animal life.

A good choice for:

A voyage through the Wichita Mountains is a remarkable blend of Oklahoma's splendid natural beauty and its storied past. To maximize your experience, verify the forecast, set aside ample time to absorb the vistas, and relish the distinct encounters that punctuate this memorable drive.