Lawton is a progressive city in the Southwestern region of Oklahoma. This place is well-known for its historic, natural, and cultural tourism products.
People use the city as the point of entry to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge through which they come to hike, observe wildlife in natural settings, and appreciate beautiful views.
Cultural attraction includes the Museum of the Great Plains and Fort Sill National Historic Landmark among others. Here are some more fun things to do in Lawton:
1. Play Around At Elmer Thomas Park
Elmer Thomas Park is an ideal place to spend fun time with family. There are primary and secondary playgrounds, a splash pad, and numerous walking paths.
Of the playgrounds, there's one to cater to the little ones while the other is constructed for the bigger children. A wonderful place for a pit stop to stretch your legs.
Moreover, this park has a wonderful light drive-through show if you want somewhere to take your kids for Christmas lights. Also, other fun things to do in Lawton OK at this site are ice skating, taking a carriage ride, eating at food trucks, and much more.
2. Get First-Hand Experience At Museum of The Great Plains
This museum helps to educate about the true lives, struggles, and history of Native American people. It is a fantastic museum for its size.
It has tons of interactive exhibits to keep children occupied, and just as many displays for those with a longer attention span. Their exhibits cover everything from the Pleistocene to the present.
Some of the activities you might enjoy are designing a windmill, learning how to rope a calf, sitting in a cellar during a tornado, and trying to name the famous folks from the area. Observing the prairie dog colony and metal bison out front only adds to the experience.
3. Visit The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center
Similar to the previously mentioned Lawton Oklahoma attractions, this center is free and a nice commemorative dedication to the Comanche. Although small, the historical information was good.
The exhibits are informative and help to understand the Comanche culture. One of the interesting exhibitions allows you to learn about the code talkers during WWII. Another award-winning interactive exhibit is the Comanche buffalo hunt.
There is a gift shop where most of the items are from China, India, and Mexico. This place is located just a short walk from the Museum of the Great Plains, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
4. Pay Your Respects At Geronimo's Grave Site
To visit the Geronimo's Grave Site, get a pass at Fort Sill welcome center and simply follow the GPS. Once you are there you will know which one is Geronimo.
It is the one that looks nothing like the rest. If you're visiting Fort Sill and would like to experience more of the history of war then a trip to the prisoners of war cemetery is worth a visit.
It doesn't take long and the infamous Geronimo is buried here. Such a unique piece of history that is worth the short drive to get there. You will also see the graves of his immediate and extended families around his grave memorial.
5. Check Out The Leslie Powell Gallery
The gallery features and supports promising artists from the area as well as around the country. On opening nights you can meet the artists at gatherings that offer the expected gallery opening fare.
The exhibits are changed about once a month. If you are planning a trip to Lawton, you can look at the Leslie Powell Gallery website to check hours, get an idea of what is currently showing, and even see some examples of featured exhibits.
The students from Cameron University are allowed to display their art with the hope of earning some pocket money. There are so many beautiful works of art available within a spacious and well-organized space.
6. Explore The Refuge Sports Adventure Rentals
Experience the stunning surroundings of Medicine Park with a thrilling adventure. The Refuge Sports Adventure Rentals is an ideal stop for gear rentals and offers many outdoor adventures.
The location is convenient and the owner is super friendly with the choice of equipment and gear one might need. Rent and take in the serene beauty of the place through biking, hiking, kayaking, or canoeing
The agency plans to ensure that it offers quality means that can cater to both local people and tourists who may be interested in outdoor activities. You can visit from Monday through Sunday between 8 in the morning to 8 in the evening.
7. Spend A Full Day At Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum
This is a can't-miss site for anyone faintly interested in the military. They have every artillery piece, large and small used in the 19th and 20th centuries with excellent staging and descriptions.
There are about 30 large mobile pieces outside and a very experienced sergeant who can answer any questions. The outside display of rockets and tasks as well as historic armament will keep you thoroughly interested.
The shell casing artwork, artillery shell casings the soldiers engraved or formed into intricate artwork are amazing. You will need to dedicate a minimum of 4-5 hours to see it all.
8. Gain Spiritual Experience At The Holy City
The Holy City is a point of interest in Lawton Oklahoma that can be visited any time during the year. The surrounding landscapes and buildings are very much like the Holy Land in Jerusalem.
It is a spiritual experience. The statue of Jesus on the hill is magnificent. All the area is available for viewing and walking. You must come here for more than a couple of hours to view everything and visit the little shop, which is very welcoming.
This is an excellent place for a family visit, before going back home, and after a visit to the Wichita Mountains and Wildlife Refuge. You will also find lots of opportunities for photographs as the buildings are magnificent.
9. Stop By The Lawton Speedway
Near Lawton, the speedway is a place where they have some dirt racing on Saturday nights. It is almost exactly what you think it is going to be. Dirty, loud, and thrilling.
You can buy earmuffs if you have little kids. The bleachers are fun for the kids to play on and around if they start getting restless. Carry a blanket to keep warm since it does get chilly when the sun goes down.
Everyone here seems to keep a family-type vibe going. It is one of the worthwhile things to do in Lawton Oklahoma, at least once. Learn more about them and their schedules at the Lawton Speedway site.
10. Shop At Global Food Market Lawton
The store boasts of having a great variety of products that aren't easily available in the region. Not only exotic spices and sauces but also nonstandard snacks and drinks will always be new and interesting for everyone.
Namely, the store is very clean with clear navigation and the products are well arranged into categories to make the shopping process easier for the customer. The staff of the store are always ready to direct you to the right shelf or recommend other products to buy.
Their passion for providing quality products from around the world shines through. Stop by the Red Pepper restaurant while you are there and try their food. It will be worth the trip to both places.
11. Take Your Little Ones To The Kid's Zone At Greer Park
The Kid's Zone At Greer Park is a safe place to let the kids work out some energy and be creative. There is a lot to do between the play set, walking trail, pavilion, and open fields.
A game of tag across the fortifications and a spin on a good old-fashioned tire swing is a win. The park is both unique and a throwback to yesteryear parks at the same time. From elder to young, everyone will enjoy.
You will also find places for picnics, parties, play, nearby tennis courts, and soccer fields. There is a water fountain for the thirsty little ones. Moreover, the bathrooms are decent for a public park.
12. Stroll Around The Medicine Park Aquarium And Natural Sciences Center
The Medicine Park Lawton OK aims to conserve through education. They tend to bring together people, nature, and science in a fun and engaging manner.
There is a meter that shows how much electricity the electric eel puts off during feeding. They also have some animals outside, and you might enjoy watching the otters. If you visit during a nice day you could linger around more.
Many visitors participate in the opossum encounter, quail feeding, adult otter activity, and eel feeding. Snakes, turtles, coyote, bobcat, fish, frog, alligators and walked trails are some other things to see and do here.
13. Play Games or Stay At Apache Casino Hotel
Here visitors receive the benefits of both gambling and lodging. The casino and hotel are located in a large premise that operates functions and hosts concerts, banquets, and other special events.
The accommodations here are among the best you have ever experienced. The rooms are clean and orderly. Staring from the front desk clerk to the doormen, treatment cannot be better.
The Casinos are well-maintained and the staff are wonderful. The gaming floor features more than 850 slot machines, 9 table games, a vibrant restaurant, a beautiful deli, and two full-service bars.
14. Take A Self-Guided Tour of The Historic Mattie Beal Home
This is one gorgeous house. The architecture is stunning. One of the staff members provides a tour and showers a wealth of information about the family as well as the construction of the house.
The house also boasts some cool ideas like the faucet-less bathtub, the hanging ballroom, the curved front doors, and the cinnamon roll banister. Great place to go on a quiet weekend and step back in time.
Mattie Beal's house gives one hope that more historic sites around Oklahoma will be saved. Whether it is guided by staff or self-guided with the booklet, this is one of the things to see in Lawton Oklahoma that is worth the trip.
15. Laugh Out Loud At The Comedy Avenue
Comedy Avenue is a great, small New York-type comedy club that brings in comedians from everywhere. The event is a Bring Your Beverage type and you are therefore free to bring any beverage of your choice.
The owner puts on the funniest shows and most of them are free with free snacks. This place is a great addition to the Lawton nightlife. You will experience all types of comedy here.
Moreover, the place gives a great chance to enjoy up-and-coming comedians and some with more experience, The lighting is great and the venue is just a bit small so the experience with the crowd is intimate. Also, check out things to do in New York City at night.
16. Get A Chance To Win Cash At The Bingo Country
Bingo is a fun, enjoyable, and exciting low-cost form of entertainment. There is also the bonus of winning lots of cash.
Don't worry if you are new to Bingo, the friendly staff will gladly explain how to play, and before long you will feel just like a professional. You can spend as little as $1 each, and $5 to play a session.
Cash and credit cards both are accepted, making the gaming experience flexible. Enjoy free Minis from Monday to Saturday at 11:30 am. There are several places to eat within walking distance.
17. Try You Luck At The Archers Corner
As you walk in at The Archers Corner, you will witness a sensory overload of taxidermy and archery supplies. You will then be greeted by a polite and incredibly knowledgeable staff.
After being set up with a bow and equipment, they provide detailed insights on how to operate the machine, safety measures, stance, options, and bow retrieval. Overall, all the small nuances that affect bow direction and expulsion are dealt with.
Customer service is highly regarded here. You can ask as many questions as desired and they take the time to clear all your doubts. The place is quiet and small but is great to practice or have some fun with friends.
18. Watch Any Show At The VASKA Theatre
VASKA is a family-owned facility with great prices on tickets and food. You can take your whole family and not break the bank. Moreover, their customer service is unbeatable.
They maintain a hometown genuine customer experience that no other establishment around the area provides. The theater keeps up to date with the most nationally wanted titles along with more community events in a town that is plagued by capitalism and consumerism.
Another interesting feature of this place is its magical atmosphere. There is lots of memorabilia from actual movie sets, prices are affordable and one can bring the kiddos too.
19. Dine In At Ted's Cafe Escondido
Ted's Cafe Escondido is among the most patronized local restaurants in Lawton. It is in a nice and clean area and the restaurant serves Mexican and Southwestern foods that do come with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
The food at Ted's is always tasty and favored by many. Whether you get the Mexican flag enchiladas or their homemade Chicken Tortilla soup, all is great. The servings are huge and the wait is short.
They offer complimentary chips, queso some delicious salsa, and a complimentary sopapilla at the end of the meal. This helps make Ted's the place to go for Tex-Mex food when you are in Lawton.
20. Camping At Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge
Located approximately 24 minutes away from Lawton, the Refuge has so much outdoors to explore. Scott Mountain, trails to walk, fishing, boating, and many more.
Bison are at their free range here so better respect them. There are also prairie dogs, elk, deer, and collared lizards. Talking about the views, this place is exceptionally stunning.
You can stay at the campsites that are very large and roomy. They have concrete pads, power, a table, and a fire pit. You might get to see buffalos, longhorns, and even a tarantula walking across the road a few miles from the camping ground. In case of additional time, explore these things to do in Wichita, Kansas.
