Oklahoma #1

Driving Today: Legendary Drives

Oklahoma #1

From the Editors of Driving Today

For a scenic view of the Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma, travel I-44 to Rte. 49 west just outside Medicine Park. Six miles down the lane you will enter the 59,000-acre Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. The turn-off for Mount Scott is a few miles past the entrance. Here you can drive up the mountain and view the flat plains.

To the south, you will see Fort Sill Military Reservation, which holds the grave of the Apache Indian leader Geronimo. Continuing west on your way to Quanah Parker Visitor Center, you will pass open land with buffalo and Texas longhorn. The Visitor Center exhibits local geology, plant and animal life. Camping and picnic areas are located around several small lakes as you travel west from Quanah Parker Visitor Center. On your way, you will see a prairie dog town and Elk Mountain to the south. The 30-mile trip is over when you reach Rte. 54. It should take about an hour.

Starting Point:
Medicine Park, OK

Distance of Drive:
30 miles

Must Eat:
Crockett's Smokehouse
1508 West Gore Blvd., Lawton, OK 73508
Phone: 580-357-7427
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round

Points of Interest on Drive:
Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge
Fort Sill Military Reservation

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