Discover Comanche County
Accommodation in Comanche County
Comanche County combines the landscape of the Wichita Mountains with impressive natural experiences, lakes, hiking trails and a multifaceted cultural history. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge protects approximately 60,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, as well as freshwater lakes and streams. Free-roaming herds of bison, Texas longhorns and Rocky Mountain elk shape the character of this natural area. Those planning a trip with varied daily rhythms will find inspiration here for wildlife viewing, outdoor activities and peaceful hours by the water.
Experience Nature and Choose Hiking Routes
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, wildlife photography, hiking, camping and kayaking. The trail system ranges from short and easy hikes to long and challenging routes. This makes it possible to plan each day according to the desired distance and personal hiking style, without every outing having to follow the same pattern. The Bison Trail is a 5.7-mile loop in the refuge and provides a specific option for anyone who wants to include a defined route in their travel plans.
Mount Scott also makes a striking impression. A three-mile paved road leads to its 2,464-foot summit. There are parking areas as well as opportunities for sightseeing, rock climbing and hiking. The Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway leads to Medicine Park and continues westward on Highway 49 through the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Its route passes through rocky lowlands, mixed-grass prairie, Cross Timbers and historic communities.
Lakes and Active Days on the Water
Lake Elmer Thomas lies between Fort Sill and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, in the shadow of Mount Scott. The Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area features a calm lake, year-round camping facilities, cabins, a boat ramp, picnic areas, beaches and swimming areas. Other activities include fishing, hiking, cycling, mini-golf, birdwatching, volleyball and scuba diving. Those traveling with several generations can incorporate different interests into their plans here instead of structuring every day around a long hike.
Lake Lawtonka covers 2,398 acres with 21 miles of shoreline and is suitable for swimming, boating and various water sports. When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, the planned type of trip is therefore a particularly helpful point of reference: Nature and hiking enthusiasts can structure their days around the refuge and Mount Scott, while water activities at Lake Elmer Thomas or Lake Lawtonka create a different focus.
History, Museums and Indigenous Culture
The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum presents the military, social, political, cultural and economic history of Fort Sill and its surroundings in an interactive way—from the Dragoon Expedition of 1834 through 1920. The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark & Museum is a 19th-century frontier military post with approximately 50 buildings. Self-guided tours are available with an audio guide or brochure. Visitors to Fort Sill must undergo a background check on site at the Visitors Control Center before entering the base.
The historic surroundings also include Chief’s Knoll at the Fort Sill Post Cemetery, the burial place of important Indigenous chiefs. This section was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Geronimo’s Grave is located in the Beef Creek Apache Cemetery, which was established in 1894 as a cemetery for Apache prisoners of war. The U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum has also been home to Atomic Annie since 1964. The Museum of the Great Plains uses interactive exhibits and self-guided activities to explore the region’s past, present and future; these include a replica of the Red River Trading Post.
The Comanche National Museum & Cultural Center presents programs and exhibits on Comanche history, culture and visual arts. Its collections include visual art, the Egli and Chibitty collections, materials from the Fort Sill Indian School and military objects. The site also includes a library, photo archives and a gift shop. The cultural offerings are complemented by the Historic Mattie Beal Home, a 14-room mansion covering 3,580 square feet that was built from 1907 to 1909.
Events and Further Location Options
The annual Lawton International Festival celebrates the city’s diverse cultural heritage with cultural performances and demonstrations. The annual Comanche Nation Fair includes a powwow, parade, free concert, games and an art exhibition. Traditional dances such as the Gourd Dance and Fire Dance are part of the program; Comanche veterans are also honored on each day of the fair. The annual Comanche County Free Fair showcases livestock, arts and crafts, agricultural products, as well as 4-H and FFA exhibitions. For sports-oriented trips, Tour de Sill offers routes of 27, 38 and 56 miles at the Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area; Tour de Sill is also a cycling event at Fort Sill.
When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore decide on your preferred focus: a trip with days spent in nature and hiking, a combination of lakes and activities, or a stay centered on museums, history and events. For further location options, you can also look at Lawton and Faxon.
For the broader travel overview: Oklahoma.
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