Discover Texas: Prairie, Art and History

Texas County offers a variety of ways to shape your trip: the mixed-grass prairie defines the landscape at Optima National Wildlife Refuge, while Guymon beckons with parks, art and history. There are also traditions such as Pioneer Days and fascinating insights into the history of No Man’s Land. The vacation rental that suits your plans therefore also depends on whether you’d rather spend your days enjoying nature or exploring what Guymon has to offer.

Prairie and Wildlife Watching

Optima National Wildlife Refuge covers 4,333 acres and lies in a central mixed-grass prairie. Higher elevations are dominated by buffalo grass, blue grama grass, sand sage and yucca. This distinctive plant life gives you another way to appreciate the natural area, beyond its size. Recreational activities at the refuge include wildlife watching and photography, as well as public hunting. If you plan to hunt, check the applicable hunting regulations beforehand.

Guymon Game Preserve also offers a chance to see wildlife: you can observe bison, elk and longhorn cattle there. The animals also include Watusi hybrids and oryx. This makes for a different visit from the landscape-focused experience at Optima National Wildlife Refuge: at the preserve, the animal species listed above take center stage; at the refuge, it’s the mixed-grass prairie and its habitats.

Parks and Activities in Guymon

There are two routes of different lengths for a walk: Centennial Park in Guymon has a ¼-mile loop trail as well as a walking tour of the city’s history. At Sunset Lake in Thompson Park, a one-mile concrete path goes around the lake. Comparing the lengths can help with planning your day.

You can fish at Sunset Lake, which is continuously stocked with fish. Seasonal fishing regulations may apply, so check in advance. Other offerings include pedal boats and an operating miniature train. Check whether these activities are running before your visit. This means you can fish, take a longer lakeside walk and enjoy other recreational activities all at the same lake.

Art, History and Guymon Traditions

All Fired Up Gallery & Art Center showcases fine art, jewelry, pottery and sculptures created on site by local artists. It offers art classes for all ages and monthly artist presentations. Since class and presentation dates may change, it’s a good idea to check the schedule in advance.

Texas County Courthouse is a four-story red-brick building with classical architectural features. Another way to explore regional history is through Old Hardesty, a trading post founded in No Man’s Land in 1886. No Man’s Land became part of the Oklahoma Territory on May 2, 1890. No Man’s Land Museum is a comprehensive museum of the Oklahoma Panhandle and neighboring regions.

Pioneer Days has been a Guymon tradition since 1933 and features arts and crafts. The Pioneer Days Celebration & PRCA Rodeo takes place annually and draws thousands of visitors to Guymon’s rodeo arena; dates vary from year to year. The Bacon BBQ Brews & Blues Festival is also one of the events associated with Guymon. Check the dates for each event if you’d like to plan your trip around one of them.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Vacation Rental

U.S. Highways 54 and 64 intersect with State Highway 3 in Guymon. If parks, art, the courthouse or events are the main focus of your trip, you can make Guymon your preferred search location for a vacation rental. Compare the specific location of a property with the attractions you’d like to visit. In addition to Hooker and Texhoma, include Guymon in your choice of location; the parks, art and events described here are in Guymon.

Discover more destinations: Stephens, Okfuskee County, Pottawatomie County, Rogers County, Grady County.

View the main travel overview: Oklahoma.