Woodward County: Nature, Caves and History

Woodward County combines distinctive natural attractions with history and events. Fort Supply Lake, a “boiling” spring and a gypsum show cave offer a variety of excursions. There are also historic buildings, museum exhibits and a network of trails for hiking and mountain biking.

Lake, Wildlife Area and Historic Traces

Fort Supply Lake is in Woodward County on Wolf Creek and covers 1,800 acres. The Hal and Fern Cooper Wildlife Management Area offers a different geographic point of reference: it spans 16,120 acres in northwestern Woodward County and southern Harper County. This places a lake within the county alongside a large area that extends across two counties as distinct natural points of interest.

Fort Supply’s history is also closely tied to 1868. On November 18, Fort Supply was established as Camp of Supply for a winter campaign against the Indigenous peoples of the Southern Plains. Fort Supply Historic Site includes five original buildings and a replica of the 1868 blockhouse. It is closed until further notice; do not plan a visit to the site at this time.

Other cultural destinations include the Woodward Arts Theatre, a historic 1920s building restored by volunteers in 1981, and the Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum. There, immersive exhibits depict a typical frontier town with a bank, saloon, jail and newspaper office. The theater, museum and Fort Supply history each offer a different perspective, from a restored building to vividly designed scenes of frontier town life.

Experience Springs, Trails and Caves

At Boiling Springs State Park, visitors can see a natural, still-flowing “boiling” spring at a wooden shelter and an information center. The trail network includes five hiking and mountain biking trails of varying lengths. Golf enthusiasts will find a course at Boiling Springs Golf Club measuring approximately 6,500 yards, with native trees, dogleg fairways, and sand and water hazards.

Alabaster Caverns State Park is home to the only gypsum show cave in the United States. Tours of Alabaster Cavern begin every hour on the hour daily between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. As the schedule may change, check the times before you travel. The described route from Freedom runs 6 miles south on Highway 50, followed by half a mile east on Highway 50A. Road conditions and routes may also change.

According to the directions, the route to Boiling Springs State Park begins in Woodward: first, travel 1 mile north on Highway 34, then 4 miles east on Highway 34C. The two specific routes therefore start in different places. If you’re looking for a vacation rental, consider its location along with the attractions and the respective road routes.

Fair and Fall Tradition

The Woodward County Free Fair takes place annually and brings together agriculture, young people’s achievements, family entertainment and community life. Its program includes livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, arts and crafts displays, educational offerings and commercial vendor booths. A variety of family-friendly activities are also included. The fair is therefore about more than agriculture; it also offers a wide-ranging program of events.

Woodward Fall-A-Days is a popular fall tradition in northwest Oklahoma. The 2026 event is scheduled for October 23–25. Items on offer include food, handmade products, seasonal decorations, unique gifts and specialty products. If you’re planning your trip around the event, check the dates in advance.

Choose the Right Base

When choosing where to stay, it helps to first decide which excursions will shape your trip: a spring and a variety of trails, a guided tour of the gypsum show cave, cultural attractions or a seasonal events program. The described routes start in Woodward and Freedom, so factor these starting points into your plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Woodward, Woods, Latimer County, Cotton County, Custer, Noble County, Okmulgee County, Kingfisher

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