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Cowboy & American Indian Legends
3 Days
Day 1
Oklahoma has a fascinating history that stretches back past the oil boom, the Great Land Run of 1889, the great cattle drives, the Trail of Tears and the Plains Indians, back before Coronado crossed the land looking for his City of Gold - back to when thundering herds of dinosaurs roamed the windy prairies. Today, Oklahoma City offers over 50 great attractions. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum represents the best of the west through a superlative collection of classic and contemporary Western art, including works by Charles Russell, Fredrick Remington, and the famous 18-foot sculpture, The End of the Trail. The historical galleries, Prosperity Junction (a re-created authentic western town) and the statuary gardens are outstanding features of this attraction. Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Memorial Museum. The Memorial grounds are referred to as the Symbolic Memorial and honor the victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were changed forever on April 19, 1995. It encompasses the now-sacred soil where the Murrah Federal Building once stood; capturing and preserving forever the place and events that changed the world. Visitors hear the only known recording of the explosion, see the chaos and devastation immediately following the bombing including bomb-damaged artifacts. Touching stories from the survivors, rescue workers and families combine to create a powerful and unforgettable experience. While downtown also visit the Oklahoma City Museum of Art Center featuring a three-story atrium which is home to the 55-foot high glass sculpture by world-renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly. Pieces from the museum’s permanent collection include European, Asian, and American art. Nearby visit the Myriad Botanical Gardens and the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory is a seven-story glass conservatory with waterfalls and an upper-level skywalk that has great views of the gardens below. Spend the evening in Bricktown, formerly a warehouse district, now Oklahoma City's entertainment and dining area, with restaurants, shopping, a Triple A ballpark, and generous turn-of-the century charm. Take the narrated water taxi tour on the new canal. Overnight in OKC.
Day 2
Head to the 60,000-acre Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, home to free range buffalo, Texas longhorn cattle, prairie dog town, elk, and deer. The Refuge Visitor Center relates the story of these ancient mountains which were formed some 300 million years ago. Drive to the summit of Mt. Scott for breathtaking views of the mountain range. Nestled in the mountains is Medicine Park, a tiny cobblestone community, which was a popular resort area during the 1920s and 30s. Today, the town offers travelers unique dining, art galleries and more. Next, explore the Fort Sill Army Base which was established in 1869, to control hostile Indians in the area. The still active base offers 26 historic buildings with exhibits on the Frontier Army, Native Americans and Field Artillery. The Fort is also famous as the holding facility for the great Apache warrior, Geronimo, who is buried on site, along with other famous American Indian warriors and Chiefs. In Lawton, see and visit the Museum of the Great Plains, where exhibits spotlight the cultural and natural history of the Southern Plains of North America. Head west to Quartz Mountain Resort, located in the steep granite cliffs of the Quartz Mountains seem to just suddenly appear on the drive along the usually prairie level highway. The Resort is located on sparkling Lake Altus and the rooms are decorated in Western, Native American, or Southwestern décor and each feature four pieces of original art.
Day 3
Wind your way through high plains country, the Black Kettle National Grasslands to Cheyenne. Washita Battlefield National Historic Site marks the site of Lt. Colonel George A. Custer's 1868 early-morning attack on the Southern Cheyenne village of Chief Black Kettle. National Parks ranger-led walks and self-guided tours are available. While in Cheyenne visit the Black Kettle Museum, The Village from Within and the Cheyenne City Park the Roll One-Room SchoolHouse, which offers special programs for group tours. The park also features, the Pioneer Museum, a log cabin home, Community Museum and Santa Fe Railroad Depot. Nearby, the Metcalfe Museum presents a yesteryear farm display and artwork of Augusta Metcalfe, world famous western artist, Pioneer Painter of the Plains. Coyote Hills Ranch, nestled in the historic Black Kettle National Grasslands, offers groups a “ranch stay” with accommodations, Chuck wagon cookouts featuring good, old fashioned Dutch oven cooking', large Social Barn with lots of entertainment including a pool table, library, sitting area and Native American artifact displays. Overnight Coyote Hills Ranch.
(4-02-04)
