Southwest Oklahoma: From Mountain Ranges to Space Exploration

Start planning an exciting four-day road trip through Elk City, Weatherford, Medicine Park, Wichita Mountains, Lawton and Quartz Mountain in Southwest Oklahoma. Adventurous travelers can hike to the top of Mount Scott or go boating on Lake Altus-Lugert at Quartz Mountain State Park. Meet at the crossroads of Oklahoma's Route 66 and space exploration history in Weatherford, where you can see the Route 66 Spaceman statue and visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum.

Explore Oklahoma's fascinating ties to space exploration at the Stafford Air & Space Museum.
Photo Credit: Lori Duckworth/Oklahoma Tourism

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Day 1 - Elk City, Weatherford

Begin with a tour through history at the Elk City Museum Complex. Before you leave town, stop for a round of mini golf at Puttin' in the Park. Stop in Clinton to dine at the beloved Route 66 Café where you can have a hearty lunch. Move on to Weatherford and say hello to the Rt. 66 Spaceman statue downtown, then spend some time at the Stafford Air & Space Museum (named for astronaut and Weatherford native, Thomas Stafford) —a Smithsonian affiliate. Finish with dinner at Lucille's Roadhouse where the food is only part of the Mother Road experience.

Stay: Lucille's Hotel: Named for the woman known for her legendary hospitality on Route 66, this hotel is just steps away from Lucille’s Roadhouse.

Day 2 - Medicine Park, Wichita Mountains

Start with breakfast at the hotel and make your way to Medicine Park for the morning, combining the aquarium with a focused walk around Bath Lake, Medicine Creek and the cobblestone buildings. After lunch at Riverside Cafe, enter the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, check current conditions at the Visitor Center and spend two hours on the wildlife loop. Finish at Mount Scott where you can drive or hike to the top for a breathtaking view.

Stay: Birdhouse Cottages: Book a stay at the charming Birdhouse Cottages in Medicine Park.

Day 3 - Lawton, Quartz Mountain State Park

Visit Lawton for the deeper history behind the mountains. Fort Sill connects frontier Army history with Buffalo Soldiers, Geronimo and Quanah Parker. Stop at Viridian Coffee for a mid-morning pick me up before visiting the Comanche National Museum & Cultural Center. Enjoy global cuisine with a lunch from highly rated Mutti’s German Restaurant or the raved-about AJ Pilipinas for authentic Filipino food. Pick up some items for breakfast the next morning before making the drive to check in at Quartz Mountain State Park Lodge. Once you check-in, take a stroll through the main lodge to appreciate the gorgeous artwork (the Quartz Mountain Art Institute also calls this home) before renting bikes to explore the park and trails. Enjoy dinner at Backdoor Steakhouse in nearby Blair before returning to the Lodge to enjoy the outdoor area with firepits under the stars.

Stay: Quartz Mountain State Park Lodge: Reserve a room at the Quartz Mountain State Park Lodge for stunning views of the mountains and Lake Altus-Lugert.

Day 4 - Quartz Mountain State Park

Wake up early to take in a sunrise hike on one of Quartz Mountain Park's many trails. Drive to nearby Blair for lunch at Luigi’s or Second Breakfast and explore the small downtown before heading back to the Lodge to play disc golf, visit the nature center, or rock climb. Experience the mouthwatering smoked meats and soul food of Frisco Creek Barbeque in Hobart for dinner.

Stay: Quartz Mountain State Park Lodge: Reserve a room at the Quartz Mountain State Park Lodge for stunning views of the mountains and Lake Altus-Lugert.

Planning note: Verify current hours, reservations, event calendars, and lodging availability before traveling.