Once a mecca for tourists, Medicine Park seemed to have fallen on hard times for a few years. However, they’ve put a lot of planning and hard work into it and it is developing that cool, Austin vibe. Now there are many fun and interesting things to do and see in Medicine Park and they are still growing.
Way back in the 1920s this tiny picturesque town in Comanche County was fashioned into Oklahoma’s first resort town. The colorful place has attracted celebrities with the likes of Will Rogers, Roy Rogers, and also Al Capone.
The 8-acre site, with its permanent water source, is within easy driving distance from Lawton, OK, Meers Store, and also Oklahoma City. It’s also not too far from North Texas, the Museum of the Great Plains, and especially the nearby 57,120 acres Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge
Wedged between the city of Lawton, Fort Sill, and one of the United States’ pristine national parks (The Wichita Mountain National Wildlife Refuge ), sits this vintage cobble resort town. The residents preserved many of the original structures fashioned of the cobblestones (round red rocks) keeping this quaint little town your perfect home base to explore the area.
A lot of work and planning has gone into renovation and there are plans for much larger renovations coming soon. So even if you have been here in the past, it’s changed and getting a great face-lift. Check it out!
ANNUAL FESTIVALS: THINGS TO DO IN MEDICINE PARK
1. First Thing to Remember, Plunge Week/Polar Bear Plunge
Going on the 24th annual, this signals the middle of winter. Medicine Park hosts many events the week ending January and beginning February.
Most events are free and open to all ages. This isn’t Mardi Gras, but costumes are encouraged. The week culminates in a Sock Hop and then a Plunge Parade. Splash!
2. If You Hear Music, Then Park Stomp
Mellow. To be sure you have a seat, bring your family and lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy all kinds of live music. You’ll be exposed to bluegrass, country, rockabilly, punk, and rock, and you will indeed like it!
This is the coming of spring event each year and it always takes place in late March. Of course, as with all popular festivals, this is free.
3. Thunder & Lightning in the Wichitas
This is a bigger, coordinated event with rides originating at the Christian Motorcyclists Association tent, also in downtown Medicine Park. It is hosted each year in late April.
4. The Roots Ball, Certainly
Usually, around 1800 guests are in attendance! The event is a Memorial Day Weekend staple with lots of free live Americana music not only honoring music’s roots, but also the music currently heard everywhere.
5. Rockin’ the Park
Rock and Roll all the way! Usually, nine or more bands over two days celebrate all that is Rock. Just picture 1000 rockers living the good life in Medicine Park! There is always a lot of food as well as swimming available. Sit and relax or bang your head. The event culminates with the Fourth of July Fireworks Demonstration.
6. Blues Ball ~ Premier Event
Labor Day Weekend is the time, Blues is the genre. Around 1800 friends will gather in Medicine Park beginning Friday at 7 PM for the kick-off party. Meanwhile, the music goes on for the next two days.
Leave your coolers at home. Nevertheless, bring your lawn chairs!
7. Artwalk/Flute Festival
Coolest of the cool gather to admire incredible music and also original art. Maybe the most personal music is created with the flute, and the 25 performances will amaze you.
All styles of music are exhibited, but some of the most memorable just might be the Native Americans as they play traditional and contemporary scores.
Did I mention that somewhere between 30 and 50 artists are available to showcase their work?
8. Medicine Park’s Annual Street Rod, Muscle Car, and Classic Car Show
The weekend after the Art Walk and Flute Festival, this little venue is basically overrun with the most diverse and amazing array of classic cars you can imagine. Twenty-one categories basically compete for Best of Show and People’s Choice.
When this happens, the cars are parked all up and down the town. There are also big blow-up slides, a bouncy house, and even a bull-riding ring for the kids.
9. Christmas Parade and Carnival
Medicine Park is alive with activity the full weekend before Christmas. Carnival games and contests and a parade lead Santa into town. The dates change from year to year, so check out their webpage to find out the ones for this year.
10. Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge
The refuge is just a few miles down the road but you can actually drive up to the top of Mount Scott and look down on the entire city as well as Lake Lawtonka.
To be sure, there are lots of other things to see and do in the area, check out our our Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge post HERE.
WATER-RELATED ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO IN MEDICINE PARK
11. Walk the Trail Along the River
The beautiful walking trail runs alongside the river. You can easily access it from several locations and take a leisurely stroll. There are also several picturesque bridges to cross and view the scenery and wild geese from a different vantage point.
12. Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center
More than meets the eye from the highway, these 8 galleries of mostly freshwater fish indigenous to Oklahoma are way more than we expected! Fish both huge and tiny are displayed in native-type aquariums.
Additionally, outside, the displays will wow you: bobcat, alligator, turtle town, butterfly garden, rattlesnake, quail, coyote, electric eel and river otter, and more than I can remember.
13. Lake Lawtonka
Covering two square miles, Lake Lawtonka is one of the focal points when visitors survey the plains below from atop Mount Scott. This lake is a destination in itself. A marina and campground on the northwest end of the lake can supply most of your needs.
14. Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (LETRA)
At the base of Mount Scott, Lake Elmer Thomas is a 360 acre, no-wake lake. Picnic and camping facilities are available.
It might be tricky to locate, although it’s located right across the highway from downtown Medicine Park.
15. Medicine Creek
Fishermen, bring your tackle and stringers! This small body of water is stocked with rainbow trout in the winter and other times of the year the state of Oklahoma stocks hybrid sunfish and channel catfish. Fishing is free to the public with a valid fishing license.
16. Base Camp Adventure Outfitters
With the creek running through the middle of town, there are other water activities to enjoy. The Outfitters provides guided bike and paddle tours. You can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and bikes from them.
17. Bath Lake
You might feel like you’ve stepped back into an era of the past when you see this little gem. Rainbow trout are here during the winter months, so bring a lawn chair and fish. It’s in the middle of town, has waterfalls, stairs, shallows, and deep places. Locals get in for free, but all others pay $3.00 a day. Be warned- there’s no place to change.
CAMPING & HIKING- THINGS TO DO IN MEDICINE PARK
18. Primitive Campground
Tent camping is permitted in specified areas, there is no electricity or water, but porta-potties are available. Get your permit at Town Hall for $15 per night and you can camp inside this unique cobblestone community, with access to nature trails and natural beauty.
19. Hiking Trails
There is all manner of trails in and around the town of Medicine Park. The six Lawtonka Trails vary in length and level of difficulty.
Additionally, you can always go a little way down the road to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge and hike some of the many trails there.
THINGS TO DO IN MEDICINE PARK– BONUS
Lodging Providers In Medicine Park
Medicine Park Rentals and Medicine Park Cabins both have original buildings available for nightly rental and have great appointments like queen beds so you can relax in comfort and be just a short stroll from the fun things to do and see in this vintage cobblestone resort town.
Additionally, there are quite a few RV parks in and around Medicine Park and Lake Lawtonka.
EATING PLACES IN MEDICINE PARK
The Old Plantation Restaurant
The best place to enjoy a sit-down meal in Medicine Park is the Old Plantation. It’s been in business forever.
They have a full-service bar and serve great southern-style food. Their cobblestone exterior is one of the prettiest in town, too.
Small Mountain Street Tacos
Someone called these the best street tacos on the planet, and I think that sums it up! Everything is fresh, cooked with passion, and assembled with love. They are hip, provide an amazing atmosphere, and are child-friendly.
The Riverside Cafe
Hopefully, you will get to try BOTH the Okie Burger and the Catfish! Outdoor seating is the norm and you won’t find better service anywhere.
It’s unique and memorable.
Mrs. Chadwick’s Bakery
Delicacies. Works of art. You will want to walk in for a beautiful and amazing cookie, and when you do, ask about how she began and developed her business – it’s a family story. Stop back by before you leave town and buy some to take with you.
Cobble Scones
Scones from here are amazing! The owner is cool and can accommodate your tastes and dietary needs, she bakes gluten-free offerings. Everything is fresh and you are sure to love the coffee!
Unfortunately, they were not open when we were last in town. Hopefully next trip!
Santa Snack Shop
Is this where Santa summers? Your kids will think it is! Snow cones are the specialty, but the fun is the top item. Drop by and cool off.
It gets especially busy during the summer but is open for most events throughout the year.
Chad’s El Sabores
Churros for dessert, tacos of all types for lunch. Chad’s serves the full Mexican menu.
When we were there, the service wasn’t speedy. It looked like the kitchen must have been overwhelmed and there was a wait. However, the table service was excellent and the servers were friendly and professional.
They have a full bar, inside, and patio seating. Entrees are in the $12 – $18 range.
Joe Mountain Breakfast Bar
Affordable ($8 and under) breakfasts and breakfast-food lunches will be served for your patio dining. On your way to the Wildlife Refuge, stop here and fuel up. They are open Wednesday-Sunday, 7 AM – 2 PM Be ready for coffee, teas, juices, waffles, gravy, smoothies, and even strawberry shortcakes.
BUSINESSES IN MEDICINE PARK
Medicine Creek Olive Oil
This owner-operated gourmet olive oil boutique might be the biggest surprise in Medicine Park! They carry oils, balsamic kinds of vinegar, spices, and a few bath and beauty items. The focus is on the oils, of course, and the proprietor is happy to make samples available to you.
Outside is a landmark old truck. Inside, the walls are lined with urn after urn of olive oils and kinds of vinegar. We think you’ll like the vibe of the place!
Comanches Shirt Company
Every place in Medicine Park is cool and unique, but this place is the coolest! A descendent of Comanche Chief Quanah Parker owns and operates the boutique, where she screenprints, embroidery, and creates jewelry and more. She has a curated assortment of gifts and Native American items.
Chaps My Ass
What you have here is a biker boutique like no other! Needless to say, this is a must-see if you ride into town. Gifts, apparel…you name it, Buy it here and they will ship it home for you.
White Buffalo Trading Post
Allot an hour to soak up more than your share of positivity! You will leave knowing you are loved. In addition to their great selection of mercantile items, you will be amazed at the owners’ stories.
Buy a slush puppy and prepare for the entertainment.
Nice Ice Baby
Who needs a cold beer on a hot day when you have this walk-through daiquiri and slushie establishment! Lots of standard and a few unique concoctions will greet your arrival.
Redneck Candles
Visitors rave over the fragrance of this shop! They carry boutique candles, home decor, waxes, and other items.
Like all Medicine park businesses, a great vibe of positivity emanates. This isn’t your common redneck.
Up the Creek Spirits
One of the more recent additions to the town, this is your stop for spirits and craft beer (and a decent selection of wines after a day in the Wichitas or on the lakes. The prices are surprisingly competitive, the owner operates and your service will be spectacular. His wife operates the olive oil boutique next door. Great vibe.
Park Tavern
Everyone loves this dive bar for the relaxed atmosphere and of course craft beers! It’s indoor/outdoor, friendly, and there is often live music They are open Thursdays 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Fridays 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Saturdays 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, and finally, Sundays 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM.
Discovery Outpost
A splendid cabin filled with imaginative books, unique toys, and thoughtful gifts. The Outpost defies description- is it a museum?
For sure though, if you give an item from here to someone you care about, they will be sure to not already have one- no matter what it is! Books, games, tons of Science related items, and much more.
If you are in the area or planning a trip that COULD go through this part of the country, I think you will be charmed by Medicine Park and be glad you stopped. For more information about the town, click here.
THANKS FOR READING!
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