The city of Lawton Oklahoma and the immediate surrounding areas host several world-class museums. All of them are just an hour and twenty minutes southwest of Oklahoma City, The museums in Lawton, OK offer insights into the rich cultural and natural histories of the southern plains.
Both locals and international tourists will examine a very wide variety of artifacts that tell the story of the human history of the Great Plains. Those begin with the arrival of the Paleo-Indians to contemporary interactive exhibits.
Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum in Lawton, OK
For civilians and military families alike, this unique museum is more than you can take in in only one day. The Army organized and curated these amazing displays for public education and informational purposes.
You will need to get your pass at the Visitor Control Center on Sheridan Road, but it is completely free of charge. But don’t let the cheap entry fool you, there are over a quarter-million artifacts in over 144,000 square feet in 38 buildings.
The Fort Sill museum also boasts the Cannon Walk, an outdoor display of American and foreign field artillery pieces. They are from both world wars and beyond.
Also be sure to include time to visit the School of Fire, Cavalry Barracks, There is such a wide variety of exhibits and artifacts.
When you visit, be sure and wear comfortable shoes. The museum and grounds are extensive, but worth the travel. For more information about the center, click HERE.
Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center
Museum exhibits of Code Talkers and Native American artifacts give an appreciation of Comanche history. This educational museum’s mission statement includes the phrase, “provide visitors with a new understanding about the people of the great plains with emphasis on the Comanche Nation.”
With one of the world’s largest collections of Comanche artifacts and fine art, visitors are given a glimpse of traditional cultural items so they can deepen their appreciation for the diverse cultures of Native Americans.
You may easily access the museum via Cache Rd to Ferris Avenue. For special tours, including school groups, call the museum at 580-353-0404.
Historic Mattie Beal Home
The second name drawn in the 1901 Kiowa-Comanche land lottery was Mattie Beal. This made her instantly famous and she received literally hundreds of marriage proposals. From those many options, she eventually married a successful businessman, Charles Payne, in 1902.
Maddie commuted her own property for the purpose of making affordable homesites available to settlers. The house changed hands a number of times until 1974.
At that time the people of Lawton and the Lawton Heritage Foundation partnered with the local McMahon Foundation. They worked to restore the stately residence to its early splendor.
The facility is available for self-guided tours. The home also makes a lovely location for weddings and other special events.
The Holy City of the Wichitas
The Holy City is located just a few miles west of Lawton/Fort Sill inside the Wichita Mountains, National Wildlife Refuge. The city consists of a recreation of the holy lands and chapel, gift shop, and tribute to the victims of 911.
All members of the family can explore the area at their own leisure, and for free. A local group performs a major Easter Pageant here annually.
To learn more about the Holy City, click HERE.
Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton, OK
Almost everything you want to know about the great plains region is right here. The Museum of the Great plains is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums The museum is located in Elmer Thomas Park.
Right here, the fascinating history of the American West comes to life. Be warned this is one of the natural history museums where you’ll get more than you expect.
You can interact with and live through a tornado experience. The museum exhibits also include an American Bison exhibit. They take in a visual history of the life and cultural history of the great plains of North America.
The exhibits begin with Paleo-Indians known as Clovis culture. This entity is a member of the Oklahoma Museum Network. The OMN also partners with other Oklahoma Museums such as Science Museum Oklahoma and Leonardo’s Children’s Museum.
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