Comanche County: Nature, Trails and History

Comanche County is located in the Wichita Mountains region. Nature and outdoor activities are just as much a part of the travel experience as cultural history. As you plan, consider whether to focus on protected landscapes, hiking, water activities or museums.

Nature and outdoor activities in the Wichita Mountains

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge protects approximately 60,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, and freshwater lakes and streams. Free-roaming herds of bison, Texas longhorns and Rocky Mountain elk are characteristic of the area. The refuge offers opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, wildlife photography, hiking, camping and kayaking; conditions for individual activities may vary.

The trail network ranges from short and easy to long and challenging hikes. One option is the 5.7-mile Bison Trail, a loop route in the refuge. At Mount Scott, a three-mile paved road leads to the 2,464-foot summit. There are parking spaces at the top, as well as opportunities to enjoy the views, rock climb and hike. Check access conditions before setting out.

The Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway also helps you navigate the landscape: it leads to Medicine Park and continues west on Highway 49 through the Wildlife Refuge. The route passes through rocky lowlands, mixed-grass prairie, Cross Timbers and historic communities.

Lake Elmer Thomas lies between Fort Sill and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, in the shadow of Mount Scott. The Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area includes a no-wake lake, year-round camping, cabins, a boat ramp, picnic areas, beaches and swimming areas. Activities also include fishing, hiking, biking, mini golf, birdwatching, volleyball and scuba diving. Check conditions for facilities and seasonal activities before your visit.

Lake Lawtonka offers a different kind of waterfront experience: it covers 2,398 acres and has 21 miles of shoreline. Swimming, boating and a variety of water sports are among the activities available there.

Museums and historic sites

Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum offers an interactive look at the military, social, political, cultural and economic history of Fort Sill and its surroundings, from the 1834 Dragoon Expedition through 1920. To visit Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum, you must undergo a background check in person at the Visitors Control Center before entering the post. Fort Sill National Historic Landmark is a 19th-century frontier military post with approximately 50 buildings. The US Army Field Artillery & Fort Sill Museum was founded on December 10, 1934, and officially opened in January 1935; Atomic Annie has been on the grounds of the US Army Field Artillery Museum since 1964.

Burial sites are also part of the area's history: Chief’s Knoll at Fort Sill Post Cemetery is the burial site of notable Indigenous chiefs; this section was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Geronimo’s Grave is located at Beef Creek Apache Cemetery, established in 1894 as a cemetery for Apache prisoners of war. To visit this site, you must also undergo a background check in person at the Visitors Control Center before entering the post.

The Comanche National Museum & Cultural Center presents programs and exhibits on Comanche history, culture and fine arts. Its collections include fine art, the Egli and Chibitty collections, materials on the Fort Sill Indian School, and military objects. There is also a library, photo archives and a gift shop on site; check current visitor offerings before your trip.

The Museum of the Great Plains uses interactive exhibits and self-guided activities to explore the region’s past, present and future; these include a replica of the Red River Trading Post. Starting August 18, 2026, access to the Museum of the Great Plains’ historic outdoor sites, including the Trading Post, Depot and Schoolhouse, will remain available during construction; the main building will be closed during this time. Check visitor conditions before your trip. For a different perspective on regional history, visit the Historic Mattie Beal Home: built between 1907 and 1909, the mansion has 14 rooms and an area of 3,580 square feet.

Festivals and trip planning

Recurring events include the Lawton International Festival, which celebrates the city’s diverse cultural heritage with performances and demonstrations, and the Comanche Nation Fair. The fair features a powwow, parade, free concert, games and an art show. Traditional dances such as the Gourd Dance and Fire Dance are part of the program; Comanche veterans are also honored each day of the fair. The Comanche County Free Fair showcases livestock, arts and crafts, agricultural products, and 4-H and FFA exhibits. Dates and programs vary, so coordinate your travel dates with the relevant event calendar.

This lets you plan around the things you actually want to explore in person.

Discover more destinations: Lawton, Faxon, Kay County, Beckham County, Mcintosh County, Murray County, Choctaw, Custer.

For the broader travel overview: Oklahoma.