Discover Jackson: History, Golf, and Rodeo

When planning a trip to Jackson, you can tailor your stay to a wide range of interests: regional history, historic buildings, golf, rodeo, or water activities. The places mentioned span Altus and Olustee to Eldorado and Blair; some attractions are located in the wider southwestern Oklahoma region.

Regional History and Historic Buildings

The Museum of the Western Prairie covers the history of southwestern Oklahoma across a broad span of time, from geological uplifts and prehistoric seas to irrigated agriculture and Altus Air Force Base. Its collection includes more than 35,000 artifacts and photographs. Visitors can also tour the Criswell half-dugout house and a two-story limestone house built by the Eddleman family in 1891. The exhibits connect natural history with the development of agriculture and the military in the region.

In Altus, the Jackson County Courthouse was built in 1910 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Olustee offers another perspective on local history: Olustee Public Library and Park was established in 1920 as part of the New State Women's Club's activities. The library building itself was constructed in 1936 as a Works Progress Administration project. The park is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A because of its association with the club.

Near Olustee is the Cross S Ranch Headquarters. The two-story sandstone ranch house represents the earliest settlement and agricultural development of historic Old Greer County. Its history includes the shift from cattle ranching to horse breeding and then to an operation focused predominantly on crop farming. The property is eligible for listing on the National Register under Criterion A in the areas of settlement history and agriculture. The Western Trail, a cattle-drive route, is also part of the region's past: it ran through Jackson County in the 1870s. Fullerton Dam is another historic structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places; it is located seven miles northwest of Olustee.

Water, Golf, and Outdoor Activities

Fishing is possible year-round at Altus City Reservoir, and jogging trails run around the water. Its size gives a sense of the reservoir: it has about two miles of shoreline and 140 acres of open water. Several boat ramps are available. Nearby, Lake Altus-Lugert offers boating and camping, while Quartz Mountain provides opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Golfers can also choose from options suited to different interests. At Western Heritage Golf Club, two tee boxes per hole make an 18-hole round possible. The Greens of Altus has a driving range, a putting green, and a pro shop. These details offer practical points to consider when deciding whether a round, or practice and other golf amenities, fit into your trip plans.

Events and Dining

The Great Plains Stampede Rodeo is a three-day PRCA-sanctioned event in Altus. Events include bull riding, steer wrestling, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, and steer dogging. A parade takes place during the Saturday finale. Altus also hosts the annual Rock-N-Rumble Car Show & Cruise. If you want to plan your trip around an event, check the dates for your intended stay.

For a meal, the local listings feature two restaurants serving different dishes: Fred’s Famous Steak and Saloon in Altus serves home-style cooking, including catfish and grilled steaks. The Backdoor Steakhouse in Blair offers prime rib, steak, shrimp, and catfish. Those interested in hunting can find another regional connection at Rio Rojo Outfitters in Eldorado. The outfitter conducts guided hunts in southwestern Oklahoma along the Red River for white-tailed deer, Rio Grande wild turkeys, quail, doves, wild hogs, and other predators.

Whether you want to focus on cultural history, an event, or water activities, the places and themes offer different ways to experience your trip to Jackson. Choose hotels based on your travel dates, and check whether their locations suit your planned visits.

Discover more destinations: Altus, Grady County, Cleveland, Kay County, Mcclain County, Okfuskee County, Custer, Pittsburg County

For the broader travel overview: Oklahoma.