Woodward: Museum, Parks and Rodeo

Woodward brings together several distinct themes for trip planning: regional history, parks and water activities, hiking trails, and an annual rodeo. The range extends from the exhibits at the Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum to the trails at Boiling Springs State Park.

Museum and Regional History

At the Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum in Woodward, immersive displays depict a typical frontier town. Visitors can see a bank, a saloon, a jail, and a newspaper office. These locations bring the town to life through specific buildings and establishments. Taken together, the four establishments reflect money, hospitality, law, and local news in the frontier town as depicted.

The museum also features exhibits about the Cheyenne and Arapaho Nations. Also on display is the Lee-Lienemann Cabin, which came from Old Camp Supply and dates to the 1870s. While the frontier town is represented through several locations, the cabin focuses on a named historic building with a specific origin and period.

The Great Western Cattle Trail Gallery tells the story of the Great Western Cattle Trail, a historic cattle route, and its important role in the development of Woodward and northwest Oklahoma.

Parks, Water, and Trails

The Kiwanis train offers rides through Crystal Beach Park & Lake. Crystal Beach Lake is a spring-fed lake with a shoreline and fishing jetties. Crystal Beach Park is also used for walking. The park's Aquatics Center has swimming pools, a lap pool, water slides, and several play features. Operations may vary by season, so check current hours before making plans.

At Boiling Springs State Park, the spring is part of the park's name: the park is named after a natural, continuously flowing “boiling” spring. The trail system includes five hiking and mountain biking trails of varying lengths, suitable for beginners. The types of trails and their varying lengths are specific factors to consider when planning your time in the park.

The two park offerings have different focuses: Crystal Beach features a lake, rides, and the Aquatics Center alongside opportunities for walking; at Boiling Springs State Park, the spring and trail system take center stage. This lets you decide as you plan your trip whether to focus more on water and park activities or on hiking trails.

Woodward Elks PRCA Rodeo

The Woodward Elks PRCA Rodeo takes place annually at the Crystal Beach Arena. If you are planning to travel to Woodward for the rodeo, the annual event is an occasion to consider when planning your trip. Before booking a hotel, check the announced event dates and coordinate your travel dates accordingly.

For the broader travel overview: Woodward County.