Where the Road Leadsto Adventure
Out here, the best trips aren't rushed—they're discovered. From scenic backroads to small-town stops, Southwest Oklahoma is full of places worth slowing down for.
Great Plains Country Travel Guide
Our annual Travel Guide highlights the best of Southwest Oklahoma—from scenic drives and local favorites to hidden gems across all 14 counties. Take the scenic route, explore a little deeper, and see where the road leads.
Plan the Trip Before You Leave the Driveway
Use the guide to map scenic backroads, shortlist stops by category, and build a route that mixes major destinations with the smaller discoveries that make Great Plains Country worth exploring.
County-by-county ideas
Start with the places you know, then find a few you do not.
Scenic backroad planning
Build a route that feels more like discovery and less like a checklist.
Travel-ready inspiration
Use featured categories, events, and itinerary ideas to shape the trip.
Upcoming Events
Discover exciting events happening across Great Plains Country. From cultural festivals to outdoor adventures, there's always something happening in our region.
Route 66 Festival
Three-day celebration of America's Mother Road with classic cars, live music, food vendors, and historical exhibits.
Cotton County Arts & Crafts Show
Juried fine art & crafts with purchase awards; seven fine-art categories plus craft awards; strong local participation backed by Oklahoma Arts Council support.
Native American Heritage Days
Experience authentic Native American culture through traditional dances, crafts, storytelling, and cuisine.
Great Plains Rodeo Championship
Professional rodeo competition featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and traditional western events.
Altus Air Show
Annual air show featuring military aircraft demonstrations, static displays, and patriotic celebrations.
Walters Round-Up Club Rodeo
Classic small-town rodeo with bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, breakaway, saddle bronc, pony express & calf scramble; Pink Night on Saturday.
Comanche Nation Homecoming Powwow
Three-day homecoming celebration with grand entries, contest dancing, drum groups, honor ceremonies, arts & crafts and food vendors.
Weatherford Arts & Crafts Festival
Local artisans showcase handmade crafts, artwork, and traditional skills with live demonstrations.
Explore Our Counties & Cities
Each county offers unique attractions, rich history, and unforgettable experiences. Discover what makes each destination special.
Beckham County
Beckham County
Known for its western heritage and outdoor recreation opportunities along the North Fork Red River. Home to the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City.
Major Cities:
Caddo County
Caddo County
Rich in Native American history and home to the National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians. Cultural heritage center of Great Plains Country.
Major Cities:
Comanche County
Comanche County
Home to Fort Sill and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge with stunning natural beauty. Regional hub and largest population center.
Major Cities:
Cotton County
Cotton County
Agricultural community known for cotton farming and small-town charm. Located near the Texas border.
Major Cities:
Custer County
Custer County
Features Southwestern Oklahoma State University and rich pioneer history. Home to aviation heritage and western culture.
Major Cities:
Greer County
Greer County
Rural county with agricultural heritage and scenic prairie landscapes. Features Quartz Mountain State Park.
Major Cities:
Harmon County
Harmon County
Small rural county known for agriculture and cotton farming heritage. Hosts annual cotton festival.
Major Cities:
Jackson County
Jackson County
Home to Altus Air Force Base and agricultural center. Known for military aviation and farming heritage.
Major Cities:
Jefferson County
Jefferson County
Rural county near the Texas border with agricultural heritage and small-town charm.
Major Cities:
Kiowa County
Kiowa County
Agricultural county with western heritage and small-town communities throughout the region.
Major Cities:
Roger Mills County
Roger Mills County
Home to Washita Battlefield National Historic Site and western Oklahoma heritage.
Major Cities:
Stephens County
Stephens County
Oil and gas heritage with historic downtown Duncan and agricultural communities.
Major Cities:
Tillman County
Tillman County
Agricultural county near the Texas border with farming heritage and rural communities.
Major Cities:
Washita County
Washita County
Rural county with agricultural heritage and small communities throughout western Oklahoma.
Major Cities:
Featured Itineraries
Ready-made travel plans to help you experience the best of Great Plains Country. Download, print, or send directly to your phone.
Route 66: Eastbound Icons & Pony Bridge
Route 66: Eastbound Icons & Pony Bridge
Experience the best of eastern Route 66 heritage in Oklahoma with this comprehensive one-day adventure. Start at the state's official Route 66 museum in Clinton, explore world-class aviation history at the Stafford Air & Space Museum, visit the iconic Lucille's service station in Hydro, and conclude at the beautifully reconstructed Pony Bridge over the South Canadian River. Perfect for Route 66 enthusiasts, aviation buffs, and anyone seeking authentic Mother Road experiences.
Counties & Cities:
Key Highlights:
- Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (state's official Route 66 museum)
- Stafford Air & Space Museum (Saturn V & Soviet N-1 rocket engines)
- Lucille's/Provine Service Station historic gas station
- +4 more highlights
Bison, Bluffs & Bath Lake
Bison, Bluffs & Bath Lake
Perfect for families with children, this easy one-day adventure combines wildlife viewing at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge with scenic drives and summer swimming. Watch for free-roaming bison, elk, and prairie dogs, drive to the summit of Mount Scott for panoramic views, and cool off with swimming at Medicine Park's Bath Lake. All activities feature short drives and minimal walking, making it ideal for all ages.
Counties & Cities:
Key Highlights:
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (bison, prairie dogs, lakes)
- Mount Scott drive-up summit with panoramic views
- Medicine Park creekwalk & summer swim at Bath Lake
- +3 more highlights
Plains Nations Heritage Trail
Plains Nations Heritage Trail
Journey through the historic homelands of the Southern Plains tribes with this cultural heritage trail. Visit sacred sites, world-class museums, and memorials that tell the story of the Comanche, Kiowa, Wichita, Cheyenne, and Arapaho nations. This respectful exploration includes Geronimo's grave, tribal museums, battlefield sites, and cultural centers that preserve and share Native American history.
Counties & Cities:
Key Highlights:
- Geronimo's Grave (Beef Creek Apache Cemetery, Fort Sill)
- Fort Sill National Historic Landmark & Museum
- Comanche National Museum & Cultural Center
- +4 more highlights
Featured Partners
From local businesses and attractions to community leaders and regional supporters, our partners help us promote the people, places, and experiences that make Southwest Oklahoma worth the trip.
Become a Priority Partner
There's a Place for You Around the Campfire. For 60 years, partnerships like yours have helped guide travelers to the backroads, main streets, and wide-open spaces of Southwest Oklahoma...Where the road leads to adventure!
Learn About PartnershipGet in Touch
Have questions about Great Plains Country? Need help planning your trip? We are here to help make your Oklahoma adventure unforgettable.
Contact Information
Phone – call or text
(580) 483-5001
gpc@greatplainscountry.com
Mailing Address
1503 1/2 SW H Ave
Lawton, OK 73501