Comanche County is located in the Wichita Mountains region. 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 also part of the refuge’s character.
Prairie, Wildlife and Trails
The refuge offers a variety of outdoor activities: you can fish, birdwatch, photograph wildlife, hike, camp or kayak. The trail network ranges from short, easy routes to long, challenging hikes. One specific trail option is the Bison Trail, a 5.7-mile loop. The range of trails and a loop with a clearly stated distance provide guidance for different hiking plans.
The Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway offers a different perspective on the landscape. It leads to Medicine Park and continues west on Highway 49 through the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, rocky lowlands, mixed-grass prairie, Cross Timbers and historic communities shape the character of the route. The byway connects several types of landscapes, while trails in the refuge focus on walking or observing nature.
Lakes and Recreational Opportunities
Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area combines a no-wake lake with camping available year-round, cabins, a boat ramp, picnic areas, beaches and swimming areas. Activities available there include fishing, hiking, biking, mini golf, birdwatching, volleyball and scuba diving. Check the availability of individual facilities and seasonal offerings before your trip.
Lake Elmer Thomas is located between Fort Sill and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, in the shadow of Mount Scott. Another lake with its own character is Lake Lawtonka: it covers 2,398 acres and has 21 miles of shoreline; swimming, boating and various water sports are among the activities available there. While Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area lists camping and a broad range of recreational activities, Lake Lawtonka’s area, shoreline length and water sports provide specific points of reference.
Museums and Cultural History
Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum uses interactive exhibits to present the military, social, political, cultural and economic history of Fort Sill and its surroundings, from the 1834 Dragoon Expedition through 1920. The historic landmark is a 19th-century frontier military post with approximately 50 buildings. The US Army Field Artillery & Fort Sill Museum was established 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.
The Comanche National Museum & Cultural Center focuses its programs and exhibitions on Comanche history, culture and visual arts. Its collections include visual art, the Egli and Chibitty collections, materials relating to Fort Sill Indian School and military objects. There is also a library, photo archives and a gift shop on-site; check their availability before your trip.
The Museum of the Great Plains features interactive exhibits and self-guided activities. One specific example is a replica of the Red River Trading Post. The Historic Mattie Beal Home also conveys history through its architecture: the mansion has 14 rooms and covers 3,580 square feet; it was built between 1907 and 1909.
Festivals and Events
The annual Lawton International Festival celebrates the city’s diverse cultural heritage with cultural performances and demonstrations. The annual Comanche Nation Fair includes a powwow, parade, free concert, games and an art show. It features traditional dances such as Gourd Dance and Fire Dance; Comanche veterans are also honored each day of the event. The annual Comanche County Free Fair has a different focus, with livestock, arts and crafts, agricultural products, and 4-H and FFA exhibits. Dates and programs for these recurring events vary.
Cycling also offers a specific point of comparison: the 2025 Tour de Sill listed routes of 27, 38 and 56 miles at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area. The different distances give an idea of the routes offered that year. If you are planning to attend an event, check its listing for dates and routes.
Discover more destinations: Lawton, Faxon, Pontotoc, Garfield County, Rogers County, Dewey, Logan County, Atoka County.
For the broader travel overview: Oklahoma.
