An unusual introduction to Frederick is an encounter from the spring of 1905: President Teddy Roosevelt visited the town to meet Jack Abernathy. Frederick’s cultural history is also reflected in its architecture, exhibitions, and performances. Other highlights include the annual Tillman County Free Fair and Hackberry Flat WMA southeast of town. When planning your trip, you can weigh these different interests against one another.
Architecture, Performances, and History
Built in 1929, the Ramona Theatre is an example of Spanish Colonial-style architecture and hosts concerts and theatrical performances. Its construction history and performance program offer two different ways to connect with the same place. Pioneer Heritage Townsite represents the prairies and southwestern Oklahoma during the 1920s.
The Tillman County Historical Museum displays historical clothing, musical instruments, children’s toys, machinery, wartime items, household goods, and women’s hats. Its collection ranges from everyday objects to items associated with a particular period. The Crawford Collection offers a different perspective on collecting: it includes about 170 taxidermied trophy animals gathered from hunts around the world. Visitors can view the animals up close.
The Abernathy Boys exhibit includes an authentic replica of the Brush Car in which the Abernathy brothers traveled home from New York City. While the Crawford Collection puts animals at the center, this exhibit brings a specific travel story to life through a vehicle.
Local Sights and Nature Southeast of Frederick
More than 50 barn quilt designs can be seen on houses, garages, fences, barns, and buildings in downtown Frederick along the Tillman County Heritage Barn Quilt Trail. Maps and information about the trail are available at the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Very Good Coffee Co, Box Inc, KC’s, and Frederick Ace Hardware; a downloadable map is also available. The designs offer a different way to explore the area than its exhibitions and historic sites.
Southeast of Frederick, Hackberry Flat WMA combines upland habitats with wetlands. Twenty-nine different species of wading birds have been recorded in the WMA. Near Frederick, a nature trail at the Hackberry Flat Center leads to a wildlife viewing blind. From Frederick’s southern edge, the center can be reached via Highway 183, Airport Road, and County Road N2240.
Events and Local Products
The Tillman County Free Fair takes place annually in Frederick. It features a livestock show, art contests, sales and food booths, tractor-pulling competitions, and carnival attractions. Unlike a stay focused on the collections mentioned above or the WMA, a visit to the fair depends on the dates of that year’s event. Check the event dates before planning your stay around it.
The Tillman County Farmers Market offers locally produced meat, eggs, and produce. This is a direct connection to local products that can complement the cultural and nature-related themes of your trip.
Find Hotels in Frederick for Your Trip
If you’re looking for hotels in Frederick, first decide what you want your stay to focus on: the architecture and performances at the Ramona Theatre, the varied historical collections, the annual Free Fair, or the natural attractions of Hackberry Flat WMA. If you’re visiting for the fair, its dates are key; for the other highlights, you can take your cue from the places and themes described above. This way, you can choose your travel dates based on what you’re actually interested in.
For the broader travel overview: Tillman County.
