Walters OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Walters, Oklahoma.
1. Comanche Star Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Comanche Star Casino is a popular gaming destination in Walters offering a friendly atmosphere and various gambling options. The casino features excellent dining options with kitchen staff known for their quality food preparation. Visitors appreciate the welcoming environment, making it a top attraction for both locals and tourists passing through the area.
2. Cotton County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Cotton County Museum displays numerous artifacts from the community including a wooden cook stove, typewriters, pianos, and vignettes of a doctor's office, church, and schoolroom. Visitors can explore WWI and WWII memorabilia, barbed wire collections, tools, cotton displays, and equipment that showcase the area's rich history. The museum also features old photographs, information on notable natives like Van Heflin and Abe Lemons, and a selection of Indian paintings and artifacts.
3. Walters Rock Island Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY MUSEUM
The Walters Rock Island Depot is a historic railway station that was purchased by the city in 1984 and transformed into a museum. The Cotton County Art Council led the rehabilitation efforts to preserve this important piece of local history. This NRHP-listed building serves as a cultural landmark that educates visitors about the area's transportation heritage.
4. Cotton County Courthouse
CLASSICAL REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE
The Cotton County Courthouse is a magnificent Classical Revival structure built in 1925 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This architectural gem serves as the seat of local government and stands as a testament to the county's history. Visitors can admire the historic design elements while experiencing a working piece of Walters' heritage.
5. First United Methodist Church
CENTURY-OLD SACRED SPACE
The First United Methodist Church in Walters was constructed in 1917 and holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places. This historic church continues to serve the spiritual needs of the community while showcasing early 20th century religious architecture. The building represents an important part of the town's religious and cultural heritage.
6. CCAC Arts and Crafts Festival
CREATIVE CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The CCAC Arts and Crafts Festival is a judged event sponsored by the Cotton County Art Council and the Oklahoma Arts Council that showcases local and regional artistic talent. This springtime celebration brings together artisans, crafters, and art enthusiasts in a vibrant community gathering. Visitors can browse unique handmade items while appreciating the creative spirit of Walters.
7. Comanche Nation Homecoming Powwow
NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL TRADITION
The Comanche Nation Homecoming Powwow features multiple categories of traditional American Indian dancing including gourd, cloth, buckskin, straight, and fancy styles. This summer cultural celebration brings together tribal members and visitors to honor and preserve Native American traditions. Food and merchandise vendors enhance the experience, offering authentic cuisine and handcrafted items.
8. Round Up Club Rodeo
WESTERN HERITAGE EVENT
The Round Up Club Rodeo is a multi-day event showcasing traditional rodeo competitions that celebrate the area's western heritage. The rodeo features a parade with decorated cars, trucks, tractors, and floats that winds through the town. This summer tradition brings together competitors and spectators for an authentic western experience in the heart of Oklahoma.
9. Helping Hands Wellness
HEALTH AND RELAXATION CENTER
Helping Hands Wellness is a popular wellness destination in Walters offering various health and relaxation services to locals and visitors. The center provides a range of treatments designed to promote physical and mental well-being in a comfortable environment. Guests appreciate the professional services that provide a respite from the stresses of everyday life.
10. Great Plains State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Great Plains State Park is a scenic outdoor destination located near Walters that offers boating, fishing, and camping around Lake Tom Steed. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails with views of the Wichita Mountains and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The park provides a perfect getaway for nature lovers seeking water recreation and beautiful Oklahoma landscapes.
11. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a vast protected area near Walters where visitors can observe free-roaming bison, elk, deer, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The refuge features scenic drives, hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and the historic Meers Store and Restaurant. This natural treasure spans 59,020 acres of mixed-grass prairie, offering spectacular mountain vistas and diverse ecosystems.
12. Medicine Park
HISTORIC COBBLESTONE VILLAGE
Medicine Park is a charming historic resort town built with distinctive round cobblestones located a short drive from Walters. This picturesque village features Bath Lake, a swimming area on Medicine Creek, along with unique shops, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. Visitors enjoy the small-town atmosphere, outdoor activities, and regular arts festivals in this quaint getaway destination.
13. Museum of the Great Plains
REGIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Museum of the Great Plains in nearby Lawton explores the cultural and natural history of the Southern Plains through interactive exhibits and historical reconstructions. Visitors can experience a replica trading post, a dig site, and displays featuring indigenous cultures and pioneer settlements. The museum provides educational programming and houses extensive collections that tell the story of life on the plains from prehistoric times to the present.
14. Fort Sill National Historic Landmark
MILITARY HISTORY SITE
Fort Sill National Historic Landmark is an active military installation that houses the US Field Artillery Museum and preserves frontier army history near Walters. Visitors can explore historic buildings, including the Apache cemetery where Geronimo is buried, and learn about the fort's role in western expansion. The site offers guided tours of the Old Post area with structures dating back to the 1870s.
15. Lake Lawtonka
RECREATIONAL WATER DESTINATION
Lake Lawtonka is a popular reservoir in the Wichita Mountains that offers fishing, boating, water skiing, and camping opportunities within driving distance of Walters. The lake features several recreation areas with boat ramps, picnic facilities, and shoreline access for anglers seeking bass, crappie, and catfish. Visitors appreciate the scenic mountain backdrop and various water activities available throughout the year.