Enid, Okla., – the city United Country Real Estate | Rockin Double J, LLC calls home – is the economic hub of Northwest Oklahoma. And while it stands out with its retail, financial, healthcare and other offerings, it also offers culture, history and natural beauty.
Actually, as least as far as those latter offerings, the same can be said of many cities and towns in these Northwestern and North-Central parts of Oklahoma. Each has its unique identity, while sharing common elements of the region. For example, agriculture is a big deal as evidenced by all the working farms and ranches.
Outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, hiking, trail riding and other activities is also quite popular in Northern Oklahoma. You may hear these parts referred to as the “Red Bed Plains” after the area’s distinctive red soil, or even “Red Carpet Country” not only for the soil but also the appearance of Oklahoma’s panhandle as a “red carpet” into the state.
The beauty of the great outdoors here is quite stunning, with ancient sandstone landscapes, flowing creeks and rivers, and timbered hills … often maintained within one of the region’s excellent state parks. Let’s take a closer look at the appeal of Northwest and North-Central Oklahoma for residents and visitors alike.
There’s no shortage of spots to explore Oklahoma’s rich and storied history in these northern parts of the state. In Enid, the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center showcases Northwestern Oklahoma through the ages, diving into the origins and history of the Cherokee Strip. This informative center, along with the town’s historical architecture and landmarks, makes Enid a captivating destination for history buffs.
A little to the Northwest of Enid, up in Woods County you can visit the Waynoka Harvey House and Air-Rail Museum. These sites on the National Register of Historic Places showcase Waynoka’s transportation history.
Medford (in Grant County) offers a lot of small-town charm, and preservation of local history via the 1893 Land Run Historical Museum and Community Center. The museum is all about the Oklahoma Territory's first settlers to claim land in the Cherokee Outlet. Over in Kay County, Blackwell is home to the Top of Oklahoma Museum, a place described as “where Native American culture, Oklahoma history, and America’s land run past come together.”
But Kay County’s most notable city for historical discoveries is arguably Ponca City. Your first stop should be at Marland’s Grand Home, named for oil industry tycoon E.W. Marland, who moved to Ponca City in 1908 and later became a politician. Marland’s sprawling mansion features four different museums. Also in Ponca City is the Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum, detailing Oklahoma’s pioneering women and their influence on the state and nation.
Along the Northwestern and North-Central areas of Oklahoma, you’ll find a solid variety of recreational opportunities in the great outdoors. Little Sahara State Park and Sand Dunes in Waynoka (Major County) is comprised of more than 1,600 acres of sand dunes ranging in impressive heights, boasting a unique and remarkable experience for ATV and dune buggy enthusiasts.
Speaking of state parks, Salt Plains State Park - just one county northwest of Garfield County in Jet, Okla., (Alfalfa County) – is a popular spot for camping, swimming, mountain biking and horseback riding. Great Salt Plains Lake within the park has 41 miles of shoreline! In the adjacent Woods County in Freedom is Alabaster Caverns State Park, featuring the largest natural gypsum cave in the world. Cave tours and wild caving are both welcome.
On the Arkansas River and just east of Ponca City is Kaw Lake, a perfect location for families and individuals alike. With campsites all over the area, there are plenty of spots for swimming, boating, bird watching, and angling for walleye, crappie and bass.
Hunting has always been a core part of Oklahoma’s heritage, and there are plenty of opportunities to invest in the lifestyle. The Drummond Flats WMA is located in western Garfield County and features more than 5,000 acres of wetlands with abundant duck, quail, turkey and other waterfowl species.
Lastly, just within Enid alone there are plenty of opportunities for recreation at the city’s sports facilities. From disc golf courses and basketball courts, to soccer pitches, area golf courses and more … there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out the David Allen Memorial Ballpark, one of the finest amateur baseball facilities in America.
The largest city in Red Carpet Country, Enid features one of just seven Certified Cultural Districts in Oklahoma. There are great options for shopping, local art galleries are well-attended, and there are some standout entertainment venues. The Stride Bank Center serves as a hotspot for various concerts and live events, while The Chisolm Trail Expo Center is renowned for hosting trade shows and equestrian competitions.
The center is part of the Garfield County Fairgrounds, which consists of outdoor arenas, livestock and multipurpose buildings, and The Coliseum, an arena that can hold more than 9,000 attendees. Also in Enid, there’s the Leonardo’s Children’s Museum, an educational and fun destination that provides an engaging environment for the whole family.
Over in Ponca City, you can enjoy movies and live events at the historic Poncan Theatre dating back to 1927. Those with artistic ambitions, or just people who love art, will want to check out what Ponca City is doing with its City Arts program.
Oklahoma is also known to have some great wineries in the state, including up north. Start with Plymouth Valley Cellars in Fairview, and Indian Creek Village Winery in Ringwood for an idea of what to expect.
Finally, annual festivals and events are always well-attended in America, and Oklahoma is no exception. Enid’s Tri-State Music Festival offers a melodic escape for music lovers, while Medford’s Annual Oktoberfest is a two-day gathering not to be missed. At the downtown square in Perry, there always seems to be something going on, from the annual Summer Fest, to weekly events, holiday gatherings and more. Whether it’s a local car show in Fairview, the Ponca City Herb Festival each year, or something else, you can count on a good turnout!
Sources:
OkHistory.org
TravelOk.com
BestThingsOk.com
Enid.org
VisitEnid.org
GarfieldOk.com
RedCarpetCountry.com
Csrhc.org
MarlandGrandHome.com
StateParks.com
Recreation.gov
PoncaCityOk.gov
PcArts.org
WorldPopulationReview.com
Britannica.com
En.Wikipedia.org