From Issue One: The Witchita Mountains of Oklahoma
Guide to the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma
Medicine Park, Wildlife, and an odd little place called the holy city. this mountainous area of Oklahoma would be the perfect spot to elope or mini-moon
Approximately 90 miles Southwest of Oklahoma City is home to the Wichita Mountains : a wildlife refuge spanning over 59,000 acres. It plays host to bison, elk, and prairie dogs.
Mount Scott — one of the most beautiful places to elope in Oklahoma
Right at the mouth of the Wichita’s is one of the quirkiest towns in existence. The tiny town of Medicine Park is known for its cobblestone buildings and its sometimes-crime-involved past. The Plains Indians first inhabited medicine park and inspired the name as they used the natural creeks for healing purposes. In 1908, the land was purchased and the founder began building a resort and health spa. Once the 1920s rolled around, Medicine Park became a getaway to celebrities and gangsters; President Roosevelt, Al Capone, Will Rogers, and Bonnie and Clyde, are just a few of the people who found refuge in Medicine Park.
Fast forward through a decline and revitalization, and Medicine Park is once again thriving. Perhaps it’s the friendly locals or the abundance of outdoor activities available. In the summertime, swimmers flood the center of the city : Bath Lake. Once the weather cools, the lake is frequented by trout fisherman. Hiking is a year-round activity.
Stay at the Stardust Inn Bed and Breakfast. The innkeepers Clark and Pegi are warm and accommodating hosts who also serve the tastiest breakfast around. For lunch, dine on the Riverside Cafe’s patio and enjoy the scenery. For dinner, hit up Cockeyed Bob’s or The Old Plantation : a historic hotel turned restaurant. For shopping, head to BaseCamp Adventure Outfitters for outdoor gear, rentals, and trail runs/bike rides on certain days of the week.
Head 13 minutes West of Medicine Park to Cache, Oklahoma. Here, you will find The Holy City of the Wichitas. The peculiarity of the site is part of the charm. This cobblestone Amphitheater/Chapel combo was built in the 1920s to resemble the Holy Land. To this day, it hosts visitors on Easter Sunday for a passion play of the resurrection. The chapel is in decay; light pours into the space from broken stained glass windows, lightbulbs haven’t been changed on the aging chandeliers, and the wood is worn on the pews. It’s a photographer’s dream, if well-versed in dramatic lighting.
Finally, don’t miss a sunset from the summit of Mt. Scott. You won’t regret the hike up.
The Wichita Mountains and Medicine Park are two of the most serene places one can find in Oklahoma, making this location ideal for anything from an elopement to a weekend getaway.
Note to readers: Since the publishing of the original article, we are sad to report that both the Stardust Inn and Cockeyed Bob’s have been permanently closed.