WICHITA MOUNTAINS WILDLIFE REFUGE a T
rips here are as tame or as wild as you want. Just drive through and look for bison, elk, deer and longhorns or bike or hike where the buffalo are actually roaming. Fishing, picnicking and camping are popular and primitive camping is available by reservation. Drive to the top of Mt. Scott for a fantastic panoramic view of the area. Rock climbing areas range from easy climbs to more technically challenging. The
Visitor Center in the middle of the refuge has a good film and interesting exhibits. Rangers there can answer questions and the gift shop is well-stocked with information. An added treat in the area is the charming cobblestone town of Medicine Park. Still mostly a weekend destination, there are cute shops, eateries and the picturesque Bath Lake to explore. Cap off your spring break with the Medicine Park Stomp, March 17 – 19, for lots of music, arts, crafts, food and fun.
QUARTZ MOUNTAIN a
The wood and stone construction of the Quartz Mountain Resort blends into the surrounding terrain. Photos by Elaine Warner
I
n the southwestern part of the state, trees are scarce and the sky is huge. Go outside on a clear night and marvel at stars you never see in the city. Quartz Mountain Resort is a great place to rest body and soul. The resort, home to the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute, is full of wonderful pieces of art created by visiting artists and students. Guests are greeted in the lobby with eight large murals by artist Mike Larsen. Other works are found throughout the property and guest rooms all have colorful prints to add to the rustic décor. The indoor pool at the lodge offers a spot to splash even in chilly weather. Quartz Mountain State Park has an 18-hole golf course and driving range. Hiking is popular as is rock climbing. Nearby, a mini-golf course will be open during spring break. For a look at local history, take a jaunt south to Altus. The Museum of the Western Prairie has great exhibits on the geology of the area, Native Americans, homesteaders and more.
The view from the top of Mt. Scott in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge attracts many visitors.
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