Things To Do Near Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
Start your visit at the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site visitors center by watching the film "Destiny at Dawn" to learn more about the events of that predawn attack. Learn about the items that the Cheyenne Native Americans made from bison. Then, walk around the site to see its geographical features. Special reading programs occur on Saturday mornings for children, and special programming may occur throughout the year.
Hiking Trails
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Washita Battlefield Park Trail
The Washita Battlefield Park Trail starts 0.5 miles west of the visitors center along Highway 47A. There are 15 numbered stops on the paved path leading to the location of the Cheyenne village. Then, take the dirt path back to the starting point. Get the brochure in the visitors center so that you can learn what each of the numbers means.
Location
Highway 47A, west of the Visitors Center, Washita Battlefield National Site, 18555 Hwy 47A, Ste. A Cheyenne, OK 73628
Length
1.5 miles
Intensity
Easy
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The Dust and Fire Trail
The Dust and Fire Trail starts at the visitors center. It allows you to see the impact that settlers had on the land. This trail also includes a stop at the native garden.
Location
Washita Battlefield National Site, 18555 Hwy 47A, Ste. A Cheyenne, OK 73628
Length
1.5 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Mesa Trail
This multi-use trail begins off Forest Service Road 235 in the Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands. This is a fantastic place to go hiking through the native prairie. You can often see native animals along this 4.5-mile trail.
Location
Forest Service Road 235, Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands, Cherokee, Oklahoma 73628
Length
4.5 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
Go crystal collecting at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. People have found crystals weighing several pounds at this location, which is only open from April 1 until October 15. During the cooler months, thousands of whooping cranes live in the refuge.
Location
71189 Harper Road, Jet, Oklahoma 73749
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Great Salt State Park
Go swimming or on a kayaking adventure on Great Salt Plains Lake at Great Salt Plains State Park. There are also terrific hiking trails to follow, and you can go mountain biking on some of them.
Location
23280 South Spillway Drive, Jet, Oklahoma 73749
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Alabaster Caverns State Park
The Alabaster Caverns State Park contains the world’s largest gypsum cave, and you will want to tour it. Play horseshoes at the horseshoe pit or volleyball at the volleyball court. Alabaster Caverns State Park is also a terrific place to go stargazing.
Location
217036 State Highway 50A, Freedom, Oklahoma 73842
Museums
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Freedom Museum
See an extensive collection of barbed wire at the Freedom Museum. They also have many farm tools from the late 1800s. See many archeological artifacts from northwest Oklahoma.
Location
505 Main Street, Freedom, Oklahoma 73842
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National Route 66 and Transportation Museum
See the two-story kachina doll standing at the entrance to the National Route 66 and Transportation Museum’s entrance. This museum features many old cars along with other artifacts. Watch the video about the eight states that Route 66 runs through.
Location
2717 West 3rd Street, Elk City, Oklahoma 73644
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Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum
See immersive displays featuring the Plains Native Americans and early pioneers at the Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum. See a recreated bank, saloon, jail, portrait studio and newspaper office, and early pioneer cabins. Learn more about the Cheyenne and Arapaho Nations, and don't miss the large murals depicting early life.
Location
2009 Williams Avenue, Woodward, Oklahoma 73801
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Market Square
Stock up on food for a picnic or a cookout at Market Square. They offer a large selection of fresh produce. Their butchers will be glad to help you select the right cut of meat.
Location
300 South Males, Cheyenne, Oklahoma 74628
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Bazaar on 66
Part of the fun of shopping at the Bazaar on 66 is that you never know what you will find, from toys for kids to women’s clothing. They offer jewelry, home décor, and more.
Location
1102 West 3rd, Elk City, Oklahoma 73644
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Lola’s Café Mexican Restaurant
The breakfast burritos are a great way to start the day in Cherokee. Then, come in later for tortas, chimichangas, and street tacos. This restaurant that is open from early morning to mid-evening also offers fantastic steak, chicken and shrimp entrees.
Location
115 Grand Avenue, Cherokee, Oklahoma 73728
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Cavali Restaurant
Start your day with a breakfast cooked to order at Cavali Restaurant. Choose one of their delicious hamburgers or another sandwich for lunch. They also offer terrific fresh salads.
Location
1501 South Grand Avenue, Cherokee, Oklahoma 73728