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In 1876 the first Texas cattle herd came through early Woodward — the new route became known as the Western Trail and soon carried the bulk of cattle headed north for railheads in Kansas. Situated in the heart of the High Plains, Woodward is a city that embraces its Old West heritage with cowboys and rodeos – and the New West with guest ranches that offer not only hunting and the cowboy experience but wildlife watching, hiking, and mountain biking as well. And, for a modern day ride on the Plains head for the off-road adventures at Little Sahara State Park!
For history buffs, the Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum is a visitor’s must see. The Museum’s permanent collection includes the personal affects of the frontier town’s most famous son, lawyer/gunfighter Temple Houston. Houston’s famous courtroom plea, “The Soiled Dove Plea” in defense of a “fallen woman,” has been upheld by the Harvard Law Review and other legal publications as the perfect closing argument. The museum has recently acquired the gun Houston used in a notorious shoot-out with Ed Jennings.
Just up the road from Woodward visit historic Camp Fort Supply which served as a United States Army post established in Indian Territory in 1868 to protect the Southern Plains against the Plains Indians. While in the Woodward area you’ll also want to take in the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site. By reservation, the Tourism and Convention Bureau can provide tour guide services for groups wishing to learn more about the history and uniqueness of the Woodward area.
For adventure seekers, right outside of town are two of the state’s premier wildlife management areas, the Cooper Wildlife Management Area and Cimarron Bluff Wildlife Management Area. Located fourteen miles northwest of Woodward is Fort Supply Lake, a popular fishing, hunting, and boating spot. Within a short drive of Woodward experience five of the most diverse State Parks in Oklahoma – Alabaster Caverns, Little Sahara, Roman Nose, Gloss Mountains, and Boiling Springs. For golfing or just its scenic views, Boiling Springs Golf Course is a favorite of many Oklahomans. Exploring the Woodward area, you’ll find majestic wind farms powering the nation’s energy needs. These towering wind farms are a sight to be seen.
In Woodward enjoy a live performance at the Woodward Arts Theatre. The Theatre hosts theatrical productions, musical groups, and ballet performances on a regular basis. You are always welcome to take a tour at Covingtons Cycle City, an internationally acclaimed, handcrafted motorcycle building business that has been featured on a number of programs including features on the Discovery Channel and the Speed Channel. If a rodeo is what you’re looking for, the annual Elks Rodeo is featured in July and state youth rodeo competitions are held throughout the year.
Woodward’s Crystal Beach Park features a fifteen-acre lake, a golf course, soccer fields, and the largest collection of Christmas lights anywhere in northwest Oklahoma during the community’s Christmas lighting display, Crystal Christmas. Woodward eagerly welcomes you to experience the City’s new aquatics park and first-class baseball complex opening at Crystal Beach Park in July 2009.
Experience personalized shopping in Woodward’s Main Street district and step back in time with a meal at one of the local diners. With new hotels, quaint bed and breakfasts, and rustic lodging at guest ranches, Woodward offers a choice of accommodations to fit everyone’s style.
Join us in Woodward -- we’ll make sure you’re not disappointed!
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