Lawton Travel Guide

Lawton was once a key player in the Oklahoma land rush, but today it is a small military town that sits at the edge of the Great Plains, close to the Texas border. Lawton is known for its unique terrain which consists of a combination of flat valleys and fields, towering Oklahoma mountains, and crystal clear lakes.

Things to Do in Lawton

Lawton is a city rich in important history, and as such, it features a number of exciting museums and interesting historical landmarks including the Museum of the Great Plains, the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum, and the Historic Mattie Beal Home. The Holy City, Lawton’s very own replica of the original Holy City, is a popular destination for those looking to experience the wonder of the area’s stone buildings, chapels, and reverent atmosphere. Visitors can have a picnic at Elmer Thomas Park, watch live car races at Lawton Speedway, try to escape one of the various escape rooms at Twisted Escape Rooms, go rock climbing with Venture 2 Climb, catch a movie at AMC Patriot 13, and get a hot stone massage at Healing Hands Massage and Holistic Day Spa.

Best Places to Stay in Lawton

Lawton is a city rich in history and it's home to a variety of museums and historical landmarks including the Museum of the Great Plains, the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum, and the Historic Mattie Beal Home.

For a different experience, you can visit Lawton's very own Holy City, which is a large replica of the original Holy City. It's a popular destination for those curious about what the Holy City looked like.

Other fun activities include going for a picnic at Elmer Thomas Park, watching live car races at Lawton Speedway, trying to escape one of the various escape rooms at Twisted Escape Rooms, or going rock climbing with Venture 2 Climb. There's simply so much to do in Lawton, you'll be spoiled for choice!

Best Time to Visit Lawton

The best time to visit Lawton is from June to September when there is just a slim chance of rain and it's generally warm and sunny.

Food in Lawton

Mutti’s German Restaurant, serving authentic German dishes, is a popular late-night dining option, while iHop is perfect for an early morning breakfast. For those with a sweet tooth, the cakes and pies coming from Ann’s Country Kitchen are something near heavenly.

Best Events in Lawton

Lawton offers plenty of exciting events each year. The Fall Festival takes place each October and features food vendors, music, crafts, games, and a variety of other fun activities that celebrate the fall colors and crisp air of Lawton. The International Festival, Lawton Fort Sill Freedom Festival, Apache Balloon Fest, Medicine Park Christmas Carnival and Parade, and Medicine Park Pumpkin Carving Contest are only a few of the other great events that the city offers.

Things to Do for Families in Lawton

Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Science Museum is a great, family-friendly recreation center in Lawton, offering a small freshwater aquarium with brightly colored fish, turtles to feed, an electric eel show, a handful of nature trails and flower beds, a gift shop, and refreshments. To cool off, families can spend a day at the Comanche Nation Water Park, which features a wave park, lazy river, water slides, a sloping pool’s edge, and a snack bar, as well as a number of highly-trained lifeguards to ensure the protection of guests.