A Weekend in Medicine Park, Oklahoma
For a weekend getaway, we made a road trip down to Medicine Park in Southwestern Oklahoma. Medicine Park began as the first resort town in the state of Oklahoma in 1908. The nearby Medicine Creek gave medicinal qualities for a health spa. It became a popular vacation area. The town suffered financial hardship during the depression, but it was later restored. We found this small towns quaint charm and signature cobblestone walls to be quite unique! During our time here, we not only walked down Cobblestone Row but we also explored the surrounding area. It’s truly an escape to nature with the prairies, mountains, trails, and lakes all nearby.
Surrounding Medicine Park is the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. We saw Texas Longhorn cattle, American Bison, and Prairie Dogs roaming as we drove through the wilderness.
The Jed Johnson Tower Trail is in the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. Later one morning, we took the 1.4 mile hike to the old fire watchtower.
We were able to drive to the top of Mt. Scott on a clear, sunny afternoon. There’s a parking area and observation deck on the summit. From the observation deck, we stopped to marvel the beautiful panoramic views. The scenery of the great outdoors below included the rolling hills and sweeping plains along with the Wichita Mountains and surrounding lakes.
The Holy City of the Wichitas is also located in the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. The buildings and structures here are meant to replicate Israel during Biblical times. They hold the nation’s longest running Easter play each year.
Bath Lake is located in the center of downtown Medicine Park. In the summer, it’s a popular swimming hole. It has a small waterfall along with a continuous flow of cool water from the nearby Medicine Creek. Although many find it a perfect place to float on the water in the summer, it becomes a trout fishing hot spot during other times of year.
Also in downtown Medicine Park, you’ll find restaurants, bars, and shops. We enjoyed dinner at the Old Plantation Restaurant on our first evening in town.
One morning, we stopped in Medicine Perk Coffee Company for coffee then walked over to the Heritage Farm and Ranch to get a pastry.
On another morning, we visited Mrs. Chadwick’s Bakery for a donut and cinnamon roll.
We also got breakfast to-go from Joe Mountain Breakfast Bar. The tropical smoothie and trail bagel was delicious!
After a full day of exploring, we stopped in the Healthy Hippie Cafe for cocktails. We loved the laid-back vibe and clean, rustic atmosphere. And, the live music was very chill.
Just down the street from the Healthy Hippie Cafe is a mexican restaurant, Tu Familia. We dined in here the final night in Medicine Park. We enjoyed great food and service, and not to mention the Mangonada margarita!
Where to Stay?
We stayed at a home right down the road from the downtown area. It was a nice, relaxing retreat! Althought there were other cottages listed on VRBO were across the main road from us, it was always so peaceful. And, we even walked over to enjoy the live music at Fancy Nancy’s next door!
Close to downtown is a tiny house resort called InnHabit. It’s composed of re-purposed shipping containers. At the front of the resort is a small food court with Prarie Dogs Paninis and Smoothies, Jimmy’s Bag of Donuts and Lisa’s Coffee n Cream, and The Refuge Ale House. There are also 10 tiny houses available for nightly rent, similar to VRBO.
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