Cimarron City OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cimarron City, Oklahoma.
1. Cimarron Heritage Center Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY ON DISPLAY
The Cimarron Heritage Center Museum in Boise City showcases the rich history of Cimarron County through diverse exhibits including dinosaurs, the Santa Fe Trail, and local historic sites. Visitors can explore the museum grounds featuring a restored Santa Fe Depot, blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, homestead dugout, and other historic structures. The museum also provides access to Autograph Rock, which features signatures of 19th and 20th century explorers.
2. Autograph Rock
SANTA FE TRAIL LANDMARK
Autograph Rock is a significant historical landmark in Cimarron County featuring signatures of 19th and 20th century explorers who traveled the Santa Fe Trail. Access to this unique piece of American frontier history can be arranged through the Cimarron Heritage Center Museum. The rock serves as a tangible connection to the countless pioneers who made their way westward during America's expansion.
3. Black Mesa State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Black Mesa State Park offers visitors access to Oklahoma's highest point and some of the most dramatic landscapes in the state. The park features camping facilities, hiking trails, and exceptional stargazing opportunities due to its remote location and dark skies. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot unique species adapted to the mesa environment not commonly found elsewhere in Oklahoma.
4. Philmont Scout Ranch
LEGENDARY SCOUTING ADVENTURE
Philmont Scout Ranch is one of the Boy Scouts of America's largest High Adventure Bases spanning over 140,000 acres of rugged wilderness. Thousands of Scouts visit annually to participate in backpacking expeditions, training programs, and to experience the natural beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The ranch combines outdoor adventure with educational programs focusing on conservation, history, and leadership development.
5. Dust Bowl Exhibit
GREAT DEPRESSION ERA HISTORY
The Dust Bowl Exhibit at the Cimarron Heritage Center offers visitors a compelling look at one of America's greatest ecological disasters. Through photographs, artifacts, and personal stories, the exhibit chronicles how severe drought and poor farming practices devastated the region in the 1930s. Visitors gain insight into the resilience of local families who endured extreme hardship during this challenging period in American history.
6. Aztec Mill
HISTORIC GRINDING FACILITY
The Aztec Mill stands as a well-preserved example of 19th-century industrial architecture in Cimarron, New Mexico. Originally built to process grain for the surrounding communities, the mill now serves as a tangible connection to the area's agricultural past. Visitors can explore the building and learn about the milling process that was vital to frontier settlements.
7. Villa Philmonte
OIL MAGNATE'S ESTATE
Villa Philmonte was the summer home of oil magnate Waite Phillips, who later donated the property as part of the Philmont Scout Ranch. The Spanish Mediterranean-style mansion features original furnishings, artwork, and personal items that offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy early 20th-century family. Tours of the meticulously maintained estate provide visitors with insights into both the Phillips family history and the architectural significance of the property.
8. National Scouting Museum
BOY SCOUT HERITAGE
The National Scouting Museum at Philmont Scout Ranch houses an impressive collection of artifacts documenting the history of the Boy Scouts of America. Exhibits include original Scouting memorabilia, Norman Rockwell paintings, and interactive displays that illustrate the evolution of the Scouting movement. The museum celebrates the values, skills, and adventures that have shaped generations of young Americans through Scouting programs.
9. Kit Carson Museum
FRONTIER LEGEND'S HOME
The Kit Carson Museum preserves the historic home where the famous frontiersman and his family lived in the mid-19th century. Period furnishings and personal artifacts offer visitors insight into daily life during the territorial period in New Mexico. The museum's exhibits chronicle Carson's controversial legacy as both a skilled guide and military figure who played a significant role in westward expansion.
10. Rita's Grill
LOCAL FLAVOR HOTSPOT
Rita's Grill serves as a beloved local eatery in Boise City offering home-style cooking with regional influences. The restaurant specializes in hearty portions of American classics and Southwestern favorites that appeal to both locals and visitors passing through Cimarron County. Rita's friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a popular gathering spot for community members to share meals and stories.
11. Cimarron Mercantile
HISTORIC GENERAL STORE
Cimarron Mercantile continues the tradition of the classic Western general store with a mix of essential goods and unique souvenirs. Visitors can browse through a carefully curated selection of local crafts, food products, and practical items that reflect the region's heritage. The store's historic building adds to the shopping experience, connecting customers to the commercial traditions of the Old West.
12. No Man's Land Museum
OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE HISTORY
The No Man's Land Museum explores the unique history of the Oklahoma Panhandle, once a region claimed by no territorial government. Exhibits feature pioneer artifacts, Native American items, and geological specimens that tell the story of this distinctive area. The museum's comprehensive collection provides visitors with a deeper understanding of how political boundaries and human settlement shaped this formerly lawless territory.
13. St. James Hotel
HISTORIC HAUNTED LODGING
The St. James Hotel has operated since 1872 and hosted infamous Wild West figures including Jesse James, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Wyatt Earp. The historic property maintains much of its original character while offering modern amenities to guests seeking a taste of authentic frontier accommodations. Local legends about ghostly occupants add an element of mystique to the hotel, making it a destination for both history enthusiasts and paranormal investigators.
14. Black Mesa Brewery
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Black Mesa Brewery crafts unique beers inspired by the landscapes and heritage of Oklahoma's panhandle region. The brewery's tasting room offers visitors the chance to sample a rotating selection of handcrafted ales and lagers in a relaxed atmosphere. Each beer tells a story of local ingredients and brewing traditions, providing a taste of Oklahoma's growing craft beverage scene.
15. Kenton Mercantile
REMOTE TRADING POST
Kenton Mercantile serves as both an essential general store and community hub in Oklahoma's most isolated town. The shop stocks a practical mix of groceries, hardware, and local products needed by residents and appreciated by tourists exploring the Black Mesa region. As one of the few businesses in this frontier-like setting, the mercantile offers visitors an authentic glimpse into rural panhandle life while providing a welcoming stop for travelers seeking refreshments and local information.