Goodwell OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Goodwell, Oklahoma.
1. No Man's Land Museum
OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE HISTORY
No Man's Land Museum in Goodwell is an Oklahoma panhandle gem that showcases exhibits full of unique items from the area formerly known as No Man's Land. Visitors can explore American Indian artifacts including an extensive collection of Plains arrowheads, a peace pipe from Blackfoot Chief Two Guns Whitecalf, and a variety of beadwork and porcupine quillwork. The museum also displays casts of dinosaur footprints from the Kenton area, desks used by delegates at the 1906 Oklahoma Constitutional Convention, and a full-sized horse-drawn hearse from the 19th century.
2. Oklahoma Panhandle State University
CAMPUS TOURS AVAILABLE
Oklahoma Panhandle State University offers a beautiful campus for visitors to explore in Goodwell. Visitors can stretch their legs while walking through the university grounds and appreciating the architecture and landscape. The university serves as an educational hub in the Oklahoma panhandle region, providing both academic opportunities and public spaces for the community.
3. Cimarron National Grassland
VAST PRAIRIE LANDSCAPES
Cimarron National Grassland offers visitors a chance to experience the expansive prairie landscapes of the Oklahoma panhandle. The grassland preserves the natural ecosystem of the region, providing habitat for diverse wildlife and plant species. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and photography in this natural setting.
4. Point of Rocks
HISTORIC LANDMARK SITE
Point of Rocks is a significant natural landmark near Goodwell that served as an important navigational aid for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail. The distinctive rock formation rises above the surrounding plains, making it visible from great distances. Visitors can enjoy the historical significance while taking in views of the Oklahoma panhandle landscape.
5. Eight Mile Corner
LOCAL GEOGRAPHIC MARKER
Eight Mile Corner is a local geographic point of interest in the Goodwell area that marks an important junction in the region. This site has historical significance to locals and represents part of the area's rural heritage. Visitors often stop here to orient themselves when exploring the surrounding panhandle region.
6. J.B. Buchanan Windmill Park
HISTORIC WINDMILL COLLECTION
J.B. Buchanan Windmill Park showcases the agricultural heritage of the Goodwell area through its collection of historic windmills. The park preserves these important pieces of prairie technology that were crucial to settlement and farming in the region. Visitors can learn about the role windmills played in the development of the Oklahoma panhandle while enjoying the outdoor display.
7. Museum of the Plains
REGIONAL CULTURAL HISTORY
Museum of the Plains offers visitors a comprehensive look at the cultural and natural history of the plains region around Goodwell. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of settlement, agriculture, and daily life in the Oklahoma panhandle. Guests can experience the evolution of the region from prehistoric times through the Dust Bowl era and into modern day.
8. Guymon Pioneer Days
ANNUAL RODEO FESTIVAL
Guymon Pioneer Days is a renowned annual rodeo festival held in nearby Guymon that draws visitors from across the region. The event features PRCA rodeo competitions, a parade, carnival, and various community activities celebrating the area's western heritage. This festival, typically held in May, has been a tradition for over 90 years and showcases the continuing importance of ranching culture in the Oklahoma panhandle.
9. Thompson Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Thompson Park in nearby Guymon offers families a pleasant recreational area with playgrounds, picnic facilities, and open spaces. The park features a small lake for fishing and provides a peaceful setting for outdoor activities. Visitors from Goodwell often make the short drive to enjoy the park's amenities and natural environment.
10. Main Street Guymon
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SHOPPING
Main Street Guymon offers visitors a charming downtown shopping experience just a short drive from Goodwell. The historic district features local businesses, boutiques, and restaurants housed in well-preserved buildings. Shoppers can find unique items while experiencing the authentic small-town atmosphere of the Oklahoma panhandle.
11. Texas County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Texas County Courthouse in Guymon is an impressive historic building that serves as the center of county government near Goodwell. The structure features distinctive architecture that reflects the region's development during the early 20th century. Visitors interested in local history and government can appreciate both the exterior design and the building's continued role in community life.
12. Optima Lake
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Optima Lake is a natural area near Hardesty that offers outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors from Goodwell. The site provides access to open spaces where wildlife viewing, hiking, and nature photography can be enjoyed. Though water levels fluctuate, the surrounding landscape offers a glimpse into the natural environment of the Oklahoma panhandle.
13. Beaver's Bend Restaurant
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
Beaver's Bend Restaurant is a popular dining establishment in nearby Beaver that serves hearty, home-style meals to locals and travelers from the Goodwell area. The restaurant specializes in comfort food classics with a focus on generous portions and friendly service. Visitors appreciate the authentic small-town dining experience and reasonable prices when exploring this part of the Oklahoma panhandle.
14. Beaver Dunes Park
UNIQUE SAND FORMATIONS
Beaver Dunes Park features unusual sand formations that create a striking contrast to the typical panhandle landscape near Goodwell. The park offers recreational opportunities including off-road vehicle trails, picnic areas, and hiking paths through the distinctive terrain. Visitors can experience this unexpected natural feature that showcases the geological diversity of the Oklahoma region.
15. Liberal Air Museum
AVIATION HISTORY COLLECTION
The Liberal Air Museum in nearby Liberal, Kansas showcases the rich aviation history of the High Plains region accessible from Goodwell. The museum houses a collection of historic aircraft, memorabilia, and exhibits detailing the development of flight and its impact on the area. Visitors can learn about military and civilian aviation while viewing preserved aircraft that represent different eras of flight technology.