Knowles OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Knowles, Oklahoma.
1. Beaver Dunes Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Beaver Dunes Park offers a unique outdoor experience with natural sand dunes perfect for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and picnicking amidst the stunning landscape. The park also features fishing opportunities and wildlife viewing areas for nature lovers.
2. The Rusty Junker
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
The Rusty Junker is a highly-rated antique and vintage shop in the Knowles area. Treasure hunters can find unique collectibles, home decor, and nostalgic items from various eras. The shop is known for its friendly service and ever-changing inventory of one-of-a-kind pieces.
3. Dalton Gang Hideout
OUTLAW HISTORY SITE
The Dalton Gang Hideout preserves the infamous outlaw history of the region with authentic artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can explore the original tunnel used by the Dalton Gang to escape law enforcement. The site includes a museum and gift shop offering a glimpse into the Wild West era.
4. Fort Supply Historic Site
MILITARY HISTORY PRESERVED
Fort Supply Historic Site showcases the military history of Oklahoma Territory with preserved buildings from the 1800s. Visitors can explore the reconstructed stockade, commanding officer's quarters, and guardhouse from this frontier military post. The site offers interpretive exhibits about the fort's role in the Red River War and the settlement of western Oklahoma.
5. Dorothy's House/Land of Oz
WIZARD OF OZ EXPERIENCE
Dorothy's House/Land of Oz offers a delightful journey through the beloved Wizard of Oz story in a restored 1907 farmhouse. Visitors are guided through the experience by costumed Dorothy characters who bring the tale to life. The attraction includes memorabilia from the movie and an immersive yellow brick road experience.
6. No Man's Land Historical Marker
OLD WEST HISTORY
No Man's Land Historical Marker commemorates the unique history of this region that was once unclaimed territory. Visitors can learn about the pioneering settlers who established communities in this challenging frontier environment. The marker provides insight into the cultural and historical significance of the Oklahoma Panhandle.
7. Knowles Grain Elevator
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL LANDMARK
The Knowles Grain Elevator stands as a testament to the agricultural heritage of Oklahoma's panhandle region. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this structure represents the economic backbone of early Knowles. The elevator provides visitors with a glimpse into the agricultural practices that shaped the development of rural Oklahoma communities.
8. Knowles Community Building
LOCAL GATHERING PLACE
The Knowles Community Building serves as a central gathering place for local events and celebrations. Donated by a nearby ranch family, this venue hosts regular dinners and entertainment for descendants of early pioneers. The building represents the resilient community spirit that persists despite the town's population decline over the decades.
9. Jones & Plummer Trail Museum
CATTLE TRAIL HISTORY
The Jones & Plummer Trail Museum preserves artifacts and stories from this historic cattle trail that passed through the region. Exhibits showcase the pioneer lifestyle, Native American culture, and development of the Oklahoma Panhandle. Visitors can explore a collection of antique tools, household items, and photographs documenting the area's rich history.
10. Shattuck Windmill Museum
PRAIRIE TECHNOLOGY COLLECTION
The Shattuck Windmill Museum features an impressive collection of historic windmills that once provided water across the Great Plains. Visitors can view over 50 restored windmills of various designs and manufacturers dating back to the late 1800s. The museum offers a unique opportunity to understand the technological innovations that made settlement possible in this semi-arid region.
11. Gate to Heaven
UNIQUE RURAL LANDMARK
Gate to Heaven is a distinctive landmark in the small town of Gate, located near Knowles along U.S. Highway 64. This artistic structure welcomes visitors to the town and serves as a popular photo opportunity for travelers. The landmark represents the pride and creativity of this small Oklahoma Panhandle community.
12. Coronado's Cross
HISTORICAL EXPLORER MONUMENT
Coronado's Cross commemorates the expedition of Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado through this region in 1541. The monument stands as a reminder of the early European exploration of the Great Plains. Visitors can learn about Coronado's quest for the mythical Seven Cities of Gold that brought him through what would eventually become Oklahoma.
13. Beaver County Diner
CLASSIC AMERICAN CUISINE
Beaver County Diner serves up hearty homestyle cooking in a friendly, nostalgic atmosphere. Locals and travelers alike enjoy their classic American breakfast, lunch and dinner options prepared with traditional recipes. The diner offers generous portions at reasonable prices, making it a favorite dining spot in the area.
14. Cimarron Heritage Center
REGIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The Cimarron Heritage Center showcases the rich history of Oklahoma's Panhandle through extensive exhibits and collections. Visitors can explore artifacts from prehistoric times through the Dust Bowl era and modern agricultural development. The museum includes outdoor displays featuring historic buildings, farming equipment, and a one-room schoolhouse that bring the region's past to life.
15. Black Mesa State Park
HIGHEST POINT ADVENTURE
Black Mesa State Park offers access to Oklahoma's highest point and some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. Hikers can trek to the summit at 4,973 feet above sea level for panoramic views spanning three states. The park is renowned for its exceptional stargazing opportunities, diverse wildlife, and unique geological features including dinosaur tracks and ancient lava flows.