Watonga OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Watonga, Oklahoma.
1. Roman Nose State Park
HISTORIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Roman Nose State Park is one of Oklahoma's original seven state parks, taking its name from a Cheyenne Chief. The park offers gorgeous natural scenery with canyon walls and gypsum rock formations that create a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, camping, and natural beauty throughout the year, including guided nature-watching adventures during seasonal events like First Day Hikes.
2. Roman Nose Golf Course
UNIQUE CANYON GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Roman Nose Golf Course is one of the most unique golf courses in all of Oklahoma featuring an 18-hole, par-70 layout. The course offers sloping bent grass greens, Bermuda grass tees and fairways, natural hazards, and sits amidst canyon walls and gypsum rock formations. Golfers enjoy not only a challenging game but also some of the most scenic views in the state.
3. T.B. Ferguson Home
TERRITORIAL GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE
The T.B. Ferguson Home, built in 1901, was home to Oklahoma's 6th Territorial Governor. Ferguson was a notable figure who wrote 'The Jayhawkers' and 'Men on the Border,' while his wife Elva authored 'They Carried the Torch: The Story of Oklahoma's Pioneer Newspapers,' which inspired Edna Ferber's novel 'Cimarron.' The historic home now serves as a museum preserving this important piece of Oklahoma's territorial history.
4. Whirlwind Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Whirlwind Winery offers visitors a taste of locally produced wines in Watonga. The winery provides a relaxing atmosphere where guests can sample different varieties and learn about the winemaking process. Wine enthusiasts can purchase bottles to take home as souvenirs or gifts.
5. Watonga Cheese Festival
ANNUAL CHEESE CELEBRATION
The Watonga Cheese Festival is an annual event celebrating the town's dairy heritage. Typically held in October, the festival features cheese tastings, food vendors, arts and crafts, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Visitors from across the region gather to enjoy this beloved cultural tradition that showcases local products and community spirit.
6. Lucky Star Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Lucky Star Casino in Watonga offers gaming entertainment for visitors looking to try their luck. The casino features a variety of electronic games and gaming machines in a lively atmosphere. Guests can enjoy gaming action along with dining options and occasional special promotions.
7. Watonga Post Office Mural
NEW DEAL ART
The Watonga Post Office, completed in 1937, houses a significant mural commissioned as part of the New Deal art project. Artist Edith Mahier painted the controversial mural depicting Chief Roman Nose and other Cheyenne on the day of the land run of 1892. This historic piece of public art represents an important cultural and artistic landmark in the community.
8. Watonga Public Library
HISTORIC COMMUNITY RESOURCE
The Watonga Public Library serves as an important community resource with historical significance to the town. Elva Ferguson, wife of Territorial Governor T.B. Ferguson, helped establish this institution to promote literacy and education in the frontier community. Today, the library continues to provide resources, programs, and services to Watonga residents and visitors.
9. T B Ferguson Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The T B Ferguson Museum preserves and showcases the history of Watonga and the surrounding area. Exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and documents relating to the territorial period, local notable figures, and the development of the community over time. Visitors can learn about important historical events and the people who shaped this Oklahoma town.
10. Rustic Outdoor Adventures
NATURAL EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES
Rustic Outdoor Adventures offers nature-based recreation opportunities in the Watonga area. Visitors can participate in guided outdoor activities that showcase the region's natural beauty and wildlife. These adventures provide memorable experiences for those looking to connect with Oklahoma's diverse landscapes.
11. Eischen's Bar
OKLAHOMA'S OLDEST BAR
Eischen's Bar in nearby Okarche is Oklahoma's oldest bar, established in 1896, and famous for its simple menu featuring whole fried chicken. The historic establishment draws visitors from across the state and beyond who come to experience its authentic atmosphere and legendary food. Eischen's cash-only policy and no-frills approach to dining have helped maintain its unique character for generations.
12. Annabelle's Fun Farm
FAMILY AGRICULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT
Annabelle's Fun Farm provides family-friendly agricultural entertainment and seasonal activities in the Watonga area. Visitors can enjoy pumpkin patches, corn mazes, farm animals, and other rural attractions depending on the time of year. The farm offers educational opportunities for children to learn about farming while having fun in a country setting.
13. Ferguson Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE EXCHANGE
Ferguson Farmers Market brings together local producers and consumers in downtown Watonga. The market features fresh vegetables, fruits, handmade goods, and artisanal products from area farmers and craftspeople. Visitors can experience the flavors of local agriculture while supporting small businesses in the community.
14. Center of the Universe Pioneer Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY DISPLAYS
The Center of the Universe Pioneer Museum showcases the pioneer history and cultural heritage of Blaine County and the surrounding region. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and interpretive displays that tell the story of settlement, Native American history, and agricultural development in western Oklahoma. The museum provides insight into the challenges and triumphs of those who shaped this part of the American frontier.
15. Ghost Mound
NATURAL LANDMARK FORMATION
Ghost Mound is a distinctive natural landmark near Watonga with cultural significance to Native American tribes and local folklore. The geological formation rises prominently from the surrounding landscape, creating an impressive silhouette visible from miles away. Visitors can appreciate both the natural beauty and historical importance of this site that has been a navigational marker for centuries.