Why This Oklahoma Town Deserves More Attention
Medicine Park has been a relaxing destination for travelers for over a century, established as Oklahoma’s first resort town in 1908. Located in southern Oklahoma in the Wichita Mountains, the town is surrounded by lakes, prairies, and a wildlife refuge. In the warmer months, the community becomes energized with diverse music festivals, drawing crowds that swell its population far beyond its 500 residents. With so much outdoor, musical, and shopping potential in Medicine Park, this small town should definitely be on your list of places to visit in 2025.
Medicine Park’s Lakes
15 lakes lie either in or around Medicine Park, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Bath Lake is one of the most popular, having been the town’s swimming hole since the 1920s. Centrally located, this lake features both deep and shallow areas for swimming, scenic waterfalls, and stairs for easy entry into the water. In the winter months, it is not uncommon to see residents perched along the lake’s shores, fishing for trout. Lake Lawtonka, located just east of town, was created by the Lake Lawtonka Dam in 1905 and spans over 2 square miles. Due to its larger size, the lake is popular for boating and camping, with overnight campsites available to the public.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit when travelers are in Medicine Park, less than a 15-minute drive from town. This refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, spans 59,000 acres of prairie and is home to hundreds of animal species. Some of the most signature species include the American bison, Texas Longhorn Cattle, Rocky Mountain Elk, prairie dogs, and white-tailed deer.
In addition to appreciating the area’s wildlife, travelers can enjoy the opportunity to hike, bike, camp, or fish. For those wanting to completely disconnect, the 8,570 acres of designated wilderness, especially the southern portion, offer a chance to experience the remoteness of the land.
Music Festivals
Although Medicine Park holds various events throughout the year, the majority of them revolve around music. The first major music festival of the year, the Parkstomp Music Festival, takes place in March. This festival, celebrating the arrival of spring, invites attendees to bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs and gather around the main stage to enjoy a mix of country, bluegrass, rock, and punk music. On Memorial Day weekend, the town comes together once again for the Roots Ball, a three-day event that attracts some of the best regional musical talent.
As the Fourth of July rolls around, the town continues its musical traditions with the Rockin’ the Park festival, in which rock and roll bands celebrate the country’s independence with a bang. Those who prefer the Blues will love the annual Blues Ball, which brings in some of the best blues musicians the state has to offer. As October arrives, Medicine Park commemorates the region’s Native American flute music through the Medicine Park Flute Festival & Art Walk, which features plenty of live flute performances and artisan crafts from around the country.
Restaurants & Nightlife
After exploring the wildlife refuge or lakes near town, travelers will undoubtedly be hungry. Luckily, Medicine Park has many local restaurants to choose from. A classic choice is Riverside Cafe, known for specialties like bison burgers and hand-breaded chicken with gravy. Inside, the walls are adorned with town memorabilia, while the outdoor patio provides scenic views of Medicine Creek. Those with a sweet tooth will find several cozy spots to satisfy their cravings. Cobblestone Creamery is the go-to for homemade ice cream, while Mrs. Chadwick's Bakery offers fresh-baked treats, including cakes, cookies, and cinnamon rolls. For a post-dinner drink, Nice Ice Baby is a popular spot among locals, a cocktail lounge particularly known for its frozen daiquiris.
Shopping
Medicine Park is filled with trading posts and mercantiles that give its shopping district a rustic feel. As travelers wander down the town’s main riverside road, they will come across White Buffalo Trading Post, a wooden-clad mercantile that sells Native American gifts, sterling silver jewelry, and old-fashioned cream sodas. For a house-made soy candle, make sure to stop by RedNeck Candles Gifts as well. Laughing Lizard Trading Post is another great place to get a souvenir, selling nature-themed and Native American artisan gifts that cannot be found anywhere else in town. If you feel like you already have enough art and knick-knacks around your house, Medicine Creek Olive Oil Company will make a good souvenir stop for you. Here, travelers can sample 25 varieties of olive oil along with spice blends, balsamic vinegar, and imported Italian pastas and sauces.
Final Thoughts
Although Medicine Park often draws in outdoor adventurers, its tranquil lakes, rustic shops, and southern-style restaurants offer a more laid-back itinerary for those in search of a quieter refuge. Its annual music festivals also differentiate it from other towns of its size, drawing in visitors from all over the state eager for a weekend of tunes. Just be prepared: by the time you leave Medicine Park, you'll already find yourself longing to return.
