Visiting Panhandle & Great Plains

Called Red Carpet Country, Oklahoma’s Panhandle and Northwestern plains regions are set for fall and winter. Fall brings ideal weather for a round of golf at Guymon’s Sunset Hills Golf Course or a walk around Thompson Park’s Sunset Lake. A hub of commerce for the Panhandle of Oklahoma, Guymon brings life to the region once called “No Man’s Land”. Guymon hosts the Pioneer Days PRCA Rodeo, Oklahoma’s richest rodeo. Located nearly mid-way between Beaver Dunes State Park and Black Mesa State Park, Guymon is a common rest stop for travelers. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts find the Panhandle’s wide-open spaces and high mesas ideal for ATV riding.

Leaving Guymon and the Oklahoma Panhandle region, travelers pass the town of Beaver, which put itself on the map with the National Cow Chip Throwing Championships. You’ll have to wait until April for the fun, but visit any time of year for practice.

Enid, northwest Oklahoma’s largest community, sits at the intersection of the Chisholm Trail and route of the historic Oklahoma Land Run into the Cherokee Strip. A vibrant Oklahoma city, Enid features a historic downtown centered around the town square. A delightful place to browse unique shops and have a bite to eat.

The 17th Annual Enid Lights up the Plains, begins the day after Thanksgiving. This holiday tradition kicks off he holiday season with Santa’s arrival, live entertainment and food vendors, along with the Grand Lighting Ceremony. One of Oklahoma’s largest seasonal light displays, "Enid Lights up the Plains", runs through the holidays and New Year's.

Vance Air Force Base is located south of Enid off of US Highway 81. The area's largest employer is home to the 71st Flying Training Wing and its support teams. With a mission to train world-class pilots for the US Military and Allies, Enid embraces, and is proud to support the success of Vance Air Force Base.

Interstate 40 splits Oklahoma’s north and south regions and provides travelers with convenient and historic stopping points along its route. El Reno, Weatherford and Elk City are a few of the cities along west I-40 ready with comfortable Best Western hotel accommodations, historic landmarks and friendly communities. El Reno, 30 miles west of Oklahoma City and 6 miles east of historic Fort Reno sits at the crossroads of historic route 66 and the Chisholm Trail.

Fort Reno, the former military camp established itself during the Oklahoma “Indian Wars”. Home of the original Buffalo Soldier’s Calvary units, Fort Reno also played an important role in keeping order in the Oklahoma Land Rush. December Visitors enjoy the Wreath Laying ceremony at Fort Reno Cemetery on the 17th and the Fort Reno Christmas Guns Celebration on December 18th. Enjoy a festive and historic fall in Northwest Oklahoma.

Panhandle & Great Plains Hotel Map