Explore WOODWARD
Woodward
What are YOU waiting for!
Northwest Oklahoma offers a little something for everyone,fromquiet evenings,a chance to see the stars at night,activities during the day, and history galore.Woodward is the hub of all those recreational and historic activities.
UseWoodward as your jumping off point to explore the wonders of western Oklahoma.From cave exploration atAlabaster Caverns to fishing, camping, rodeos, expos, festivals.....Woodward has many annual events for you to enjoy.
You’ll
be glad you made it this far!
The History of Woodward
The City of Woodward was established in 1887 at the junction of the Fort Reno Military Road and the Southern Kansas Railway on the south bank of the North Canadian River.
It soon became an important shipping point, both in provisioning Fort Supply as well as a place for loading cattle to be sent to eastern markets. Since the opening of the Cherokee Outlet on September 16, 1893, Woodward has served as the county seat of Woodward County. It was known as one of the wildest and woolliest towns in the Outlet. At one time, 23 saloons and 15 brothels lined the red-dirt streets.
Woodward, with a population of over 15,000 continues to serve northwest Oklahoma as a commercial hub for over 70,000 area residents.
As one Woodward resident put it in 1944, Woodward’s eastern aggressiveness and western hospitality combine to enthrall you with the fact that “Woodward is the town you’ve been wishing for, dreaming of, and looking for.”
Woodward Today
Today Woodward is recognized as the regional hub in the northwest portion of the state. Woodward enjoys a thriving economy and low unemployment. New construction is everywhere you look in Woodward today. Several banks, hotels, and restaurants have recently constructed new or expanded existing facilities in Woodward.
Woodward has been a major focus of the energy industry for many years and has enhanced its regional position with the addition of alternative energy solutions such as wind power generation.
Community Development and infrastructure improvements have been a top priority of our city leadership. Woodward has embarked on a multi-million dollar renovation of the Crystal Beach Park which will become another jewel for the entire community to enjoy. Northwest Oklahoma State University’s new Woodward campus and will add greatly to our ability to offer quality higher education opportunities. Woodward Main Street is undergoing a revitalization with the start of the street-scape project due to begin soon.
All in all, today is truly a great time to be in Woodward.
June
May Lion Heart Half Marathon
May
May-June
October Fall
December
Crystal
Woodward Elks Rodeo
This annual event livens up the nights in June with the oldest pro rodeo in Oklahoma. Dubbed “toughest of ‘em all”, the rodeo features bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, bareback and saddlebronc riding, barrel racing and several kids events.
Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum
Visitors can follow Woodward’s history from the early days until now at this jewel. The rotunda features murals by Paul Laune and Pat “Kemoha” Patterson. A special area is set aside for Temple Houston, a well-known attorney in early Woodward and the son of Sam Houston. The Anna Lorry Williams Art Center features exhibits by local authors and others.
Attractions
Woodward Arts Theatre
Downtown Woodward features one of Oklahoma’s premiere performing arts centers. Once a movie theater, the Woodward Arts Theatre now hosts community plays as well as arts camps and special performers brought in from around the globe. Next door is the Josie Adams Cultural Center, a popular event venue throughout the year.
Kenny Farms
Kenny Farms in Woodward County offers a number of fun things for visitors during the fall season. Among the fun and games are a pumpkin barrel train, pumpkin sling shots, learning fort, reading tee, Old West Chicken House Town and tons more.
Nightmare in the Country & Escape Rooms
101 Classic Bowl
The week after Memorial Day is one of the most highly anticipated in Woodward. It is Classic Bowl Week. Now hitting its 33rd year, the 101 Classic Bowl features high school students from Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas in a week of sports and special events.
Rated #22 on the list for Must See Haunted Attractions, Nightmare in the Country offers 4 spine tingling attractions for 2018. 4 Haunts, one attraction, can you handle the madness?
Crystal Christmas
Crystal Beach Park glows with over two million lights from late November through December. Driving tours, lighted walking tours, lighted bridge across the lake and an amazing opening night celebration accentuate this unique Northwest Oklahoma tradition. C rystal Christmas is truly one of the greatest light events in Oklahoma.
Covington’s Customs
The world-renowned custom motorcycle company is located in an unpretentious location on Woodward’s main drag but don’t let the understated façade fool you. Motorcycle clients include the rich and famous. Covingtons’ bikes have been featured in numberous televison shows including the Discovery Channel Biker Build Off, MTV Cribs, and American Thunder. The Covington’s motorcycle “Psychodelic” was featured in the Art of the Chopper Exhibit at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, one of twenty-nine chosen for the exhibit.
Historical Points of Interest
Convention Hall
1219 Eighth Street
The Convention Hall was built in 1917 on the south side of the block donated to the city by Ben Key, an early-day merchant. It now serves as Woodward’s City Hall.
Stine-Bradbury Mansion
1001 Tenth Street
Built in 1916 by Len L. Stine, the owner of the First National Bank of Woodward, this residence remains one of Woodward’s finest dwellings. The home was bought by the Harold Bradbury Family in the 1930s and remained in their family until 1994. It is now owned by the Great Plains Preservation and Development Foundation and is used as a venue for receptions, weddings, and other community events. It is Woodward’s only home on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Gerlach Bank
824 Main Street
The northeast corner of 9th & Main was the location of Woodward’s first chartered bank: The Exchange Bank. John Gerlach would buy this location and build the present-day building in 1905. He moved his bank from the south side of the street to this location. Goetzinger Abstract has been in this location since 1948.
Olde Holiday Inn
1025 Texas
This boarding house was constructed in 1928 by O.D. and Della Holiday. It served in that capacity for nearly 50 years, later becoming an antique store, and two salons. In 2005 Karen Whitcomb purchased the structure and re-opened it as a bed and breakfast after a complete remodel. The original neon sign still hangs above the front door.
St. John’s Episcopal Church
923 Texas
The oldest church in Woodward was built in the spring of 1894. According to the memoirs of Mrs. John Gerlach, she arrived in Woodward as the church was being constructed on the corner of 7th and Main Streets. In 1901 it was moved to its present location at 10th & Texas Streets.
Woodward Theater
818 Main
The Woodward Theater was built in 1929 by Ben and Vance Terry as a movie theater. J.O. Selman, providing financial support for the venture, insisted that “talking pictures” were only a fad. He required an orchestra pit, dressing rooms, and a stage be built so the theater could remain in use once movies had disappeared. It remained a movie theater until 1977, and was converted into a performance theater in 1981. It opened its doors once again as the Woodward Arts Theater on November seventh of that year. The Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Carnegie Library
1219 Eighth Street
Built in 1917, the old Carnegie Library now houses city offices and an employee fitness room. It stands as a testament to the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie.
Brockhaus Building
810 Main Street
Constructed in 1895 by Peter Martinson, this building is Woodward’s oldest brick structure. The first floor housed Martinson’s General Merchandise on the left, and Dick Woodward’s Saddle Shop on the right. The second floor of the building was known as “The Opera House,” which was the venue for Woodward’s earliest community events. The funeral for Ed Jennings took place upstairs, and later the 1896 trial of Temple Houston and Jack Love for his murder. Temple Houston also delivered his famous “Soiled Dove Speech” in May 1898 in the Opera House.
Downtown Woodward
From gourmet restaurants to small art galleries, music venues, and independent stores, Woodward’s downtown offers something for everyone.
Woodward Main Street Office 1102 Main • 580-254-8521
woodwardmainstreet.shop
Woodward Arts Theatre 818 Main Street • 580-256-7120
woodwardartstheatre.org
Crystal Beach Park
History
The Park was formed by the damming of artesian well in 1930 by the Works Progress Adminstration. The park was named through a contest with Jay Coombs of Winfield, Kan. submitting the winning name. The park was originally known as Airport Park.
Facilities
The renovated Crystal Beach Stadium offers one of the finest rodeo arenas in Oklahoma and is home to the well-known Woodward Elks Rodeo as well as top high school events and more. To the north is the roundup club arena, which hosts events through the year.
Water Park
The multi-million dollar water park is in its 12th year and operates during the summer months.
Fuller Park
This historic baseball facility was rebuilt from the ground up in 2010. It is home to the Woodward Travelers baseball program and will also host a number of high school baseball events.
Crystal Beach Lake
The lake is stocked each year with trout and attracts a number of especially younger fishermen throughout the year. There are also pedal boats that operate during the summer.
Sports Complex
Across the street from Fuller Park, the sports complex has 5 baseball fields for all ages and just north there is a modern complex of five softball fields, again for all ages from starters to adults.
Municipal Golf Course
Watch for other fun events throughout the year!
The 9-hole course is a popular stopping point for golfers of all ages. Many of Woodward’s top golfers through the years got their start at the course’s youth program. The course opened in the 1950s and some improvements are currently underway.
Boiling Springs Park
If you’re ready to “get away from it all,” you don’t have to go farther from Woodward than Boiling Springs State Park. The wooded 820-acre park is about 4 miles east of the city on State Highway 34C. The park is also just a few miles from Mooreland.
PARK HISTORY
One of Oklahoma’s original state parks, it was built in 1935 as a project of the federal Civilian Conservation Corps.
It was built to preserve the Northwest Forest region and the springs. They’re not boiling, but they do pump about 30 gallons of water per minute, an offical said. The park was named for one of the several natural springs which occur within the park and today the springs still produce up to 100 gallons per minute.
PARK ATTRACTIONS
It starts with the springs and the newly renovated area highlighting the featured spring. The area also includes scenic springs leading to a hiking trail as well as park and historic information.
The park also offers 4 unique guest cabins each with a view of Shaul Lake. The cabins include furnished living areas, fireplaces, televisions and kitchens. Convention and meeting facilities are available as well with group camps complete with bunk houses and a meeting area where community events and weddings are hosted.
There are also ample opportunities to view wildlife at the park. A drive through Boiling Springs gives visitors a chance to see everything from whitetail deer and wild turkey to rabbits, raccoon and much more.
One of the area’s biggest events is held at Boiling Springs as businessmen from across the nation will drop by for the annual turkey hunt hosted by Oklahoma’s Lieutenant Governor.
PARK AMENITIES
Everything that a fully-equipped camper, or someone who likes to “rough it” could desire, is offered. The park features 40 RV sites; 12 tent campsites; four cabins that will accommodate 4 persons each; 2 group camps for 140-150 persons; 2 covered picnic pavilions, with room for 64 persons each; and numerous picnic tables throughout the park.
All RV sites have water and electric service, while 10 have water, electric and sewage disposal. There’s a dump station at each of the 2 RV camping areas for sewage disposal. .
There are also numerous hiking paths which go deep into the woods to explore.
B OILING SPRINGS GOLF CLUB
Boiling Springs Golf Club offers a popular 18-hole public course that attracts visitors from across the tri-state area. A popular destination for tournaments, facilities at the club include a pro shot, clubhouse, snack bar and outdoor pavilion.
Fort Supply Lake
Fort Supply Lake offers extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation. The man-made lake is locat ed on Wolf Creek, approximately 1 mile south of Fort Supply and 12 miles northwest of Woodward. Activities available include camping, picnicking, boating, hunting and fishing. Numerous boat ramps are also available. There are two multi-use recreation areas with sites offering electric and water hookups.
Selman Bat Cave
Long before pioneers settled the prairies, Mexi can free-tailed bats used the Selman Bat Cave. Descendants of those bats still make the trek to the Selman Wildlife Management Area every year. Much of the site remains as it did 100 years ago. For more information on bat watch registration and open dates contact the Wildlife Department’s Wildlife
Goetzinger Walking Trail
Woodward’s “Central Park” has been in existence for over 100 years and is possibly Oklahoma’s largest “green space” with over 600 acres located in the city limits. The trail includes 5.5+ miles of paved walking trails, a lake, and 1.5 miles of nature trails.
Public Hunting
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife has premier public hunting areas in northwest Oklahoma. The Cimarron Bluffs Wildlife Management Area, Cooper Wildlife Management Area, and Fort Supply Wildlife Management Area are all within thirty minutes of Woodward. Each area offers a different and diverse terrain and habitat for hunting . 580/254-9173, www.wildlifedepartment.com
America’s Best Value Inn
910 NW Hwy 270
580-256-1112
Candlewood Suites
3350 Oklahoma Ave
580-254-5200
Comfort Inn & Suites
2930 Williams Ave
580-256-1417
Days Inn
1212 U.S. 270
580-256-1546
Hampton Inn & Suites
2814 Williams Ave
580-254-5050
Holiday Inn Express
3333 Williams Ave
580-256-5200
La Quinta Inn & Suites
3410 Williams Ave
580-256-5533
Northwest Inn 3202 1st Street
580-256-7600
Red Country Inn 2314 8th Street
580-254-9147
Sands Inn 2325 Oklahoma Ave
580-256-7442
Super 8 4120 Williams Ave
580-254-2964
Wayfarer Inn 2901 Williams Ave
580-256-5553
Boiling Springs State Park
580-256-7664
Alabaster Caverns
580-621-3381
Little Sahara
580-824-1471
Ft. Supply Lake
580-766-2701
Canton Lake
580-886-2216
Cottonwood RV Park
580-256-1068
Hanks Trail RV Park
580-256-7275
Woodward Campgrounds & RV
580-216-8100
Lincoln RV Park
580-478-5810
Country Aire MH & RV Park
580-571-2860
Loft on Main
580-737-3557
The Meadow View House B&B
580-216-1985
Randy’s
1310 Main • Woodward rpharm@sbcglobal.net We
Arts In Places
Entertainment
Crystal Beach
Mini Golf & Glow in the dark golf
Crystal Beach Pool
Water Slides • Splash Zone • Toddler Pool
Boiling Springs Pool
Climbing Wall • Water Slide • Splash Zone
At the Movies
Lakeside 6 features new releases for those movie buffs that can’t wait to see the new action flick, romantic comedy or intense drama. Also available is a room for any event and arcade games to try your skills!
Woodward Bowling Alley
Offers a 16 lane bowling alley along with an awesome snack bar for your enjoyment. Arcade games and billiards are also readily available to test your skills on. There is also on site proshop where they can order and custom drill your new ball. Don’t forget the glow in the dark bowling!
Where To Eat
A Touch of Home
1824 Main Street
Al’s Steakhouse
225 E. Main Street
The Annex
902 Main Street
Arby’s
2323 Williams Avenue
Braum’s Ice Cream
2802 Oklahoma Avenue
Cafe’ Paradee
809 Main Street
Carlito’s Cafe
517 Main Street
Carl’s Jr
2617 Oklahoma Ave
Chase’s BBQ
8th & Texas
Chester’s
3710 Oklahoma Avenue
China King
2704 Williams Avenue
Chuan Wei
2105 Oklahoma Avenue
Dairy Queen
1223 Main Street
Diarti’s Italian Cafe
2808 8th Street
Good to Go Coffee
1226 11th
Hector’s y Amigos
922 Main Street
Kentucky Fried Chicken
2411 West Oklahoma Ave
Longshots Bar and Grill
810 Main Street
Lupe’s Cocina and Cantina
3004 Williams Avenue
Mazzio’s Pizza
1810 Oklahoma Avenue
McDonalds
2720 Oklahoma Avenue
Osaki Steak House
1810 Oklahoma Avenue
Papa John’s
3715 Oklahoma Avenue
Pizza Hut
2511 Williams Avenue
Polly Anna Cafe
902 Main Street
Ramiro’s
2915 Williams Avenue
Raw Cafe
316 NW Hwy 270
Red Prairie
3113 Williams Avenue
Rockin’ 9 Grill and Deli
900 Lakeview Drive
The Scoreboard
523 Main Street
Sicssortails
809 Main Street
Sonic Drive In 1918 Oklahoma Avenue
Subway
1610 Oklahoma Avenue
3118 Williams Avenue
Sweet Surprises
1107 Main Street
Taco Bell
2411 Oklahoma Avenue
Taco Factory
1825 Oklahoma Avenue
Taco Mayo
2221 Williams Avenue
Tortilleria LA Victoria
5th & Main
Wagg’s BBQ
7th & Oklahoma
Wilson’s Countryside Kitchen
3004 Williams