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Featured Itinerary4 DaysEasy

Plains Nations Heritage Trail

A 3–4 day self-drive through Comanche, Kiowa, Wichita, Cheyenne & Arapaho homelands—museums, memorials, and sacred places.

4 Days
350 miles
5 Counties

Itinerary Overview

Journey through the historic homelands of the Southern Plains tribes with this cultural heritage trail. Visit sacred sites, world-class museums, and memorials that tell the story of the Comanche, Kiowa, Wichita, Cheyenne, and Arapaho nations. This respectful exploration includes Geronimo's grave, tribal museums, battlefield sites, and cultural centers that preserve and share Native American history.

Highlights

  • Geronimo's Grave (Beef Creek Apache Cemetery, Fort Sill)
  • Fort Sill National Historic Landmark & Museum
  • Comanche National Museum & Cultural Center
  • Museum of the Great Plains
  • National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians (outdoor statuary)
  • Wichita Tribal History Center
  • Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

Counties & Cities

Counties:

Comanche CountyCaddo CountyKiowa CountyCuster CountyRoger Mills County

Cities:

LawtonFort SillCacheAnadarkoMountain ViewGoteboClintonCheyenne

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Lawton & Fort Sill (Comanche history + Geronimo's gravesite)
45 miles
8-10 hours

Begin your cultural journey at Fort Sill with museum exhibits spanning 19th-century fort history, Buffalo Soldiers, and Plains Nations context. Visit Geronimo's grave and explore Comanche heritage at specialized museums.

Activities Schedule

🏛️
Fort Sill Visitor Welcome Center (pass)
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Get visitor pass and complete FS Form 118A. Allow 20-30 minutes for processing (longer during peak times).

Fort Sill Visitor Welcome Center
T6701 Sheridan Rd, Fort Sill
GPS: 34.67, -98.38
Duration: 30 minutes
Next: 15 minutes (8 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Bring valid photo ID
  • • Complete FS Form 118A
  • • Allow extra time for processing
  • • Hours can vary - check official page
(580) 442-9603Website
🏛️
Fort Sill National Historic Landmark & Museum
9:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Explore exhibits spanning 19th-century fort history, Buffalo Soldiers, and Plains Nations context. Free admission.

Fort Sill National Historic Landmark & Museum
435 Quanah Rd, Fort Sill
GPS: 34.669552, -98.385616
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Next: 15-20 minutes (10 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • 19th-century fort history
  • • Buffalo Soldiers exhibits
  • • Plains Nations context
  • • Free admission
Website
🏛️
Geronimo's Grave (Beef Creek Apache Cemetery)
11:10 AM - 11:45 AM

Visit the grave of the famous Apache leader. Be respectful and observe all posted rules.

Beef Creek Apache Cemetery
Fort Sill (signed route on-post)
GPS: 34.696826, -98.370459
Duration: 35 minutes
Next: 15-25 minutes (12 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Sacred site - be respectful
  • • Follow signed route on-post
  • • Photography restrictions may apply
🍽️
Lunch in Lawton
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch break in Lawton before visiting cultural museums.

Lawton Restaurants
Various locations in Lawton
GPS: 34.6, -98.4
Duration: 1 hour
Next: 10 minutes (5 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Multiple dining options
  • • 15-25 minutes from Fort Sill
🏛️
Comanche National Museum & Cultural Center
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Interpretive galleries on Nʉmʉnʉʉ history, arts, and code talkers. Learn about Comanche culture and heritage.

Comanche National Museum & Cultural Center
701 NW Ferris Ave, Lawton
GPS: 34.617, -98.398
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Next: 2 minutes (0.1 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Comanche history and culture
  • • Code talkers exhibits
  • • Arts and interpretive galleries
(580) 353-0404Website
🏛️
Museum of the Great Plains
3:05 PM - 4:30 PM

Hands-on exhibits and Plains lifeways context. Walk 2 minutes across Elmer Thomas Park from Comanche Museum.

Museum of the Great Plains
601 NW Ferris Ave, Lawton
GPS: 34.617577, -98.397879
Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes
Special Notes:
  • • Hands-on exhibits
  • • Plains lifeways context
  • • 2-minute walk from Comanche Museum
Website

Overnight: Lawton or Medicine Park

Plan to stay in Lawton or Medicine Park area for easy access to next day's activities.

What to Bring

Essential Items:

  • Valid photo ID for Fort Sill access
  • Respectful attitude and quiet demeanor
  • Camera (check photography restrictions)
  • Cash for museum admissions

Additional Recommendations:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Water bottles
  • Notebook for cultural learning
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Important Notes

  • Fort Sill requires visitor pass - allow extra time
  • Complete FS Form 118A at Visitor Welcome Center
  • Be respectful at cemeteries and sacred sites
  • Some museums have limited hours - call ahead
  • Photography may be restricted at certain sites
  • Southern Plains Indian Museum may be closed for maintenance
  • Observe all posted rules and cultural protocols

Quick Facts

Duration

4 Days

Difficulty

Easy

Best Season

Year-round (indoor attractions)

Total Distance

350 miles

Estimated Cost

$150-300 per person (excluding lodging)

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GPS Quick Reference

Fort Sill Visitor Welcome Center
34.67, -98.38
Fort Sill National Historic Landmark & Museum
34.669552, -98.385616
Beef Creek Apache Cemetery
34.696826, -98.370459
Lawton Restaurants
34.6, -98.4
Comanche National Museum & Cultural Center
34.617, -98.398
Museum of the Great Plains
34.617577, -98.397879

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