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2 DaysEasy

Courthouses & Town Squares Photo Safari

A 1–2 day photography journey through historic courthouse squares and award-winning Main Streets.

2 Days
105 miles
4 Counties

Itinerary Overview

Capture the architectural beauty and small-town charm of southwestern Oklahoma's historic courthouse squares with this specialized photography adventure. Visit four distinctive courthouses including the Route 66 landmark featured in The Grapes of Wrath, an award-winning Main Street district, and classic courthouse squares with Victorian storefronts. Perfect for architecture photographers and history enthusiasts seeking authentic small-town America.

Highlights

  • Beckham County Courthouse (Sayre) - Route 66 landmark with distinctive dome; appears in The Grapes of Wrath
  • New Cordell Courthouse Square Historic District - NRHP-listed commercial square; Great American Main Street Award
  • Kiowa County Courthouse & Downtown Hobart Historic District - classic courthouse square with NRHP district
  • Granite Main Street - Main Street shot framed by Headquarters Mountain
  • Victorian storefronts and historic commercial districts
  • Golden hour and blue hour photography opportunities

Counties & Cities

Counties:

Beckham CountyWashita CountyKiowa CountyGreer County

Cities:

SayreNew CordellHobartGranite

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Core courthouse loop
87 miles
8-10 hours

Photograph three distinctive courthouse squares in one day, starting with the Route 66 landmark in Sayre, continuing to the award-winning Main Street in New Cordell, and ending with golden hour photography at the classic Hobart courthouse square.

Activities Schedule

🏛️
Beckham County Courthouse (Sayre) - Route 66 landmark
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Photograph the handsome domed courthouse featured in The Grapes of Wrath. NE lawn for head-on symmetry; low-wide from SE corner for dome + colonnade.

Beckham County Courthouse
104 S 3rd St, Sayre, OK
GPS: 35.29139, -99.63667
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Next: 1 hour (43 mi)
Special Notes:
  • NE lawn for head-on symmetry
  • SE corner for dome + colonnade
  • Route 66 landmark
  • Featured in The Grapes of Wrath
🏛️
New Cordell Courthouse Square Historic District
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

NRHP-listed commercial square with Great American Main Street Award. Monumental columns, clocked dome. Do a 360 around the square for storefront rhythm.

Washita County Courthouse
111 E Main St, New Cordell, OK
GPS: 35.29127, -98.99061
Duration: 2 hours
Next: 32 minutes (21 mi)
Special Notes:
  • East steps for columns
  • Across E Main for dome + pediment
  • 360 around square for storefront rhythm
  • NRHP-listed district
🏛️
Lunch and exploration in New Cordell
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Explore the award-winning Main Street district with local dining and shopping opportunities.

New Cordell Main Street
Main Street, New Cordell, OK
GPS: 35.29, -98.99
Duration: 1 hour
Next: 32 minutes (21 mi)
Special Notes:
  • Award-winning Main Street
  • Local dining options
  • Historic commercial district exploration
🏛️
Kiowa County Courthouse & Downtown Hobart Historic District
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Classic courthouse square (1905) with surrounding NRHP district. Shoot north on Main for converging lines to dome; blue hour from courthouse steps for window glow.

Kiowa County Courthouse
316 S Main St, Hobart, OK
GPS: 35, -99.1
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Special Notes:
  • Shoot north on Main for converging lines
  • Blue hour from courthouse steps
  • Window glow in second-story buildings
  • Historic district spans 200-500 blocks S Main

Overnight: Hobart or return home

Plan to stay in Hobart or return home area for easy access to next day's activities.

What to Bring

Essential Items:

  • Camera with wide-angle and telephoto lenses
  • Tripod for blue hour long exposures
  • Extra batteries and memory cards
  • Lens cleaning kit
  • Comfortable walking shoes

Additional Recommendations:

  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Notebook for shot planning
  • Cash for local dining and shops
  • Phone charger for GPS navigation

Important Notes

  • Golden hour timing varies by season - plan accordingly
  • Blue hour provides window glow and taillight trails
  • Use courthouse porticos for even shade portraits
  • Step back across squares for full-elevation facades
  • Respect private property and posted restrictions
  • Some courthouse interiors may have restricted access
  • Check local events that might affect square access
  • Bring cash for small-town dining and shopping

Quick Facts

Duration

2 Days

Difficulty

Easy

Best Season

Year-round (golden hour and blue hour photography opportunities)

Total Distance

105 miles

Estimated Cost

$50-100 per person (excluding lodging)

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GPS Quick Reference

Beckham County Courthouse
35.29139, -99.63667
Washita County Courthouse
35.29127, -98.99061
New Cordell Main Street
35.29, -98.99
Kiowa County Courthouse
35, -99.1

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