Woodward Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, and cultural experiences in Woodward, Oklahoma with this comprehensive travel guide.


Woodward is a charming city located in Red Carpet Country of Oklahoma, USA. With a population of around 13,000, it is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of large cities. Woodward offers a variety of attractions, ranging from culturally significant museums to natural wonders, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and relaxation. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and the local culture and customs of Woodward, Oklahoma.

List of Places to Visit in Woodward

Woodward is home to a variety of exciting attractions that offer something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit in Woodward:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Woodward Arts Theater: A restored theater building from 1920 now hosts various live performances like musicals, plays, and concerts.
  • Woodward Heritage Center and Museum: The center showcases old photographs of the area, art exhibits, and a ton of other artifacts that highlight the history of the area.
  • Pioneer Museum: The Pioneer Museum is dedicated to Oklahoma’s history and its impact on the Great Plains. The Museum highlights the lives of early settlers, buffalo hunters, cowboys, ranchers, and farmers.

Natural Attractions of Woodward: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Alabaster Caverns State Park: The Alabaster Caverns State Park is home to the largest gypsum cave (alabaster) in the world open to the public for tours. It is also a great place for camping, fishing and hiking trails.
  • Boiling Springs State Park: Boiling Springs State Park is an excellent spot for hiking and wildlife watching. Plus, you can also enjoy fishing in the picturesque Boiling Spring Lake.
  • Crystal Beach Park: The park is perfect for a relaxing day in nature with its greenery, walking trails around fishing ponds and picnic spots.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Woodward

  • Boiling Springs State Park Trail: This stunning 2-mile trail begins at the Boiling Springs State Park Nature Center. It is the perfect trail for biking, running, and walking.
  • Crystal Beach Park Trail: This 1.5-mile path is perfect for jogging and features a variety of activities along the way, like a playground and fishing piers.

Best Things to Do in Woodward: Activities and Tours

  • Outdoor Adventure: Alabaster Caverns State Park offers spelunking adventures through the caves. For the ones more towards the water activity, hit up Lake Lifeboat for a great day of kayaking and paddleboarding, or fishing.
  • Movies and Live Performances: Catch a movie or live performance at the Woodward Arts Theater.
  • Golfing: Woodward Golf and Country Club offers an 18-hole course that is perfect for golf enthusiasts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Woodward

Day 1: Go back in time at the Woodward Heritage Center and Museum, followed by a show or movie at the Woodward Arts Theatre. End up your day with dinner at Nancy’s Palace kitchen, a classic American fare restaurant.

Day 2: Take a hike along the Boiling Springs State Park trail. Rent a bike at the park and bike along the lake. For dinner, visit NW Grill, which offers American cuisine.

Day 3: Spend your day exploring the Alabaster Cavern State Park. End your day with a picnic supper at the park. Pack a basket off of homemade sandwiches and some cold beverages, that is the excursion vibe.

Day 4: Relax and stroll along the crystal-clear waters at the Crystal Beach Park. Once you have all perked up, grab your fishing kit and throw a line in for a lazy afternoon along the beach.

Day 5: Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty by kayaking or paddleboarding across Lake Lifeboat.

Day 6: Indulge in a day-long of golfing at the Woodward Golf & Country Club. This is a perfect Saturday treat, followed by dinner out at the Desert Hills, a Mediterranean cuisine restaurant with a beautiful ambiance.

Day 7: Spend your last day digging into the city’s rich cultural history by touring the Pioneer Museum and exploring the downtown area.

Food and Drink Scene of Woodward

Woodward’s food scene is a blend of classic American food and local cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages to enjoy while in Woodward:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Catfish: A classic and signature dish in Oklahoma served at the local restaurants and food joints. This crispy, battered fish is served with sides like coleslaw, hush puppies and fries at restaurants like Hot Rod Cafe.
  • Chicken Fried Steak: Coated in a seasoned batter and fried into golden brown, chicken-fried steak is a must-try for the carnivores out there. Try this signature classic dish at NW Grill.
  • Fried Pickles: Deep-fried pickles are a popular snack that you need to try when in Woodward. Get them at Gypsy Cafe.

Local Beverages

  • Microbreweries: Oklahoma is beginning to start up microbreweries, you can visit Lost Street Brewing Company and grab a local beer cold beer here, or head over to High Plains Brewery and Taproom for a crafty beer and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Bison Ridge Winery: Take a wine-tasting trip at the Bison Ridge Winery and discover the rich flavors of their local wines, including their signature red wine Mont Rouge.

Where to Stay in Woodward: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotels:

  • Holiday Inn Express and Suites Woodward Hwy 270: A family-friendly stay option in Woodward. It provides clean rooms with excellent facilities such as a fitness center and swimming pool.
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Woodward: This hotel is a great option soon as checking in, as it offers a free breakfast buffet to get you up and moving for the day.

What to Buy in Woodward: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Buffalo Items: Woodward, located in Great Plains Country is known for buffalo hunts, and you can find many buffalo-themed souvenirs.
  • Alabaster Stone: The Alabaster Caverns are a unique and beautiful geological wonder found right outside of Woodward. Consider picking up some alabaster stone to bring home to remember your time in Woodward, Oklahoma.

Local Culture and Customs of Woodward

Oklahoma is known for its traditional Western cowboy culture in its red dirt landscapes. As a tourist in Woodward, Oklahoma, you will witness it’s friendly and welcoming community, it’s small-town appeal.

Best Time to Visit Woodward

The best time to plan a trip to Woodward is during the spring and fall season. The weather is pleasant, and the outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and golfing are excellent during these seasons. January is the coldest month and August being the warmest month to visit, so plan your trip accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Woodward

Do:

  • Respect the local culture, customs and people.
  • Take your time to take in the sights and relax during your visit.
  • Pack your sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle for your outdoor excursions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or disregard park regulations.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for help, Oklahoma community is hospitable, and eager to lend a hand.

Safety and Health

Safety in Woodward

Woodward is a safe city, with a low crime rate. Nevertheless, you should always take safety precautions while traveling, such as keeping an awareness of your belongings and not wandering off alone in unfamiliar places, as well as wearing SPF and comfortable shoes for walking, hiking, and sightseeing adventures.

Health in Woodward

If you are planning to make a trip to Woodward, ensure that you are up to date on the regular immunizations recommended by your healthcare provider.

Getting to Woodward: Transportation Options and Logistics

Woodward is easy to navigate around, Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport is the nearest international airport to Woodward, situated less than 2hrs (2 1/2 hr) away from the city. It is recommended to book a vehicle or rental car to make moving around Woodward easier.

Airports Near Woodward

  • Will Rogers World Airport: Distance: 128 miles

Bus Stations Near Woodward

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: Location - 1204 Oklahoma Ave, Woodward, OK 73801

Other Options

  • Rental Cars: Renting a car is the easiest and most efficient way to get around the city.

How to Get Around in Woodward

Driving and taxi services are the most common ways to move around in Woodward, Oklahoma.

Where to Go Next from Woodward: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Oklahoma City: A 2 and a half hour drive to experience the big city life, and many more activities to explore.
  • Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: Situated at a distance of almost one and a half hours, you can witness natural wildlife, stunning landscapes, and do some outdoor hiking, trail, and other outdoor activities in this serene experience.

Conclusion

Woodward is a city that offers a myriad of attractions and activities for tourists of all ages and preferences. From history and heritage, natural wonders to local food and adventure activities, Woodward has something to offer for travelers worldwide. In this comprehensive tour guide, we aimed to cover all the famous attractions and hidden gems of Woodward, along with helpful travel tips for a memorable vacation experience. So, go ahead, and plan your next vacation to Woodward, Oklahoma, and explore this beautiful city.