Carter County: Museums, History and Lake Murray

The collections at the Greater Southwest Historical Museum focus especially on Ardmore and Carter County. They also explore the social, cultural and economic history of south-central Oklahoma. The Military Museum inside the building features exhibits on wars and conflicts, from the Civil War and the Indian Wars to the Spanish-American War, the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and the Iraq War.

Museums and History in Many Forms

In Healdton, the Healdton Oil Museum commemorates the oil boom that began there in 1913. Heritage Hall is an Art Deco building in downtown Ardmore. The building also serves as a venue for concerts and gatherings; dates vary by event.

Memorial Park is home to Memorial Square and the Oil Patch Warrior statue. Both are dedicated to the history of Ardmore and its citizens. Another historic connection is marked by the Mercy Train: restored as a landmark, it was returned to the Santa Fe depot in Ardmore, where it first arrived more than 100 years ago.

Art and collections also give a trip a range of different focuses. The Charles B Goddard Center for Visual & Performing Arts includes a fine art museum, a performing arts theater, a sculpture garden and a studio for hands-on art experiences. Offerings include traveling exhibitions, guest performances, educational lessons, demonstrations and hands-on art classes. The Ardmore Public Library is home to the Eliza Cruce Hall Doll Museum, with more than 300 rare and antique dolls from the United States and Europe.

At Lake Murray State Park, Tucker Tower adds to the museum offerings with a geological museum and a nature center. Its exhibits explore the history of the tower and the surrounding region. Admission to the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum is by donation; check current details before your visit.

Lake Murray State Park: Trails, Golf and Water Activities

Lake Murray lies entirely within Lake Murray State Park. The park covers 12,500 acres of wooded, gently rolling terrain. More than 30 miles of scenic trails are designated for hiking and biking. The trail system also includes ten miles of trails for novice hikers and mountain bikers. These include the one-mile Heart Healthy Trail, which runs from the lodge and cabin area to the park office and fishing pier.

For motorized off-road riding, the park has nearly 1,000 acres of trail terrain for ATVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes. The 18-hole golf course is characterized by tall oak trees and tree-lined fairways; its features include strategically placed water hazards and a natural waterfall. Golf amenities also include a pro shop, a practice facility, and private and group lessons.

At Lake Murray Water Sports & Mini Golf, visitors can rent pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and sailboats. There is also an 18-hole miniature golf course. Both offerings are seasonal; operating dates may change. Check the dates before your visit. Ardmore Regional Park offers trails for hiking, jogging and rollerblading.

Events and More Places to Visit

The Carter County Free Fair is the county’s longest-running event. With free exhibits and tours, it promotes the agricultural heritage; dates may change. Healdton Oilfield Days is held annually as a two-day festival. The program includes mutton busting, rodeo competitions, a car show and a parade; dates may change here, too.

The seasonal Ardmore Festival of Lights is a 1.5-mile drive-through display with more than 125 animated light installations. Dates and operating details may change. Hardy Murphy Coliseum has 550 horse stalls and a climate-controlled arena. Ardmore Community Water Park features winding slides, water basketball and a zero-entry pool for small children; seasonal access may change.

As a regional point of reference, Carter County is centrally located on I-35 between Dallas and Oklahoma City. When choosing a hotel, consider whether museums and historic sites, events or activities at Lake Murray State Park will be the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Ardmore, Woods, Cimarron County, Pittsburg County, Delaware County, Marshall County, Washington County, Oklahoma.

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