1966
It Started With a Vision
Great Plains Country was established
to bring Southwest Oklahoma communities together to promote tourism, recreation, cultural development, beautification, and economic growth throughout the region.
About Great Plains Country
Representing and Promoting Southwest Oklahoma Since 1966.
Great Plains Country is a regional nonprofit serving 14 counties across Southwest Oklahoma. For 60 years, we have worked alongside communities, businesses, attractions, and tourism partners to strengthen tourism, recreation, cultural development, and economic growth throughout our region.
Mission
Our Mission
Extending aid to, promoting, sponsoring, encouraging, and financing projects that will result in the economic growth of Southwestern Oklahoma by means of educating the public to programs of tourism, recreational, beautification, and cultural development.
Purpose
Our Purpose
To advance and improve economic growth in Southwest Oklahoma. To foster a spirit of goodwill and cooperation, and to execute coordination among communities of Southwest Oklahoma. To establish and inculcate in each citizen of the above-mentioned area a sense of personal responsibility and commitment toward continued area growth, beautification, and prosperity through an understanding and appreciation among those citizens of the importance of tourism development in that growth and prosperity. To collectively promote those attractions, events and activities that will help increase tourist travel into, through and within Southwest Oklahoma. To encourage and aid in the development of additional activities, events and attractions of a tourist and recreational nature, to increase travel in the area. To receive gifts and/or donations to be used for the above purposes.
Our Story
60 Years of Southwest Oklahoma Tourism
Great Plains Country was established in 1966 when communities across Southwest Oklahoma joined hands with a shared vision—to work together to promote tourism and strengthen the region. In 1967, the first Great Plains Country Travel Guide was published, beginning a tradition of regional cooperation and tourism promotion that continues today.
1967
The First Travel Guide
The first Great Plains Country Travel Guide
was published, helping introduce travelers to the communities, attractions, history, and experiences found across Southwest Oklahoma.
Today
14 Counties, Working Together
The road has changed a lot since 1966…
The Mission Hasn't. Sixty years later, Great Plains Country continues that work across our 14-county region—bringing communities and tourism partners together, helping travelers discover Southwest Oklahoma, and working to strengthen tourism and economic growth for generations to come.
Our Board
Rooted in the Communities We Serve
Great Plains Country is guided by a regional Board of Directors made up of business owners, community leaders, and public officials from across our 14-county Southwest Oklahoma region. They bring more than titles to the table—they bring a genuine love for their hometowns, an understanding of their communities, and a sincere desire to work together for the growth and prosperity of Southwest Oklahoma.
Together, our board works to strengthen tourism and recreation, support local businesses and attractions, celebrate the character and heritage of our communities, and create opportunities that contribute to economic growth throughout Southwest Oklahoma.
Letter From the Editor
Howdy y'all,
There's something special about Southwest Oklahoma that's hard to put into words—but if you've ever watched a prairie sunset stretch across the sky, explored a historic Main Street, or discovered an unexpected stop down a country road in one of the small towns that dot these 14 counties, you know exactly what I mean.
My roots here run deep. Both sides of my family have called Southwest Oklahoma home since 1898, and like so many folks around here, this land isn't just where I live—it's part of who I am. I care deeply about preserving the stories, traditions, and experiences that make this region worth exploring for generations to come.
This travel guide is more than a collection of places to visit. It's an invitation to experience the people, the stories, the communities and history that make this region worth exploring—and worth preserving for generations to come.
Whether you're traveling Route 66, discovering local history, adventuring out to our lakes and mountains, attending a hometown festival, or simply taking the scenic route to relax and enjoy the charm of towns like Medicine Park, I hope these pages inspire you to slow down, take the scenic route, and experience Southwest Oklahoma the way we do.
We're proud of this land, where the road leads to adventure—and we're mighty glad you're here to discover it.
Thank you, and have a great day on the prairie,
Sandra Harrison-Oliver
Executive Director
Great Plains Country Association
Ready to Connect?
Let's grow Great Plains Country together.
Whether you're planning a visit, promoting an event, or exploring partnership opportunities, our team is here to help connect the dots.
General inquiries
gpc@greatplainscountry.comPartnerships
Explore membership and partner opportunitiesSponsorship Opportunities
Help keep the Adventure alive!