History Quartz Mountain State Park was built under the guidance of the National Park Service, utilizing the manpower of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and was completed in 1937 to become one of Oklahoma’s seven original state parks. In the 1970s, a partnership was formed with the Oklahoma Arts Institute, leading to the addition of an outdoor amphitheater, a performance hall and art studios that have collectively become our state’s premiere artistic epicenter for talented Oklahoma students each summer. Unfortunately, a tragic fire destroyed the lodge in 1995, but it was rebuilt and reopened in 2001 when the park was transferred to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Nearly two decades later, management of the park was turned back over to the Oklahoma State Parks in 2020 and Quartz Mountain is ready to be rediscovered after the grand opening of the park’s new lodge. Hit the Road! Quartz Mountain State Park is located in Lone Wolf, about two and a half hours from the OKC metro. I recommend taking the route through the charming town of Medicine Park since it provides a perfect halfway point along the drive where families can take a break from the car to dine, shop and hike. The main road through the heart of town is lined with restaurants and shops, so it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and stroll alongside the cascading waterfalls of Medicine Creek. Wander over to Discovery Outpost , a quaint cobblestone cabin, for an incredible selection of retro toys and gadgets, imaginative books and unique gifts. Let kids stretch their legs on the Medicine Park Black Loop Trail for a hike along wildflower-lined paths and outstanding views overlooking Lake Lawtonka. As you make your way toward Quartz Mountain, your family will be rewarded with a scenic drive through the Wichita Wildlife Refuge , complete with opportunities to view bison, prairie dogs and longhorn cattle among expansive grass prairies. If you have time, take the 3-mile drive up to the top of Mount Scott for breathtaking summit views. Lodging Quartz Mountain State Park offers five separate camping areas with nearly 100 primitive and RV camp sites. Eight fully-equipped cabins are available just steps away from Lake Altus. For a more opulent vacation experience, book a stay in one of more than 100 rooms and suites at the newly restored Quartz Mountain Lodge , where a grand lobby welcomes visitors with original woodwork showcasing high ceilings, exposed trusses and art-covered walls. Thanks to recent renovations, modern updates, new carpet and contemporary furniture can be found throughout the facility. Don’t miss the newly improved indoor swimming pool! Many of the rooms have beautiful lake or mountain views and each of the suites is outfitted with a kitchen, fireplace and living area. The lodge’s new courtyard invites families to gather outdoors around one of many fire pits, join in a game of shuffleboard or let the kids play in a shallow stream that runs through the attractively landscaped grounds.
(ABOVE) ENJOY THE LATE- SPRING WILDFLOWERS ON THE NEW HORIZON TRAIL AT QUARTZ MOUNTAIN STATE PARK. (RIGHT) EXPLORE THE UNIQUE COLLECTION OF RETRO TOYS, GADGETS AND GIFTS AT DISCOVERY OUTPOST IN MEDICINE PARK. (BELOW) RECENTLY RENOVATED QUARTZ MOUNTAIN LODGE OFFERS MORE THAN 100 ROOMS AND SUITES, MANY WITH BEAUTIFUL LAKE OR MOUNTAIN VIEWS.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2022 59
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