The Indian Capital of the Nation: Anadarko, Oklahoma is home to three tribal nations – the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, the Delaware Nation, and the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma. The greater area, including Lawton, is home to a further four – the Caddo Nation, the Comanche Nation, the Kiowa Tribe, and the Fort Sill Apache Tribe. Anadarko itself is over 40% Native American. While you won’t find the area on too many television specials or influencers’ Instagrams, this unique region is worth the visit. From the stunning natural beauty of the Wichita Mountains to the Native culture at McKee’s and the Wichita Tribal History Center, there’s more than meets the eye in Western Oklahoma.

Some Historical Background on Anadarko

Many tribal nations live around Anadarko and Lawton now, but only the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes have been there forever. Over in Chickasha, just east of Anadarko, a village was unearthed where Wichita people had lived between 1250-1400. In fact, there’s even a creation story where Wichita people emerged from the Earth at Mount Scott, south of Anadarko. Before settlers began pouring into what we now call Oklahoma, Kiowas, Comanches, and Apaches were all living in the general area and came around for trade. The Delawares and Caddos came later, in the reservation era.

This is all to say that the area boasts thousands of years of Native American history, continuing to the present day. The influence of these cultures has shaped Anadarko and Lawton immensely.

My Last Visit to Anadarko

Just last week, I traveled to Western Oklahoma for four days. We took a long drive, with a stopover in Conway, Arkansas, before we made it to the area. While there we visited some family, did some sightseeing in Oklahoma City, and participated in the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes’ elections.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the Hampton Inn Chickasha. This was your run-of-the-mill chain hotel for the most part. I must say, however, that the breakfast was sub-par, even by chain hotel standards. A grim prospect indeed.

In the future, we’re probably going to stay at the Sugar Creek Inn & Suites in Hinton. Conveniently located right on Interstate 40, the value of the Play & Stay packages they provide is undeniable, and better yet, they’re owned by the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes.

What We Saw in Anadarko

The Wichita Tribal History Center – This museum is run by the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and is complete with exhibits and a full-sized, traditional Wichita house. This museum is worth the visit and serves as a good resource for Wichita history.

• Top tip – If you wish to go to the Wichita Tribal History Center, consider calling ahead on the day of your planned visit. Sometimes they close with limited warning or notice.

McKee’s Indian Store – A staple of old, downtown Anadarko, McKee’s was founded in 1962. Now it is owned by the Caddo Nation, and the store has been significantly revitalized. They sell a wide range of Native jewelry, shirts, décor, Native art supplies, and even have an art gallery in house.

The Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge – The oldest managed facility in the United States Fish and Wildlife System, the Wichita Mountains have been a sacred place for Native Americans in the area for thousands of years. The refuge is now a great place to hike, swim, or enjoy the views of the mountains and buffalo herds. Please afford Mount Scott the same respect you would give to any sacred or important site in your culture if you make the visit!

Where We Ate

Ann’s Country Kitchen – Right by Lake Lawtonka, we’ve been there before but didn’t get to go this past time. Overall, a solid place to eat, with an ‘everything-here-is-fried’ kind of menu. I’ve heard that it has gone downhill since my last visit, but I haven’t had the chance to reevaluate it.

Jake’s Rib – The talk of the town in Chickasha, this place has huge portions of barbeque, steaks, and curly fries. It is alarming to me, however, that you can’t smell wood smoke outside the establishment.

Native Smoke – Located out in Elgin, we only got to experience this place through catering. Overall, the food was solid and well-portioned.

Swadley’s Barbeque – All the way from El Reno, we also had this through catering. This was probably my pick of the three barbeque joints we tried. Stay tuned for the upcoming Western Oklahoma Barbeque Roundup article where I’ll discuss all three in greater detail.

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