Overview
Elk City is in the Great Plains Country region of southwest Oklahoma. It owes its existence to the railroad as well as to agriculture, oil extraction, and transportation services, being as it is on the busy interstate thoroughfare that is I-40. But perhaps what it is best known for is its location on the historic Route 66.
2 sights · 2 things to do · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Elk City
Foss State Park
A recreational park on a very barren prairie lake (i.e. reservoir), with a beach and camping and trailheads.
Parker Drilling Rig #114
Elk City's tallest structure, in tribute to its heritage and right in the heart of town.
National Rt 66 and Transportation Museum
Houses several museums, including the National Transportation Museum, Pioneer Museum and Beutler Brothers Rodeo Hall, Farm and Ranch Museum, and the Blacksmith Museum.
Washita National Wildlife Refuge
On the other end of Foss Lake where marshy ground makes for suitable wildlife habitat.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 94°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Oklahoma City)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LAW Lawton Fort Sill Regional Airport, Lawton — 81 mi away. Directions
- OKC OKC Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City — 103 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $31–$44 a night (typical $40), from 4 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$70, mid-range ~$120, comfortable ~$210.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Parker Drilling Rig #114, Foss State Park
- Afternoon Washita National Wildlife Refuge, National Rt 66 and Transportation Museum
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
See
Do
Sleep
Stay Bedford Inn
Stay Kings Inn
Stay Hiway Inn Express of Elk City
Nearby
Sayre
City / town · 5 listings · 14 mi away
Clinton
City / town · 4 listings · 26 mi away
Erick
City / town · 21 listings · 28 mi away
Hobart
City / town · 2 listings · 32 mi away
Texola
City / town · 3 listings · 34 mi away
Mangum
City / town · 1 listings · 37 mi away
Weatherford
City / town · 6 listings · 41 mi away
Wheeler
City / town · 7 listings · 48 mi away
My experience
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