Worn by time and nature, the Wichita Mountains loom large above the prairie in southwest Oklahoma—a lasting refuge for wildlife. Situated just outside the Lawton/Ft. Sill area, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge preserves approximately 60,000 acres of mixed grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, and fresh water lakes and streams for the benefit of wildlife and the American people. Best known for its roaming herds of bison, longhorn, and Rocky Mountain elk, Wichita Mountains also offers quality opportunities for wildlife dependent recreation including fishing, bird watching, wildlife photography, hiking, camping, and kayaking.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge to Host 125th Anniversary Celebration

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is hosting a public celebration on June 2, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., to mark the refuge’s 125th anniversary since being established by President William McKinley as a Forest Reserve in 1901. The event will take place at the refuge’s newly constructed Headquarters building.

This event is open to the public. You are welcome to join us on June 2nd at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Headquarters Building (located ¼ mile east of the Visitor Center) at 21088 State Highway 115, Cache, Oklahoma.

Planned festivities include the public grand opening of refuge’s recently constructed headquarters building, special remarks, and screening of a new refuge film. The refuge will also reveal the contents of a 100-year time capsule. The refuge is also preparing a new 100-year time capsule will be sealed and buried with items from the present day. 

The refuge is asking the public to submit letters, a small selection of which will be included in the new time capsule, to be opened in 2126. Writers are encouraged to write about their connection to the refuge. The deadline for submission is May 20. Participants are asked to submit letters in person at the Visitor’s Center, mail them to Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge – Time Capsule Project, 21088 State Hwy 115, Cache, OK  73527, or email them to wmr_visitorservices@fws.gov with the subject line Time Capsule Project.

Additional updates for the event will be released on the refuge Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WichitaMountainsWildlifeRefuge/.

Kids listening to an outdoor talk
Group Field Trips
We are now taking reservations for self-guided or ranger-led group field trips.

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An enchanting landscape awaits you in southwestern Oklahoma at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Worn by time and nature, the Wichita Mountains loom large above the prairie —a lasting refuge for wildlife. Best known for its roaming herds of bison, longhorn, and Rocky Mountain elk, Wichita Mountains also offers quality opportunities for wildlife dependent recreation.

A bison stands in a cell phone camera frame with the words Find Your Wild
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Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Worn by time and nature, the Wichita Mountains loom large above the prairie in southwest Oklahoma—a lasting refuge for wildlife. Situated just outside the Lawton/Ft. Sill area, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge preserves approximately 60,000 acres of mixed grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, and fresh water lakes and streams for the benefit of wildlife and the American people. Best known for its roaming herds of bison, longhorn, and Rocky Mountain elk, Wichita Mountains also offers quality opportunities for wildlife dependent recreation including fishing, bird watching, wildlife photography, hiking, camping, and kayaking. 

      What We Do

      The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge. The wildlife and habitats of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge are managed using prescribed fire, grazing management, invasive species invasive species
      An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

      Learn more about invasive species       control, reservoir management, fish stocking, public use management, Wilderness management, and controlled hunts to manage wildlife populations. 

      Our Species

      Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is home to a whole host of animals—from large animals like the American bison to tiny prairie dogs and colorful “Mountain Boomer” lizards. The Refuge is also a great place for over 275 species birds to nest, feed, or rest during migration.