Where Cobblestones, Creek Water, and Community Spirit Built a Hidden Gem in the Wichita Mountains
Nestled at the foothills of the Wichita Mountains, Medicine Park, Oklahoma stands as one of America’s most charming small towns — a place where natural beauty, history, and hospitality blend into something timeless. For visitors staying at InnHabit, Medicine Park isn’t just nearby — it’s a living story waiting to be explored.
🌿 Origins: A Vision Born in 1908
In 1908, a visionary named John William Elmer Thomas — a young lawyer who would later become a U.S. Senator — purchased land along Medicine Creek with an ambitious dream: to create Oklahoma’s first resort town.
He called it the Medicine Park Summer Resort and Health Spa, inspired by local Native stories of the creek’s healing waters. The name “Medicine Park” came naturally, symbolizing a place of rejuvenation where visitors could enjoy the fresh mountain air and mineral springs.
Thomas built the resort using the region’s distinctive red cobblestones, smooth granite rocks naturally rounded by centuries of wind and water — a look that would become the hallmark of the town’s architecture.
🏖️ The Golden Years: 1910s–1920s
By the 1910s, Medicine Park had blossomed into a bustling getaway. Two dams along the creek created Bath Lake and Lake Gondola, offering spots for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Visitors could stay in cozy cobblestone cottages, shop at the local general store, and dine at the Outside Inn, which served as the social heart of the community. In 1915, a state fish hatchery was established, and by 1922, the Baird Sanatorium offered wellness treatments to visitors seeking rest and healing.
Medicine Park attracted everyone from families and soldiers stationed at nearby Fort Sill, to the rich and famous — and sometimes infamous. Stories tell of Will Rogers, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Al Capone, Bonnie & Clyde, and even Pretty Boy Floyd strolling the cobblestone streets. For decades, it was the “place to be” in southwest Oklahoma.
🕰️ Decline and Rediscovery
When Senator Thomas sold the resort in 1926, the town’s fortunes began to fade. The Great Depression and changing travel trends hit hard. By the 1960s, many buildings had fallen into disrepair, and the bustling crowds were long gone.
But Medicine Park never truly died — it just waited for a new generation to rediscover it.
In the 1980s and 1990s, community members and local advocates began restoring historic cobblestone buildings and revitalizing the creek area. Among them were Candace and David McCoy, whose family ties to the area helped spark a true renaissance. Their efforts brought new life to cottages, shops, and local events — transforming the town into the thriving destination it is today.
In 2017, the McCoys helped establish the Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center, an 8-acre attraction celebrating the region’s wildlife and ecology — continuing the legacy of natural beauty and education that began over a century earlier.
🧱 Legacy of the Cobblestone Town
Medicine Park holds a rare distinction — it’s one of the only towns in the world built almost entirely from naturally rounded red granite cobblestones. These unique structures give it a fairytale feel, blending perfectly with the creek, waterfalls, and surrounding mountain scenery.
The Medicine Park Hotel and Annex is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and nearby attractions like the Holy City of the Wichitas and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge continue to draw visitors from across the country.
🌄 Medicine Park Today
Modern Medicine Park is a vibrant mix of art, music, and outdoor adventure. You can stroll along Bath Lake, explore local boutiques, dine creekside, or catch a concert at one of the town’s live venues.
Every season brings something special — from art festivals and bike rallies to holiday markets and the famous cobblestone celebrations that keep local traditions alive.
In 2018, Expedia even named Medicine Park one of the Most Beautiful Small Towns in America — proof that its magic endures.
🏡 Stay Close, Stay Local
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a full weekend retreat, InnHabit puts you right at the gateway to Medicine Park’s charm. Explore the cobblestone streets, enjoy the natural wonders of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, then return to comfort and rest in one of our cozy stays designed for travelers who want to connect with the heart of Oklahoma.
👉 Book your stay now and experience the story of Medicine Park for yourself.
đź“Ť Local Highlights to Explore
Bath Lake & Medicine Creek
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Holy City of the Wichitas
Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center
Cobblestone Festival (annual)
Local galleries, live music, and dining along the creek
🖋️ About This Article
Written by the InnHabit editorial team — preserving and celebrating the spirit of the Great Plains Country through local stories, travel guides, and community voices.