Unique Stay & Outdoor Charm at Plantation Inn, Medicine Park
Difficulty
easy
Duration
overnight stay to multiple days
Fitness Level
No special fitness required for the lodging itself; moderate fitness recommended for local outdoor activities
Overview
Experience the rustic charm of Medicine Park while staying at Plantation Inn, a unique lodging option near scenic hiking trails and local dining. Discover why this location is a perfect base for exploring Oklahoma’s natural beauty.
Details
Located in the quaint town of Medicine Park, Oklahoma, Plantation Inn offers a distinctive experience that blends the charm of a small outdoor destination with comfortable lodging. Medicine Park is known for its striking natural features, like the nearby Wichita Mountains and locally famous cobblestone architecture which gives the town and the inn a rustic yet cozy feel. Plantation Inn adds to this by providing visitors with a convenient base close to scenic trails, the Medicine Park cobblestone lake area, and local eateries that celebrate small-town hospitality.
While the inn’s accommodations lean toward simple and clean rather than luxurious, they serve as a functional stay for outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore the region. Checking in requires a short trip to the adjacent restaurant, which is also a popular spot offering down-home meals, including highly praised steak and southern-style dishes, perfect for refueling after hiking or exploring. Medicine Park itself offers an intriguing landscape formed from unique granite rock formations and rolling hills, making it a favored stop for hikers, rock climbers, and photographers alike.
The town has a genuine small-town vibe, enhanced by a welcoming local community and a handful of shops and eateries that together create a relaxed, genuine environment. Visitors can enjoy live music nearby and experience local hospitality, though they should be mindful of limited on-site staffing and noise from nearby venues, which adds a layer of rustic authenticity rather than polished resort quiet.
Unique to the area is the interplay between Medicine Park’s historical cobblestone buildings and the natural environment shaped by the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge nearby. This refuge provides habitat for bison and longhorn cattle, wildlife sighting opportunities, and refreshing scenic drives. Plantation Inn’s location encourages visitors to engage with Medicine Park’s outdoor lifestyle, local history, and rustic comforts all in one accessible place.
Trail Tips
Check-in Location
Remember to check in at the restaurant down the street as the inn’s office is not on-site.
Prepare for Noise
Nighttime noise from a nearby tavern and adjoining rooms might affect your stay.
Carry Cash or Card
Many local stores accept cards, but some small shops perform better with cash.
Explore Nearby Trails
Wichita Mountains nearby feature accessible trails suited for beginner to moderate hikers.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- Fenner Mansion Ruins - historic local landmark
- Quiet picnic spots along Cobblestone Lake
Wildlife
- American bison
- Longhorn cattle
History
Medicine Park was founded in the early 1900s as a resort town and is distinguished by its distinctive cobblestone architecture.
Conservation
The nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge focuses on preserving native species and habitat, offering visitors a chance to experience diverse wildlife responsibly.
Photography Tips
Best Times
Best Viewpoints
- Cobblestone Lake waterfront
- Wichita Mountains wildlife refuge overlooks
- Historic downtown Medicine Park
What to Photograph
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Ideal for exploring nearby trails and natural attractions comfortably and safely.
Layered Clothing
Prepare for temperature changes throughout the day and cooler evenings in Medicine Park.
all specific
Rain Jacket
Useful during spring showers and summer thunderstorms.
spring|summer specific
Camera
Capture the unique granite rock formations and scenic views around Medicine Park.