Whether you are from the South West or have never traveled there before, Fort Sill is a great destination to adventure to. 10 weeks ago you sent your recruit of to Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Sill. Soon, you’ll watch them become an Army Soldier at their graduation. While you’re visiting for graduation, your Soldier may be allowed off base to spend time with you. For your convenience and travel planning, we’ve developed a list of the top 8 things to do in Fort Sill when visiting for graduation.
1. History of the Plains: The Museum of the Great Plains
Visiting the Museum of the Great Plains is the perfect way to acclimate yourself to the unique area of the country and learn about its extensive history.
The museum features exhibits that cover the history of the Paleo-Indians, also known as the Clovis Culture which date back from 11,500 BC. From then up till present time, the museum details the establishment of Fort Sill as an Army Base and its use during WWII. The museum also stages temporary exhibits that feature relevant artifacts from modern topics.
Hours of operation:
Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Admission:
$12/adults
$9/military with military ID
Location:
2. Museum: Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum
This museum is located on base and offers extensive insight into the history of Fort Sill. Fort Sill was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2007 and the museum does an excellent job of displaying the post-Civil War through current day history of the military fort and base.
The museum features exhibits on historic regiments and also has an array of military artifacts, including historic barracks that are still attached to one side of the museum. The museum’s newest exhibit includes a feature on the Buffalo Soldier, so be sure to check it out! It is important to note that persons under the age of 16 must follow these instructions to gain entrance to Fort Sill, where the museum is located.
Admission:
Free
Location:
3. Snack Bar: Mulligan’s Snack Bar
If you need to stop for a snack, Mulligan’s Snack Bar is right on base and a great option for a quick bite to eat.
Mulligan’s offers a variety of lunch options including burgers, sandwiches, salads and wraps. Located right on the Fort Sill Golf Course, Mulligan’s relaxed dining atmosphere is a good on-base food stop for anyone.
You can view the menu here.
Hours:
Tuesday – Friday 7:00am – 1:30pm
Saturday-Sunday 7:30am – 5:00pm
Location:
4. Historic Landmark: Indian Chief Geronimo’s Grave
If you’ve ever heard the saying “Geronimo!” you might not believe that it came from an Indian Chief’s name who happens to be buried right in Fort Sill.
Indian Chief Geronimo is a famous historical figure known for his presence in the strife and negotiation between Native Americans and Americans in the conquest of the West in the early 1900s. After dying, Chief Geronimo was buried at Fort Sill, and his grave is open to the public.
Admission:
Free
Location:
5. Historic Landmark: Medicine Bluff
After visiting Indian Chief Geronimo’s grave, you might continue on to a second major historical landmark: Medicine Bluff. Consisting of a huge half domed rock, grassy on top and sheerly slated across its face, Medicine Bluff is an ancient historical landmark and sacred site to Native Americans.
Medicine Bluff is only one of four porphyry bluffs that stretch along the mountainside for over a mile in length. Both sites are open to the public and are recommended visiting after attending the Fort Sill museum where they give informational handouts about these sites.
Admission:
Free
Location:
6. Off Base Food: Back Porch Restaurant
After your trip to Medicine Bluff and Chief Geronimo’s grave, you’re probably feeling a bit hungry. Head over to Back Porch Restaurant for traditional American fare and BBQ style food.
The restaurant, although located off-base, is only 2 miles from base. Back Porch offers soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, snacks, tacos and much more.
You can view the menu here.
Hours of operation:
Monday – Thursday 11:00am – 11:00pm
Friday 11:00am – 12:00am
Saturday 10:30am – 12:00am
Sunday 10:30am – 10:00pm
Location:
7. Off Base Dining: The Silver Spoon
Also located off base (but only by 3 miles!) the Silver Spoon is a locally owned and operated restaurant and bakeshop. Rated as one of the top kitchen and bakeries in the area, the Silver Spoon specializes in soups, salads and pastries.
The Silver Spoon serves lunch, dinner and has various beer and wine offerings. You can also stop by in the morning to try their homemade cinnamon rolls, caramel sticky bun or bacon-cheddar scone.
You can view the menu here.
Location:
8. Outdoor Exploration: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and Visitors Center
If you’re hoping to explore the wildlife of Fort Sill and the Great Plains, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and Visitors Center is a great place to start.
Only 25 minutes from base, the Wildlife and Visitor Center houses 240 different species of animals such as bison, deer, elk and lots of other interesting creatures. There are nature trails, tours of the refuge, fishing, picnicking, camping, rock climbing and other special events throughout the day. You can even help with park clean up by volunteering to pick up litter.
Hours of operation:
9am-5pm daily
Admission:
Free
Location:
9. A Sweet Treat: Braum’s Ice Cream
Hoping to indulge in a sweet treat after lunch or dinner, stop by Braum’s Ice Cream shop for some traditional ice cream. Just 2 miles from base, Braum’s Ice Cream offers frozen yogurt, old fashioned premium ice cream, light ice cream, frozen snacks, sherbert and no sugar added frozen yogurt.
They also have a variety of desserts, including but not exclusive to sundaes, cheesecake, macaroons, fudge, coffee cake and “coconut cream delight”.
You can view the menu here.
Location:
10. A Sweet Treat: Frozen Monkey LLC
Frozen Monkey LLC is only 3 minutes from base and combines shaved ice with fresh fruit to create a fresh, flavored icee base. In addition, they top the homemade sorbet with your choice of diced fruit. Next, they drizzle the fruit with “chamoy,” a traditional Mexican-style condiment made from pickled fruit and blended with Mexican spices.
You can view the menu here.
Location:
Remember, your new Soldier may not be able to go off-base with you, but that shouldn’t stop you from exploring the area. Your Soldier will know whether or not they need to obtain a day-pass to travel off base.
Otherwise, enjoy your time in the Fort Sill area. Need help planning your travel to graduation? We’ve got a team waiting to help you plan the most perfect trip.
