Jackson stands out for its regional history and ranch culture. There are also opportunities for fishing, jogging and golf, as well as events in Altus. You can use these varied interests to guide your trip planning, focusing, for example, on historic buildings, the Museum of the Western Prairie or activities on the water.
Museum and Ranch History
The Museum of the Western Prairie traces the history of southwestern Oklahoma, from geological uplifts and prehistoric seas to irrigated agriculture and Altus Air Force Base. Its collection includes more than 35,000 artifacts and photographs. Visitors can also see the Criswell half-dugout house and a two-story limestone house built by the Eddleman family in 1891. The varied exhibits and buildings bring together natural history, agriculture and the region’s development.
Another example of the ranching and agricultural heritage is the Cross S Ranch Headquarters near Olustee. The two-story sandstone ranch house represents the earliest settlement and agricultural development of historic Old Greer County. Its operational history spans cattle ranching, horse breeding and, later, a predominantly crop-farming focus. For its significance in settlement history and agriculture, the building is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A.
Historic Buildings and Trails
The Jackson County Courthouse was built in 1910 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In Olustee, the Olustee Public Library and Park was established in 1920 through the activities of the New State Women's Club. The library building was constructed in 1936 as a Works Progress Administration project. Because of its association with the club, the Olustee Public Library and Park is eligible for listing in the Register under Criterion A.
Historic trails and structures also offer tangible clues to the region’s history. The Western Trail, a cattle-driving route, ran through Jackson County in the 1870s. The Fullerton Dam is a listed historic structure located seven miles northwest of Olustee. These examples illustrate different aspects of history: a route through the county, a structure on the water and buildings whose significance is tied to settlement, agriculture and local involvement.
Fishing, Golf and Events
Fishing is available year-round at the Altus City Reservoir, and jogging trails run around the reservoir. The shoreline is about two miles long, the open water covers 140 acres, and several boat ramps are available. This makes it easy to distinguish the activities on offer at the reservoir: fishing, exercise on the trails or use of a boat ramp.
For a round of golf, two tee boxes per hole at Western Heritage Golf Club allow for an 18-hole round. The Greens of Altus has a driving range, a putting green and a pro shop. The Great Plains Stampede Rodeo is a three-day, PRCA-sanctioned rodeo event in Altus. Its events include bull riding, steer wrestling, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding and steer dogging; a parade takes place during the Saturday finale. Another type of event, the Rock-N-Rumble Car Show & Cruise, is held annually in Altus.
Local Cuisine
The restaurants mentioned also offer different options to consider when choosing where to eat. Fred’s Famous Steak and Saloon in Altus serves home-style cooking, including catfish and grilled steaks. The Backdoor Steakhouse in Blair offers prime rib, steak, shrimp and catfish. You can choose from the dishes listed at each restaurant when combining your stay with visits to local restaurants.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Altus, Love, Pushmataha County, Custer, Cleveland, Cotton County, Pittsburg County, Rogers County.
For the broader travel overview: Oklahoma.
