Introduction

Welcome to Altus Air Force Base, home of the 97th Air Mobility Wing! As you get settled into your new home, you’re probably looking for some ideas of things to do in the area. You’re in luck! The installation is just a short drive from Oklahoma City, and just under four hours from Tulsa. This area is more than just OK (pun intended) and has so much to offer visitors and those who get to call it home. Here is a list of 22 of the best things to do while living in or near Altus AFB. Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to go right to what you go: (1-7) Outdoor Recreation (8) Golfing (9) Gyms (10) Bowling (11-17) Nearby Attractions (18-20) Museums (21) Movie Theater (22) Distilleries and Breweries

22 Things To Do in Altus AFB

Altus AFB Outdoor Recreation

1. Outdoor Recreation

Bldg. 343 Altus AFB, OK 73523

Phone

: 1 (580) 481-7696 You'll find plenty to do at Outdoor Recreation: rent an RV, a bike or fishing equipment and head up to Quartz Mountain State Park, located only 20 miles north, and explore the scenery, trails and lake. Learn about the local history and maybe make a discovery yourself. Outdoor Rec periodically hosts a variety of activities and excursions, including hikes, bike rides, climbs, fishing trips, paintball matches and more. Also available: RV camping, RV storage rentals, vehicle resale parking, Altus AFB pool passes and regional information on all things outdoors.

2. Altus AFB FamCamp

Bldg. 418 Altus AFB, OK 73523

Phone

: 1 (580) 481-7696 Altus AFB FamCamp is a top-of-the-line on-base family campground and RV park. There are 12 RV sites complete with water, sewer and electrical hook-ups. Each site is accompanied by a picnic pad with table and barbecue grill. Adjacent to the FamCamp is the Outdoor Recreation building where you will complete the check-in process. The commissary, exchange and shoppette are all nearby. For the convenience of campers, a dump station is also located at the FamCamp.

Lone Wolf

3. Lake Altus-Lugert

Quartz Mountain State Park 14722 Highway 44A Lone Wolf, OK 73655

Phone

: 1 (580) 563-2238 Lake Altus-Lugert, bordering Quartz Mountain State Park, has approximately 6,500 water surface acres, 4,300 land acres and 49 miles of shoreline. This lake impounds the North Fork of the Red River, which is the boundary between Greer and Kiowa Counties. Fish species in the lake include largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, hybrid striped bass and white bass. Fishing is available year-round. Several boat ramps and camping facilities are available.

4. Quartz Mountain State Park

14722 Highway 44A Lone Wolf, OK 73655

Phone

: 1 (580) 563-2238 Cradling the shores of Lake Altus-Lugert, Quartz Mountain State Park provides an oasis of family fun in southwestern Oklahoma. From boating to bouldering, this gateway to the Wichita Mountains has attracted generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Beyond hiking, mountain biking and water recreation in the park, guests can also enjoy a nearby amusement park. Rock climbers and rappellers can explore the Baldy Point climbing area. The park features five separate camping areas with nearly 100 primitive and just as many RV sites, some with full hookups.

Mountain Park

5. Great Plains State Park

22487 E. 1566 Road Mountain Park, OK 73559

Phone

: 1 (580) 569-2032 Great Plains State Park’s hiking trails give visitors a chance to explore the park on foot and take in the scenery at a slower pace. However you’re traveling, visitors will have access to over 400 acres of park land. Rock climbing in granite boulder fields is also a favorite activity at Great Plains State Park. History buffs will enjoy seeing the ruins of the 115-year-old mine that once operated in the area and has been abandoned ever since. Great Plains State Park offers a variety of accommodations, including RV sites.

Indiahoma

6. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

32 Refuge Headquarters Road Indiahoma, OK 73552

Phone

: 1 (580) 429-3222 The 59,020-acre Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge hosts a rare piece of the past: a remnant mixed grass prairie, an island where the natural grasslands escaped destruction because the rocks underfoot defeated the plow. The refuge provides habitat for large native grazing animals such as American bison, Rocky Mountain elk, white-tailed deer and Texas longhorn cattle. More than 50 mammals, 240 birds, 64 reptiles and amphibians, 36 fish and 806 plant species thrive on the refuge. Visitors can enjoy wildlife watching, hunting, fishing, special events and more.

Fort Cobb

7. Fort Cobb State Park

27022 Copperhead Rd Fort Cobb, OK 73038

Phone

: 1 (405) 643-2249 Fort Cobb State Park borders Fort Cobb Lake, a large lake with 4,000 surface acres for swimming, fishing, boating and water sports. Sunset Cove Marina offers boat and boating equipment rentals, boat slip rentals, a convenience store, fuel and a restaurant. Get on the water at multiple boat ramps throughout the park. The lake features a variety of fish, including crappie, catfish, walleye, saugeye, largemouth and white bass.

Altus AFB Golf Course

8. Windy Trails Golf Course

209 Fir Drive Bldg. 35 Altus AFB, OK 73523

Phone

: 1 (580) 481-7207 Windy Trails Golf Course offers players a challenging 18 hole golf course that is also fun to play. This par 71 course offers customers a variety of tee boxes to play from, and depending on the wind direction, the course plays totally different from day to day. The bent-grass greens offer golfers good speed and smooth putting surfaces as you play your round. You also have a great view of both Quartz Mountain and the Navajo Mountains.

Altus AFB Gym

9. Altus AFB Fitness Center

Bldg. 106 Altus AFB, OK 73521

Phone

: 1 (580) 481-7440 The Altus AFB Fitness Center has so much to offer: two basketball courts, sauna rooms, indoor and outdoor CrossFit areas, weight rooms, cardio room and a children’s play area. The fitness center also offers training sessions, exercise classes, nutrition counseling and events throughout the year. Some past events include fun runs, lift challenges, basketball shootouts and warrior challenges.

Altus AFB Bowling Alley

10. Galaxy Bowling Lanes

Bldg. 106 Altus AFB, OK 73521

Phone

: 1 (580) 481-6704 The Galaxy Bowling Lanes at Altus AFB features 12 lanes with all-new bumpers that can be programmed from your game screen. It’s fun for all ages. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick game, ordering some food, or having a birthday party, you’re guaranteed to have a great time! Galaxy Bowling Lanes is also home to the Galaxy Grill, where you can get breakfast and lunch throughout the week, and evening meals on the weekends.

Nearby Attractions

Altus AFB

11. Miniature Golf Course and Splash Pad

Falcon Road and North Veterans Drive Altus AFB, OK 73521

Phone

: 1 (580) 481-7440 Located just behind the Base Library, the Miniature Golf Course and Splash Pad is a great place to take the family. It provides a challenging, yet fun course for both children and adults. Putters and balls are available on site.

12. Information, Tickets and Travel

Bldg. 148 Altus AFB, OK 73521

Phone

: 1 (580) 481-6600 Information, Tickets and Travel (ITT) is your one-stop-shop for all of your destinations. ITT provides a variety of services at competitive prices to meet your travel needs. From planning to ticketing, ITT can take you along every step. Make sure you plan early so you can take advantage of special admission prices and other offers available for eligible personnel. ITT is located inside the Freedom Community Center.

13. Freedom Community Center

Bldg. 148 Altus AFB, OK 73521

Phone

: 1 (580) 481-6600 The Freedom Community Center offers a variety of amenities for individuals, families, children, squadrons and more. It’s the perfect place to hang out, host meetings or functions, award ceremonies, training sessions, and there’s even a play area for the kids. For a limited time, you can also host team building or just have a fun night out at the Mystery Escape Room. Free by appointment only.

Oklahoma City

14. Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden

2000 Remington Place Oklahoma City, OK 73111

Phone

: 1 (405) 424-3344 Adventure awaits at the Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden. Stretched across 120 acres with habitats and wildlife from all over the globe, the zoo is one of Oklahoma’s top attractions. Enjoy up-close vantage points to connect with wildlife in the Sanctuary Asia, Cat Forest Great EscApe and more.

15. Blue Zoo Oklahoma City

2501 W. Memorial Road Oklahoma City, OK 73134

Phone

: 1 (405) 242-3620 Blue Zoo Oklahoma City brings interactive aquarium exhibits to the public for exciting, hands-on learning experiences. Guests are invited to get up-close to feed stingrays, birds, lizards and pacu, or simply touch a stingray or starfish. Be sure to catch a live dive show or mermaid show before heading to the science play table. From saltwater tanks and pirate ships to predator exhibits and freshwater centers, learn all about deep-sea creatures and their natural habitats.

16. Painted Sky Opera

Civic Center Music Hall Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Phone

: 1 (405) 293-8855 Painted Sky Opera brings innovative opera performances to the heart of Oklahoma City. With residency at the Civic Center Music Hall, this opera group offers four compelling performances each season. Painted Sky collaborates with other performing arts and music groups in the state, including the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and the Enid Symphony.

17. Plaza District

1751B NW 16th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Phone

: 1 (405) 578-5718 The Plaza District is an emerging art and entertainment district located in the heart of Oklahoma City. With a rich history, diverse culture and renewed energy, the Plaza District is home to local shops, art galleries, restaurants, studios, services and creative businesses.

Altus AFB Museums

Altus

18. Museum of the Western Prairie

1100 Memorial Drive Altus, OK 73521

Phone

: 1 (580) 482-1044 The Museum of the Western Prairie's collection of more than 35,000 artifacts and photographs allows visitors to not only read about the history of the area but experience it for themselves. Visitors can learn about topics from geologic uplifts and ancient seas to irrigated farming and the Altus Air Force Base. Guided tours are available with advance notice.

Oklahoma City

19. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

620 N. Harvey Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Phone

: 1 (405) 235-3313 One of the city’s most notable destinations, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum stands as a celebrated example of a living monument to honor those impacted by the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The memorial and museum are dedicated to educating visitors about the impact of violence, informing about events surrounding the bombing, and inspiring hope and healing through lessons learned by those affected. Powerful videos, touch-screen interactive displays, artifacts, and touching stories all combine to create a powerful and unforgettable experience.

20. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

1700 NE 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73111

Phone

: 1 (405) 478-2250 The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City's Adventure District features an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is also home to a museum store, scenic gardens and a restaurant, all open daily.

Altus AFB Movie Theater

21. Altus AFB Veterans Theater

Bldg. 114 Altus AFB, OK 73521

Phone

: 1 (580) 481-6600 Altus AFB Veterans Theater shows movies every Friday for free. The theater recently upgraded its sound system, projector and digital movie player. It’s a great place to host a special event or it can be used for briefs, ceremonies and meetings.

Craft Breweries

22. Breweries

Oklahoma is quickly becoming a leader in the nation-wide movement of small breweries, producing beers with greater complexity, strength and variety. Restaurants and bars around the state have been greatly supportive of this new industry, which means you can find many different spots to try a fresh Oklahoma brew. If you haven’t had an Oklahoma-brewed craft beer yet, you’re in for a delicious and wide-ranging flavor journey.

Conclusion

The area surrounding Altus Air Force Base is packed with things to do. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, budding photographers, mural mavens and food lovers alike. Whatever your mood or hobby, there’s plenty of things to do in Oklahoma. And the Altus AFB Force Support Squadron can help you track down other ways to spend your off-duty time that’s more than OK.