Email  Print

Discover Family Fun at Roman Nose State Park

There's something for everyone to do at Roman Nose State Park, located near Watonga, Oklahoma. One of the original seven Oklahoma state parks, Roman Nose State Park is named after Cheyenne Chief Henry Roman Nose.

There are plenty of recreational activities to do at Roman Nose State Park, including an 18-hole golf course, swimming pools, hiking trails, two lakes (Lake Boecher and Lake Watonga), trout fishing in season, canoeing, paddle boats, mountain biking, horse stables and hayrides by reservation, and miniature golf. Rentals include canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and mountain bikes. Stop by the general store for refreshments.

Besides 11 cabins you can rent there, the lodge at Roman Nose, which was originally constructed in 1956, has been completely renovated to reflect the natural landscape of the area. The reconstruction emphasizes the lodge's original mid-century design, while beautifully updating the look to today's modern standards. The newly decorated rooms feature large showers, comfortable beds, and contemporary furnishings including large flat-screen TVs. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is also located within the lodge.

Roman Nose State Park offers many breathtaking views of the canyon, gypsum rock cliffs and is home to three natural springs – called the "Spring of Everlasting Waters." Group camps, picnic areas, tent campsites and RV campsites with hookups are located throughout the park. The area also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Teepee rentals are available from April through October. Group rates are also available. To reserve the "Pioneer," an ADA accessible cabin or any other accommodations, call 580-623-7281 or 800.892.8690.

Roman Nose State Park is located just 80 miles northwest of Oklahoma City off of 1-40. For more information about the park, visit www.travelok.com.

For added fun, The Roman Nose Hills Trail Ride, which benefits the Watonga Municipal Hospital, is one of the best-organized, best-attended pleasure trail rides in Oklahoma. Enjoy a weekend of horseback riding and camping on two, six-hour guided rides April 8-10. These guided rides are tailored for horse owners only (no horse rentals available), so bring your own mount and prepare yourself for a weekend of good food and entertainment. Held two times each year (the next one is the last weekend in September), the Roman Nose Hills Trail Ride encourages call-in pre-registration for all riders.

The entire weekend is full of fun. Back at base camp there's plenty of live, musical entertainment. Past events have included Western storytellers, singers, music groups, fiddlers and more. Staff will be on-hand to explain the trails and to provide orientation for newcomers.

This popular trail ride includes great food all weekend for paid riders. Meal tickets are available for non-riders.

An auction will be held Saturday night and you can bid on a wide variety of items or sign up for a round of Horse Poker. Draw cards at the trail ride's registration office and keep your poker face firmly intact until the winner's ceremony Saturday night, where the best hand wins a cash prize.

Each horse must have current negative coggins papers in order to participate in the Roman Nose Hills Trail Ride. No stallions are allowed, and horses must be able to cross water. Primitive camping will be available at Wolfe Ranch at base camp. Water for horses and restroom facilities will be available. Lodging is also available at nearby Roman Nose State Park. To pre-register or for more information, visit their website at www.romannosehillstrailride.com or call Jeff Fritz at 405.509.0439.