Lawton OK

Lawton – Nestled in the heart of southwest Oklahoma, Lawton blends rich Native American history with small-town charm and natural beauty. From the rugged peaks of the Wichita Mountains to a thriving arts scene and welcoming community, Lawton offers a unique escape for nature lovers, history buffs, and military families alike. Whether you're hiking scenic trails, stepping back in time at local museums, or enjoying a sunset over the plains, Lawton delivers an experience that’s both peaceful and full of character.

• Population: ~93,000
• Weather: Hot summers, mild winters (35-95°F); occasional storms and dry winds.
• Places To Visit: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Museum of the Great Plains, Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum, Elmer Thomas Park, and Holy City of the Wichitas.
• Top Activities: Hiking and rock climbing in the Wichitas, wildlife spotting, fishing at Lake Lawtonka, visiting Native American cultural centers, and exploring historic military sites.
• Famous Food: Chicken-fried steak at local diners, hearty barbecue, catfish plates, and fried pies from regional bakeries.

Lawton, Oklahoma is home to a robust local economy supported by Fort Sill, healthcare services, education, retail, and public administration. With a combination of government and private sector opportunities, Lawton offers stable and rewarding career options across several industries.

Top 5 Jobs in Lawton, OK

Lawton, Oklahoma might not be as large as some cities, but it has some fantastic spots for students to unwind, relax, and have fun. Whether you're interested in nature, food, or exploring unique places, Lawton has something to offer.

Lake Lawtonka – A great spot for students to chill by the water. You can swim, fish, or have a picnic with friends. The beautiful backdrop of the Wichita Mountains makes it even more special.

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge – Ideal for a day of hiking and exploring. Enjoy breathtaking views, wild bison, and peaceful trails. It's a perfect escape into nature.

Central Mall – Sometimes retail therapy is just what you need. Central Mall offers shopping, dining, and a movie theater, making it an excellent hangout spot.

Comanche Nation Casino – If you're feeling lucky, this is a fun place to try your hand at gaming or catch live entertainment. Just remember to gamble responsibly!

Medicine Park – A historic cobblestone community near Lawton. It's a fun place with quirky shops, eateries, and beautiful views along the creek. Don't miss the Bath Lake for a refreshing dip.

Elmer Thomas Park – A lovely, spacious park perfect for a relaxing afternoon. It has walking trails, a playground, sports fields, and even an amphitheater for local events.

Republic of Texas Bar & Grill – When you're in the mood for great food and a laid-back atmosphere, this spot offers classic American and Tex-Mex dishes that hit the spot.

Lawton, Oklahoma is home to several higher education institutions that contribute to the area's educational and economic development. These colleges and universities provide quality education in a variety of fields, from technical training to liberal arts and healthcare, all while offering opportunities for community engagement and workforce readiness.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Lawton

Cameron University – The leading public university in Lawton, offering more than 50 degree programs in liberal arts, science, education, and business. Known for its small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Cameron University provides affordable education with strong support services for students.

Great Plains Technology Center – A public career and technology education center offering programs in nursing, automotive technology, computer science, and more. It serves both high school students and adults looking to gain workforce-ready skills.

Southwestern Institute of Technology (Satellite Programs) – While based outside Lawton, SWOSU offers select programs and partnerships in the Lawton area that support students in healthcare, business, and education-related fields.

Western Oklahoma State College (Concurrent Enrollment Programs) – Though the main campus is in Altus, WOSC partners with local high schools and educational centers in Lawton to offer dual-credit and extended learning programs.

Comanche Nation College (transitional)** – This tribal college was the first of its kind in Oklahoma. While now undergoing changes and program transitions, CNC historically provided associate degrees with a focus on Native American culture, education, and leadership development in the Lawton community.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Lawton

Platt College – Lawton Campus – A private institution known for its hands-on career training in culinary arts, healthcare, and information technology. It offers flexible schedules for adult learners and working professionals.

American National University (formerly in Lawton, online programs available) – Previously operating a local campus, ANU continues to serve Lawton residents through its online business, health science, and technology programs.

University of Phoenix – Online Programs Accessible in Lawton – While not physically located in Lawton, this private institution offers accredited online programs in business, education, and criminal justice that are widely accessed by local residents.

Grand Canyon University – Online Division – A popular online private Christian university that serves many Lawton students seeking degrees in education, psychology, and healthcare from home or while working full-time.

Vatterott College (closed, formerly in Lawton) – This private institution once offered vocational training in various fields like electrical trades and business administration. Although it has closed, it played a significant role in vocational education in the area.

Lawton, OK is home to several high-performing high schools that prepare students for both academic and personal success. From strong STEM programs to private schools with excellent college prep pathways, Lawton offers a variety of options for families seeking quality education.

Top Public High Schools in Lawton, OK

• MacArthur High School – Known for its strong academic programs and Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings, MacArthur supports students in preparing for college and careers.
• Lawton High School – One of the older yet well-established schools in the city, Lawton High offers diverse extracurriculars and strong community engagement.
• Eisenhower High School – Offers a balance between academics and athletics, with programs that aim to build leadership and civic responsibility in students.
• Eisenhower Ninth Grade School – A feeder student body to Eisenhower High, this school focuses on preparing ninth-grade students with a solid academic foundation before high school.
• Gateway Success Center – Provides alternative education for students looking for a personalized educational path. Strong support services and career-focused programs make it a vital option in Lawton.

Top Private High Schools in Lawton, OK

• Lawton Christian School – A private, faith-based school offering K-12 education, Lawton Christian provides a college-prep curriculum grounded in Christian values.
• – Serves students from preschool through middle school, with many graduates continuing on to top private or magnet high schools. It sets a strong academic and moral foundation early on.
• Trinity Christian Academy – Offers a faith-focused learning environment with small class sizes and personal attention for students in grades K-12. The high school program emphasizes college readiness and character building.
• Victory Life Academy – Located near Lawton, this school serves the local community with a Christian-based curriculum and individualized instruction, helping students achieve both academic and spiritual goals.
• Central Middle Christian School – While primarily focused on middle school education, it partners with local high schools to offer continued Christian-centered academic pathways and support for families.

Lawton, Oklahoma, may not be home to major league professional sports teams like bigger cities, but it boasts a strong connection to sports through semi-professional teams, college athletics, and community engagement with nearby regional franchises.

🏀 Basketball – Local College & Regional NBA Teams

• Cameron University Aggies – While not a professional team, Lawton's own Cameron University competes in NCAA Division II basketball. The Aggies have a loyal local following and provide opportunities for local talent to shine.
• Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) – Just 90 minutes northeast of Lawton, the Thunder is Oklahoma's only NBA team. Playing at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, the team quickly became a fan favorite after relocating from Seattle in 2008, with stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and now Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

⚾ Baseball – Lawton Baseball & Regional Pro Teams

• Lawton Baseball Clubs – Lawton has hosted various semi-pro and independent league baseball teams over the years. These include teams like the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry, which provided affordable family entertainment and community pride.
• Oklahoma City Dodgers (Triple-A) – Affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the OKC Dodgers are a Triple-A team based in nearby Oklahoma City. The team plays at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and is a popular destination for Lawton residents and baseball fans across the region.

🏈 Football – Semi-Pro Clubs & College Teams

• Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry (Defunct) – Though known primarily for basketball, this team also explored football ventures. While no longer active, they helped push interest in organized sports in the region.
• Regional Interest – Dallas Cowboys (NFL) – Many Lawton residents support the Dallas Cowboys, located just under three hours south. Known as “America’s Team,” the Cowboys have a huge fan base in Oklahoma and bring the NFL excitement close to home.

⚽ Soccer – Youth Leagues & Support for MLS

• Lawton Soccer Club – Although Lawton lacks a professional soccer team, the city hosts a variety of youth and adult soccer leagues. These programs help grow the sport at the grassroots level and offer recreational opportunities year-round.
• FC Tulsa (USL Championship) – Located in Tulsa, FC Tulsa competes in the second-tier United Soccer League. While not in Lawton, fans in western Oklahoma often support the club and attend matches when possible.

🏒 Hockey – No Local Teams, but Regional Interest

• Wichita Thunder & Allen Americans (ECHL) – For hockey fans, Lawton residents often look to nearby minor league teams such as the Wichita Thunder or Allen Americans. These ECHL teams provide exciting action and are within a day’s drive.
• Dallas Stars (NHL) – The closest NHL team to Lawton, the Dallas Stars have a solid following in southern Oklahoma. They won the Stanley Cup in 1999 and continue to be competitive in the Western Conference.

Though Lawton doesn't host its own major league teams, it remains a city where sports matter—through collegiate athletics, local clubs, and a passionate fan base that supports nearby regional and national teams.

Lawton, Oklahoma, may be a small city, but it’s filled with interesting stories, nature spots, and cultural gems. Located in southwestern Oklahoma, this city offers more than meets the eye. Here are 10 fun facts about Lawton that you might not know:

1. Mount Scott Magic – Lawton is home to Mount Scott, one of Oklahoma’s tallest mountains. You can drive all the way to the top for amazing views of the Wichita Mountains.
2. Wildlife Wonderland – The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton is home to free-roaming buffalo, longhorn cattle, elk, and prairie dogs.
3. Military Might – Lawton is the site of Fort Sill, a major U.S. Army post established in 1869 that still operates today.
4. Geronimo’s Resting Place – The famous Apache warrior Geronimo is buried in the Fort Sill Apache Cemetery, located within the military base.
5. Film Friendly – Several movies, including The Grapes of Wrath, had scenes filmed in or near Lawton’s iconic western landscape.
6. Home of the Comanche Nation – Lawton is the capital of the Comanche Nation, which plays an essential role in the city’s culture and history.
7. Art with a Western Touch – The Museum of the Great Plains and the Comanche National Museum highlight Native American and frontier life in the area.
8. Prairie Dog Town – The Prairie Dog Town inside the wildlife refuge lets visitors get up close to these charming little creatures in their natural home.
9. Festivals Galore – Lawton hosts a variety of events, like the popular International Festival, with food, music, and dance from around the world.
10. Native American Influence – Lawton’s street signs, landmarks, and cultural centers proudly reflect its deep Native American roots and heritage.