We have made it back from our incredibly hectic trip to visit our family in Southwest Oklahoma! Once upon a time, my husband thought there was nothing in Oklahoma except wind and flat land (and maybe some tepees), so I thought I’d spotlight our adventures in Oklahoma to show that, yes, there are things to do in Oklahoma. Believe it or not, southern Oklahoma has mountain ranges with some really neat geologic features, many lakes, and a bunch of historical sites. Not only that, it is rich with Native American history and stories of the legendary outlaws of the west.
In honor of our anniversary (which is TODAY), I thought I’d highlight our favorite place in Oklahoma to visit. It’s incredibly special to us for obvious reasons (we were married here), but it is also one of the neatest places I have ever visited – The Holy City of the Wichitas.
The Holy City of the Wichitas is located about 20 miles northwest of Lawton, Oklahoma, in the heart of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. This area is said to resemble the land where Jesus lived on earth, which inspired Rev. A. M. Wallock to begin a special Easter sunrise service using the backdrop of the rugged Wichita Mountains as a natural amphitheatre. Over the course of his life, Rev. Wallock was able to obtain funds to build stone structures representing scenes of Christ’s life, and for the past 85 years, “The Prince of Peace” Easter Pageant has drawn thousands of people to the area. With a half-mile stage area, this is the site of the longest running passion play drama in America. Even if this was the only thing to go and see in Oklahoma, it would be worth the trip. (But, there is oh-so-much more!)
The grounds include structures representing events in Jesus’s life, including (but not limited to) the inn and stable, the boat, Lazarus’s tomb and house, the upper room, Garden of Gethsemane, Herod’s court, the temple, Pilate’s court, Golgotha, and the tomb.
The World Chapel is open to the public but may also be reserved for weddings. This is where we were married nine years ago:
Almost every item of the Holy City has been donated or purchased through generous donations. One of the most incredible donations is the artwork inside the World Chapel.
The artwork represents 7 years of work by the late Irene Malcolm, “the unsung Michelangelo of the Wichitas,” and includes paintings on the ceiling and all four walls, as well as the vestibule.
And then there’s also the Promise Walk located beside the World Chapel:
Every year on Palm Sunday Eve and Easter Sunday Eve, the “Prince of Peace” Easter Pageant begins at dusk (about 8:30PM) and lasts about 3 hours. Each year volunteers are needed as cast members for the pageant – no acting experience is needed and all ages are welcome!
The Holy City is open 364 days per year (closed Christmas Day), and everyone is welcome to visit free of charge. It’s definitely a family favorite!
Our family is slowly working our way across the United States to visit all fifty states before our children graduate.
Care to visit 50 states with us? How about visiting just one state? What about your own state? If so, we would love for you to become a part of a network of families traveling the USA.
Feel free to leave your comments and suggestions for your favorite state(s), or virtually visit the other states we have been to to offer your recommendations on those pages!