The magazine team recently decided to make a road trip right here in our great state. We selected Roman Nose State Park, just 88 miles from our Cleveland County community. Roman Nose State Park, named after a Cheyenne chief, is one of the original seven Oklahoma state parks and a real gem.
Set amidst a beautiful canyon, gypsum rock cliffs and three natural springs, recreational activities at this state park include an 18-hole golf course, hiking trails, two lakes, trout fishing in season, canoeing, paddle boats, mountain biking, horse stables and hayrides by reservation. Rentals include canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and mountain bikes. Swimming in the lakes is not allowed, but fishing and no-wake boating are welcome.
As you can see from the pictures, we were focused on the golf and were not disappointed. The course is a distinctive canyon course featuring Bent Grass greens and Bermuda tees and fairways. Several of the holes feature 30- to 40-foot elevation changes from the playing area to adjoining canyons. One feature of the original Roman Nose Golf Course design that was a bit unusual was the absence of water, sand traps or bunkers. One sand trap is now included on the back nine of the course. The course is rated at 70.5, slightly above the par 70 standard. In addition, slope rating for the course is 123, an indication of the difficulty of the course, intentionally designed to be slightly more difficult than the average course at 113.
The original nine-hole course was designed by Floyd Farley in the early 1960s, while Tripp Davis designed the expansion to 18 holes in the mid-1990s. To say the terrain is steep is an understatement at best. Tripp, a Norman resident and nationally acclaimed golf course architect, describes his experience designing the par 3- 17th hole.
"When we were laying out the path from the tees to the 17th green, I had to switch back down some steep terrain into a canyon, and I slipped and grabbed at anything I could. I grabbed a cactus and got a barb in my left thumb I had to get a doctor to dig out," said Tripp. Nevertheless, Tripp summed it all up as "a neat place more people need to see."
Tee times must be booked online.
For a truly memorable stay, book a night at the beautiful Roman Nose State Park Lodge. The 22-room lodge, 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, comfy beds, contemporary furnishings and large flat-screen televisions. The lodge also features several conference rooms and Swadley's Foggy Bottom Kitchen, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Making the short trip to Watonga to experience this state park is well worth the time invested, even if it’s just for a day and an outstanding meal and a chance to play a round of golf. You will have an incredible experience. But be sure to learn from Tripp and avoid the cactus on the 17th!
For more information, visit travelok.com/state-parks/roman-nose-state-park.
Other Helpful Info:
Pets are welcome in select cabins. ($15 per pet per day nonrefundable fee)
Camping is available at one of 12 full hookup (modern) RV sites, 34 (semi-modern) sites with water and electric, or 33 tent sites.
To book rooms at the lodge or in a cabin, go online or call 580.623.7281.
The lodge and park office is located at 3236 S. Hwy. 8A, Watonga, OK 73772
Enjoy Home-Cookin' at Swadley's Foggy Bottom Kitchen
Enjoying tasty cuisine among Oklahoma’s most beautiful scenery sounded like a great opportunity. So, the Swadley’s crew teamed up with the State Tourism and Recreation Department to open up their dream restaurants in dream locations—and Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Kitchen was born.
With their roots buried deep in traditional home-cookin', they want you to feel like you’re back at Grandma’s table, giddy with excitement for a great meal served with love. So, sit back, enjoy the scenery, and prepare yourself to experience all that Foggy Bottom Kitchen has to offer! And don’t be afraid to ask them to bless your meal. They’d love to!
The magazine team’s dining experience began with Apple Fritters, and then it was on to Hillbilly Queso Fries, the Misty River Club Sandwich, Sweet Tea Glazed Chicken, the Red River Catfish Dinner, and the Grilled Pork Chop.
You cannot go wrong with any choice. The manager, Misty, and her team will take incredible care of you!
Please note: the restaurant is closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday throughout the fall and winter seasons.
Learn more at https://www.swadleys.com/foggy-bottom-kitchen.