Medicine Creek Lodging

12/26/2025

12/07/2025

The Wildlife Refuge is beautiful now.

🦌❄️ Winter Wildlife Watching at the Refuge

Winter is a magical time to observe wildlife at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. As the landscape quiets and the air turns crisp, many animals become easier to spot against the bare trees and frosted grasslands.

Look for bison grazing in the open, elk moving through the hills, and birds of prey soaring overhead. You might even catch a glimpse of deer, coyotes, or waterfowl along the lakes and streams.

Bring your binoculars, dress warmly, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the season. Winter offers a unique chance to connect with nature in a whole new way.

📍 Please remember to observe from a distance and respect wildlife at all times.

11/17/2025

Our flower beds are bursting with color.

02/14/2025

This is across the street from our lodging

Sharing a picture that some of our invaluable regulars took this morning. We appreciate you all for making Joe Mountain your breakfast stop while visiting. It's very heart warming to know everyone enjoys their meal and leaves with a smile. Thanks again!!
📷: Mike Tolle

02/14/2025

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a haven for bird watchers, drawing in thousands each year who seek to connect with nature. The refuge's unique landscape, featuring a blend of mixed grass prairie, oak woodlands, riparian areas, and stunning granite formations, creates a welcoming environment for a variety of bird species. It's heartening to know that this central location serves as a vital transition zone for both eastern and western birds, including both residents and migratory visitors. Many people cherish the spring and fall migrations for the diverse species that grace the area, but winter, too, offers wonderful opportunities to observe waterfowl and majestic birds of prey. For those eager to enhance their bird-watching experience, bird watching backpacks are available for checkout at the Front Desk in the Visitor Center, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty of our feathered friends.

Photo Credit: Bill Shreve
Photo Description: Osprey raptor with grey and white plumage on limb with fish.

11/05/2024

We understand with all the updates and information over the past few days, we may have left you feeling a bit confused, and we truly appreciate your patience during this time. To help bring some clarity, here’s a summary of the important reopening dates:

- Nov. 3 : Highway 115 and Highway 49 have reopened.
- Nov. 4 : Most recreational areas and trailheads are now open again. Mt. Scott Roadway is open to pedestrians only.
- Nov. 5 : Holy City will be reopening.
- Nov. 6 : Campgrounds will reopen, reservations still required.
- Nov. 6 : Visitors Center will be reopening.
- Additionally, inspections of Mt. Scott Road are currently in progress, we will reopen to motorists and cyclists as soon as we can.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to make these spaces available to you again. We look forward to seeing you soon!

06/05/2024

11/24/2023

📸 Look at this post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/p/4F8tkFN2Y6GDaLRZ/?mibextid=WC7FNe