After the Civil War, Longhorn Cattle only cost between $3 and $5 a head in the Oklahoma/Texas region, but were going for $35 to $40 a head in northeastern cities. Since there were no safe and established routes to ship the cattle, the Chisolm Trail was developed. The trail reached its peak in the early 1870s. But it became abandoned by the early 1890s when railroad started taking over. Artifacts and photographs of the Chisolm Trail and the early history of Waurika, Oklahoma, just a 10 minute drive from Ryan, can be found at the Chisolm Trail History Museum (no website; east of intersection of U.S. Highways 81 and 70, Waurika; 580-228-2166). The museum has free admission and is open Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Chilsolm Trail Ridge Park (no website; Chisholm Trail Ridge, Waurika; 580-439-8040) encompasses part of the original Chisolm Trail and is situated on Lake Waurika. The park has 12,000 acres of land, 95 full hookup campsites, as well as a boat dock, boat ramp, showers, playground and other recreation activities. The park is open between May 1st and September 30th. At the time of publication, campsites cost between $14 and $16 per night.
Waurika Lake is a 10,000-acre lake in nearby Waurika, just a ten-minute drive from Ryan. Tourists flock Waurika Lake for water sport opportunities such as boating, jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking and canoeing. Waurika Lake has a sandy beach and swimming area. In addition, you can fish for bass, catfish and crappie.
The Rock Island Depot Museum (98 Meridian St., Waurika;
580-228-3274) is also located about a 15 minute drive from Ryan in nearby Waurika. The Rock Island Depot Museum was restored in 1912, and exhibits railroad memorabilia, as well as a photographic collection of Waurika's early days. Meeting space is available. At the time of publication, admission is free.
