The Green Buff Roams to Roman Nose: Day 1, Part 2

(If you missed the first part of the Green Buff's road trip through western Oklahoma, check it out here.)

The entrance to Roman Nose, with the park's namesake (Chief Roman Nose) in profile.

After Jessica and I left the Turtle Rock girls at Billings, it was a quick jaunt to Roman Nose State Park in Watonga. The lodge received a complete renovation in 2010, with the current style paying homage to the modern era in which the lodge was originally constructed. The natural materials of stone and wood bring warmth to each of the rooms, and the furnishings are made of sustainable sources that are made in the U.S.A. or in Oklahoma when possible.

Giant king-size bed? Yes, please.

Since it was my first visit to Roman Nose State Park, Jessica and I took a hiking trail to get a better view of what the park offers. The lake is the perfect size for swimming and boating, with paddle boats for those who want to move at a slower pace. If you want to camp outdoors, a giant teepee is available for a nightly fee. Tent and RV camping sites are also available.

Jessica brushed up on her Roman Nose wildlife knowledge, thanks to the trail-side signs.

(Side note: I’d never seen a teepee before this trip, and on our first day I saw two in different locations. They were almost identical. Now I just HAVE to camp in one.)

How could you not want to camp in one of these?

 Rather than roughing it, our rooms were comfortably furnished with a king size bed, a flat screen television and a spa-like shower. However, the outdoor patio may have been my favorite element of the lodge. The breathtaking view of the park makes it a perfect spot to enjoy dinner from the lodge’s Okie-inspired menu (which means that chicken fried steak is available, and they do it well). And Jessica and I were excited that the restaurant offers Oklahoma-brewed COOP beer to top off the meal. There is nothing better than enjoying a great brew and a great view at Roman Nose. Trust me on this one.

My favorite part of the lodge: the relaxing balcony overlooking the rest of the park. Lovely!

So with a belly full of good food and a mind tired in the way that you get tired on road trips, I hit the hay, ready for the next day’s adventure, which included peacocks, bison and prairie dogs. Stay tuned for Jessica’s take on the second day! 

Mid-century Mecca

Roman Nose State Park lodge

Five years ago my husband and I purchased a 1956 ranch-style house and I became slightly obsessed with mid-century architecture. So when Austin and I recently had the opportunity to tour the renovated lodge at Roman Nose State Park in Watonga, I was in heaven.

The original 20-room lodge was built in 1956 and 27 new rooms were added in a south wing in 1985. Fast forward to 2007 and Tropical Storm Erin created flood damage and structural issues that required demolition of the entire south wing.

A situation that began as a flood and emergency declaration turned into an opportunity for the state park to create a modern lodge that incorporates the natural landscape of the area, the park’s history, and conveniences that today's travelers expect.

The lodge was renovated in the footprint of the original structure and includes 20 rooms plus two ADA accessible suites. The on-site restaurant, banquet room, meeting room, lobby and patio have also been completely remodeled in keeping with mid-century modern decor and finishes.

In addition to the lodge, the park itself has an interesting history. In the late 1800’s, the area now known as Roman Nose State Park was a winter campground of the Cheyenne tribe. Today it is named in honor of Chief Henry Caruthers Roman Nose, who – with his family – lived in the canyon from 1887 until his death in 1917.

Roman Nose State Park opened to the public in 1937 as one of Oklahoma’s seven original State Parks and has several structures that were built by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps and are still in use today. There is also an 18-hole golf course that was the first canyon-style course in Oklahoma, plus 10 cottages and an ADA accessible cabin that was donated by the Lucent Technology Pioneers group.

The official ribbon cutting for the lodge took place yesterday along with a ceremonial blessing of the grounds by Lawrence Roman Nose, great-grandson of Chief Henry Roman Nose.

Watonga and the state park itself are very sentimental to my family and I'm so happy to see the lodge restored in such a modern and thoughtful way. I hope you will take some time to plan a getaway or make the short drive to check out the new Roman Nose lodge. Whether you're a fan of rest and relaxation or mid-century design, it is well worth a visit.

-- Lindsay
Photos by Brandon Snider and Keli Clark.