Elk City lies deep in western Oklahoma's oil and agricultural country. Once a stopover for cattle drives, the city, population 10,500, is now a stopping point for travelers entering or leaving the state along historic Route 66 (Interstate Highway 40).

Visitors to Elk City can explore the history of the area at the Old Town Museum complex. Here the Old Town Museum records the story of the area's pioneer settlers. The National Route 66 Museum recounts tales of the historic highway with murals and personal recordings. The Farm and Ranch Museum showcases windmills and other farm equipment from the area's past.

To the northwest, Black Kettle National Grasslands offers wildlife viewing, hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming. In Cheyenne the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site marks the location of an 1868 attack by George Custer on Chief Black Kettle's Cheyenne village.

Elk City is located 111 west of Oklahoma City. It is accessible via Interstate Highway 40. A variety of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and guest ranches are available.