Nestled at the edge of the Wichita Mountains, Medicine Park, Oklahoma, was once more than just a scenic resort town. During the Prohibition era (1920–1933), it gained a rowdy reputation as a haven for outlaws, moonshiners, and renegades escaping the law. This wasn’t just local lore, there are real stories, whispers, and traces of a wild past that still echo through the cobblestone village.
A Hideout for Outlaws
Medicine Park’s secluded location and proximity to Fort Sill made it an ideal stopover for criminals on the run. One confirmed visitor was Al Spencer, a notorious train robber and one of the last of the old-time outlaws. His gang reportedly used the hills surrounding the town to stash stolen goods and evade authorities. Some believe Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, the infamous bank robber turned folk hero, also passed through Medicine Park. While there’s no official record placing Floyd in the town, his frequent movement across Oklahoma and his known connections to speakeasies and bootleggers make the claim plausible.
Speakeasies, Brothels, and Hidden Rooms
Prohibition did little to slow down Medicine Park’s nightlife. Oral histories and newspaper accounts suggest that gambling dens and speakeasies operated in the back rooms of general stores and cafes. Brothels discreet but known to locals allegedly serviced visitors, soldiers, and criminals alike. Several buildings still standing today are rumored to have secret tunnels or hidden compartments used to evade police raids or hide liquor. While not all of these tales can be confirmed, they’ve become part of the town’s living memory.
A Town That Embraces Its Past
Rather than shy away from its reputation, Medicine Park leans into its outlaw history. Visitors can explore historical plaques, join storytelling tours, and attend Prohibition-themed events that celebrate the town’s colorful roots. These attractions, combined with the natural beauty of the nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, make Medicine Park a destination steeped in both history and adventure.
Recommended Links:
History of Outlaws in Oklahoma – Travel Oklahoma
Prohibition in the Southwest – Texas State Historical Association
Pretty Boy Floyd – Oklahoma Historical Society
Medicine Park History – Official Town Website