So You Wanna Be a Fort Sill Tourist? Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Fort Sill, Oklahoma: home to cowboys, canons, and a whole lot of history (with a healthy dose of mystery, but we'll get to that later). You might be wondering if this sprawling military base welcomes sightseers with open arms (or at least politely waves them through the gate). Well, saddle up, pardner, because we're about to answer that question in a way more thrilling than a cavalry charge.
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| Can You Visit Fort Sill Oklahoma |
Spoiler Alert: It's Not Exactly Dodge City
Hold your horses! Unlike a dusty frontier town, Fort Sill is, you know, an active military base. That means waltzing in whenever the mood strikes isn't exactly an option. But fear not, history buff (or Geronimo groupie), because access for civilians is totally possible!
Here's the Lowdown (without the Lowlifes)
Here's the good news: Fort Sill boasts the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum, which is absolutely free and open to the public (excluding those pesky holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, when everyone's busy with, well, stuffing).
Now, for the not-so-complicated-but-still-important details:
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- Background Check Basics: You'll need to fill out a form (FS Form 118a to be precise) and pass a background check. But hey, it's all part of the adventure, right? Think of it like a Wild West sheriff patting you down for hidden six-shooters (although hopefully, the only shooting you'll be doing is with your camera).
- Visitor Welcome Center: This is your first stop. They'll get you all squared away with your pass and point you in the right direction (unless you're looking for hidden treasure, then you're on your own).
Remember: Don't forget your ID! You wouldn't try to enter a saloon without one, would you?
So, What Can You Actually See?
Fort Sill is a treasure trove of history, from its days as a frontier outpost to its current role as a military training center. Here's a taste of what awaits:
- Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum: This museum is your one-stop shop for all things Fort Sill. Explore exhibits on Native American history, the Buffalo Soldiers, and the evolution of weaponry. You might even learn about Geronimo (the aforementioned mystery man).
- Apache Cemetery: Pay your respects at the gravesite of Geronimo, the legendary Apache leader. Just a heads up, it's a simple site, but a powerful reminder of the fort's complex past.
Bonus: Keep your eyes peeled for roaming buffalo! (Though, maybe avoid a selfie situation – these ain't your grandpa's barnyard animals).
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
How to Visit Fort Sill: FAQ
Q: How long does it take to get a background check?
A: The Visitor Welcome Center can usually process it on the same day, but submitting the form beforehand speeds things up.
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Q: What if I'm not from the US?
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A: No problem! The process is the same for everyone.
Q: Are there any fees to enter the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum?
A: Nope! It's completely free.
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
Q: What are the opening hours?
A: The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Q: Can I bring my pet horse?
A: Unfortunately, only service animals are allowed on base. But hey, maybe next time!
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