Custer County is located in the southwestern part of Oklahoma, with a population of 27,469 people as of the 2020 census. According to dictionaryforall.com, the county was named after General George Armstrong Custer and was officially formed in 1892. It is known for its rolling hills, diverse wildlife, and rich history. The area has been home to Native American tribes such as the Apache, Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Comanche for many centuries.
The town of Weatherford serves as the county seat and is home to many attractions such as the historic downtown area, The Stafford Air & Space Museum, and the Red Carpet Country Trail System. There are also several parks within Custer County such as Foss State Park which offers camping sites along with fishing spots on Foss Lake. Other attractions include the Cheyenne Cultural Center and Quartz Mountain Nature Park which features hiking trails and a variety of outdoor activities.
Famous people from Custer County include actor Gary Busey who was born in Goose Creek Township in 1944; actor Brad Pitt who attended Weatherford High School; singer Toby Keith who was born in Clinton; country music star Reba McEntire who grew up in Chockie; jockey Calvin Borel who hails from Turpin; professional golfer Doug Tewell who grew up in Weatherford; and astronaut Thomas P. Stafford who was born near Weatherford in 1930.
Climate and weather in Custer County, Oklahoma
According to mcat-test-centers.com, Custer County, Oklahoma experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year. The area has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. Spring is usually mild with temperatures ranging from lows in the mid-30s to highs in the upper 70s. Summer months are typically hot and humid with average temperatures ranging from lows in the 50s to highs in the 90s. Fall brings cooler temperatures with daily highs generally remaining in the 70s and lows dropping into the 40s. Winter months are cold and dry with temperatures usually ranging between lows in the teens to highs in the 50s.
Precipitation is low throughout most of Custer County, averaging around 20 inches per year. Rainfall is spread out evenly throughout the year but is highest during springtime months, while snowfall occurs mainly during winter months, averaging around 8 inches annually. Thunderstorms can occur during any season but are most frequent during summertime when they bring heavy rains, strong winds, and sometimes hail or tornadoes.
The area experiences a variety of weather conditions that can be quite unpredictable at times but overall Custer County enjoys mild temperatures all year round making it an ideal place for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, or just enjoying nature’s beauty.
Transportation in Custer County, Oklahoma
Custer County, Oklahoma is served by several transportation options. The most common form of transportation is by car. There are several major highways that pass through the county including Interstate 40, US-183, and US-281. These highways provide easy access to other parts of Oklahoma and the surrounding states. Additionally, there are a number of state and county roads that connect small towns and rural areas to the larger cities in the region.
Public transportation options are limited in Custer County but there are some services available. The most popular option is the Greyhound bus which has stops in Weatherford and Elk City as well as other nearby towns. Additionally, there are local bus services that run within Custer County such as the Weatherford Transit System which offers rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other destinations within the county.
The closest airports to Custer County are located in Oklahoma City (Will Rogers World Airport) and Wichita Falls (Sheppard Air Force Base). Both airports offer flights to major cities throughout the United States as well as international destinations. For those looking for a more private travel experience, there are also several private airstrips located throughout Custer County for use by small aircrafts such as planes or helicopters.
For those who prefer more traditional modes of transportation, Custer County also has a variety of options available including horseback riding trails at Quartz Mountain Nature Park or bicycling along one of the many scenic country roads in the area.
Cities and towns in Custer County, Oklahoma
Custer County, Oklahoma is home to several cities and towns. The largest city in the county is Weatherford, located in the center of the county. Weatherford is home to many businesses and services, including restaurants, grocery stores, a hospital, banks, and more. It also has a variety of cultural attractions such as museums and historic sites. See top 3 cities in Oklahoma.
Elk City is another large city in Custer County and is located in the northern part of the county. Elk City has a population of around 11000 people and offers many amenities including restaurants, shopping centers, a hospital, banks, and more. It also has several cultural attractions such as its historic downtown area which includes an old courthouse from 1891.
The town of Clinton lies just southwest of Elk City and is home to around 9000 people. Clinton has a variety of businesses and services such as restaurants, grocery stores, banks, gas stations, and more. It also boasts several recreational attractions such as the Foss State Park which features camping sites along with lake fishing and boating opportunities for visitors to enjoy.
The town of Arapaho lies near the western border of Custer County with around 500 residents living there. The town offers basic amenities such as grocery stores and gas stations but it also features several historical sites including an old stagecoach station from 1892 that now serves as a museum for visitors to explore.
The small town of Bessie lies in the south-central part of Custer County with around 300 residents living there. Bessie offers basic amenities like a post office but it’s most well known for its annual events including the Bessie Days celebration which takes place every August featuring local music acts along with food vendors selling homemade pies among other things.