10 Picturesque Towns in Oklahoma for a Weekend Retreat in 2024

During the Westward Expansion, many pioneers and trailblazers entered Oklahoma illegally, branding the state as “the Sooner State” since people were entering the land too soon. But for you modern trailblazers and pioneers, you should definitely make sure you visit the most picturesque small towns in Oklahoma for a weekend retreat in 2024 sooner rather than later. Whether you are admiring the tribal capitals of Pawhuska and Tahlequah or venturing into scenic habitats like Hugo and Eufaula, you should not waste any more seconds of your time and your weekend. So, mind the weather in this small corner of Tornado Alley, and make sure you capture beautiful moments in the most picturesque towns in Oklahoma for a weekend retreat in 2024.

Muskogee

Before the 19th century, the five tribes of the Chickasaw, Muscogee, Seminole, Choctaw, and Cherokee used to have a settlement on the Arkansas River, now known as Muskogee. Only about 50 minutes from the city of Tulsa, much of the history and culture of these five tribes are immortalized in the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, a hit with cultural enthusiasts. Similarly, the Muskogee War Memorial Park contains the relics of World War II, particularly a submarine known as the USS Batfish. Not everything in Muskogee is rooted in history, and travelers can enjoy the arboreal beauties of Honor Heights Park, the music and concerts at Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, and the Renaissance-themed Castle of Muskogee. There are many more sites and spectacles to take photographs of in Muskogee, so give yourself a chance to experience all that this sublime community has to offer, particularly in wonderful lodgings like the Hotel Muskogee.

Stillwater

Being America’s friendliest college town is a remarkable proclamation that the town of Stillwater continues to uphold and embody. Fans of wrestling can admire their favorite wrestling champions at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum, which is part of the Oklahoma State University Campus. On the other hand, nature lovers can explore the Lost Creek Safari with its camels and kangaroos; you will undoubtedly come across many picturesque destinations worthy of your cameras to capture. Consider taking selfies or groupies of Stillwater’s many nearby lakes, such as Boomer Lake, McMurtry Lake, and Carl Blackwell Lake. Only about 66 miles from Oklahoma City, let the fine accommodations at Wyndham Garden Stillwater and The Atherton Hotel at Oklahoma State University lure you to more of Stillwater's academic and universal charm.

Broken Bow

Broken Bow is home to sleuths of black bears and eyries of bald eagles, specifically in the majestic expanses of the Beavers Bend State Park. Similarly, the Forest Heritage Center offers necessary information on the wildlife inhabitants of the Hochatown area. Of course, for those of you not eager to see the wild creatures outside of Broken Bow, you can always enjoy leisurely kayaks through Broken Bow Lake and along the Mountain Fork River. Broken Bow Lake, in particular, contains dozens of small islands and islets for you to explore. As for places like the Gardner Mansion & Museum, you can appreciate what life was like in the year 1884 and gain more insight into the Native Americans who once called Broken Bow their home. More wonders await, so consider Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Broken Bow or Charles Wesley Motor Lodge as options for a longer stay in Broken Bow.

Bartlesville

Let the history of Oklahoma come alive in the small town of Bartlesville. Admire the Price Tower, a scenic skyscraper which Frank Lloyd Wright created for both the small town and the state as a whole. If your car ever has low petrol or diesel, then you can always refill in either the Phillipps 66, ConocoPhillips, or Phillips Petroleum Company—all of which were established by renowned petroleum magnate, Frank Philips. He also owned a wedding venue, a wildlife preserve, and an art gallery at the Woolaroc Museum in the Osage Hills. The best time to visit Bartlesville is the month of June, when concerts and other events are on full display at the OK Mozart Festival. For those of you seeking accommodations, look no further than the Hampton Inn Bartlesville or Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bartlesville.

Medicine Park

Sick and tired of staying in the big cities or doing practically nothing? Then, remediate your boredom by visiting one of Oklahoma’s picturesque small towns, such as the beautiful weekend retreat of Medicine Park. Being the first resort town in the Sooner State, Medicine Park welcomes travelers and even soldiers from the nearby Fort Still after they have completed their Basic and AIT training. In the past, Medicine Park also entertained historic American figures such as Bonnie and Clyde, Jack Abernathy, President Theodore Roosevelt, and Al Capone.

One and all can attest to the picturesque beauty of Bath Lake and Lake Lawtonka, just as the sublime forests around the Wichita Mountains. The Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge is a great option, boasting 59,000 acres of pristine wilderness. Visitors can meet some of the local residents, such as plains bison, black-tailed prairie dogs, and burrowing owls. Moreover, activities like rock climbing, hiking, and fishing are popular, and visitors who want to stay the night can set up camp at the refuge’s campsites.

Guthrie

Approximately 32 miles north of Oklahoma City lies the historic town of Guthrie. With the largest Historic District in the U.S., in which dozens of historic buildings from the 1800s have retained much of their original designs, Guthrie is a pocket of the antebellum past for modern visitors to familiarize themselves with a bygone era. For example, one can admire old-school medicine from the Frontier Drugstore Museum and learn all about Oklahoma’s history at the Oklahoma Territorial Museum & Carnegie Library. Moreover, some of these historic structures are also haunted houses, which the Guthrie Ghost Walk gives warnings and other programs to unaware individuals. But for those of you who prefer to live in the moment, you can always play paintball and other lively sports at the Avid Extreme Sports Park. No matter your preference in the past or present, Guthrie promises all sorts of memorable moments for you, even in welcoming hostels like the Arcadian Getaways and Cottages at Willow Pond.

Hugo

Close to the Red River of the South, which marks the state borders between Oklahoma and Texas, the protective town of Hugo has dedicated itself to the preservation and security of Asian elephants. The Endangered Ark Foundation contains the second-largest herd of elephants from Asia in the U.S.. Meanwhile, the Frisco Depot Museum, formerly a Harvey House Restaurant, chronicles the beginnings of Hugo when it was named after the famous French novelist Victor Hugo. People who enjoy the outdoors will certainly love camping in the many grounds and scenic spots around Hugo Lake. Most importantly, those with an affinity for gambling can win or lose big at the nearby Choctaw Casino & Resort-Grant.

Pawhuska

As the hometown of Oscar-winning cowboy Ben Johnson and the tribal capital of the Osage nations, Pawhuska honors the legacy of its chieftain Paw-Hiu-Skah, whose name meant “White Hair.” The small town became infamous for the Osage Murders, the very first investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Once the Osage Murders were concluded, Pawhuska soon developed into a thriving and lively community that guides people toward the magnificence of the Osage Hills State Park and the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. There are also Bluestem Lake and Bluestem Falls for those eager to explore Pawhuska’s landscapes more. Meanwhile, the Osage Nation Historical Museum offers more context into the Osage Murders and other important epochs and figures in Pawhuska’s past. Consider visiting this town that is only about 25 miles from Bartlesville and spending your evenings at either The Mabelle, the Hotel Whiting, or Frontier Hotel.

Eufaula

Nestled along the shores of Lake Eufaula, the town of Eufaula offers a serene escape for weekend travelers. Just a 30-minute drive from Muskogee, Eufaula is the ideal spot for picnics, celebrations, and outdoor activities, with plenty of scenic areas like Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park and Lake Eufaula State Park to explore. The town hosts unique festivals such as Barktoberfest for pets and animals alongside its own Oktoberfest. Visitors can also join in the lively Whole Hawg Days in July to experience Eufaula’s vibrant culture. For those seeking excitement, Creek Nation Casino Eufaula provides ample gaming opportunities. After a day of adventure, unwind at charming lodgings such as the Lakeside Inn and Snug Harbor Cabins, both offering picturesque lakeside views.

Tahlequah

Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation, is steeped in both history and natural beauty. The town has served as a sanctuary for the Cherokee people since 1839, a legacy preserved at the Cherokee National Prison Museum. The town's name, "Tahlequah," derives from a Cherokee phrase meaning "just two," referencing a story from the Trail of Tears. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, with picturesque spots like Lake Tenkiller, Lake Fort Gibson, Cherokee Landing State Park, and the tranquil waters of Falcon Floats. Additionally, Tahlequah hosts various cultural festivals and events, celebrating both its Native American heritage and community spirit. One of the most popular events is the Cherokee National Holiday, a gathering of Native American families with culture, music, and heritage. Whether you're immersing yourself in history or savoring the stunning scenery, you’ll find welcoming accommodations like the Tahlequah Inn to enhance your stay.

Conclusion

Oklahoma, deriving from the Choctaw words “okla” and “humma” which means “red people,” used to be a land filled with Native Americans. Even though many pioneers in the past illegally entered the Sooner State of Oklahoma, there are still thriving Native American communities in a region that contains over 200 man-made lakes. From the tribal capital of the Osage nation in Pawhuska to the tribal capital of the Cherokee in Tahlequah, you can explore the new and modernized homelands of Oklahoma’s indigenous and pioneering cultures from the most picturesque towns in Oklahoma worthy for a weekend retreat in 2024.