10 Darling Small Towns in Oklahoma

Rich in Western heritage, Native American history, vast prairies, and cultural festivals, Oklahoma is a rare example of a state that appeals to every type of traveler. Whether you find yourself in the mood for a lively fall festival, a holiday celebration, a relaxing day of fishing on the lake, or are simply passing through on the iconic Route 66, these 10 small towns will transport you back to nostalgic, simpler times. Next time you find yourself craving a getaway, look beyond simply Oklahoma City or Tulsa and consider one of these sweet towns.

Guthrie

Guthrie, home to about 11,000 residents, is a small, yet upbeat town that hosts festivals practically year-round, ensuring that there is always a reason to visit. Every April, the town celebrates its birthday in a huge carnival and parade, while in the summer months, it hosts the “Red Brick Nights”, filled with live music and downtown block parties. In the fall, the October Wine Festival and Guthrie Haunts Halloween Festival are two more to enjoy! The annual Christmas celebration is particularly a town favorite, complete with a parade, holiday shopping, and a Victorian House tour. Guthrie is also near two large lakes: Liberty Lake and Guthrie Lake, for those who want to get away from town to fish, boat, camp, or swim.

Arcadia

Although Arcadia has a small population of just under 200 residents, it has become notably known among tourists due to its charming spot along Route 66 and proximity to Oklahoma City in central Oklahoma. Two of the town's most renowned attractions are the Round Barn, built in 1898 and the only round barn in the state (unlike the more common octagonal or hexagonal designs), and POPS 66 Gas Station, offering visitors over 600 varieties of soda to choose from! Seasonally, visitors can visit Crestview Farms in the warmer months to berry pick and enjoy fresh Oklahoma produce like radishes and cabbage.

Medicine Park

Founded in 1908 as Oklahoma’s first resort town, Medicine Park, with a population of 450 people, has a rich history of providing natural and relaxing spaces for travelers in need of a rest. There are an endless number of charming cottages, cabins, and bungalows for visitors to choose from, many lying on or near one of the town’s lakes. Right in the center of town is Bath Lake, the town’s most notable swimming hole, which contains gorgeous waterfalls, entry stairs, and a variety of shallow and deep ends. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is another beloved favorite for those looking to relax in nature, home to hundreds of animal species such as the American bison, prairie dog, and Rocky Mountain elk.

Eufaula

Eufala feels like a town out of a storybook, nestled aside the serene Lake Eufaula with a 20-block historic downtown and a population of around 12,500. Along the lake, several marinas offer boat rentals, while guided fishing services like S&S Guide Service provide expert-led crappie fishing trips. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding along the beautiful trails at Little Turtle RV Park & Horse Resort. Eufaula also hosts an impressive range of events throughout the year, such as the BARKtoberfest, taking place in October, the Lights on Eufaula holiday celebration in November, and the Cookie Crawl in December!

Stillwater

Home to Oklahoma State University, Stillwater is a lively college town, with a population of 49,000, an impressive music scene, and numerous historic and sports attractions to enjoy. Regarding music, it is particularly known for being the birthplace of Red Dirt Music, where legends such as Tom Skinner and Bob Childers once performed. Today, visitors can soak in this vibrant music scene during the annual Bob Childers Gypsy Café music festival. Oklahoma State University sports fans should visit the Allie P. Reynolds Stadium and Heritage Hall Museum, where they can explore over a century of championships, Olympians, and renowned university athletes.

Tahlequah

Tahlequah, a relaxed town with just under 17,000 people, is a great starting point for river and lake adventures or exploring Oklahoma's rich Native American history. Boaters have plenty of possibilities, with the nearby Tenkiller Ferry Lake and Ft. Gibson Lake offering over 350 miles of shoreline to enjoy. Lake Tenkiller and the Illinois River also boast a wide variety of fish, making an exciting afternoon for fishers! Those who want to dive into the region’s Cherokee history can explore the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum or the John Ross Museum, offering insights into the Cherokee Judicial System and the life of John Ross, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Ardmore

From prime rib to rodeos to ballparks, Ardmore, in southern Oklahoma, is a traditional southern town with a population of about 25,000 and is the epitome of Oklahoma pride and culture. For a taste of southern rodeo, horse shows, or barrel racing, head to the Hardy Murphy Coliseum, where events are held regularly throughout the month. After an entertaining afternoon at Hardy Murphy’s, hungry visitors may want to grab some southern-style barbecue at Swadley’s Barbecue, which serves some of the best smoked meat in town.

Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to do as well, such as take a trip out to Ardmore Regional Park, which has a lake, soccer fields, softball complexes, and more. A visit to Ardmore Farmer’s Market is another excellent way to experience the town’s warm community atmosphere, complete with a mouthwatering selection of fresh produce!

Yukon

Located along Route 66 and near Oklahoma City, Yukon is a quirky town with a population of about 26,000 people. It is best known for its fun and vibrant festivals, earning it the title of the “Festival Capital of Oklahoma.” Just a few of the town’s annual festivals include the Christmas in the Park Festival, Concerts in the Park series, Freedom Fest for the Fourth of July, Oklahoma Czech Festival, and Pumpkin Harvest Craft Festival. The town also has a wonderful variety of natural attractions for those who enjoy getting out into nature and seeing the Oklahoma prairie ecosystem, including Chisolm Trail Park, Mulvey Pond, and Freedom Trail Playground for those with kids.

Muskogee

With a history dating back to the late 19th century, Muskogee, a town of about 37,000 people, offers a captivating narrative of American and Native American history to explore. The Five Civilized Tribes Museum is a good starting point to learn about the historic native groups in the area, including the Cherokee, Muscogee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Seminole groups.

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame proudly shares the state’s music history as well, celebrating famed individuals such as Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, and Kristin Chenoweth. For those who appreciate the fine arts, the Muskogee Little Theatre offers a variety of shows and plays. To spend a bit of time outdoors, make sure to stop by the Papilion at Honor Heights Park, which has a variety of well-kept gardens and a butterfly house.

Woodward

Woodward, with just under 12,000 residents, is a quiet and friendly town that immerses visitors in its prairie wildlife and ecosystems. It offers an abundance of outdoor activities as well as a number of cultural activities and delicious dining options. Boiling Springs State Park is a must-visit destination, one of Oklahoma's original state parks established in the 1930s. Here, you'll find a wealth of native plants and animals, along with the unique attraction of a natural boiling spring. Adjacent to the park is the Boiling Springs Golf Club, an 18-hole course that golfers are sure to enjoy. Built in 1929, the town’s Woodward Arts Theatre allows guests to appreciate its historic architecture while appreciating a live play or show. After the show, they can enjoy a sweet treat at one of the town’s cozy bakeries, such as Sweet Surprises Bakery.

Although larger cities such as Oklahoma City and Norman are among the most visited cities in the state, the state’s smaller cities, such as Woodward, Medicine Park, and Guthrie have a surprising variety of activities to enjoy as well. Museum hoppers, golfers, theater enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers alike will appreciate these towns’ diverse activities. Next time you find yourself planning a getaway, consider one of these small towns and experience all that Oklahoma has to offer!