10 Towns in Oklahoma with Vibrant Downtown Areas
Oklahoma, more famous for the vast open plains, cowboy culture, and Native American history, is bound with tradition and community spirit. The big cities like Tulsa and Oklahoma City have a lot of things to enjoy: modern amenities, cultural options, and a myriad of others that draw many visitors. But the small towns, sprinkled across the state, have very different experiences, and one seldom visited. In conjunction with their active business areas, these towns belay the common public perception of Oklahoma as only a region of wide-open ranches and oil derricks.
Guthrie
Guthrie served, in fact, as the original state of Oklahoma's capital and presently boasts one of the more well-preserved downtowns within the entire state. The Guthrie Historic District contains over 2,000 structures dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Oklahoma Territorial Museum will further inform the town's position in the state's early formation. The historic location of the Pollard Theatre in downtown Guthrie maintains its staged production activities, thus contributing to the cultural emanation of the area. Guthrie's downtown is both historical and engagingly charming in the present, with its antique shops, art galleries, and local cafes.
Ardmore
The downtown area of Ardmore is a mix of history and modernity, being from here that this place has played such an essential part in the history of Oklahoma. In the Ardmore historic district, there is the Colston Building, an important work of early 20th-century architecture, and the Santa Fe Depot. Additionally, the old National Guard Building has been transformed into the Greater Southwest Historical Museum, which gives an in-depth look at the history of this region from Native Americans up to the oil boom that shaped the area. The Goddard Center for the Visual and Performing Arts contributes a cultural dimension to downtown Ardmore with year-round exhibitions and performances. Its beautiful, tree-lined streets and well-preserved buildings invite tourists to explore the past and present of Ardmore's downtown.
McAlester
Downtown McAlester is part and parcel of its time, a confluence of architecture and cultural icons that tell a story of a town gone from coal mining and railroading. The McAlester Scottish Rite Temple is one of the most well-noted structures downtown. Another significant part of McAlester is the Krebs Heritage Museum, which details the history of Italian immigrants and Native Americans who developed the area. The historic McAlester Army Ammunition Plant played a massive part in both World Wars and is worth checking out. All this combined makes Downtown McAlester a rich tapestry of history and culture.
Bartlesville
Bartlesville's downtown is a dapper marriage of history and innovation, with the iconic Price Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright's only realized skyscraper, as a backdrop. The Frank Phillips Home offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Oklahoma's most influential figures. Nearby, the Phillips Petroleum Company Museum describes the history of the oil company that helped put Bartlesville on the map. Downtown Bartlesville also features multiple art galleries and the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, an opportunity to see Oklahoma's natural beauty just a short drive away.
Ponca City
The downtown area of Ponca City shows the legacy of an oil boom as the Marland Estate Mansion stands for the reigning wealth of the early 20th century that coursed through town. This 43,561-square-foot mansion, constructed by oil magnate E.W. Marland, epitomizes architecture and history. On the other hand, the Pioneer Woman Museum celebrates the women who helped so much in creating this beautiful state of Oklahoma. The Poncan Theatre, a renovated 1927 movie palace, remains a cultural hub for various performances and events. The Conoco Museum also provides a move into the town's past, exploring the history of the petroleum industry that did so much to shape the town.
Claremore
Claremore is in the heart of Will Rogers's country. In the downtown area is the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, which should serve the needs of anyone interested in the life and work of the famous humorist and actor. There is also the Belvidere Mansion, a beautiful Victorian-era home for guided tours, as well as the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum, one of the world's most significant parts for private gun collectors, giving a strange look at the history of firearms in this museum. All streets are lined with antique shops and local eateries, making the downtown experience something full of a historical twist.
Durant
Downtown Durant is a quiet place full of history and charm. Three Valley Museum details the history of Bryan County—from its roots in Native Americans up through the early 20th-century development. The Bryan County Courthouse is a point of pride in the community and its refined architecture. The vibrancy of this town's downtown is enriched by college students at the nearby Southeastern Oklahoma State University and a lively atmosphere that's perfect for all.
El Reno
El Reno's downtown area combines history and local color. Running one of the last trolley systems in the state, the El Reno Heritage Express also operates tours showcasing this community's rich past. The historic Fort Reno, located on the periphery of downtown, offers an exciting glimpse into the regional military history regarding the Indian Wars and World War II participation. Located in the old Rock Island Depot, the Canadian County Historical Museum is just one of the many things that make downtown El Reno so historically inspired.
Altus
Altus has more to offer than an outstanding military presence; the downtown is also a pinnacle of history and culture. The Museum of the Western Prairie contains exhibits of the entire history of southwestern Oklahoma, from its early Native American inhabitants to the subsequent settlers. Also downtown is the Jackson County Courthouse. The city auditorium for Altus, built in the 1920s, has been restored and hosts various events and performances to this day. This small town has a lot of local appeal due to its significant buildings and shops. People will be able to appreciate all of these things while staying here in this small town.
Pawhuska
Pawhuska is the county seat for Osage County and is a community filled with Osage Native American heritage and culture. The downtown Pawhuska area is home to the oldest tribally-owned museum in the United States, the Osage Nation Museum, which provides visitors with a comprehensive view of Osage history. The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church is downtown Pawhuska's next place of interest. The church is endowed with stained glass windows adorned with figures of Native Americans. The Constantine Theater is another landmark, which continues to function as the oldest operating theater in Oklahoma and provides space for performances. Nearby is The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, a famous restaurant, store, and bakery by celebrity chef Ree Drummond. These have taken center stage in drawing many people to the town.
Small towns in Oklahoma, with their different kinds of downtown areas, offer more than just a look at Oklahoma's past. These places offer a view into the soul of Oklahoma itself, from the Victorian charm of Guthrie to the deep Native American heritage of Pawhuska. These communities challenge the concept that Oklahoma is flat and wide open, instead developing a tapestry of rich and widely varying cultural influences. Land skirts and communities remain lively, a characteristic that has been sustained.
