11 Charming Oklahoma Towns For The Perfect Getaway
The sooner you visit the Sooner State, the sooner you’ll have the opportunity to see all the charm Oklahoma offers. The Golden Driller statue, standing at 76 feet tall, is hard to miss if you’re anywhere near it, but don’t skip out on other less-known but just as enticing attractions. Plan a visit to any of these 11 charming small towns for an unforgettable escape in this southern state.
Medicine Park
Referred to as “A Paradise on the Prairie,” Medicine Park is full of mountains, lakes, prairies, and hiking trails that are available for visitors and residents to enjoy the outdoors. Visit Bath Lake, a hidden gem that was formed in the 1920s to be used as the town’s watering hole. The scenic lake is not only idyllic for a relaxing afternoon but also adorned with waterfalls. Enjoy the outdoors from this popular hot spot. Another well-known spot is the Medicine Park Aquarium and Nature Center.
With over 100 exhibits, including touch tanks, a snake shack, and feeding shows, this establishment can provide hours of entertainment. To end the trip on a sweet note, visit Mrs. Chadwick’s Bakery and indulge in a fresh cinnamon roll or homemade salsa. Close out your stay with a night in one of the Medicine Park Cabins near the Red Rock Canyon.
Broken Bow
Named as one of Southern Living’s “50 Best Small Towns in the South”, the community of Broken Bow is found in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains. While in Broken Bow, stop at their most frequent spot, Beaver’s Bend State Park. Along the Broken Bow Lake and Mountain Fork River, this park allows hiking, biking, canoeing, horseback riding, and more. Another exciting stop to make in Broken Bow is the Hochatown Rescue Center and Petting Zoo.
Almost 95% of the animals there are rescued, and some of the inhabitants are also on the list of exotic animals. After an adventurous afternoon, relax for a bit at the Fish Tales Winery and Bistro. They offer sandwiches, salads, soups, and more, as well as wine from their own vineyard. Enjoy a secluded wilderness day at the Blue Beaver Luxury cabins and choose from one of their multiple luxurious cabins in the woods.
Bartlesville
Bartlesville is home to one of the most prominent businesses, ranked by the Fortune 500 list, Phillips 66 Petroleum. The town features multiple opportunities to learn about the success of this business, so don’t miss a stop to partake in the history. Visit the Phillips Petroleum Company Museum and see one of the seven exhibits that tell the story of the rise of the company. The museum is currently only open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00-4:00.
To learn not only about the success of the company but also about the founder, take a tour of the Frank Phillips Historic Home. A Neo-Classical style home that maintains almost its entire original building, the house is open for guided tours of all three floors. If you would rather spend more leisurely time outdoors in Bartlesville, visit Lee Lake. A no-wake lake that is primarily focused on fishing. However, you can boat, kayak, canoe, sail, row, or paddle your vessel across the waters. For your stay in this quiet town, check in to the BarDew Valley Inn, a serene bed and breakfast, and stay in one of their uniquely decorated, elegant rooms.
El Reno
Start your visit to El Reno with a trip to one of Oklahoma’s Most Historic Landmarks, Fort Reno. Established in 1874 as a military camp during the Indian Wars to protect the Cheyenne and Arapahos people in the area, the fort is now open to guided tours. The grounds also have a museum for further learning about the Indian Wars and camp.
Another historical spot in El Reno is the Heroes Plaza Canadian County War Memorial. The statues, plaques, and assorted memorabilia pay tribute to those who served their country, specifically the men and women who are part of the Canadian County veterans. For a less solemn, more peaceful tourist spot, head to Lake El Reno. The lake and surrounding area focus on fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking. After an eventful day, find yourself at The Winslow, near the Paseo Arts and Bricktown Districts; this hotel offers spacious studio suites for weary travelers.
Tahlequah
To get a good understanding of the Cherokee people and learn their history, Tahlequah is the place to do it. Visit the Cherokee National History Museum. Finding its home in the Cherokee National Capital, the museum opened in 2019 and provides 7,000 square feet of art and tribal heritage to discover. Learn about the history and culture through a self-guided tour. Continue your learning at the Cherokee National Prison Museum and experience the Cherokee law and order.
Walk the former prison grounds and view the reproduced gallows that the prisoners were placed in as early as the prison opened in 1875. Get outside while in Tahlequah and visit Norris Park. In historic downtown, this public park allows small outdoor events with reservations or for anyone to simply enjoy a stroll and sit at one of the benches or picnic tables lining the park. If you’re looking for a bit of a rugged stay while in town, park your RV at the Rivercane Resort. Right near the Illinois River, this campsite is close to ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Perry
The town of Perry has a unique trait that makes it a fascinating travel destination. Perry has a great passion for wrestling and has had great success in it. There is so much, in fact, that they have a park dedicated to it. The Perry Wrestling Monument Park was opened in 2016 and highlights the success of the Perry Wrestling Program. Visit the statues and read the plaques to learn all that the sport of wrestling has brought to Perry. Continue your sightseeing at Perry Lake, a reservoir of Black Bear Creek.
The city of Perry is able to draw water from the reservoir in case of emergencies, but today, it is mainly used for recreation. The area offers primitive camping, fishing, swimming and boating. In Perry, take another chance to learn about the prevalent Cherokee history at the Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School. The school, which was built in 1895, moved to the Cherokee Strip grounds in 1971 and contains most of its original furnishings. If you plan on staying the night in Perry, make sure to reserve a room at one of the standard hotels, a Holiday Inn Express or Comfort Inn & Suites.
Stillwater
Oklahoma is loaded with history, and the town of Stillwater is no exception to that. Check out the Stillwater History Museum in the historic First Church of Christ Scientist, erected in 1928. The exhibits feature past Stillwater High School fashion, antique kitchens, old safes and buildings, Indian Territory, and so much more. The museum first opened its doors in 1974. Another can’t-miss stop in Stillwater is the Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University.
Scattered over 100 acres, the garden is accessible by a walking trail and is intended to foster research, encourage new discoveries, and stimulate new ideas. The garden is used by multiple departments associated with OSU’s Division of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, and it is also available to the public for gazing. One final outdoor stop in Stillwater you’ll want to visit is Boomer Lake Park. A recreation area for disc golf, hiking, boating, or fishing, the park has something for just about everyone. Spend the night in Stillwater at the Hidden Meadows Bed & Breakfast. Nestled on 35 acres of meadows and forest, the B&B is on family-owned land that has been in the owner’s family since 1900.
Woodward
The town of Woodward had been previously known and successful for its extensive cattle shipping; today, the town still hosts county fairs and livestock auctions, sticking true to its roots. In sticking to its roots, the town also preserves its past at The Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum. They have features that include the beginning of the Cherokee Outlet, railroad history, the Dust Bowl, and the Great Depression. Another spot that focuses on the great Prairielands is the Larry K. Hill Studios.
Inspired by the vast plains and local people, Hill’s art aims to capture their self-reliance, pride, and deep roots in the state’s history. Head outdoors to the Boiling Springs State Park in Woodward. The natural “boiling” spring has been flowing since the park’s creation in the 1930s. The spring is in a naturally made wooden shelter for viewing, and the park offers ample other activities, including fishing, swimming, and hiking. The Boiling Springs State Park also offers ample camping. Park your RV, pitch a tent, or stay at one of the available cabins.
Tishomingo
The Chickasaw Nation is a federally recognized tribe based in Ada, Oklahoma, but they comprise 13 counties, including Johnston County. Learn more about this tribe at the Chickasaw Council House Museum, which encases one of the largest collections of native art, artifacts, and archives. The building itself holds its own history as it is the first Chickasaw Council House built in Indian Territory. The same tribe also has the Chickasaw Nation Historic Capitol Building. What was once an official government building, built in 1898, is currently a museum honoring the people who fought for their tribe and freedom.
A final non-Chickisaw-related stop in this small town is the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge. With over 560 wildlife refuges across the United States, the center is open to visitors to experience wildlife, bird watching, wildflowers, wetlands, and woods. Take the trails through the area and see how many unique features you’re able to find. End the day with a sleep at the Mulberry Inn in the heart of the town. The original building is from the 1900s!
Hugo
A couple of Hugo’s main attractions center around animals and their rehabilitation and safety. One of those places is the Endangered Ark Foundation. The nonprofit strives to secure the future of Asian Elephants in North America. Retired circus elephants find their home here, and the public can visit and become educated more on endangered species. Currently, the ranch is home to 15 elephants. From elephants to tigers, also found in Hugo, is the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve. The only access here is through guided tours, for which reservations are required. The tour provides an understanding of these giant creatures and demonstrations of how they are trained and cared for. Step away from the animals for a bit and see the Frisco Depot Museum. The depot, which was built in 1914, was in operation until the 1960s and is currently a museum dedicated to the history of the railroad. The museum features include a miniature circus, model railroad, and antique whiskey still. In Hugo, stay at the Hugo Lake Resort Cabins. Primitive and resort cabins are available, so depending on your adventure scale, you can choose how in touch you want to be with the wilderness.
Guthrie
Visit one of Guthrie’s more unique sights, the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum. The museum is dedicated to the display and learning of early drugstores, frontier pharmacies, and medical arts. Some artifacts in the museum include a Leech jar, Mortar and Pestle, and a Lillie Drug calendar from 1931.
Another educational trip to take in Guthrie is to visit the Temple of the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry. The temple offers tours Monday through Thursday. Book a tour and see one of the world’s largest Masonic Centers. The temple celebrates recreation, fellowship, learning, reflection, charity, and compassion. A final stop in Guthrie to make is the Summit View Cemetery. The cemetery is infamous for its outlaws buried there. One of them being Bill Doolin of the Doolin Gang. After a day of learning about the history of Guthrie, book a stay at the Dominion Gardens and Hotel. The rooms are supplied with plush towels and cozy robes to enjoy a spa-like weekend.
Embark on Your Oklahoma Adventure
“Imagine That” is Oklahoma’s adopted slogan. But what if you don’t have to imagine it? What if you can actually experience it? Travel at ease with the perfect getaway in one of these 11 towns that all have something unique and fun to offer. Travel through tribal lands and historic towns while you experience outdoor adventures for a one-of-a-kind visit to the southern state of Oklahoma.
