11 Small Towns In Oklahoma With Big Charm

While Oklahoma finds a place in driving industries like oil and natural gas, only a handful of places make it to the high rankings of travel lists. However, the more you search, you will come across destinations that belies their modest size. From the historic streets of Guthrie, once the territorial capital, to the hidden waterfalls and ancient caves of Davis, these small towns in Oklahoma hold a big charm.

These small towns defy convention, offering more than meets the eye. You can expect encounters with prehistoric wonders in Alva, a town tucked away in northwestern Oklahoma, or the scenic delights of Sulphur, where mineral springs and natural parks become silent storytellers.

Guthrie

Guthrie is a living time capsule boasting over 2,000 historic buildings, each narrating a story of the territorial era. You can explore the iconic Victorian-style architecture on a self-guided walking tour, highlighting landmarks like the 1890s De Steiguer Building constructed by the namesake banking pioneer brothers and the magnificent Scottish Rite Temple. Watch out for the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum, offering a glimpse into the bygone era of soda fountains and apothecaries in an 1890s Gaffney Building. When done for the day, you can lie down at the Stone Lion Inn, a converted mansion with antique-filled rooms complementing Guthrie's historic allure.

Claremore

Claremore, the birthplace of the iconic humorist Will Rogers, is where the spirit of the Wild West is alive and well. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum pays homage to his wit and wisdom, housing artefacts and memorabilia, including his speeches, writing, and documentaries, that paint a vivid picture of his life and also happen to be a Route 66 landmark. 

The Belvidere Mansion is another town spotlight representing awe-worthy Victorian architecture from 1907. You can get on tour and admire the vintage furnishings while listening to the rumored ghost stories about this "Belle of Rogers County." Nature is in its full bloom at Claremore Lake, where you can fish, cycle, walk, run, have fun at the splash pads, or enjoy a picnic. 

Medicine Park

Medicine Park is a cobblestone gem featuring a picturesque backdrop of the Wichita Mountains. You will find the parallelism between art and nature at the Bath Lake Grotto, where the postcard-like natural surroundings allow for swimming, summer picnics, and winter trout fishing. The charming six-acre expanse of the botanical gardens, more than 90 varieties of marine life on display, and a kids camp make Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center an attractive family destination. This quaint town also boasts proximity to the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Refuge is home to free-roaming buffalo and endless hiking and rock climbing trails in its 59,000+ acres.

Pauls Valley 

Pauls Valley's charm lies in its vibrant arts scene, anchored by the Toy and Action Figure Museum. You will find yourself in the middle of a quirky world of more than 13,000 collectibles, from vintage toys to pop culture icons. The Santa Fe Depot Museum is the next stop, housed in a restored 1902 train station, where you can take a look at vintage trains and locomotives, with an Amtrak Station next door. 

The town also takes pride in presenting visitors with several natural spaces. Those wanting to take a swim, boat, fish, or even camp can head to Pauls Valley City Lake for 750 acres of uninterrupted water fun. Recreational opportunities like tennis, softball, baseball, walking trails, a dog park, and occasional band performances are available at Wacker Park. 

Broken Bow

Broken Bow is the ultimate outdoor adventure spot ensconced in the Ouachita Mountains. The town boasts Beavers Bend State Park, where the crystal-clear Mountain Fork River winds through dense pine forests and invites you for hiking, fishing, and boating. Nature enthusiasts can lace up their shoes to discover the 12 miles of the David Boren Hiking Trail, while fishing lovers can cast their lines into Broken Bow Lake, renowned for its bass and walleye. 

If you are into history, then add Gardner Mansion and Museum to your list. From prehistoric Indian relics to an over 2,000-year-old Cypress tree, the museum will capture your interest. Lastly, the Hochatown Distilling Company adds a modern touch with its founding in 2015 and craft beverages like Spear Point vodka and handcrafted whiskey and spirits.

Sulphur

The town of Sulphur is renowned for the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, where Travertine Nature Center, Lake of the Arbuckles, Historic Platt District, and opportunities including over 30 miles of hiking trails, campsites, boating, and swimming spots have been drawing visitors to this 9,800+ acres of vast expanse since the early 20th century. 

A trip to the 184-acre stretch of The Chickasaw Cultural Center will enable visitors to dive into the vibrant traditions like language, dancing, and tribal customs of the Chickasaw Nation, showcasing art, history, and interactive exhibits. Lastly, Echo Canyon Spa Resort makes for a rejuvenating Arbuckle Mountain accommodation with orchards, a swimming pool, and quiet for adults. 

Bartlesville

Bartlesville upholds its charm at the Price Tower Arts Center, a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. While the architecture is unique in itself, with Fright using tree elements like branches, leaves, and the trunk for inspiration, the 19 floors host rotating art exhibitions and art & craft workshops, organize guided tours, and even allow you to book a room in the inn. 

The Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve is for those who would enjoy discovering Native American artifacts; fine art paintings by Frank Tenney Johnson, Bettina Steinke, Charles M. Russell, and others; sculptures, notably the 12 bronzes, and Joe Beeler collection, by both historic and contemporary artists; and cold firearms. But do not leave before sighting aoudads, North European fallow deer, Sardinian donkeys, and over 30 other species in the wildlife preserve.

Grove

Grove embraces its lake identity with the Har-Ber Village Museum, an open-air historical site showcasing pioneer life. Here, you will find over 100 historic buildings recreating the 19th-century lifestyle using artifacts and other antiques, in addition to a nearly 2-mile-long nature trail, Herb and Heirloom Gardens, and a nature activity room. 

You should also keep in mind the beautiful 8-acre Lendonwood Gardens to visit. From 8 different gardens to 75 Japanese maple varieties, 25 viburnum varieties, and 125 hostas species, there is a lot on display. Grand Lake State Park's Honey Creek Area is also among the attractions, with camping and RV sites, fishing in Grand Lake, about 60 miles of hiking routes, and picnic spots.

Alva 

Home to Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Alva features the Museum of Natural History on the campus. It will appeal to all those who are curious about natural history artifacts, fossils, and over 20 mounted eagles. Another knowledge-filled point of interest is the Cherokee Strip Museum. Housed in a former hospital building, the museum spans a barbwire collection, a 1940s Prisoner of War exhibit, train displays, and Native American memorabilia.

If you drive for about 30 minutes, you will find yourself in the 1,600 acres of Little Sahara State Park, an expansive dune system perfect for adrenaline-inducing activities like a dune buggy, sandboarding, ATV riding, and off-roading. Finally, you can check in at Comfort Inn & Suites to rest your head.

Davis

Davis steals the spotlight with Turner Falls Park, harboring the state's largest waterfall, 77-foot, and natural swimming areas, offering a refreshing escape. The 1,500-acre stretch also grants access to nearly 3.5 miles of hiking trails, 1930s-constructed Collings Castle, RV sites, picnic pavilions, and camping options. 

Outdoor adventure in Davis continues at the Arbuckle Wilderness. It is an exotic animal sanctuary where visitors can drive through a vast 200-acre+ landscape to observe and interact with diverse wildlife like zebra and giraffes wandering around. When with kids, you can also make a stop at Bedre Fine Chocolate Factory for some Oklahoma-made chocolates.

Tishomingo

Tishomingo's main draw is the sparkling waters of Blue River, promising fishing delights like spotted bass, channel catfish, and rainbow trout. But it does not stop here. You can head to Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge to indulge in activities like running, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching, notably white-tailed deer and migrating waterfowl. 

Presenting a wide array of Chickasaw relics, including archive materials, contemporary Chickasaw artwork, and history-tracing artifacts, the National Register of Historic Places- listed Chickasaw Nation Capitol Museum is also a prime visiting location. Ole Red is your place to spend the evening with live music, drinks, and bar eats. 

From the simple beauty of Medicine Park to the geological wonders of Sulphur and Alva, each town offers a unique experience. With museums delving into paleontology, Native American heritage, and country music roots, these towns blend heritage seamlessly with nature. Visitors can expect a genuine connection to the land, a glimpse into history, and a chance to appreciate the unassuming charm that makes these small Oklahoma towns unforgettable destinations.