2024's 7 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Oklahoma

Whether one wants to sit in a prairie by a peaceful lake and enjoy heart-melting views on every side, snap pictures of magical sunsets or sunrises, or wander through tree-dappled ridges or pine-speckled mountains, Oklahoma has a little bit of everything. And that is without mentioning the state's sunny-faced residents, the fact that there is hardly any traffic in many towns, and, of course, the range of delectable Southern fare. To enjoy Oklahoma’s offerings, skip big towns such as Oklahoma City and Tulsa — and opt for small, intimate gems. For specific recommendations, discover 2024’s seven most beautiful small towns in Oklahoma.

Medicine Park

It is not a mistake that one of Oklahoma's most beautiful small towns is called Medicine Park because it is like an elixir that teases the senses with beauty that is unmatched for miles. Medicine Park is framed by the austere grandeur of the Wichita Mountains and boasts a downtown area known for its unique cobblestone architecture. Enjoy the soothing sound of running water at Medicine Creek, hit up the trails at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, and float on the glittering waters of Lake Lawtonka or Elmer Thomas Lake before enjoying some delicious catfish at Riverside Cafe’s outside patio.

Broken Bow

Slow pace and purpose, as well as rest and adventure, are often rare combinations. Not so with Broken Bow, a nature lover’s dream tucked away in southeast Oklahoma. The chance to ride horses along the David Boren Hiking Trail, drop a line for a big catch at the Lower Mountain Fork River, and get wet at Broken Bow Lake, the landmark from which the town gets its name — are opportunities that no one should exchange for the world. Plus, one can sip wine at Fish Tales Winery & Bistro or sample local brews at the nearby Mountain Fork Brewery, a fun, casual space where a first-time patron will feel like a kid in a candy store. There is the Beavers Bend State Park as well, an outdoor paradise spanning more than 3,000 acres. And with the Kiamichi Mountains in the distance, outdoor adventure opportunities here are almost limitless.

Guthrie

One of Oklahoma’s most historic towns to visit features a delightful line-up of attractions amid a lively music scene and lots of contemporary adventures. A hearty breakfast at the Blue Belle Pizza Parlor & Saloon, the site of gunfights during Guthrie’s Wild West days, today serves well-crusted pizza at reasonable price points. Alternatively, fresh, roasted coffee at Hoboken Coffee Roasters should pave the way for attractions such as the Frontier Drugstore Museum, which houses medical equipment and memorabilia from the frontier days. Taking the cue, The Oklahoma Territorial Museum & Carnegie Library features exhibits on various aspects of life during Oklahoma's territorial period. Sports fans, however, will enjoy spending time at Oklahoma Sports Museum, a fantastic place to learn about Oklahoma's sports history. That said, it will still be fun to wander the streets while gazing at its turn-of-the-century architecture.

Tahlequah

It is wise to pay attention to a town voted 2024 Best Small Town in the Southern States by readers of Southern Living. Tahlequah has a bowling alley called Thunder Bowl, several Native American art galleries (check out Spider Gallery behind the Cherokee Arts Center), and a decent number of antique stores, including The Speckled Hen, the premiere destination for antique collectors, especially those looking for great bargains. The Scenic Illinois River winds through surrounding hills and provides opportunities for outdoor fun and adventure. Catch your breath at the dog-friendly Floyd H Norris Park — before learning about the Cherokee justice system at the Cherokee National Prison Museum, built more than 130 years ago to hold the most hardened criminals in Indian Territory.

Sulphur

Although once a dusty mining town, Sulphur is today a neat, vacation-worthy destination, partly because of how it is pristine and layered in nature. While one can spend an entire weekend at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, which boasts a large lake, many hiking trails, and well-maintained campgrounds, many other sites will be just as enchanting. There is the Little Niagara Falls, for example, which is often less crowded than the more popular Turner Falls; the iconic Chickasaw Cultural Center, which features a replica of an ancient village thoughtfully crafted to resemble the Chickasaw tribe’s traditional houses; and the one-of-a-kind Vendome Well & Flower Park, which, despite its odor, boasts beautiful and well-maintained walking trails. Looking for a yummy meal? Some smothered chicken at Springs at the Artesian will come in handy.

Eufaula

First-time visitors often quickly get in love with Eufaula, a peach of a town mostly known for the lake that lends it its name. This town reclines near the confluence of the Canadian and North Canadian rivers, landmarks that add a layer of rustic charm to an already likable region. Aside from Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma’s largest lake, this town provides access to the nearby Arrowhead State Park, ideal for top-notch outdoor exploration and adventure. Sit down to a yummy brunch in an awesome atmosphere at Tulip & Table — or pick a packet of frozen yogurt at Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Store — before popping inside stores such as Our Favorite Place, known for its original oil paintings and other works by local artists. Check out if there is an event at Xtreme Amphitheater before dashing to Lake Eufaula State Park for hiking, fishing, or boating.

Ponca City

Ponca City is sweet, rich in history, and out in the plains by itself like an island. A first-time visitor will enjoy a guided tour of E. W. Marland Mansion, a 55-room Italian Renaissance Villa that was home to a colorful oil baron whose life-long dream was to live in a palace. Conoco Museum has preserved some great history of the area’s petroleum industry, from the E.W. Marland beginnings to the merger with Continental Oil Co. (Conoco) to modern-day happenings. Chill out at the Pioneer Woman Museum and explore unique items used back in the pioneer days, including clothing, fascinating memorabilia, and other well-thought-out exhibits, most of which are focused on the area’s pioneering women and their achievements. And that is without touching on the Historic Poncan Theatre, noted for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, a great downtown area, several waterbodies, including the Arkansas River, and many miles of off-road biking trails.

The Takeaway

Featuring ten different geographical regions, Oklahoma is as diverse as it is beautiful, slow-paced, and friendly. With its mountain ranges, grassy plains, and rolling red hills, the Sooner State has something for everyone. Although Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and the rest of the big towns have their enticing appeals, small, walkable towns will provide a more authentic and intimate experience. Still, time and tide have left their mark in some of these towns; sometimes positive, other times negative. If you are looking for 2024’s seven most beautiful small towns in Oklahoma, check out the options highlighted here, including Medicine Park, an eye candy that most peers its size have nothing on.