7 Best Downtowns In Oklahoma
Home to an impressive 164 cities and 433 towns, there are endless places to explore in the southwestern state of Oklahoma. With so many options, choosing the best spots for main street strolls or boutique shopping can be a challenge. Luckily, we have done the work for you! Whether you are seeking an escape packed with museums or want to enjoy a play at a historic theater, these seven towns are sure to keep you entertained all day long.
Ponca City
A quirky town with a strong creative influence, Ponca City’s downtown district is populated by nearly 40 colorful murals. Visitors can go mural hunting and look for gems such as the Postcard Mural, Daybreak Mural, and Forward Together Mural. Through the end of December, the municipality also hosts its annual award-winning Ice on the Plaza skating rink, which features special nightly events to get visitors in the holiday spirit.
Also downtown, there are over 100 historic buildings to explore. Poncan Theatre is a great one, opened in 1927 and hosting plays, concerts, and movies inside. For a cold craft beer, stop by Vortex Alley Brewing for a drink in their tap room, just a four-minute walk from the theater.
Ardmore
Ardmore’s historic district spans 19 acres, meaning there is plenty to explore without needing to leave the downtown area. Main Street Coffee is the perfect place to fuel up for the day, serving specialty coffee and a number of baked goods and pastries. In the heart of town, travelers can stroll through Depot Park, home to the Mercy Train, a massive early 20th-century locomotive that arrived at Ardmore’s train depot over 100 years ago.
Just a short walk away, the historic Tivoli Theatre, in operation since 1915, continues to host live entertainment, including performances by comedians and musicians. To appreciate a bit of art, stop by Marvin’s Place Gallery, featuring diverse works from Oklahoma, New Mexico, South Carolina, Michigan, and the Native Kamba people of Kenya.
McAlester
Stop by McAlester just about any time on the weekend and you will see it bustling with activity, largely thanks to its community events and attractions. Arvest Park, for example, is a lively food truck plaza located in the heart of the historic downtown district, lit up with Christmas decorations in December. Just steps away, locals gather every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at the Pittsburg County Farmers Market to shop for artisan breads, honey, and farm-fresh produce.
Travelers can also visit the OKLA Theatre, one of Oklahoma’s most iconic venues, established in 1931 on the former site of the Palace Theatre, which tragically burned down in 1930. The downtown district also features over 20 shops and boutiques, including favorites like Common Roots Mercantile and Teri’s Red Barn, a clothing boutique.
Bartlesville
Although Bartlesville is home to only 38,000 people, its downtown area features buildings and attractions that resemble those of a big city. Price Tower is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks, a 19-story tower rising 221 feet, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1929. Just two blocks away, Weeze's Cafe is the perfect spot to grab a bite, offering everything from country-style breakfasts to hot chili, making it the perfect stop either before or after visiting the tower.
Curiously, a number of colorful, painted buffalos lie around town, commemorating the town’s western heritage and location along the tallgrass prairies. Wanting to see a real buffalo? Drive about 10 minutes outside of town to reach the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, home to over 30 free-roaming species, including the American bison and longhorn cattle.
El Reno
Lying at the intersection between Route 66 and the Chisholm Trail, the entire town of El Reno has a southwestern atmosphere that provokes a sense of nostalgia. The best way to explore town is on the Heritage Express Trolley, a restored 48-seat Brill Motor Car from 1924. Visitors can further learn about El Reno’s history at the Canadian County Museum, composed of various historical buildings, including the El Reno Motel, Possum Hollar School, Red Cross Canteen, and Darlington Agency Jail, among many others.
To mark your visit to this quaint Route 66 town, make sure to snap a photo in front of the El Reno Mother Road Monument. Erected in 2018 by local business PremierCraft, this towering landmark proudly displays the iconic Route 66 logo.
Pawhuska
A rural town in the heart of northeastern Oklahoma, Pawhuska has an interesting blend of Native American and cowboy culture. Start off your trip in Pawhuska at the Osage Nation Museum, the oldest tribally-owned museum in the country, exhibiting traditional and contemporary art, historical artifacts, and a photograph collection. Continue your cultural exploration of Pawhuska at the Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum, which shares the story of notable cowboys and cowgirls in Osage County as well as exhibits the town’s western heritage.
Looking for a Western-style souvenir to take home with you? Stop by one of Pawhuska’s local boutiques, such as Spurs & Arrows, owned by an Indigenous Osage local and featuring jewelry, home goods, and a variety of gifts.
Okmulgee
Okmulgee’s downtown district experienced a remarkable revival a few years ago, thanks to the efforts of the Design Committee of Okmulgee Main Street, which brought the area to life with vibrant murals that add color and character throughout the city center. Just a couple of the murals worth checking out include the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology building mural, painted in 2013 by John C. Welch, and The Essence of Okmulgee mural, painted by Yatika Starr Fields in 2015.
After admiring Fields' mural, head to its home, the historic Orpheum Theater, which has been entertaining visitors with movies and live shows since 1922. Nearby lies one of the town’s most historic landmarks: the Creek Council House. Built in 1878 by the Muscogee (Creek) people as their tribal capitol, it now serves as a museum showcasing the history and culture of this Indigenous community.
Final Thoughts
While Oklahoma’s big cities often steal the spotlight for their downtowns, there's much more to discover when you venture further out. Ice skating rinks, cowboy museums, painted buffalos, and food truck parks are just a few of the unique features that make these seven towns stand out. With so many attractions to enjoy, you will find yourself spending the day exploring on foot, with your car parked for most of the adventure.
