7 Cozy Towns to Visit in Oklahoma
The scenic state of Oklahoma is as diverse as it is welcoming, with its ten unique ecological regions ranging from mountains to arid plains and subtropical forests. Nicknamed "The Sooner State" after the settlers who first staked their claims in the region, Oklahoma is known for its large, bustling cities, such as Tulsa and Oklahoma City; however, it is the smaller, cozy towns dotting the map that give the state its midwestern hometown feel. The next time you find yourself in this great state, check out these seven charming small towns.
Sulphur
The quaint town of Sulphur is less than 90 miles away from bustling Oklahoma City but feels like a peaceful, welcoming retreat to both locals and visitors. Considered the gateway to the beautiful Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur is a nature lover's paradise. The cozy town has an abundance of lakes, streams, mineral springs, and other bodies of water, making it the ideal destination for those who enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, and other water activities.
If you want to ride horses across the region's rolling hills, saddle up at Arbuckle Trail Rides and explore the Arbuckle Mountains via horseback. The Lake of the Arbuckles offers 36 miles of shoreline and protected coves that are revered by fishermen. If arts and culture is more your thing, spend some time at the ARTesian Gallery and Studios, which is a combined gallery, works space, and art supply shop. The Artists of the Arbuckles at the Jean Carr Gallery is also worth checking out.
Alva
Not only is cozy Alva surrounded by several diverse outdoor recreational areas, but it also has a rich Native American history, many arts, and cultural attractions, and several annual special events that draw in visitors from all over the region. The Alabaster Caverns State Park is one of the area's top destinations, and is home to one of the largest natural gypsum caves in the world. The park offers daily guided cave tours, and also has picnic areas for al fresco meals, hiking trails, and reservable tent and RV camping sites.
Salt Plains State Park is another local must-see natural attraction, as is Gloss Mountains State Park, which offers several mountain trails with spectacular views. If you love both nature and history, the Museum of Natural History is the place for you. The museum is located on the Northwestern Oklahoma State University campus and is home to an extensive collection of native Oklahoma biological specimens.
Davis
The pretty south-central Oklahoma town of Davis is situated in close proximity of several natural wonders, including the Arbuckle Mountains and one of the state's tallest waterfalls. Whether you crave a peaceful walk through nature or a heart-pumping outdoor adventure on your next vacation, you'll find it in the small town of Davis. Its historic downtown is perfect for strolling and exploring new local boutiques and eateries and gives the town a warm, cozy feel.
No trip to Davis is complete without stopping at Turner Falls Park, where you can view a 77-foot-tall waterfall and splash in the cool natural pool on hot summer days. The park offers campsites for those who want to stay overnight. If you're feeling adventurous, go ziplining 1,700 feet above the Arbuckle Mountains at Air Donkey Zipline Adventures. Head to River Bottom Campground and Tubing for a refreshing tubing experience on the Washita River.
Guthrie
Situated in the center of the state just about 30 miles north of thriving Oklahoma City, charming Guthrie is the perfect destination for a family vacation, girls' weekend getaway, or any other type of trip. Guthrie's downtown is experiencing ongoing restoration efforts, making it the largest Historic Preservation District in the country. Visitors can explore all the town's cozy downtown offers by strolling the history-laden streets, exploring Victorian-era buildings, and even taking ghost tours.
If you're visiting Guthrie during the growing season, you can pick your own fresh fruit and vegetables at Vision Farms, which offers non-GMO produce grown without pesticide use. If you prefer to buy pre-picked and packaged produce, check out the Guthrie Farmers Market throughout the summer. Movie buffs won't want to miss the historic Beacon Drive-In Theater, one of the state's oldest of its kind.
Pauls Valley
Even though Pauls Valley is small and quaint, there is enough to do and see that you can easily spend a week or more in the welcoming town. If you arrive at Pauls Valley on the Heartland Flyer passenger Train, which runs daily from Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas, be sure to look at the 1902 steam engine at the nearby Santa Fe Depot Museum.
The Toy and Action Figure Museum is another must-see for all kids and kids-at-heart, as it displays over 13,000 classic pop culture figures and features an interactive play area. If you're visiting during the hot summer months, cool off at the Pauls Valley Waterpark, which features water slides, a diving pool, a lazy river, and a separate area for young children. Gamblers can test their luck at the Jet Stream Casino.
Marlow
The sweet, southwest Oklahoma town of Marlow has a tight-knit community that is welcoming to visitors, no matter how long they stay. The story of the town's founders, the Marlow brothers, is depicted in the film "The Sons of Katie Elder," starring John Wayne and Dean Martin. Tourists can also learn more about the interesting, tragic tale at the Marlow Brothers Monument.
If you love history, you'll delight at Marlow's abundance of antique shops, which line the downtown streets. The Marlow Area Museum is another attraction where you can gain insight into the region's storied past through a variety of exhibits and artifacts. If you're traveling with children, make a stop at the Hideout, a 13,000-square-foot western-themed playground located in Redbud Park.
Woodward
Tucked away in the northwest region of the state, welcoming Woodward is a scenic prairie town known as a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Golfers can swing their clubs at the Boiling Springs Golf Club, while hunters can hunt for quail, pheasant, deer, and other animals at the Hal and Fern Cooper Wildlife Management Area. The Crystal Beach Water Park is a fun place for families to keep their cool during the summer.
Arts and culture lovers can catch a show at the historic Woodard Arts Theatre, which is fully restored and dates back to the 1920s. The Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum is another must-see attraction, as it showcases the history of northwest Oklahoma through detailed exhibits, oral and written records, artifacts, and photographs.
Whether you're just passing through Oklahoma on a summer roadtrip or want to spend a few days, weeks, or more in the scenic state, you'll find no shortage of cozy small towns to explore. Even though the state boasts an abundance of exciting attractions, outdoor recreational opportunities, and thriving cities in every corner of the state, its small hometowns give it a warm, intimate feel.
