7 Delightful Towns to Visit in Oklahoma
Admitted to the Union in 1907, the “Sooner State” of Oklahoma forms an important part of the South Central United States. Known for its unique geographic landscape and centuries worth of history from Indigenous peoples to the Western frontier, Oklahoma is a fascinating place to discover. Home to a statewide population of just over 4 million inhabitants, the splendid prairie views and mountain wonders of the “Sooner State” combined with its friendly cultural ambiance continue to make it a nice place to spend any American holiday. Though major cities like Tulsa and Oklahoma City still attract a lot of attention, the state also has a number of smaller but equally delightful towns ready to create a positive impression on visitors of any age. Do not wait much longer then, and come explore the great State of Oklahoma through a first-hand visit to these charming and delightful communities.
Boise City
The seat of Cimarron County in the Oklahoma Panhandle Region, Boise City can trace its modern history to the early 1900s. Today, just over 1,000 inhabitants call it home. Known for its hot summers, often with arid conditions, the community was greatly affected by the infamous 1930s Dust Bowl series of storms, but today, it is a most welcoming slice of charming small-town USA full of cute diners and shops.
A fun afternoon awaits at the Cimarron Heritage Center Museum, where interactive and informative exhibits highlight the geologic and historical history of Oklahoma and the larger South Central region. Pose with the 35-foot-tall Cimarronsaurus, explore 19th-century buildings (including a schoolhouse), and restore train caboose cars. From there, stop by the Autograph Rock Historic District, where dramatic cliff formations and sandstone facades transport one back millions of years!
Hugo
Just over 5,000 residents call the town of Hugo, which was founded back in 1901. Named in honor of the esteemed French novelist Victor Hugo, today this seat of Choctaw County near the Texas border in southern Oklahoma remains a most charming community that fully embraces the spirit of “Little Dixie”. Enjoy time spent at the nearby Hugo Lake State Park, where scenic opportunities for cycling, hiking, swimming, and kayaking can be appreciated in a hot climate. From there, visit the Frisco Depot Museum, which celebrates the history of the railroad in America and other episodes in the early pioneer days of Oklahoma.
The Hugo Historic District includes several historic landmarks, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hugo Public Library and the Rose Hill Plantation are two examples. Exploring these buildings of yesterday allows one to observe America's past.
Medicine Park
A very humble population of just over 400 inhabitants call the town of Medicine Park home, but for what it may lack in size it compensates with loads of charm and splendid scenic beauty. Established in the early 1900s, the town is situated within the beautiful Wichita Mountains and serves as a great place for anyone searching for a relaxing rest stop in the southwestern region of Oklahoma. Relish time spent at the nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, where awesome opportunities for fishing, sailing, cycling, hiking, and wildlife watching await in an area spanning some 60,000 acres!
Additionally, even just a casual stroll along the calming Medicine Creek back in town is a nice way to unwind and enjoy the scenery. Add in the cobblestoned streets and buildings in the downtown area, where a cute assortment of restaurants and markets like the Heritage Farm & Ranch reside, and visiting Medicine Park will most definitely leave any visitor with a positive impression of small-town Oklahoma.
Guymon
Also located within the Oklahoma Panhandle, Guymon serves as the seat of Texas County, where it serves as a regional hub. Founded in the early 1900s, today, nearly 13,000 inhabitants call this town home, where natural gas production and animal farming remain leading economic drivers. A welcoming community known for its cool winter and hot summer temperatures, visitors can enjoy such outdoor wonders as the Optima National Wildlife Refuge and the Sunset Lake in Thompson Park.
Whether it's looking out for wild plants and animals or simply taking in a quiet afternoon picnic, Guymon is a nice little slice of small-town USA. For those visiting in the early summer days of May, make sure not to miss the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo, where fun for the entire family awaits! With Guymon’s fine collection of shops, local diners like the Urban Bru Kitchen and The Pub on the Bricks, pretty green spaces, and plenty of charm, a stop in this delightful Oklahoma town will create a special set of memories.
Bartlesville
Founded in the late 1890s, the town of Bartlesville serves as the seat of Washington County in northeastern Oklahoma. Home to just over 37,000 residents, this beautiful mid-sized town is a comfortable place to appreciate the amenities of modern life while still being close to nature. Known for its hot summers and mild winters, visitors can enjoy time spent at the Caney River, which runs through town. Here, scenic walking and biking paths are abundant, while pretty green spaces throughout the area are ideal for family picnics and relaxing afternoons.
Moreover, fun awaits at the seasonal amusement center Kiddie Park, where children and adults alike can find excitement. Try rides, games, specialty food, and plenty of live entertainment in this most delightful attraction.
Stillwater
Seat of Payne County in North Central Oklahoma, the town of Stillwater, is an exciting place with a lively cultural scene. Established in the 1880s, guests can learn more about the community at the Stillwater History Museum, which includes an impressive collection of objects and interactive exhibits. From there, stop by the fascinating National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum, which celebrates amateur sports and local Olympic heroes and their unique role in shaping the cultural scene of Oklahoma.
For the art lover, an afternoon at the Hazel Modella Art Gallery is something you cannot miss. Featuring a fine display of art from Oklahoman and other American artists, this Gallery is a great place to appreciate some of the very best in regional talents. From there, head on over to the Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University, where in an area spanning some 100 acres, over 1,000 species of plant life are beautifully displayed. Finally, for those looking for a little taste of Europe, do not forget about the annual Oktoberfest downtown. Enjoy food, beverages, live music, and loads of vendors at this special Fall event!
Guthrie
Guthrie is home to a modest population of just under 11,000 residents and serves as the seat of Logan County. Just some 32 miles from Oklahoma City, the town can trace its modern history to the 1880s, when it was established as a rail center. Today, Guthrie maintains a charming historic character, and guests can marvel at several well-preserved late 19th—and early 20th-century landmarks in the Historic District.
Listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places, the district includes over 2,000 notable buildings, including the Logan County Courthouse (1907), the Co-Operative Publishing Company (1902), and the DeFord Building (1890). It reflects a wide range of architectural styles, from Italianate to Romanesque and Victorian, and visiting this District is like experiencing a picturesque time machine.
A beautiful component of the South Central United States, the “Sooner State” of Oklahoma is a special place where small town charm reigns supreme. Although the State has such large urban centers like Tulsa, its delightfully charming and friendly smaller communities showcase much of the region’s character. From mountain and prairie views to fascinating frontier histories, visiting Oklahoma and its great small towns is an awesome way to get better acquainted with true, rustic Americana. So take to the road and come see Oklahoma across an exploration of these bonafide delightful towns, where fun, intrigue, and unexpected beauty await all ages of visitor!
