7 Most Historic Small Towns to Visit in Oklahoma

Fascinating history and picture-perfect beauty are within the boundaries of Oklahoma's small towns. Walk back in time along a Guthrie Victorian avenue, explore the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, or even take in the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at Bartlesville. From Native American heritage in Tahlequah all the way to the old West feel in Duncan, each town takes one through a different phase of time for all to enjoy.

Guthrie

Guthrie, Oklahoma's first capital, is simply a haven of historic charm. Its National Historic Landmark downtown area boasts Victorian architecture, and more than 2,000 buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Others include the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, one of the largest in the world, and the Oklahoma Territorial Museum, which throws some light on the early days of the state. The impressively restored 1901 building houses the culture-enhancing play-making Pollard Theatre. Also on the list is the 1902 Carnegie Library, now serving as a local museum from that time. Other must-visit attractions include the State Capitol Publishing Museum, which has early printing and publishing in Oklahoma.

Claremore

A place of many histories and cultures in its own right, Claremore was the birthplace of Will Rogers. Chock-full of memorabilia from the beloved humorist and actor is the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. Inside Historic Downtown lies the pride of a 1907 Victorian Mansion open for tours, The Belvidere Mansion. These are complemented by the J. M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum, which carries a vast collection of firearms and artifacts. The Claremore Museum of History represents the town's past through displays that come alive with the local heritage. Converted from a military academy, Rogers State University boasts old buildings and a very nice campus.

Bartlesville

Bartlesville used to be the center for both the oil industry and Phillips Petroleum Company. Probably the most striking example of modern architecture would be the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Price Tower, which now houses an art center and a hotel. The next in line would be the Bartlesville Area History Museum, whose exhibitions show development in town and the oil boom. Just out of town would be the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, which visitors can enjoy. It’s a history and nature venture all at once with beautiful scenery for visitors to experience.

Muskogee

Muskogee is a walkable town rich in Native American heritage and has a lot of sites within the city. Housed in the old Union Agency building, the Five Civilized Tribes Museum tells of the past and culture of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole tribes. One can find the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee, which also features lovely azalea gardens. The castle itself is a very weird-looking medieval-type building with endless activities. See and experience, at the Fort Gibson Historic Site, how one lived in the military during the 19th century; it is the oldest fort in Oklahoma.

Duncan

Duncan is one of the cutest small towns in Oklahoma and is brimming with Western history. Chisholm Trail Heritage Center is an interactive look at life along the route of the famous cattle drive popular with cowboys and Native Americans. Stephens County Historical Museum is housed in the old train depot. Downtown boasts several quaint shops and features the fully restored Palace Theatre, which still hosts films and live productions. On display: Historic steam locomotive The Rock Island 905 Railroad Museum. The Duncan Little Theatre is in an old church and offers numerous productions annually, as a rule.

McAlester

McAlester is a beautiful small town full of legends, mainly about coal mining. Oklahoma State Penitentiary resides today and hosts special events. Krebs Heritage Museum shows the local impact of Italian immigrants through exhibits that relate to the past and culture of the region. The beautiful structure is considered one of the most beautiful Masonic Temples in the nation and is open for guided tours. Additionally, the Pittsburg County Genealogical and Historical Society Museum gives visitors an inside look into the local history, featuring exhibits on the region's past.

Tahlequah

Tahlequah is a beautiful small town that echoes Native American history. The Cherokee National History Museum is located in the building that originally housed the Cherokee National Capitol, with displays on Cherokee cultural themes. The historic district itself of this town presages its quaint architecture, with the renowned Northeastern State University—one of the oldest institutions of higher learning west of the Mississippi—lying on its campus. The Thompson House dates from Victorian times; hence, the visitors are invited for interior tours of the house. The Spider Gallery showcases contemporary Cherokee art and crafts for art lovers who are looking for inspiration.

Explore Oklahoma's Rich Tapestry of Small-Town Histories

Small towns in Oklahoma proudly welcome visitors to storied pasts of rich lore—from Victorian architecture to Native American heritage. A unique view into the past from Guthrie, Claremore, Bartlesville, Muskogee, Duncan, McAlester, and Tahlequah—all with lively historic districts and an assortment of commercial and natural points of interest. These towns take good care to look into the intricate details of requirements that a visitor wandering around the town could want.