7 Most Neighborly Towns In Oklahoma
Oklahoma has often been referred to as “the Sooner State” since, in the time of the pioneers, many people illegally entered Oklahoma sooner than other legitimate people. Of course, modern travelers and adventurers such as yourselves need not feel so illegitimate, not when you are being entreated and enchanted by the most neighborly towns in Oklahoma. Where Native American communities continue to shine brightly in Tahlequah and Pawhuska and where the natural landscapes remain unchanged in destinations such as Broken Bow and Medicine Park, you will not need to fear twisters in this corner of the Tornado Alley. Rather, you will feel excited and overwhelmed by all that there is to experience from the most neighborly towns in Oklahoma.
Guthrie
Guthrie, around 35 minutes away from Oklahoma City to the south, contains the largest Historic District in the US. Travelers can go roaming through dozens of historic buildings hailing from the 1800s, among them an old-school medicine store called the Frontier Drugstore Museum. Additionally, the Oklahoma Territorial Museum & Carnegie Library contains books from a bygone time and illustrates the many different periods and epochs that transformed Guthrie. The Guthrie Ghost Walk alerts newcomers to the many different houses in the Historic District that are actually haunted. On the other hand, destinations such as Avid Extreme Sports Park just outside Guthrie’s Historic District encourages people to play games such as paintball. Much excitement and history can be experienced in Guthrie, even in welcoming abodes such as the Arcadian Getaways or Cottages at Willow Pond.
Broken Bow
Do not feel down or broken when you are exploring the lush wilderness around Broken Bow. With eyries of bald eagles and sleuths of black bears roaming the Beavers Bend State Park, there are plenty of untamed and unimaginably grand destinations worth seeing around this serene town. First, you ought to know the legends and layout of the Hochatown area from the Forest Heritage Center. Afterwards, go kayaking or fishing at either Broken Bow Lake or the Mountain Fork River. Dock your boats on one or all of the many small islands in Broken Bow Lake, or step into the year 1884 when touring the Gardner Mansion & Museum, which gives newcomers an understanding of how the Native Americans used to live in Broken Bow. You might be interested in playing at the Choctaw Casino Broken Bow, or lounging comfortably at the T's paradise ranch. Either way, you will undoubtedly have a good and jolly time in Broken Bow.
Medicine Park
Medicine Park, the first resort town in the Sooner State, should be your first resort when trying to find a laidback and neighborly town in Oklahoma. Ever since its beginning, Medicine Park has accommodated numerous individuals, even historic personalities like President Theodore Roosevelt, Al Capone, Jack Abernathy, and Bonnie and Clyde. Even now, it accommodates soldiers from Fort Still who have completed their Basic and AIT training. Many who visited Medicine Park can attest to the marvels of Lake Lawtonka and Bath Lake, the majestic heights of the Wichita Mountains and Bison Mountain, and the preserved outdoors of the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. Consider booking a room in resplendent lodgings such as Tosan’s Cottage, Wichita Mod Lodge, or Spring House for a memorable vacation in Medicine Park.
Pawhuska
Pawhuska has been a friendly and neighborly town to both the descendants of immigrants from Europe and all over and to the Native American people who have called Oklahoma their home for thousands of years. It is the tribal capital of the Osage nations, so named after chieftain Paw-Hiu-Skah which means “White Hair.” It is also the home hometown of Oscar-winning cowboy Ben Johnson as well as the site of the unfortunate Osage Murders which were the first investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Over the years, Pawhuska has attracted thousands of visitors thanks to the beautiful prairies of both the Osage Hills State Park and the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in addition to the tranquil waters of both Bluestem Lake and Bluestem Falls. Travelers can learn more about the Osage and the Osage Murders at the Osage Nation Historical Museum, or take photogenic pictures of Bird Creek from the wood-planked Swinging Bridge, built in 1926. Most of all, you can occupy your evenings in warm accommodations like the Hotel Whiting, the Frontier Hotel, or The Mabelle.
Tahlequah
Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee nation and an hour away from Broken Bow, received its name from the Cherokee phrase “Ta’ligwu” meaning “just two” or “two is enough.” The origins of such a name occurred when two Native American elders attended a meeting along the Trail and Tears, and since only the two of them showed, everyone agreed that “two is enough.” The Cherokee National Prison Museum, aside from being an old prison, chronicles the history of the town’s name and the other happenings in the Illinois River Valley and near the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. You can definitely see and appreciate a ton of attractions at Lake Tenkiller, Lake Fort Gibson, the Cherokee Landing State Park, and Falcon Floats. Most of all, you will adore the awesome accommodations that Tahlequah Inn and other lodgings have in store.
Muskogee
Approximately 49 miles from the city of Tulsa, the awesome town of Muskogee was once formerly a settlement shared among the Chickasaw, Muscogee, Seminole, Choctaw, and Cherokee tribes. Along the Arkansas River you will find a number of remarkable landmarks and buildings such as the Muskogee War Memorial, a site that contains a World War II submarine called the USS Batfish. At the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, you can learn all about the five tribes who lived around the Arkansas River and their underlying cultures and relationships. On the other hand, at the Honor Heights Park you can attend musical concerts at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame or admire an arboretum next a Renaissance-themed castle known as the Castle of Muskogee. Whether this year or the next, make merry memories in the magnificent small town of Muskogee.
Eufaula
Approximately 36 minutes away from Muskogee, the beautiful town of Eufaula shines right beside the equally beautiful Lake Eufaula. Whether you are enjoying Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park and Lake Eufaula State Park or attending the town’s version of Oktoberfest known as Barktoberfest for pets all over, Eufaula welcomes everyone near and far. You should not miss out on the Whole Hawg Days that normally occurs on the last weekend of July, nor disregard the fun and excitement at the Creek Nation Casino Eufaula or the lessons to be learned at the Eufaula Area Museum. More importantly, you should consider booking a room at either the Lakeside Inn, Snug Harbor Cabins, or Huckleberry Lodge on Lake Eufaula for a happier vacation in Eufaula.
Even though Oklahoma’s most neighborly towns were developed by pioneers and immigrants from elsewhere, many have been home to the Native American peoples in the Tornado Alley. After all, the name Oklahoma comes from the Choctaw words “okla” and “humma” meaning “red people,” and the Native American towns like Pawhuska and Tahlequah continue to uphold the legacy and heritage of the people of Oklahoma. Even so, newcomers from near and far are still treated with neighborly affection from the most neighborly towns in Oklahoma, especially in resorts like Medicine Park, destinations full of celebrations like Eufaula, and historic landmarks like Guthrie.
