7 Of The Quirkiest Towns In Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a midwestern state featuring a diverse landscape and four distinct seasons, making it a great place to visit year-round. The classic Western aesthetic is completed by the buffalos that roam the plains. Dotted throughout the natural landscape are museums, art galleries, and botanical gardens. The Sooner State was once primarily agricultural and set the scene for John Steinbeck's classic, The Grapes of Wrath. Now, Oklahoma is home to grassy plains and hundreds of lakes, many of them human-made. Tourism drives the bulk of the economy, and there are plenty of attractions and historical sites to discover, along with the natural landmarks.
Medicine Park
Medicine Park was founded in 1908 and is Oklahoma's first resort city. Named for the medicinal properties of nearby Medicine Lake, the small town is surrounded by Bath Lake, a wildlife refuge, Lake Lawtonka, and other natural landmarks. The historic town is not only surrounded by natural beauty but there are also plenty of things to discover.
The Aquarium, at the base of the wildlife refuge, offers a butterfly and wildflower garden with Mount Scott as a picturesque backdrop and a river otter exhibit. Medicine Creek has no shortage of shopping options, including the Medicine Creek Olive Oil Company. The oil Company is a family-owned business that specializes in fine oils and spices. Medicine Creek is an ideal locale to escape the bustle of the big city while still maintaining the modern ambiance with beautiful natural topography as a backdrop.
Guthrie
Guthrie has a population of over 11,000 but retains a small-town feel due to its meticulously maintained downtown. Stretching for just a few short blocks, it is a quirky slice of Americana. Guthrie was the original capital of Oklahoma, and the town has undergone extensive reservation efforts to make it the largest Historic Preservation District in the country. The best time to visit Guthrie is wintertime, when the town transforms into the Christmas capital of Oklahoma. This spectacular event kicks off on November 25 with a lighted Christmas parade and hosts Victorian Walks and Distinctive Home tours throughout the season. For an authentic small-town experience, visit the Guthrie Depot, an antique train station that is now home to Gage's Steakhouse.
Bartlesville
Just north of Tulsa is Bartlesville, a populated town with no shortage of activities and festivals throughout the year. Two of the more popular festivals are the Oklahoma Indian Summer Festival, which celebrates Native American culture, and the Sunfest, which is a classic car show and music festival. There are also several museums, historic homes, and a quaint downtown.
Bartlesville is home to the Price Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright's only realized skyscraper, replete with a hotel and daily historic tours. The Frank Phillips Home is a notable historic mansion. The Neo-Classical home remains virtually untouched since he occupied the residence in the early 20th century, and it remains one of Bartlesville's most visited sites. With its unique blend of history and reputation as a business hub, Bartlesville is a special place to discover.
Sulphur
Sulphur is the gateway to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The main attraction is the beautiful Artesian, a luxury hotel and casino downtown. Sulphur has several history museums, including the Chickasaw Cultural Centers, and art galleries like the Artesian Gallery and Studios. The Cultural Center is a technology-driven way to discover the Chickasaw culture and also boasts a sky pavilion and garden village. Sulphur is also known for its culinary arts scene. The Bedre Cafe is a 1950s-themed diner and candy shop, while Fat Bully's By The Lake is a destination stop for its hamburgers and nature views. Sulphur has a lot to offer, from luxurious accommodations to some of the best camping in the state.
Davis
Nine miles away from Sulphur is Davis, and the two towns enjoy a heated high school football rivalry. For nature lovers, Turner Falls Park is a must-see. The 77-foot-tall waterfall is the largest in Oklahoma, and camping and RV parking is welcome. This is a classic small town centered around the downtown area known as the Main Street Shopping District. Other notable sites are the Forgotten Wheels Museum and the Treasure Valley Casino. Like Sulphur, the town has a history steeped in Chickasaw culture, and you can learn about the culture at the Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center.
Pauls Valley
The small town of Pauls Valley is an ideal locale to escape the big city life while still offering plenty of things to do. The Toy and Action Figure Museum is a great way to get in touch with your inner child, for instance. The Santa Fe Depot and Railway is notable for its history, and it still maintains a 1902 steam engine. The charming downtown is made up of brick storefronts and twelve blocks of diners and shops just off I-35. Bob's Pig Shop, established in 1933, is the place for a fantastic barbeque, while The Grille is the spot for classic comfort food. To complete the experience, stay at Judge's Inn, a bed and breakfast built by a judge who passed away before he could occupy the residence. Paul's Valley is full of history, and it is proud to share it with its guests.
Prague
Prague is the home of the National Shrine of the Infant Jesus, and the Catholic church where the Shrine is located has a long historical and theological history. Prague is also the birthplace of Jim Thorpe, and there is a monument dedicated to him off of Jim Thorpe Boulevard.
The Prague Historical Museum celebrates the history of the Czech pioneers who established the town in 1902 and has a temporary exhibit that changes every three months. The town is proud of its Czechoslovakian roots and holds a festival at the beginning of May to honor the culture with music, traditional dances, and food. As the townspeople like to say, "Come Czech us out!". Oklahoma is a fascinating state with deep roots in Native American and railway history. The natural beauty and history cannot be understated, but these quirky towns offer their twist of culture. From toy museums to a city steeped in Czechoslovakian culture, this is a truly unique place to visit.
These small towns have big hearts and are open to visitors. The small-town charm is on full display in the downtown areas, while outdoor adventures are never too far away.
