7 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Oklahoma
Also known as the “Sooner State,” Oklahoma is an important historical and economic center of the South Central United States. Admitted to the Union in 1907, Oklahoma has long been the home of indigenous peoples and its important role in the growth of the burgeoning America continues to make it a historic fascinating destination. Though such major urban centers like Oklahoma City and Tulsa remain the best known, there are also plenty of equally charming smaller towns in the “Sooner State” that reflect some of the best of Americana. From wide prairie panoramas to breathtaking mountain views, these splendid Oklahoma towns are only rivaled by their historic allure and charming cultural ambiance. Visit the “Sooner State” and explore these undisturbed towns and experience a most scenic and memorable holiday that all ages can appreciate.
Medicine Park
Just over 450 permanent residents call the town of Medicine Park home (according to 2020 census numbers), yet this quiet and scenic community is definitely worthy of a first-hand visit. Beautifully situated within the Wichita Mountains, Medicine Park was formally established in 1908, and it maintains a most charming early 20th-century feel to it. Stroll through the town center and admire its cobblestoned streets and 1900s architecture, where cute shops and other businesses await. These include the Old Plantation Restaurant and the 1908 Emporium. Finally, for a beautiful encounter with some of the state’s best nature, head down to the nearby Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy the chance to see some local wildlife with opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing in an area covering some 60,000 acres, which is a great way to spend a day for the whole family.
Woodward
The seat of the same named county, the town of Woodward, was long the home of Indigenous peoples like the Cherokee and Comanche before it was formally established as a shipping center in 1887. Today, just under 12,000 inhabitants reside in this inviting community known for its hot summers and cool winters. Spend time at Crystal Beach Water Park and enjoy swimming, water slides, play fountains, and even a picnic. Meanwhile, for the golf lover, be sure not to miss a scenic game at the Boiling Springs Golf Club, which is particularly known for its sand traps. Finish the day with a tasty meal at Longshots Bar and Grill or browse the selections at the Walker Mercantile Company, there is always a small town allure to be had when in Woodward. Finally, do not forget about the Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum, which lovingly commemorates the role of the Native American people in the history of the modern State of Oklahoma.
Boise City
The seat of Cimarron County is right at the tip of the Oklahoma Panhandle region. Boise City is a humble town where just over 1,100 people reside. Featuring very hot summers and warm winters, drought conditions are common for the area, and Boise City was affected by the famed Dust Bowl Storms in the 1930s. In spite of these sometimes extreme weather conditions, the town remains a welcoming destination for any road traveler, and a sense of early 20th-century life can still be felt. Founded in 1908, historic structures from the 1900s continue to populate the landscape, including the County Courthouse (1926).
Meanwhile, an informative afternoon at the Cimarron Heritage Center Museum is a great way to beat the heat and learn more about Oklahoma’s past. Highlighting both the historic and geological history of the region, guests can learn more about everything from the aforementioned Dust Bowl, the Santa Fe Trail, and the prehistoric dinosaurs that roamed the land! And do not forget to pose with the 35 foot tall Cimmaronsaurus for some very special photos.
Perry
The seat of Noble County in northern Oklahoma, the town of Perry, is a great place to enjoy all the amenities of modern life while in a small-town ambiance. With a history dating to the late 1800s, today, just under 4,500 inhabitants call Perry home, where natural beauty and historic intrigue meet. Spend time at Perry Lake, where fun opportunities to go fishing, boating, and camping are always popular. Meanwhile, for history-minded visitors, a stop at the Cherokee Strip Museum is a must. Explore the past of the State’s indigenous peoples and the role of Oklahoma in America’s westward expansion through an impressive collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits.
From there, one can also appreciate several historic landmarks that have even been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the County Courthouse (1915) and the First National Bank Building (1902). Add in cute local shops and eateries like Boomarang Diner and Yankee Dime Antiques, and Perry's rustic, small-town charm really comes shining through.
Hooker
Located in the Oklahoma Panhandle, the town of Hooker was named for a local cattleman in the early 1900s, and today, just over 1,700 residents call it home. Like other towns in this region of the State, Hooker experiences very hot summers, and guests searching for some small-town charm under the warm sun will not have to look any further. A rustically alluring farming and agricultural town, visitors to Hooker will certainly gain an appreciation of the small-town USA where everyone “knows your name.” Enjoy such local eateries like the Equipales Café & Grill, while cute boutiques like the Hooker Gift Shop allow one to bring a piece of Americana home.
Add in pretty park areas and such historic landmarks as the Hooker Woodframe Grain Elevator (1926), which is included on the National Register of Historic Places, and a most positive slice of small-town Oklahoma can be appreciated by all ages.
Guymon
Just some 20 minutes away from Hooker, Guymon serves as the seat of Texas County, where the farming and natural gas sectors form an essential part of the local economy. Established in the early 1900s, today, nearly 13,000 inhabitants call this regional hub home where, like many places in the Oklahoma Panhandle, very hot summers and mild winters are the norm. Indeed, among the outdoor attractions guests can enjoy here include the Optima National Wildlife Refuge (which covers some 4,300 acres), Thompson Park, and Sunset Lake, where there is never a shortage of fun in the sun. In addition, for those visiting in the early summer, be sure not to miss the inviting Pioneer Days Rodeo in May for a true sampling of the exciting sights and sounds of the famed American West. And with cute local businesses and eateries like The Pub on the Bricks, the unique charm of the “Sooner State” comes through for any visitor to the lovely Guymon.
Hugo
Hugo serves as the seat of Choctaw County in southeastern Oklahoma, where a humble population of just over 5,000 reside. Founded in 1901 and named after the French author Victor Hugo, the town is situated in the “Little Dixie” region of the State, and it experiences hot summers and mild winters. A charming place to discover local history, spend an afternoon at the Historic District, where the majority of buildings were constructed between 1900 and 1920, and a true sense of an early 20th-century rail town can be appreciated. From there, visit the informative Frisco Depot Museum, which highlights the role of the railroad in the growth of Oklahoma.
And of course with Hugo’s aforementioned hot climate, guests can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities in town and its area. Stop by the Hugo Lake State Park where swimming, cycling, hiking, and even kayaking are always popular.
Those traveling through the South Central United States would certainly be remiss in passing by the great State of Oklahoma. A land rich in historic allure and charming small-town character, the “Sooner State” invites all ages with its hot sun and stunning natural vistas. Indeed, whether it is a trip through the Panhandle Region or through the southern border with Texas, the wonderful smaller communities of Oklahoma are great examples of the quintessential essence of Americana. From Perry to Guymon, these towns may be lesser known than their big city counterparts, yet they remain every bit as fascinating. So come and explore Oklahoma through a visit to these “undisturbed” towns and discover firsthand what makes the State such a unique place in the nation.
