8 Best Small Towns in Oklahoma to Visit in 2024
Oklahoma is a wonderful state in the southcentral region of the United States. Its small towns offer travelers a chance to experience the best of the state, from historic landmarks to vibrant local scenes. Whether this is Pauls Valley's Stark Art Studio and Gallery with its creativity or the Christmas Carol celebration in Guthrie, there is something for everyone in these towns. Thus, tourists will have no problem finding lots to see and do while enjoying an unforgettable Oklahoma vacation in 2024.
Pauls Valley
Pauls Valley is a lovely and scenic town with many popular locales and landmarks worth checking out. The Toy & Action Figure Museum is an underrated stop with cool toy collections, interactive action figure exhibits, and artist panels that may attract many outsiders. Similarly, at the Santa Fe Depot, museum visitors can check out academic memorabilia and vintage steam locomotives that are relevant to the old pioneering days. For a different take on local culture, one can visit Stark Art Studio and Gallery. This downtown art studio showcases portraits and wild artworks, and it even has a few movie night events during August 2024.
On the other hand, Pauls Valley Waterpark is a frequented place for tourists who love outdoor thrills and is one of the best kid-friendly water slide locales for summer travelers. Or, keep the entertainment going at Jet Stream Casino, which offers exciting electronic amusement and the most amazing sandwiches in town. No matter how you spend your day, Happy Days Diner has satisfying egg omelets and nacho meals to please hungry stomachs.
Bartlesville
Bartlesville, often remembered as the "City of Legends" or "B-ville," is a satisfying small town with many fun stopping points. The Frank Phillips Home is a typical stop for history enthusiasts, with its Neo-Classical architecture and family foundations paying tribute to an oilman from the past. Nearby, the 19-story Price Tower Arts Center is a design landmark with the best tours of architectural wonders from past and present eras; it will also be hosting several events during September and October 2024, including watercolor painting workshops.
Nature and history lovers alike may enjoy Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve. This hidden gem boasts 3,700 acres of pure wildlife sightseeing, friendly group tours of Frank Phillips's private trinkets, and family-oriented ranch adventures within Osage Hills. End the day with memorable cocktail conversations and the most alluring frozen drinks and milkshakes at Crossing 2nd in town.
Guthrie
Many towns in Oklahoma are not strangers to vivid landmarks and locales, and this one is definitely on that list. Guthrie offers the best historical experiences, palpable through the prominent Victorian architecture riddled throughout. Hidden behind the rustic architecture lie places like the Oklahoma Sports Museum, a landmark dedicated to famous players and locals who appreciate sports heritage. The Oklahoma Frontier Drug Store Museum also offers historical perspectives with its late 18th-century upbringing and artifacts belonging to the early pharmaceutical days. It even has a cozy Apothecary Garden for nature enthusiasts.
At the Pollard Theatre, entertainment fans can check out historic live performances and small-town vibrance; it also has some upcoming events for August 2024 and beyond, such as "Pink Floyd" tributes, comedy illusion nights, and "Christmas Carol" tales. Tourists at WanderFolk Spirits will be greeted by locals who love vodka recipes and distillery traditions, making it a great stop for finding the best craft spirits. Similarly, hungry travelers can enjoy rustic comfort and French toast at Katie's Diner or Roma's Italian Restaurant for pizza cravings and delicious tiramisu.
Grove
An Oklahoman town often overlooked by many, Grove has some of the best outdoor motivators. Most people head straight to the Lendonwood Garden, a pivotal stop for anyone who wants to admire or appreciate the simplicity of three-acre gardens, which have lovely American and Japanese botanical styles. Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park is another option for nature lovers who want to capitalize on scenic getaways and quaint history with its cabin campgrounds and the best lakeside swimming holes. Speaking of lakeside, charming fishing tours can be had with the help of Davis Guide Service, where travelers can experience top-notch itineraries with bass fishing and Grand Lake of the Cherokees sightseeing.
Back in town, one can enjoy fresh activities that showcase history and culture. History fans adore the town's first known cabin settlements through Har-Ber Village Museum's rich tours of shoreline Cherokee history and antiques from the mid-1800s to 1900s. Those who want to take a piece of local history home can visit Copeland Switch Antique Shop, loaded with interesting relics and trinkets.
Claremore
Known as the hometown of famous vaudeville performer Will Rogers, Claremore can bring out the best of any historical or natural itinerary. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum is a wonderful stop for witnessing the "Cowboy Philosopher" and his related treasures and writings that were once part of his life. The J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum is another historical feature in town with the largest firearms collection on private displays that trace back as far as World War I and other timelines. Yet another landmark worth pursuing is the Claremore Museum of History, where tourists can check out downtown artifacts and 1950s contributions from celebrity musicians and astronauts; it is also hosting events in 2024 like the annual "HaHaHalloween Party" in October and "Reindeer Games" in November.
Travelers looking for natural exposure and hiker-friendly routes can jog around Claremore Lake, which has laidback picnic areas near fishing docks and birdwatching zones. Or, spend some time at The Nut House for fresh pecans, fudge recipes, and unique sandwiches along the historic Route 66.
Broken Bow
Broken Bow, once known as “Con-Chito” to the Choctaw natives, is a southeastern surprise for outsiders. Beavers Bend State Park and Nature Center is a primary motivator for tourists who like beautiful hiking trails and is the best option for seeing black bears, woodpeckers, bald eagles, and other species. At Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides, tourists can enjoy a locomotive or horseback trip full of scenic terrains and lush forestry. To experience the outdoors indoors, Beavers Bend Wildlife Museum is quite captivating, with fascinating wildlife dioramas and interactive exhibits related to animal habitats and local logging history.
Back on paved streets, Broken Bow is a bustling hub of shopping, food, and entertainment. For example, FishTales Winery & Bistro offers a unique and inviting atmosphere full of grape vineyards and the best Greek salads. At Abendigo's Grill & Patio, comforting cocktails and amazing steak meals are worth the return trip; it even has some musical guest events for newcomers in mid and late-August 2024. Last but not least, Janet's Treasure Chest is an antique shopper's favorite part of town with its crafty gifts and custom handmade trinkets, ideal for a memorable souvenir.
Tahlequah
Tahlequah is both the Cherokee Nation capital and the best destination for any traveler who loves history knowledge. Some top spots in town are the Cherokee National History Museum and the Cherokee National Prison Museum. From tours of native heritage exhibits to a replica 19th-century jail, these sites are a blast to Okalhoma’s past. Similarly, one can visit the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum for judicial staterooms and the best tours of the first newspaper publications in town.
For a different experience in Tahlequah, Riverbend Floats is an outfitter worth the visit. This business offers river float expeditions and fun itinerary options to let travelers experience the best parts of the Illinois River and Oklahoman wilderness. Meanwhile, the Spider Gallery is the best place in town to find exquisite art pieces and awe-inspiring pottery creations from local artists. The gallery is also set to host a "Holiday Art Show" between late August and early September 2024.
Bixby
Referred to as the "Garden Spot of Oklahoma," Bixby is a true sight to behold. It has some of the best landmarks and locales to consider, such as Washington Irving Memorial Park and Arboretum, a 32.5-acre wooded park with eye-catching memorials and butterfly habitats. Tourists can also enjoy Carmichael's Pumpkin Patch, which is famous for its vibrant pumpkin patches and scarecrow photography. The Bentley Park Sports Complex may appeal more to travelers with an eye for social events and competitions, especially considering its upcoming musical cookouts for the fall and winter seasons in 2024.
While nature may be the main draw, Bixby’s 29,000 residents create a palpable community vibe. To this end, businesses like the Escape Hatch shine, offering a fun experience with challenging mysteries and puzzle thrills. On the same note, one can visit Joe's Farm to pick organic fresh fruits while basking in the Arkansas River scenery.
Conclusion
These small towns in Oklahoma are noteworthy for their amazing locales and landmarks. With lots of exciting ways to enjoy the state's best towns and activities, nothing on this list would leave anyone unsure of where to go and what to do while exploring in 2024. Tourists who enjoy a mixture of commercial vibrance and natural or historical adventures will find plenty of memories and travel success within the "Sooner State."
