8 Close-Knit Towns To Visit In Oklahoma
The singly landlocked state of Oklahoma, beautifully situated betwixt the Ozarks and the Great Plains close to the geographical center of the 48 conterminous US States, is celebrated for its phenomenal topographical heterogeneity. With craggy mountain ranges, semidry high plains, rolling hills, and umpteen unsullied waterbodies, Oklahoma is an Elysium for those who wish to rediscover the beauty of the outdoors. Although thickly populated urban centers such as the progressive thinking state capital city - Oklahoma City, the commercial hub - Tulsa, Norman - home to the state’s largest university, etc., serve as the Sooner State’s principal economic bases and top-rated tourist destinations, the innumerable small towns of the state are often cast aside by excursionists. These less-frequented, closely allied settlements authentically reflect the essence of the Sooner State and are worth exploring on your forthcoming leisure retreat to the Land of the Red Man.
Sulphur
Murray County’s seat, Sulphur is a pleasing town situated approx. 84 miles southeast of the state capital, at the juncture of State Highway 7 and U.S. Highway 177 in south-central Oklahoma. Antecedent to the town’s founding, the bordering vicinity has been far-famed for the sulfurous mineral springs, thus giving the settlement its name. The Artesian Hotel, Casino & Spa, Vendome Well - the biggest artesian spring in the state, Arbuckle Mountain Range, and the 184-acre museum campus of Chickasaw Cultural Center are some of Sulphur’s noticeable sites of interest aside from the proximal 9,899-acre Chickasaw National Recreation Area (including the precursory Arbuckle Recreation Area and Platt National Park) which draws the maximum number of tourists from all around the globe.
Medicine Park
Medicine Park, a commended ‘vintage cobblestone resort town’ sandwiched in between the cities of Fort Sill and Lawton, is located at the foot of the Wichita Mountains not far (away) from the access point of the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. Apart from being Oklahoma’s foremost resort town, Medicine Park is highly rated for its imposing mountain peaks and superb red granite cobblestone deposits that have been used for constructing most of the area’s original structures. Also, wander around the town’s Main Street - Cobblestone Row, chock full of souvenir shops, retail stores, and restaurants like The Old Plantation Restaurant, Joe Mountain Breakfast Bar, and Bootleggers Restaurant. The meandering Medicine Creek is annually stocked with rainbow trout, while two dams have been built on the creek to form the Bath Lake Swimming Hole, which provides swimming opportunities for vacationers. Moreover, trek the Medicine Park Black Trail Loop, partake in outdoor pursuits at Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge and Lake Lawtonka, watch performances at the Discovery Outpost Performing Arts Inc., and take pleasure in animal feeding shows at Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Home.
Broken Bow
A friendly McCurtain County community, Broken Bow is set at the Kiamichi Mountains’ foothills within southeastern Oklahoma’s Little Dixie Region. This 4,228-inhabitant town is one of the state’s premium getaway paradises, providing sojourners with a flawless blend of excitement and relaxation. Situated just 9 miles northeast of Broken Bow is the Broken Bow Lake - a 14,000-acre reservoir created by the Mountain Fork River’s impoundment. Residents, visitors from the neighboring states of Arkansas and Texas, and especially nature lovers, are enraptured by the unparalleled magnificence and aesthetical aspect of the lake’s 22-mile stretch reverse into the Ouachita Mountain Country. While in town, do pay a visit to the other attention-grabbing attractions such as the Beavers Bend Wildlife Museum, Beavers Bend State Park & Nature Center, Gardner Mansion & Museum, and Hochatown Petting Zoo.
Eufaula
The shiretown of east-central Oklahoma’s McIntosh County, Eufaula, is situated around 29.8 miles north of McAlester and 31.7 miles south of Muskogee. The town’s chief attraction is the Eufaula Lake - the state’s largest-capacity lake (having a surface area of 102,000 acres and a volume of 2,099,000 acre-feet) formed by the construction of the Eufaula Dam on the Canadian River. Annually, endless water-based activities are offered to thousands of tourists visiting the Lake Eufaula State Park area. Likewise, entertainment venues like Legacy On Main Street, trendy boutiques, unique shops, and eateries like La Finca Mexican Grill and Tavern No. 9 on Main Street cater to vacation goers visiting this lakeside community.
Perry
Labeled Perry after J. A. Perry - a Cherokee Strip Commission member, this Noble County seat in north-central Oklahoma is located roughly 100 miles south of Wichita, Kansas. History buffs are especially drawn to the National Register-listed Perry Courthouse Square Historic District which covers a substantial portion of the town and comprises countless historically valued buildings like the Noble County Courthouse, Wolleson-Nicewander Building, and First National Bank & Trust Company Building. Sightseers must also stop by Cherokee Strip Museum & Rose Hill School, and Perry Wrestling Monument Park, while outdoorsy types should head directly to the CCC Lake & Park and partake in myriad recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, RV camping, and skiing.
Guthrie
Guthrie, the Logan County administrative center, is set at the state’s heart in the Frontier Country region, around 32 miles north of Oklahoma City. Baptized in honor of the Jurist John Guthrie, the town is noted for its massive Victorian architecture collection. Encompassing the town's commercial core, the Guthrie Historic District, designated a National Historic Landmark, comprises thousands of buildings in various architectural styles. The Oklahoma Territorial Museum & Carnegie Library, Frontier Drugstore Museum, Guthrie Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, Oklahoma Territorial Capital Sports Museum, and Pollard Theatre are some must-visit attractions. While visiting this erstwhile capital of Oklahoma Territory, take a trolley tour through the downtown and take note of the numerous Victorian-era buildings, one-of-a-kind stores, art galleries like Gallery Grazioso and Aunt Gertrude’s House, and dozens of top-class restaurants like Gages Steak House, Stables Café, and Boomerang Diner - Guthrie. Additionally, spare time to be present at annual celebrations like the Guthrie Jazz Banjo Festival, Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival, and the Eighty-Niner Day Celebration Parade.
Pauls Valley
Garvin County’s seat of government, Pauls Valley, initially settled by the North Carolinian native Smith Paul, occupies the nucleus of south-central Oklahoma’s Washita River agricultural complex, precisely 57 miles south of the state capital. With farming and oil production being the town’s principal economic determinants, the community allures tourists to stroll the downtown’s brick streets lined with timeless structures, small retail shops, quaint accommodations like Days Inn by Wyndham Pauls Valley, and eateries like Mimi’s Restaurant serving delectable cuisines. Do not miss the pioneer artifacts and antique collections displayed at the Santa Fe Depot Museum, the Toy & Action Figure Museum’s noteworthy exhibits, and the Pauls Valley City Lake, located around 3 miles northeast, where multiple activities such as fishing, swimming, camping, hunting, and jet skiing are offered.
Arcadia
Set up shortly after the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush, this once-booming agricultural community in Oklahoma County is located in the vicinity of the Deep Fork River, approx. 17 miles northeast of Oklahoma City. Christened after a namesake Greek town, this only 169-inhabitant town is well-known for its archetypal Round Barn on the U.S. Route 66 constructed in 1898 by William Harrison Odor - a native farmer. Every year, tourists come to Arcadia in large numbers to commend the sophisticated structural and engineering details of the country’s solitary bona fide round barn. Other than the Round Barn, stop by the town’s other amazing sites of interest, like the Pops Restaurant, OK County 66 - John’s Place, and the Old Route 66 Filling Station.
From the well-kept Victorian architecture filled downtown of Guthrie to Medicine Park’s cobblestone structures, each teeny community in the nation’s 28th most populous and 20th most extensive state rewards every visitor with unforgettable experiences. Replete with peerless natural sceneries, vibrant cultures, rich Native American heritage, a wide variety of open-air activities, and a strong shared camaraderie, these Oklahoma towns are ideal for both romantic getaways and quest-based vacations.
