8 Of The Most Charming Small Towns To Visit In Oklahoma

If coming from many other states in the Union, Oklahoma will seem like a breath of fresh air. The people; how they care about one another. The scenery: one can sit in a prairie, perhaps by a clear stream or a glittering lake, and just marvel at nature's raw and pristine beauty. Then, there are the mom-and-pop shops and the farm-to-table restaurants, some of which boast a menu that offers a delightful range of cuisine, from Mexican to Korean to standard Southern fare. That is without mentioning the peace, the elbow room, and relative affordability. From Medicine Park to Guthrie, discover the eight most charming small towns in Oklahoma to visit.

Medicine Park

Welcome to the first resort town in Oklahoma. Medicine Park serves as the gateway to the Wichitas and, hence, boasts heart-melting mountain vistas. A first-time visitor will enjoy strolling the town’s cobblestoned streets and sampling its array of classy restaurants. The Old Plantation, for example, will not only transport you back in time (It was built in 1910) but is also the go-to venue for some crispy fried catfish. Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center is one of the town’s defining attractions. It features a great selection of native Oklahoma wildlife and a six-acre botanical garden. Plus, Bath Lake Medicine Park is an awesome spot for swimming, fishing, or just relaxing and enjoying some sumptuous views.

Tecumseh

Tecumseh sits at the intersection of U.S. Highways 177 and 270 and State Highway 9 — about 41 miles from Oklahoma City. This town was named after a famous Shawnee chief who resisted the expansion of the United States onto Native American lands and died leading a broad Native contingent against American forces in the War of 1812. While it boasts several attractions, the Farmer's Daughter Market often serves as the first port of call. A meal here, whether house-smoked barbecue or brisket lasagna, best enjoyed on the outside patio, comes with flavors that will tantalize and awaken every taste bud. Tecumseh Lake and the park that encircles it provide a world of outdoor fun and adventure. The Tecumseh Area Historical Museum, open only on Saturdays, is a fun spot to learn about the town’s rich history as well as one of the most intriguing Native American chiefs.

Tahlequah

While it is every bit charming and will blow a first-time visitor away, Tahlequah is the capital of the Cherokee Nation — and for this alone — it deserves a once-in-a-lifetime visit. For this, the go-to spot is the Cherokee National History Museum, which is located in the more than 150-year-old Cherokee National Capitol building. The Trail of Tears gallery, for instance, is quite an emotional experience and makes visitors appreciate the travels and pains of the Cherokee Natives. Not far from here, the Cherokee National Prison Museum, which held the most hardened criminals in Indian Territory, is an immersion into the Cherokee nation’s sense of justice. The property’s replicated gallows are usually a sight to behold.

In a similar vein, Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum is worth every minute. And just so you know, Tahlequah is home to the oldest main street in Oklahoma. Still, that is without mentioning the mind-bending scenery that envelops the Illinois River.

Sulphur

Sulphur first appeared on the nation’s vacation map because of the presence of numerous bubbling springs, whose waters Natives believed possessed healing properties. While people no longer travel here to drink mineral water for medical reasons, Sulphur is still one of the most charming small towns in Oklahoma. Water appears — in almost all its forms — whether as lakes, rivers, or springs at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, once referred to by the Natives as "the peaceful valley of rippling waters." An easy stroll from here, the 184-acre Chickasaw Cultural Center provides a glimpse into the culture and history of the Chickasaw people. If seeking a paved place to hike amid beautiful wildflowers, the scenic and peaceful Veteran's Lake checks every box. And if craving some hot hamburger plate, Boomarang Diner is right in town and should be on every itinerary.

Guthrie

Guthrie was once the state capital of Oklahoma and remains one of its most charming towns. Tales of how the state seal was allegedly stolen in the dead of night from Guthrie to Oklahoma City still make for an engrossing read — even if the facts have been colored and washed with time. The town’s architectural landscape is a mix of Victorian-era style and a dash of contemporary touches. Several spots provide top-notch antique shopping, including the two-story Magnolia Antique Mall, which is filled with thousands of unique finds.

Also, the Guthrie Historic District, because it spans more than 1,400 acres, is the largest contiguous Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places. Other not-to-miss attractions include the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library — as well as the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum. The latter is adjoined by an apothecary garden where one can sit and relax.

Eufaula

First-time visitors will first need to grab a table at E's Hideaway Restaurant, whose delicious meals are borderline divine. Eufaula is nestled in east-central Oklahoma, close to where the Canadian and North Canadian rivers meet. That setting is a tell-tale of the town’s outdoor promise. Lake Eufaula, which spans more than 100,000 acres, is one of the world's largest man-made lakes. It provides outdoor fun and adventure, including boating, fishing, and swimming. One can also enjoy camping here amid the scintillating glow of the midnight moon. Its neighbor and sister — Arrowhead State Park — is just as nice and fun-packed. On a good day, one can catch a terrific show at the Legacy On Main Street, the town’s premiere event center. And do not come back without checking out Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, especially if tagging kids along.

Dewey

Dewey was founded at the turn of the 20th century and named for Spanish-American War hero Adm. George Dewey. The Dewey Hotel and Museum, an elegant three-story Victorian-style building that served as the home of the town’s founder, is ostensibly a haunted place. But even if not interested in haunted places, this hotel feels like a step back in time and is well-preserved. Thomas Edwin, also known as Tom Mix, was arguably the most popular of the early movie cowboys. He married a Dewey daughter and resided in the town for a while. Tom Mix Museum tells his story and provides a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most colorful figures. Finally, Dewey is known to score big on antiques. If you doubt this, wend your way to the aptly named Linger Longer and spend a few hours browsing its unique selection.

Pauls Valley

It is not just the Action Figure Museum — although that alone would earn Pauls Valley a spot on any list. The Action Figure Museum is arguably the only one of its kind in the world devoted to the art and collection of action figures. Pauls Valley City Lake, which is just 3 miles from downtown Pauls Valley, is an awesome venue for camping, fishing, and swimming. Plus, do not let the size of Santa Fe Depot Museum fool you. This place is packed with authentic items from each era in the town’s history and can effortlessly steal a couple of hours. Finally, to grab a quick but delicious bite, whether a hamburger steak or bacon cheeseburger, Happy Days Diner should be the default venue.

The Takeaway

While big cities boast unmatched cultural attractions and — most of the time — more diversity, nothing compares to the charm and authenticity of quaint, small towns. Plus, these little towns score big on space and elbow room. Fellow vacationers will not be stepping on your toes (literally) or breathing down your neck. Fortunately, Oklahoma is star-studded with many charming small towns, many of which are ideal for winding down and stepping back in time. These include Medicine Park, Guthrie, and Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation