8 Old-World Towns to Visit in Oklahoma

Small historic towns are the foundation of Oklahoma's landscape, speaking volumes to the state's varied past through building facades that remain preserved. Towns like Guthrie, Chandler, and Pawhuska reflect parts of this state's heritage, from the Victorian buildings and oil boom history to Native American culture and pioneer tales. Each town has its special sights that include independent theaters, museums, and even historic hotels, all with that real old-world feel. To those coming to uncover the story of Oklahoma, find eight small towns full of character and charm, offering history in the form of a vibrant, welcoming community.

Guthrie

Guthrie was Oklahoma's first capital and is something of a time capsule of Victorian architecture and historic landmarks. The neoclassical wonder that is the Scottish Rite Temple is open for guided tours to show its secrets of Masonic history. Downtown, the 1901 Pollard Theatre still shows live performances. Stop into a few shops, starting with Rick's Fine Chocolates and Coffees for a sweet treat against a quaint, historic backdrop, while Hoboken Coffee Roasters serves up artisanal coffee with the backdrop of a cozy, rustic room. The Oklahoma Territorial Museum houses several artifacts from Oklahoma's early days. End your trip at the Stone Lion Inn, a mansion built in 1907 that now serves as a B&B.

Pawhuska

Pawhuska combines Native American heritage with small-town charm. The Osage Nation Museum tells the history and stories of the Osage, the oldest tribally-owned museum in the US. The historic Constantine Theater, built in 1914, is still used for community events and performances. The Pioneer Woman Mercantile is a general store restored into a restaurant and bakery by Ree Drummond; it's another attraction in Pawhuska where you can get local products and a meal. The Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum dedicates itself to the memory of a local rodeo legend and offers a glimpse into the world of cowboy culture. Just outside of town, the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is a natural expanse you should visit.

Chandler

Chandler is another major stop along Route 66, full of historic character. Exhibits at the Route 66 Interpretive Center will take you back in time to show just how this historic highway influenced American life. The Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History houses Native American and settler history artifacts. Visitors can find intriguing artifacts at Past Hits on Rt. 66 Antiques & Thrift while Tilghman Park, named after a local sheriff, allows a peek at how community life used to be in town. Additionally, the historical touchstone of the preserved Phillips 66 gas station from the 1930s offers another look at the now-bygone sights of Route 66 in Chandler.

Claremore

Local landmarks reflect Claremore's cowboy heritage and Native American origins. Will Rogers Memorial Museum is dedicated to Oklahoma's famous humorist with memorabilia related to his life and writings. On the outskirts of town, Belvidere Mansion invites a glimpse of Victorian mansion life, and today, it serves as a place where visitors can take self-guided tours or have lunch Monday through Saturday. The Nut House is a favorite for pecans and homemade treats. Boarding House Books is a quaint literary experience set amidst the heart of a historic building, while the JM Davis Arms and Historical Museum boasts an impressive collection of arms and artifacts, putting together fragments of Oklahoma's rugged past.

El Reno

This city greets any visitor with a peep into the Old West through its historic sites and preserved structures. The Fort Reno Historic Site protects 1800s military buildings and offers tours that outline the fort's role in frontier life. Take the Heritage Express Trolley for a one-of-a-kind view of El Reno's historic streets, and step off at Sid's Diner, which serves tasty American staples in an old-fashioned diner setup. The Canadian County Historical Museum, in a restored railway depot, displays artifacts of early local life. To wind down, visitors can take a trip to Touch of Grace Spa, which is in the heart of downtown surrounded by historic buildings.

Medicine Park

Originally established as a resort town early in the 20th century, Medicine Park still attracts visitors to its cobblestone streets and beauty spots. Bath Lake Park hosts the town's popular swimming hole, formed in the 1920s. Today, the area serves as a quiet retreat and as a reminder of the historic spa-town era. The Old Plantation restaurant serves meat-laden dishes against a lodge backdrop, while the Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center showcases local wildlife. To outdoor enthusiasts, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge has nearby hiking trails that offer stunning views of Medicine Park's landscape.

Sulphur

Sulphur's mineral springs are preserved within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, where natural pools and scenic trails still attract visitors. In addition, the Chickasaw Cultural Center, featuring exhibits on Native American culture, further makes Sulphur truly interesting to historians. The Artesian Hotel, originally built in 1906 and rebuilt to reflect its historic charm, presents luxury with a nod to Sulphur's past as a spa town. Also in town, the Rusty Nail Winery serves wines in their natural environment. Additionally, Vendome Well & Flower Park is an artesian spring that has been a popular choice for over a century.

Broken Bow

Broken Bow combines breathtaking scenery with historic background into its narrative, complete with local attractions and mysteries. The Jefferson Gardner Mansion & Museum once served as the home of Choctaw Chief Jefferson Gardner and has much to say about the Native American and pioneer history of this area. Beavers Bend State Park has an almost surreal feel, with its 1930s-era cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Nearby, Janet's Treasure Chest is filled to the brim with antiquity and local crafts. At Mountain Fork Brewery, the craft beers await your sipper in a rustic historic building. The Hochatown Petting Zoo is another family-friendly site and a nod to old-world charm for this town, only a short drive away.

Oklahoma's historic towns give meaning to the core of the state's cultural past. From Guthrie's Victorian District to Broken Bow's Native American landmarks and natural wonders, each community provides an authentic glimpse into local heritage. By visiting museums, vintage shops, and historic theatres, find stories and local traditions that have shaped these communities. The old-world towns invite the curious about Oklahoma's roots to take a journey through time and place where history comes alive.