8 Underrated Small Towns to Explore in Oklahoma
With its rich history, rolling hills, and sweeping plains, Oklahoma is best known for its extensive rural expanses and beautiful, large cities. However, amidst the better-known spots are small towns that offer a true glimpse into the heart and soul of the state. These timeless small towns are charming and inviting filled with natural beauty, history, and vibrant local culture. Let’s explore eight of Oklahoma’s most underrated small towns that offer a quiet retreat for all those seeking and are a must for the seasoned traveler.
Guthrie
Guthrie is Oklahoma’s territorial capital, and its downtown is the nation’s largest Historic Preservation District. Visitors can enjoy a walking tour of Gurthie’s downtown to learn about its history, view its Victorian-style architecture, and even take a Guthrie Ghost Walk to learn about the local hauntings. Nature lovers should head to Bamboo Satori - a hidden bamboo garden with over 35 varieties of bamboo. Guthrie is home to two lakes - Guthrie Lake and Liberty Lake. Guthrie Lake is the ideal spot for fishing and boating, while Liberty Lake features 20 campsites, a playground, outdoor grills, and a picnic area.
Medicine Park
Medicine Park was founded as an Oklahoma resort town in 1908. The town was named after the nearby Medicine Creek. Located downtown, Bath Lake is one of Medicine Park’s hidden gems. During summer, it is a great swimming spot, and during winter, it is an excellent fishing spot for trout. Another great natural wonder nearby is the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. It covers 59,000 acres of prairie land and is home to hundreds of animal species, including American bison, white-tailed deer, Rocky Mountain elk, Texas longhorn cattle, and prairie dogs. Apart from wildlife viewing, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and hunting at the park.
Broken Bow
Broken Bow abounds in nature. It is the home of the Beavers Bend State Park, where visitors can fish at Lower Mountain Fork River, go horseback riding along the David Boren Hiking Trail, and go boating on Broken Bow Lake. The state park also has a lodge, The Lakeview Lodge, where visitors can rent a room or camp at the Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area. Other attractions include Beavers Bend Safari Park. It is a drive-through park with zebras, ostrich, bison, kangaroos, rhinos, and more. To enjoy Broken Bend from a different vantage point, visitors can book with Broken Bow Balloon Rides and enjoy a 1.5-hour hot air balloon tour over the town.
Pawhuska
Nestled in Osage County, 86 of the 98 buildings in downtown Pawhuska are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town was founded in 1872 and named after Chief Paw-Hiu-Skah of the indigenous Osage Nation. Pawhuska is close to the largest tallgrass prairies in North America - the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. The prairie covers 40,000 acres and is home to an array of plant and animal life, including bison. There is a self-guided trail and picnic area. Also located in Pawhuska is the Osage Hills State Park, which has an expansive trail system. Trails such as Creek Loop, Lake, and Overlook Trail offer hiking and biking opportunities for beginners and experienced alike.
Sulphur
Sulphur, also known as “The land of the rippling waters” by Native Americans, is the gateway to Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The recreation area is dotted with freshwater and mineral springs and offers visitors many enjoyable activities, such as camping. For water sports and fishing, tourists can head to the Lake of the Arbuckles, which covers 36 miles. White bass, largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish can be found in the lake. There is also a campground and picnic area. For horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking, the Rock Creek Multi-Use Trails are perfect. This expanse of unpaved trails consists of four routes of varying difficulty and lengths.
Claremore
Located in the Cherokee Nation, Claremore has many Cherokee citizens but also has ties with the Osage tribe. The town was founded in 1893 and was named after an Osage chief, Clermont, but a spelling error led to its current name - Claremore. There are many fun things for visitors to do in town. Golf lovers will enjoy the 18-hole course at Re-Tire Disc Golf Course, which offers free admission. To learn about the town’s history, visitors can stop at the Claremore Museum of History, which exhibits historic artifacts and shares information on some of the town’s premier people. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a day at The Rogers State University Conservation Education Reserve. The reserve stretches across 120 acres and has free admission, a fishing pond, herb and butterfly gardens, wildlife viewing areas, and a greenhouse.
Eufaula
Eufaula is a small town with plenty of shopping, recreation, and lodging. It is home to Oklahoma’s largest lake - Lake Eufaula. The lake stretches across 105,500 acres and has 800 miles of shoreline. Visitors can rent pontoon boats, paddle boats, and ski boats or bring their own. There are several boat ramps for easy access, and activities such as fishing, waterboarding, skiing, and tubing are common. For a shopping spot, visitors can stop at Nicole's Unique Gifts & Meme's Place for handbags, jewelry, skincare, and more. The Eufaula Area Museum is another famous attraction and showcases art, memorabilia, and artifacts from in and around Eufaula.
El Reno
Famous for its onion burgers and its annual El Reno Fried Onion Burger Day Festival, there is plenty to see and do in this small town. Visitors should begin their journey with a stop at the El Reno Heritage Mural located downtown. It is a 108-foot mural painted by Charlie Beecham in 1980 that depicts the town's heritage. Beecham has been restoring the mural every so often to maintain its beauty. A tour on the Heritage Express Trolley is a must while in town. It is a 1924 restored street car with 48 seats that takes visitors on a tour of downtown. For outdoor fun, tourists can stop at Legion Park, which features a swimming pool, playgrounds, four tennis courts, a walking trail, and a public splash pad.
As you make your way through these lesser-known small towns in Oklahoma, you will come to appreciate the state’s true charm and character. Each town listed above is a blend of historic significance, natural beauty, and booming local culture that promises a memorable and enriching experience. From the lakeside calm of Eufaula to the Victorian feel of Guthrie, these small towns invite visitors to slow down, connect, and explore Oklahoma’s authentic spirit. So, when planning your next trip to Oklahoma, consider exploring these eight underrated small towns.
