9 Little-Known Towns In Oklahoma

Spanning about 68,000 square miles—about twice the size of Portugal—Oklahoma offers plenty to discover. With so many towns scattered across the state, many tend to fly under the radar. From towering waterfalls to the ruins of castles and forts, some of Oklahoma’s best-kept secrets are hidden in its quietest, little-known communities. Discover the secrets waiting to be explored in these nine lesser-known towns, where surprises are around every corner.

Broken Bow

With a population of just over 4,000 residents, Broken Bow, located in southeastern Oklahoma, often gets passed up for larger settlements. However, it is bursting with natural parks and outdoor recreational activities. Travelers can visit Beavers Bend State Park to hike on the David Boren Hiking Trail, go fishing on the Lower Mountain Fork River, or boat on Broken Bow Lake. To learn about the area’s Choctaw heritage, take a tour of the Gardner Mansion and Museum, dating back to 1884. Want to unwind with a glass of wine? Travelers can head to one of Broken Bow’s wineries, such as Girls Gone Wine.

Pauls Valley

Pauls Valley, situated in south-central Oklahoma, is home to roughly 6,000 residents and has an abundance of museums and cultural sites to explore. To learn about Pauls Valley’s transportation and railroad history, travelers can visit the Santa Fe Depot Museum, housed in a restored depot from 1905. The Toy & Action Figure Museum is another interesting attraction that the entire family will enjoy, showcasing over 13,000 pop culture figures. Field’s Pies is a tasty and historic attraction, as a pie shop dating back to 1925 that serves beloved pecan, lemon chess, and German pies among other varieties.

Sulphur

Sulphur, with a population of nearly 5,000, is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area," perfect for exploring Native American culture and outdoor attractions. Visitors must stop by the Chickasaw Cultural Center, which has exhibits, a theater, and a research center dedicated to the history of the Chickasaw people. To appreciate local and Native American art, travelers can also stop by the ARTesian Gallery and Studios, showcasing a variety of artistic media. Looking for a hike? Spend the day at the renowned Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Oklahoma’s oldest national park, with over 400 campsites for an overnight stay.

Eufaula

Eufaula is a laid-back town with around 2,800 residents, located on Eufaula Lake, Oklahoma's largest lake. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, with guided charters like Hook’d Guide Service available for visitors. There are plenty of marinas and boat rental companies for those who would like to rent a paddle boat, houseboat, pontoon boat, or ski boat as well. For an unforgettable lodging experience, consider spending the night at Eufaula Treehouse Tree-sort, a rustic-style treehouse accommodation in the woods. The town also has several mouthwatering restaurants to choose from, including Hangin 8 BBQ and Mama Tig’s Wood-Fired Pizza.

Bartlesville

Bartlesville, with a population of around 38,000, is a great destination for experiencing Oklahoma’s fine arts and culture. Travelers can visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Price Tower and Price Tower Arts Center, which are considered both national historic landmarks and one of the greatest buildings of the 20th century, constructed in the 1950s. Up for a play or musical performance? The Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra, Broadway in Bartlesville, and Theater Bartlesville organizations frequently put on events. Enjoy live music, a beer, and a casual meal at Painted Horse Bar and Grille, a local and highly rated restaurant in town.

Davis

Davis, with a population of around 2,800, is best known for its nearby waterfalls. Turner Falls Park is home to the tallest waterfalls in the state, plunging 77 feet into a pristine swimming hole. Located in the Arbuckle Mountains, the park also has incredible mountain views and blooms with wildflowers in the spring. Within the park, travelers can also explore Collings Castle, an extensive stone structure that dates back to the 1930s. Visitors can further immerse themselves in Davis’s history by spending the night at Pecan Valley Inn Bed and Breakfast, housed in a Victorian home that was built in 1898.

Grove

Grove, a lakeside vacation town with a population of just over 7,000, often flies under the radar. Located along Grand Lake O' The Cherokees, travelers can spend a day out on the massive, 46,500-acre lake fishing or renting a boat from H2O Sports Rental. To wake up with a gorgeous lakeside view, consider staying at Lee's Grand Lake Resort, which features 25 quaint, air-conditioned cabins available for lodging. Aviation enthusiasts should visit the F-4 Phantom Grove Display in town, featuring one of the country’s most significant military aircraft, which served from Vietnam to Iraq.

Talihina

Talihina, a small town with fewer than 1,000 residents, sits along the Talimena National Scenic Byway, famous for its scenic views of the Ouachita Mountains and colorful fall foliage. Less than a ten-minute drive from town, visitors can explore Talimena State Park, which has abundant hiking and backpacking trails, RV sites, and picnic areas. Mixing nature with history, travelers can also hike along the Old Military Road Trail, a historic trail that was established in 1832. For delicious homestyle country food, grab a bite at Pam’s Hateful Hussy Diner, a southeastern Oklahoma culinary icon.

Fort Gibson

Fort Gibson was established in 1824, making it Oklahoma’s oldest frontier fort. Those who want to learn more about this history can visit the Fort Gibson Historic Site and Interpretative Center, which features 29 historic buildings and numerous archeological sites spread throughout 80 acres of land. To appreciate the surrounding area’s bottomland and upland tallgrass prairie habitats, travelers can spend an afternoon at the Fort Gibson Wildlife Management Area, which is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bobwhite quail, cottontail rabbits, and prairie chickens. To ring in the holiday season, consider visiting Fort Gibson in December, when the town has a variety of festive events, such as a Christmas Parade, Winter Traditions Living History Program, and Christmas Lights Tour.

Whether you are an Oklahoma native or visiting from another state, these nine towns are sure to delight you with their unique natural, historical, culinary, and artistic attractions. From train museums to extensive lakes, each destination offers a special experience. As you prepare for your trip, these towns are filled with surprises—who knows what hidden gems you will discover along the way?