9 Oklahoma Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
Oklahoma has long been known as "the Sooner State," a nickname dating back to pioneer days when some settlers illegally staked land claims "sooner" than the federal government had mandated.
Fortunately, modern travelers like yourselves can explore Oklahoma in due time, especially when vacationing in a number of small Oklahoma towns with a slower pace of life.
This year, allow yourself to be captivated by the charm, history, and adventure waiting to be discovered in the many Oklahoma towns with a slower pace of life.
Fort Gibson
Established in the year 1824, the small town of Fort Gibson has remained one of Oklahoma’s oldest frontier forts. The Fort Gibson Historic Site specifically contains a reconstructed early log fort and stockade alongside the original military barracks and fortifications from the 1840s to the 1870s. At the Commissary Visitor Center on Garrison Hill, you can learn more about how Fort Gibson functioned during the American Civil War. Meanwhile, the Fort Gibson National Cemetery pays homage to the many soldiers and veterans who gave their lives to the defense and reformation of the US.
You can travel up the winding Arkansas River and reach scenic destinations like Fort Gibson Lake, Sequoyah State Park, and the Fort Gibson Wildlife Management Area Waterfowl Refuge Portion. As a nearby neighbor to Muskogee as separated by the Arkansas River, you can spend a comfortable and peaceful existence in the slow-paced town of Fort Gibson.
Perkins
On the north bank of the Cimarron River, the quaint and quiet town of Perkins will perk your interest with its simple and laidback atmosphere. Only about an hour away from Oklahoma City, the town of Perkins was originally called Cimarron after the river where it was situated.
Finally, it was named after Bishop Walden Perkins, a former US Representative and Senator from Kansas.
You will be smitten by some of Perkins’ parks and perks, among them the Oklahoma Territorial Plaza ,which promises a creative playground for kids and adults alike, as well as a number of local historic exhibitions. You can also look for more fun and excitement when winning big or losing all at the Cimarron Casino. In any case, you will have a jovial and tranquil time in the slow-paced town of Perkins.
Muskogee
Muskogee, situated about 49 miles from the huge city of Tulsa, is a peaceful getaway from the noise and hassle of everyday life. Originally a settlement where the Chickasaw, Muscogee, Seminole, Choctaw, and Cherokee tribes once thrived, Muskogee has since transformed into a modern and inspiring community on the Arkansas River that promotes a number of historic landmarks for your appraisal.
For example, you can explore the Muskogee War Memorial, where an American submarine known as the USS Batfish is on full display. Additionally, you can learn more about the Chickasaw, Muscogee, Seminole, Choctaw, and Cherokee Native Americans in Muskogee at the Five Tribes Museum.
Broken Bow
Broken Bow shines as a bountiful and arboreal paradise surrounded by the sylvan splendors of Oklahoma’s woodlands. It is from this humble town that one can observe black bears and bald eagles at the Beavers Bend State Park, a wilderness region of untamed and unparalleled beauty.
One panoramic destination worth seeing in Broken Bow is Broken Bow Lake, a body of water filled with many small islands, each with its own unique ecosystems and attractions.
Medicine Park
Vacation is the best medicine for relieving weariness. Fortunately for many vacationers, the best vacation destination in Oklahoma is the soothing small town of Medicine Park. Being the first resort town in Oklahoma, visitors will be delighted by the many splendid attractions and resorts worth staying in Medicine Park. Even notable historic figures like President Theodore Roosevelt, Al Capone, Jack Abernathy, and Bonnie and Clyde have resided a few times in their lifetimes at Medicine Park for various reasons.
Furthermore, many visitors will enjoy climbing both the Wichita Mountains and Bison Mountain to get a grand view of the land. If you wish, you can go traipsing through the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge, the Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (LETRA), or the unique historic landmark of the Blockhouse Signal Mountain. In any case, you ought to spend your peaceful and dreamy evenings at either the Tosan’s Cottage, Wichita Mod Lodge or Spring House in your healing vacation in Medicine Park.
Guthrie
According to the community's Chamber of Commerce, the small town of Guthrie is home to a large historic district, covering over 1,400 acres and including 2,000 buildings.
One can learn more about Guthrie’s history and contributions to Oklahoma at the Oklahoma Territorial Museum & Carnegie Library. Likewise, you can be better informed of the many haunted houses within Guthrie’s Historic District during the Guthrie Ghost Walk. You can enjoy paintball fights and other exhilarating sports at the Avid Extreme Sports Park if you prefer activities and recreation. Finally, if you intend to stay a long while in Guthrie, you can spend your quiet and peaceful evenings at the Arcadian Getaways or Cottages at Willow Pond.
Pawhuska
Pawhuska culture is a melting pot of descendants of immigrants from Europe and the Native American communities who have known Oklahoma as a wonderful home for thousands of years. As the tribal capital of the Osage Nation, its name originates from Paw-Hiu-Skah, meaning "White Hair”.
Pawhuska was the site for the infamous Osage Murders, which led the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to conduct one of its first investigations in history. Travelers can delve more into the history of the Osage people and the Osage Murders at the Osage Nation Historical Museum. A new film, "Killers of the Flower Moon," documents how outsiders conspired to steal oil wealth from members of the Osage nation.
Over the years, Pawhuska has drawn countless visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, including the rolling prairies of Osage Hills State Park and the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. You can also take photographs of watery wonders like the Bluestem Lake and Bluestem Falls. Furthermore, you can stand upon the historic Swinging Bridge that hovers over Bird Creek and has been around since 1926. After a day of exploring, visitors can enjoy a cozy stay at welcoming accommodations such as Hotel Whiting, the Frontier Hotel, or The Mabelle.
Eufaula
The slow-paced town of Eufaula is contiguous with Lake Eufaula and the Canadian River, The Lake Eufaula State Park you can journey across exquisite natural sceneries that thrive tangent to both the Canadian River and Lake Eufaula.
One of Eufaula’s exquisite annual events is Barktoberfest, a pet-friendly twist on Oktoberfest. Additionally, there is the Whole Hawg Days, typically held on the last weekend of July, which features a car show, a barbecue cook-off, and other fun activities in Eufaula’s lively streets. You can find even more excitement from the Creek Nation Casino Eufaula. Those who want to learn more about the town and the surrounding area can do so at the Eufaula Area Museum. Finally, those desiring to spend their vacation in this lackadaisical town can do so by booking a room at places like Eufaula Inn.
Tahlequah
Tahlequah is the capital of the Cherokee Nation post-displacement. It gets its name from the Cherokee phrase “Ta’ligwu.” Meaning “just two” or “two is enough,” the name originated when two Cherokee elders arrived at a meeting along the Trail of Tears. Since only they were present, it was decided among their cohorts that “two is enough.”
Both the Cherokee Heritage Center and the Cherokee National Prison Museum, the latter originally a prison, now serve as historical sites that preserve the story of the town’s name and other significant events in the Illinois River Valley and the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.
Oklahoma's name originates from the Choctaw words “okla” and “humma,” meaning “red people.” But it can also be translated to mean "the people who do not retreat," signifying the bravery and honor of America's persecuted tribes.
