Most Underrated Towns in Oklahoma

Besides being famous for its Native American heritage and thrilling cowboy culture, Oklahoma is endowed with picturesque landscapes and terrain ranging from billowing hills to high plains with flat grasslands. It is no wonder that the beautiful state is known for its inherent natural beauty, with some places less explored than others. Alongside the more prominent cities like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Lawton, and Broken Arrow there are many more equally scenic and historically significant underrated towns that you must visit and explore. 

Perry

Being also the county seat of Noble County, Perry is known as a shipping center for agricultural produce. The town also has many manufacturing plants. The famous Ditch Witch construction equipment belongs here, a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of underground construction equipment. Originally, this town was named after a train station called Wharton, but after the Cherokee Outlet Opened in 1893, it was named Perry after J.A. Perry, who was sent by the government to set up land office towns.

From museums to shopping, sightseeing and important landmarks, Perry’s iconic places include Cherokee Strip Museum where you can learn more about the history of Perry, Perry Wrestling Monument Park for lovers of the wrestling sport, Lake Perry for some relaxing scenery, Bricktown Water Taxi for some amusing boat and trolley tours, and some fun Valhalla Axe Throwing for the Viking buffs.

Chandler

Lincoln County's seat Chandler was dubbed as the “Pecan Capital of the World” in 1949, since the town produced and processed huge amounts of locally grown nuts. Later, in 1958, the town became popular for housing America’s largest baseball camp for boys called the Chandler Baseball Camp. 

While in Chandler visit museums like the Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum, Route 66 Interpretive Center, and the Lincoln County Historical Society & Museum of Pioneer History. Explore landmarks like the McJerry 66 Gallerie, and Phillips 66 Filling Station, or indulge in specialty shopping at GypsyCorner and golfing at Chandler Golf Course. In addition to outdoors, museums, shopping, landmarks, and sightseeing, you can have some fun gaming at the Ioway Casino.

Weatherford

Based in Custer County, this town saw its first settlers around 1892. It was called Weatherford Settlement, named after one of its early settlers and the deputy U.S. Marshal, William J. Weatherford. There is a suburban feel to this town, with its small-town charm and the comforts of a larger city.

A special landmark for budding astronauts is the Stafford Air & Space Museum, which is located here. With artifacts from mankind's first flights, to the manned spaceflight programs of the "Space Race" between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, to the future of aerospace, the Museum has something for everyone. The Heartland of America Museum has a collection of local and regional items that narrate nostalgic stories of life in the early days of the state. Other landmarks to visit are Wind Energy Park to learn more about wind turbine blades, Centennial Park for some great relaxing time, Uptown Marketplace for some nice shopping, and Route 66 Antiques for gifts and pretty antiques.

Pauls Valley

Serving also as the county seat, this town belongs to Garvin County. This bustling, magnificent town has a history that is different from every other. From its earliest days, a lot of the town’s economy was based on agriculture. Cattle production is huge in this town, with also the successful cultivation of crops like wheat, corn, cotton, and hay. The town was founded in the early 19th century by Pioneer Smith Paul. 

 In Pauls Valley, your can patronize Pauls Valley Waterpark for some fun and exciting water activities like water slides, a diving pool, a splash area for kids, and more. If it is not quite the perfect weather for water sports, consider exploring the Toy and Action Figure Museum, which is a fantastic spot for kids to enjoy. History enthusiasts can go to the historical museum Santa Fe Depot and dog lovers will not be disappointed at Paws Valley Dog Park.

Sulphur

This Murray County town also serves as a county seat. It accommodates the Chickasaw Cultural Center, a museum that is symbolic of the rich history of the Chickasaw Nation. The town was founded late in the 19th century, but even before its foundation, the area around this town was reputed for mineral springs. Predictability the town got its name due to the presence of sulfur in the water. 

Top places in Sulphur include the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, where you can unite with nature and enjoy some wildlife with wonderful views, Buffalo Pasture Loop for nature trails with spectacular views, Little Niagara Falls nestled within the older Platt National Park for some old feel nature walks, Veteran's Lake to enjoy the water by the lake, and Oka' Chokmasi to hang out and relax while you also get to appreciate some fine artwork across the park. If possible, consider partaking in the fall festival hosted at the Chickasaw Cultural Center for some valuable insight into history and culture. You get the chance to experience all of it through sampling traditional foods, stomp dances, exploring gardens and a village, playing stickball, and walking through gardens, a delightful experience overall!

Ponca 

A town named after its tribe, Ponca, is situated in Kay County. The Poncan tribe loved horticulture and seasonal hunting, which naturally implies that the town has beautiful ornamental flowers and gardens as well as a lush green landscape. The most prominent feature of the town today is the "Pioneer Woman statue" built in honor of women pioneers found at the site of the "Pioneer Woman Museum", a place you must visit to admire some exquisite monuments and statues.

The town has a number of exciting things to do, from shopping and touring to going to concerts, shows, and museums, and engaging in outdoor activities. Visit Kaw Lake for biking and nature trails, Standing Bear Park and Osage Cove to see some wildlife and nature, and Marland's Grand Home to see some exciting exhibits and historical artifacts. Other museums that you can tour are the Conoco Museum and the Standing Bear Museum.

The state generally has blossoming agricultural industries and a lower cost of living, which makes it affordable and comfortable for the locals who live in these towns. Oklahoma also has other flourishing businesses like iodine production and gas and oil industries. Fun fact, if you are someone who relishes barbeque (BBQ), you must delight in savoring some Oklahoma BBQ because Oklahoma towns have some of the best BBQ you will ever taste! 

Whichever town you choose to go to, be prepared for some great experiences and fun things to do, as every town, big or small, has its own charm that leaves you amazed, refreshed, and happy.