Downtown street in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Image credit Andreas Stroh via Shutterstock

These 9 Towns in Oklahoma Have Bustling Main Streets

Oklahoma is an admirable state in the south-central region, with solid reasons to visit. It boasts a fair share of the elements that make a quintessential southern state; charming history, vibrant cultures, palatable cuisines, arts, entertainment, and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy these endearing features on the main streets of these small towns in Oklahoma. Year-round, these town centers bubble with life as various establishments line up to meet the needs of locals and tourists. From Shawnee to Woodward, uncover nine towns in Oklahoma with bustling downtowns worth visiting on the next flight or vehicle.

Sapulpa

Start of the 5K Revival Race on Route 66 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.
Start of the 5K Revival Race on Route 66 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Image credit Richard Affolder via Shutterstock

Sapulpa is a town in Tulsa and Creek Counties that flaunts a remarkable downtown historic district along Route 66 with free Wi-Fi available to everyone. Once here, visitors can explore its landmark attractions, like the Sapulpa Historical Society Museum, to glimpse into the past through various programs and exhibits. The Sapulpa Fire Museum is on the same street, in a building that resembles a classic fire station, and houses firefighting relics, including two antique fire engines.

For car enthusiasts, visit the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum to see rare vintage cars that once dominated the iconic road. While at it, stop by the charming Way Point Lounge to dine, wine, and relax. Additionally, outdoor recreation in the town is a blast especially as it hosts two lakes, the spring-fed Pretty Water Lake and the 340-acre Sahoma Lake. Both lakes are stocked with a variety of fish for fishing and are perfect playgrounds for picnicking, boating, and sightseeing.

Yukon

Main street with red brick buildings in Yukon, Oklahoma.
Main street with red brick buildings in Yukon, Oklahoma. Image credit RaksyBH via Shutterstock

Yukon is a laid-back town named after the Yukon Territory in Canada and located in the eastern Canadian County of the state. However, its Canadian ties are not the town’s only remarkable features as it brags a bustling main street defined by several storefronts housing everything from arts, antiques, and cuisines to history and entertainment. Learn about war veterans while on this main street at the Yukon Veterans Museum every weekend and relish the yummy tastes of Pizza at 405 Pizza Co.

Pick up antiques at Lost Time Antiques, then hit the outdoors to enjoy the green scenery of Chisholm Trail Park via a walking trail and relax in one of its shaded areas with a snack. More outdoor fun is available at Route 66 Park, featuring 148 acres of ponds, several hiking trails, pavilions, a giant gazebo, picnic tables, and an observation tower for views of Lake Overholser.

Ardmore

The old business district on Main Street, Ardmore, Oklahoma.
The old business district on Main Street, Ardmore, Oklahoma. Image credit Roberto Galan via Shutterstock

Ardmore is one of the busiest towns in Carter County, with a walkable main street that should get more attention from tourists. With establishments ranging from art galleries to restaurants, theaters, and museums spread out across the area, the bustle is sustained from dawn to dusk. Start with premium movies at AMC Classic Ardmore 8 and proceed to catch stunning stage performances at Ardmore Little Theatre.

Next, visit Marvin’s Place Art Gallery to browse through a collection of fine art pieces and paintings, and shop for antiques at Ardmore Emporium Antiques. Elsewhere, step into the corridors of history at the Greater Southwest Historical Museum, which hosts exhibits on the cultural and military heritage of South-central Oklahoma. Outdoors, unwind at Ardmore Regional Park, which features picnic shelters and pavilions, a city lake, walking paths, and a fishing pond.

Duncan

The Public Library in Duncan, Oklahoma.
The Public Library in Duncan, Oklahoma. Image credit Crimsonedge34, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Duncan is a town in Stephens County remarkable for a few things, like rising to fame via its oil wells and becoming the birthplace of Halliburton Corporation, a world-famous oil service company. The main street is also famous and historic, with tons of activities to keep visitors entertained always. Enjoy old-time movies alongside popcorn, sandwiches, and salads at The Merchant, a historic theatre on the main street.

For history enthusiasts, the downtown is home to the Stephens County Historical Museum, hosting permanent and changing exhibits that mirror the county's early days. The Rock Island 905 Railroad Museum is also in the area and invites visitors to see railroad antiques and artifacts. Meanwhile, don’t miss the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center and Garis Gallery of the West, as it features exhibits related to the Wild West and the Chisholm Trail.

Jenks

Miss McGillicutty's, a famous antique store in the town of Jenks, Oklahoma.
Miss McGillicutty's, a famous antique store in the town of Jenks, Oklahoma. Image credit 4kclips via Shutterstock

Jenks is one of the fastest-growing towns in Oklahoma, and this growth is reflected in its main street. Here, visitors will be met with a plethora of establishments, from antique stores to restaurants, promising endless fun and satisfaction. Start with shopping at establishments like the American Heritage Antiques and River City Trading Post. Then enjoy fine dining at Jenks Restaurant and check out the stunning art pieces at Focal Point Gallery & Studio.

Next, explore the Oklahoma Aquarium, one of the town’s highlight attractions featuring up to 10,000 animals. Stroll along the Arkansas Riverwalk on the west bank to relish charming river views, admire dancing fountains, and enjoy fine dining with the views.

Woodward

Woodward Theater, Woodward, Oklahoma.
Woodward Theater, Woodward, Oklahoma. Image credit 25or6to4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The town of Woodward has an amazing main street, where a colorful array of merchants and storefronts operate daily. In this part of town, antique collectors can shop at Hadley & Finch to elevate their collection, while art lovers can browse through impressive artworks at Larry K Hill Studios. Food lovers can also munch on incredible steaks at AL’s Steakhouse and enjoy a sweet, sensational lunch at Longshots Bar & Grill.

For history enthusiasts, the Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum is in the area and preserves the history of Northwest Oklahoma. While downtown Woodward is exciting, don’t leave the town without a visit to Boiling Springs State Park, as it hosts a natural boiling spring, a pool for swimming, and opportunities for fishing, hiking, and camping.

Tishomingo

Tishomingo, Oklahoma United States.
Downtown street in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Image credit Sabrina Janelle Gordon via Shutterstock

Founded in 1852, Tishomingo is famous for being the first capital of the Chickasaw Nation. Today, it is a gorgeous town with a bustling main street offering endless fun to locals and visitors alike. In the town center, visitors can enjoy blockbuster movies at the Indie Cinema, shop for antiques and vintage items at T-Town Vintage & C0, or enjoy delicious meals at Ole Red.

Meanwhile, the historic Chickasaw Capitol Nation Building is in the area and invites visitors to learn everything about the Chickasaw people. After exploring the town center, be sure to visit the 16,000-acre Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge to hike, fish, hunt, camp, paddle, boat, and see several bird and animal species, including migratory waterfowl and raccoons.

Guthrie

Night view of historical buildings in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Night view of historical buildings in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Image credit Kit Leong via Shutterstock

Guthrie is one of the finest, most historic, and bustling towns in Oklahoma. This town once served as the first capital of the state, and its historic downtown is the largest in the state and hosts over 2,000 historic Victorian-era buildings. Here, visitors will find many historic points of interest, such as the Oklahoma Territorial Museum, which preserves the town's history while hosting a Renaissance Revival Carnegie Library. The Oklahoma Sports Museum is also in the area and honors the various iconic athletes from the state who have made their marks in the sands of time.

Additionally, the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum stands in this town center and hosts medical artifacts and pharmacy-related antiques. Away from the history, downtown Guthrie also invites visitors to enjoy scintillating shows at Pollard Theatre or savor a steak lunch at Gage’s Steakhouse. Meanwhile, shopping enthusiasts can storm Magnolia Antique Mall for utmost satisfaction.

Shawnee

People preparing for the Firelake Fireflight Balloon Festival event in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
People preparing for the Firelake Fireflight Balloon Festival event in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Image credit Kit Leong via Shutterstock

Shawnee is a bustling town in Pottawatomie County with an equally vibrant center where various art, commercial, entertainment, and culinary activities are offered. Get entertained in this town center with energetic performances at the Ritz Theatre and explore impressive art collections found in The Arts at 317. Next, go to the Pottawatomie County Museum to learn about the area’s early days, and then visit the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial to honor veterans killed since the Spanish-American war and also explore war artifacts. When it is time to wine and dine, storm Sunny Side Up or snack up with delicious pastries at Hamburger King on the main street. Afterward, unwind and bask in the outdoors at Shawnee Twin Lakes, which features two charming lakes that offer endless opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking.

Scenic Towns in OklahomaAn Oklahoma road trip is one worth saving for with fair prices everywhere and lovely little towns surrounded by spectacular nature dotting the landscape.

Step into small worlds of endless activities, fascinating experiences, and pleasant culture shocks on the main streets of Oklahoma's smaller towns. Roam streets lined with storefronts, patronize locals flaunting their wares, sample culinary creations like a master chef, and shop for souvenirs. Relax in museums and travel back in time or ponder on the level of creative energy invested to create gorgeous paintings in art galleries. Whatever the heart seeks, it finds in these main streets. Moreover, these town centers are great launch pads for the exciting natural attractions the state has to offer.

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Joshua Chiedu September 17 2024 in Places

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