These 9 Towns In Oklahoma Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2024
What is it about Oklahoma that makes it such a prime spot for visitors? The name of this landlocked state comes from the Choctaw words "okla," meaning “people,” and "humma," which translates to “red”—incidentally, it has always been a “red state.” People have been around these fertile lands since the ice age thawed, and a number of settlers and explorers have enjoyed the fruits of its inspiring hills and plains. As the name might hint, Oklahoma is a great spot to experience native American culture. While I’m sure visitors would like to know the best that the state has to offer—from live music and theater to historic site tours or simply exploring nature—Oklahoma has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Take a drive and experience the historic Route 66 on your way to some of the best, most highly rated towns of 2024.
Bartlesville
Home to the Price Tower, the only skyscraper designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this town harbors more than a 19-story building. Visitors at Bartlesville also visit the Phillips Petroleum Company’s headquarters, now a museum, which stands as a reminder of the town's role in the oil industry. The downtown area looks incredible with its well-preserved collection of mid-century modern buildings. So get your camera ready because you will also want to explore the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve—a former ranch with art collections and bison roaming the grounds.
Durant
Known as the “Magnolia Capital of Oklahoma,” Durant hosts an annual Magnolia Festival in the spring. It is essentially an art fair where you will find anything from digital and traditional art to jewelry, dance, woodwork, music, and many other artistic forms. Curious why this town comes highly recommended? Lake Texoma, one of the largest and most eye-catching reservoirs in the country, is nearby and popular for boating and fishing. A forty-minute drive will get you there, but if you want to delve into the town’s history, Main Street is recognized for its historic preservation, with buildings from the early 1900s.
Tahlequah
The capital of the Cherokee Nation (formerly known as the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma), Tahlequah plays an important role in preserving Native American culture. You can find the Cherokee Heritage Center south of the town with all its exhibits and a Cherokee Art Market. In 2024, the town was recognized for its educational tourism and its focus on Cherokee cultural preservation. So, naturally, the downtown area is focused on both modern and traditional Native American art. What makes this town an all-time favorite is the Illinois River—a popular spot for river rafting and kayaking. A short drive will get you there.
Elk City
Everyone knows America's Mother Road, but perhaps not as much as its history; the National Route 66 Museum, located in Elk City, brings visitors from all around the country, and for good reason. This slice of American heritage is also found on Interstate 40, which has a rich oil history whose remnants are preserved in its local museum. Another classic and fan-favorite is the Beutler Brothers Rodeo, one of the oldest in the nation, and it brings cowboys and spectators to the town every year. The central district—generally in the downtown area—is a must-see, bringing to life the town’s history, so keep your cameras primed and ready!
Guthrie
Many incredible facts are woven into the fabric of this small town of 11,000. It was the first state capital of Oklahoma, and, fascinatingly, much of its Victorian architecture is still intact. The first thing to do when coming to this place is to check out the town's Historic District, which has over 2,000 buildings and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Halloween is coming up, and Guthrie's ghost walk tours take place here, giving Guthrie's historic homes and haunted spots a chance to shine even brighter. You can also hop over to the Guthrie Scottish Rite Masonic Temple. It is one of the largest Masonic centers in the world and offers tours to visitors.
Ponca City
A symbol of strength, determination, and resilience, The Pioneer Woman Statue stands prominently in the town as a historical landmark that has drawn visitors from all over the country. Ponca City truly embodies the pioneer spirit, and you can experience it firsthand with a visit. Downtown Ponca City hosts an annual Oktoberfest (though usually in the early days of October), and Lake Ponca, conveniently located nearby, offers cool, well-maintained hangout spots for public use. If that is not enough, then you would be happy to know that Ponca City is also home to the Marland Mansion, an opulent estate built by oil baron E.W. Marland—definitely worth a visit if you are in town.
Altus
So what puts an agricultural hub like Altus on the map? To put it simply, it is the sheer number of activities. This place is full of agricultural activities worth trying at least once, offering a refreshing break from conventional tourist attractions. The land is surrounded by fields of cotton and wheat, and events like the annual Cotton Pickin’ Chili Cook-Off brings in food lovers and locals for a competition in the heart of town. A lot of people also come to see the Altus Air Force Base, which is a key military installation, and the town hosts air shows and public tours of the base.
Poteau
A spot with excellent events and memorable landmarks. For instance, Cavanal Hill, often called the "World’s Highest Hill," brings hikers and nature lovers to Poteau. As you might have guessed, the town has a rich French history, reflected in its name, which means "post" in French, tying it to early European settlers. Its proximity to the Ouachita National Forest makes it a popular gateway for exploring southeastern Oklahoma, but if you are visiting in late September, you would be delighted to know that Poteau hosts the annual Poteau Balloon Fest, where hot air balloons fill the sky over the town.
Ardmore
Popular for its close proximity to Lake Murray, Ardmore quickly becomes a hub for boating and water activities, thanks to its well-maintained state park facilities. The town has undergone a booming revival of its historic downtown district, and the Ardmore Main Street Authority put the place on the map when its many boutique shops, galleries, and stores were given a proper shine. A thirty-minute ride gets you to the Arbuckle Mountain Bluegrass Festival in Davis, a multi-day event that attracts people from all around. You can also take it slow and pay a visit to the Charles B. Hall Museum and the Ardmore Historic District, which provide insights into the local history and heritage.
Oftentimes, there are good reasons why a town makes it into the ranks of the most visited or top ten; it could be a historic landmark, an iconic event, or a famous person who sets it apart from all the rest. In this particular case, it is also the land itself. Oklahoma really brings out the best in its thriving communities with its gorgeous landscapes and many attractions, making life there rarely uneventful. Taking a drive and experiencing the historic Route 66 on your way to this bountiful state is easily one of the most memorable experiences you can have in the land that keeps on giving. There are a lot more than a handful of good times to be had here for visitors, tourists, and anyone looking for the best these glorious towns have to offer!
