10 Most Welcoming Towns In Oklahoma's Countryside
Opening doors and being welcoming is the first and often quickest way to show someone new that the town they're visiting is somewhere they can feel comfortable. Smaller towns often have a head start on this trait, as they can encompass a next-door neighbor feel throughout. Oklahoma has no shortage of towns that range from a couple of hundred people to just under 40,000, but keep the same hospitality and willingness to show off the vast countryside that the Sooner State has to offer. Want to experience a state that showcases lakes, prairies, history, and national forests, all while making you feel right at home? Look no further than these ten most welcoming towns in Oklahoma's countryside.
Wagoner
When it comes to the most welcoming towns in Oklahoma, this town in the northeast part of the state is always a good choice. Home to 8,735 residents, as of the 2023 census, Wagoner is a small town with plenty to do compared to its size. One thing that jumps out about this Wagoner is its strong outdoor community. If you're a watersports fan, take advantage of Fort Gibson Lake, just east of the city limits. Take your aim at one of the numerous archery clubs, including Wagoner or Tybowsarchery.
Have a passion for horses?Just south of Wagoner is Sequoyah Riding Stables, where you can go for a ride on the trails on horseback. If art is more of an interest, Wagoner is known for its eye-catching murals throughout the town, which are painted by numerous artists. Take a look at the old city hall and fire station or the Wagoner Depot.
Bartlesville
Bartlesville is a town in northern Oklahoma. While it is bigger than most on this list, with 37,290 residents, as of the 2020 census, it doesn't take away from the hospitality and welcoming feel you'll receive when visiting. Known for a history of Western, Native American, and pioneer culture, there is plenty to learn in the area. Check out the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, where you'll find relics, art, and exhibits from the American West. Wandering around Bartlesville, you'll also notice unique Buffalo Art sculptures spotted throughout town.
Want to indulge in some of the delicacies of Bartlesville? There are numerous farmers' markets around town, including the Bartlesville Farmers Market, open on Saturdays from May through October. The town sports many unique specialty shops where you'll find fashion, antiques, bikes, and more.
Frederick
Travel to southwest Oklahoma to find the next welcoming town on the list, Frederick. Home to only 3,468 people, as of the 2020 census, Frederick is a small agricultural-based community that also showcases several historical sites. Visit the Ramona Theatre, a 1929 Spanish Colonial with intricate interior details. Check out the local wildlife that's been hunted in the area at the Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area & Center, which showcases over 150 trophy mount animals. Speaking of hunting, stop by the Lazy S Ranch & Hamms Sportsman Oasis, which offers year-round hunting.
If you're around during the Airborne Demonstration Team Open Hangar Day, you'll see WWII-style aircraft, skydivers, and more exhibits.
Guymon
Located in the western panhandle of Oklahoma, this town of around 13,000 people prides itself on rodeo life and history. One thing Guymon is known for is the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo, which is the fifth-largest outdoor rodeo in the country. Although Guymon isn't a big city, it boasts an impressive arts & culture scene when you stop by the Guymon Public Library & Arts Center on Oklahoma Street.
If being outdoors is more of a priority, Guymon offers the Guymon Game Reserve to visit and see buffalo, elk, and longhorn cattle grazing in the prairie grass. Willing to risk it all, or even a little? Stop at the Golden Mesa Casino a little southwest of town.
Altus
This welcoming town in the southwest corner of Oklahoma is known for its strong Air Force presence. Altus, located south of Quartz Mountain State Park and just north of the Texas border, is home to the Altus Air Force Base and the United States Air Force training base for several aircrews.
First, learn about the area's history at the Museum of the Western Prairie, located on Memorial Drive, or the Great Western Cattle Trail, a historical landmark. If you're in town during August, you can stop by the Great Plains Stampede Rodeo. Finally, enjoy some peace and quiet by fishing on the large Altus City Reservoir for catfish and largemouth bass.
Tahlequah
Eastern Oklahoma, near the Arkansas border, is where you'll find Tahlequah, a town lying at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Because of the close access to the Illinois River and Ozarks, outdoor activities are never in short supply. If hiking is a passion, try the Sparrow Hawk Primitive Area, which has 3.8 miles of trails (although be warned, you need an Oklahoma hunting license, fishing license, or wildlife passport to enter). Want to go hiking without any paperwork? Try the Welling Ridge Trails, good for beginners or more experienced hikers, or the J.T. Nickels Preserve.
Because of the Illinois River, the area has no shortage of resorts for floating excursions, including Diamondhead, Arrowhead, Falcon Floats, and more. After you've toured the wilderness of Tahlequah, catch up on the Native American history of the area at the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum.
Marlow
Sitting in southern Oklahoma with a population of 4,385, according to the 2020 census, is Marlow. A town known for Western lore, the history of the town's founders, the Marlow Brothers, was told by John Wayne and Dean Martin in "The Sons of Katie Elder". There is a western-themed playground called "The Hideout" where children can enjoy some fun. Or feel free to take the family to the DT Ranch Country, a donkey rescue and petting zoo. If you're in more of an exploratory mood, check out guided tours of the Outlaw Cave.
Looking to relax at the end of the day? Stop by the Cotton Blossom Winery on Broadway Street to sample some of the area's handcrafted wines.
Antlers
If you wanted to visit the "Deer Capital of the World", what would you expect its name to be, other than Antlers? The welcoming town with the unusual name is located in southeast Oklahoma and has a little over 2,200 residents, as of the 2020 census.
Located on the foot of the Kiamichi Mountains, it's a small town nestled in the woods with clear lakes and wildlife all over. You don't have to roam the woods to find these deer; however, you can get an up-close look at the Wildlife Heritage Center Museum, with two 7,000 square foot exhibits. If you feel like drumming up your inner cowboy, you can stay at the Rebel Hill Guest Ranch, an actual working horse ranch. It's not all about nature, however. Start your day with a boost at the Tipps Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse, located on B Street.
Hochatown
You'd think a town with only 242 people wouldn't have much going for it, but you'd be wrong when it comes to Hochatown. This welcoming little town in southeast Oklahoma is a powerhouse resort and cabin town, thanks to its proximity to Broken Bow Lake. It only appeared as a census-designated place in the 2020 census, but it has no shortage of things to do.
Almost nothing is off the table regarding water activities in Hochatown. Kayaking, fishing, skiing, horseback riding, and camping around the lake are all wildly popular. Take the family on a train and trail ride with Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides. You can also gather up your adult friends and take a Broken Bow Lake Tiki Boat tour. Many resorts have mini putt-putt courses, bowling alleys, galleries, movie theatres, and more. It's truly one of the surprising resort towns in the central United States.
Durant
Durant is a town located in southern Oklahoma, on the border of Texas. It boasts 18,589 people as of the 2020 census and serves as the capital of the Choctaw Nation. Durant offers plenty of Native American history to absorb by visiting the Semple Family Museum of Native American Art or the Choctaw Cultural Center, which preserves and showcases the Choctaw people. Fort Washita is also a great place to visit, with restored structures and Civil War reenactments, to discover what life was like before the war.
Water activities are a popular pasttime on Lake Durant, especially fishing, where you can catch catfish, crappies, and bass. Want to take in a show? The Oklahoman Shakespearean Festival on the campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University has you covered.
As you can see, Oklahoma has a little bit of everything to offer. Never shying away from hospitality and making everyone feel welcome, this state showcases its countryside through the tourist town of a couple of hundred people in Hochatown, the deep history of its Native American population in Durant, or the strong Western theme of Marlow. This state can keep your attention away from the big city lights, opting for a window into the welcoming world of prairie life and more.
