10 Of The Most Adorable Small Towns In Oklahoma

Oklahoma, also known as the Sooner State, is located in the South Central region of the United States. Famous for its mouthwatering state foods, tornadoes, contributions to country music, and its many man-made lakes, Oklahoma is quite a diverse state, both in its people and its ecoregions. From flat plains to rocky mountains, Oklahoma is full of things to see and do, and its adorable towns make for the perfect vacation. Get ready to eat a lot of fried okra and to experience the magic and beauty of Oklahoma.

Eufaula

The city of Eufaula is home to Eufaula Lake, Oklahoma's largest lake. The lake offers access to kayakers, fishermen, swimmers, and boaters, with public boat ramps in Eufaula Cove. Lake Eufaula State Park has hiking trails ranging from a quarter mile to 2.5 miles, recommended for beginner and intermediate hikers, including the Crazy Snake Interpretive Trail, which is ADA-compliant, and the Chinkapin Hiking Trail, which is open to both hikers and bikers.

The city has several parks with shaded picnic areas and play areas for kids, such as Posey Park and Kiwanis Park. Downtown Eufaula is the perfect place to be part of the community and embrace its culture. Visit Tulips & Tables for lunch, attend local concerts, or catch a monthly dinner show at the Legacy on Main Street.

Broken Bow

One of Oklahoma’s most scenic small towns is Broken Bow. With its glimmering lake and picturesque hiking trails, Broken Bow offers a variety of activities and places to explore. Located along the Mountain Fork River, Broken Bow Lake is 22 miles long and has a 180-mile shoreline. Whether visitors are looking for some water fun like jet skiing and kayaking, or they would prefer kicking back and relaxing, Broken Bow Lake is the perfect place to do it.

Just a short distance from the lake is Beavers Bend State Park, where travelers and locals can play a round of golf at the Cedar Creek Golf Course and explore the David Boren Hiking Trail system, a set of connected, shorter trails in Beavers Bend State Park that can be combined into longer hikes. Keep an eye out for black bears, bald eagles, and other wildlife while exploring the Beavers Bend area.

Grove

Located next to the Grand Lake o' the Cherokees, often called the Grand Lake, the gorgeous city of Grove is a must-visit when vacationing in the Sooner State. Multiple cruises sail out into the lake for a closer look, or visitors can kick back with a fishing pole and try their luck at the docks surrounding the lake.

Learn about Grove’s history with a self-guided tour through the Har-Ber Village Museum, an immersive pioneer-era museum featuring cabins, antiques, a gift shop, a nature trail, and a café. The museum has historic buildings relocated to the area, including a schoolhouse and a jail, as well as replicas of a dentist's office, print shop, and post office. Go back to a simpler time with activities like cow milking, blacksmithing, and hearth cooking.

Explore Grove’s nature with hundreds of types of plants at the Lendonwood Botanical Garden. Whether you’re a botanist or just enjoy colorful flowers, there's a wide variety of unique plants, such as false cypress, daylilies, rhododendrons, and Japanese maples, to marvel at. The garden’s beauty is breathtaking, and it’s a great opportunity to learn about various plants and their benefits and uses.

Sulphur

Looking for a peaceful retreat? This hidden gem of a town is the perfect spot. Sulphur, known to Native Americans as "the land of rippling waters," is a charming small town with a rich history and scenic natural landscapes.

The different waterfalls and creeks in Sulphur were believed to have healing powers, and visiting these spots is an integral part of every visitor's stay. In and around Sulphur, visit Little Niagara Falls and Veterans Lake in Chickasaw National Recreation Area; Turner Falls Park is located in nearby Davis. Each of these stops offers a calming and relaxing experience, and the surrounding nature is nothing short of breathtaking. Sulphur also happens to be nestled in the heart of Chickasaw Country, a country with deep history. There are many museums to learn more about the country’s past, including the Chickasaw Cultural Center and the Sulphur Historical Museum.

Atoka

Atoka is a small town filled with adventure, history, wildlife, and gorgeous sights. McGee Creek Reservoir is a lake surrounded by recreation areas, including McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area, Wildlife Management Area, and McGee Creek State Park. These areas are packed with activities like fishing, hunting, boating, riding, canoeing, camping, and biking. Another outdoor activity not to be missed is Pawsitively Wild Animal Encounters, an ideal place to learn about and interact with various animal species. Their focus is animal conservation and education for both adults and children of all ages.

After the excitement of outdoor fun, relax with a stroll through downtown Atoka. Dine at the famous Reba's Place, where guests can enjoy cocktails and happy hour food with live music before hitting the retail store on their way out.

Medicine Park

Medicine Park is Oklahoma’s first resort town. In 1908, its founder, John William Elmer Thomas, loved its tranquility and beauty and bought the land. He began constructing the Medicine Park Summer Resort and Health Spa, named after the nearby Medicine Creek.

Today, Medicine Park attracts thousands with its outdoor activities, gorgeous scenery, and wildlife. In 1920, a swimming hole called Bath Lake was formed, and it is currently one of the town’s most popular destinations. The nature surrounding the area is stunning, with waterfalls pouring into the lake. If boating or fishing is the preferred activity, Lake Lawtonka lies just east of Medicine Park and offers more than 20 miles of shoreline for visitors.

During your stay, make sure to visit the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, a 59,000-acre preserve home to hundreds of animal species. Some of the precious animals include American Bison, white-tailed deer, Texas longhorn cattle, and the signature prairie dog. There are many hiking and biking trails, and around 8,570 acres of designated wilderness for daring explorers.

Ada

Home to East Central University and the birthplace of country music star Blake Shelton, Ada is known as the headquarters of the Chickasaw Nation. This small town is filled with cozy and laid-back activities, like visiting its livelymain street lined with coffee shops like Goodway Coffee, and delicious restaurants such as Burger Barn. Catch a movie, play, or live performance at the McSwain Theatre, which was built in the 1920s and restored in 2009.

For travelers seeking an adventure, look no further than Wintersmith Park. Constructed in the 1930s, this 150-acre land has a lake, various trails, an amphitheater, a swimming pool, and an amusement park. The park’s scenery is picturesque and breathtaking, and there are many picnic spots to fully admire its beauty.

Davis

Davis is the proud home of Oklahoma’s largest waterfall, Turner Falls. Nestled in the heart of the Arbuckle Mountains, this 77-foot waterfall is a must-visit when staying in Davis. The waterfall is at Turner Falls Park, which is open year-round and the perfect place to relax and splash around in its cool waters. The park itself has plenty of things to see and do, such as exploring caves, visiting Collings Castle, which is a stone structure built in the 1930s, zip-lining, and fishing.

One cannot visit Davis without trying the world-famous fried pies, which can be found all around the city. The Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies Bakery is known for its wide variety of flavors and its excellent quality, and it's one of the more popular spots for fried pies in the city.

Talihina

Talihina, derived from the Choctaw words tully and hena, meaning “iron road,” is the gateway to the stunning Talimena National Scenic Byway, which stretches from Talimena to Arkansas. This picturesque road is especially beautiful from October to November, though the timing of the fall colors may vary with the weather. Either way, it’s a road worth driving down any time of the year.

There is a lot to see and do in Talihina, like kicking back at the Talimena State Park, fishing at Sardis Lake, and swimming in Cedar Lake.

Pawhuska

Pawhuska is a city rich in culture and history, mixing Western and American Indian culture. Named after Chief Paw-Hiu-Skah, a division of the Osage people, Pawhuska is a gorgeous region with a variety of activities and sights, most notably the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. The preserve spans 40,000 acres and is home to free-roaming bison, bobcats, armadillos, and beavers, among other wildlife.

Pawhuska is home to the headquarters of the Osage Nation and the Osage Nation Museum. Founded in 1938, the museum is the oldest tribally-owned museum in the nation with exhibits celebrating the history and culture of the Osage. Another museum to visit is the Osage County Historical Society Museum, which features five exhibits: Western Life, Pioneer Life, Boy Scouts, Early-Day Oil Industry, and Indian Life.

Visit the Adorable Towns of Oklahoma

If you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing retreat, the Sooner State has something for everyone. From Eufaula to Pawhuska, and from Grove to Medicine Park, Oklahoma is filled with hidden gems, charming small towns, and breathtaking views. Each destination offers its own unique mix of culture, activities, and natural beauty, giving visitors plenty to explore and enjoy. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a more extended stay, Oklahoma is a must-visit at least once.