2025's 8 Most Scenic Oklahoma Towns

Oklahoma, which brings together parts of the U.S. West and Southwest, has stirred the world's imagination, with tales of cowboys, outlaws, and opulent fortunes from oil and other businesses. A part of the United States since 1907, the "Sooner State" — so named because of the land-rush settlers, who hustled to claim their part of the territory sooner than other pioneers — has long defined this area of the West. Oklahoma's scenic beauty is also well-known, and as towns like these suggest, the state is worth a weekend or longer time away. Beyond larger cities like Tulsa or the state capital, Oklahoma City, these smaller towns offer an abundance of natural attractions worth a visit soon.

Ardmore

In south-central Oklahoma, the mid-sized town of Ardmore is home to about 25,000 people — and a wealth of outdoor fun. The town's green spaces, in particular Lake Murray State Park, are a first choice for fans of golf, tennis, fishing, and boating. Tucker Tower, which stands at the Lake Murray Nature Center, owes its existence to the Works Progress Administration of the 1930s, a historic US labor program during the Great Depression. Other beloved Ardmore parks include Ardmore Regional Park, Central Park, and Walker Park, reflecting the town's culture of healthy lifestyles. And for a lovely visit with fewer crowds, consider the 225-acre parkland at Mountain Lake, northwest of Ardmore.

Davis

The small town of Davis, south of Oklahoma City, draws visitors to nearby Turner Falls Park, which protects the waterfall of the same name. Turner Falls are among the largest waterfall formations in the state. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area, and within it, the Lake of the Arbuckles, await southeast of town. Camping is a popular recreation in this area.

For those traveling with motorized off-road vehicles, the Cross Bar Off-Road Park has tracks and other adventures for ATV enthusiasts. The same site has options for motocross racers, which combines the action of mountain-biking with motorized vehicles.

Durant

At the southern edge of the state, the small town of Durant gives the visitor a view practically into neighboring Texas. Those seeking a gentler side of nature will find it here, as the town is called the "Magnolia Capital of Oklahoma." The flowering tree is present around the town and the region. Fun fact: In other, sort-of-natural attractions, Durant displays the "world's largest peanut," which is a statue and a monument to local peanut growers.

For fun on the water, head to Lake Texoma State Park, home of its namesake lake, for boating, barbecuing, and other fun with friends and family. The lake forms part of the state border with Texas. The park is likewise a hub for hunting: quail, dove, ducks, and deer are all native to the area, and the park at Lake Texoma allows for hunting these species in their respective seasons.

Eufaula

The east-central place called Eufaula sits by a lake of the same name. Eufaula is justifiably famous for this body of water, which attracts boaters, fishermen, and leisure-seekers of every variety. There is space for everyone, because Lake Eufaula is the largest lake in the state. For a quaint stay, the Calico Heights area offers tree-level views of the lake and the horizon beyond, which is ideal for a beautiful and romantic weekend getaway. Alternatively, more family-focused activities are on offer at the Little Turtle RV Park and Horse Resort, which offers affordable accommodations and horseback riding along scenic trails nearby.

Grove

Oklahomans and visitors love the small town of Grove for its place along the Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. The body of water is in fact a reservoir connected to the Neosho River. Grove has for generations played the role of economic hub for Oklahoma's Grand Lake region. The town's annual Pelican Festival honors local marine life, especially the White Pelican, a native species. Anglers come to Grove for its popular, annual largemouth bass fishing competition.

For fun on the water without a rod and reel, the Grand Lake Queen, a historic riverboat, plies the lake and its picturesque shores. More local history awaits at Har-Ber Village Museum, with exhibits that illustrate life here in bygone times.

Owasso

The northeast town of Owasso is considered a Tulsa suburb. This quiet towns cultivates a variety of outdoor spaces, like Centennial Park downtown, as well as the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve. The town owes part of its development to its link with the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad line, which helped build Owasso, the state of Oklahoma, and the broader American West. The word Owasso, derived from the language of the Osage Native American tribe, is said to mean 'end of the trail.'

Owasso's Vision 2025, an urban renewal program, has been installing improvements, such as brand-new recreation zones, walking trails, and municipal clean-up efforts, all of which make Owasso a worthwhile place to visit. For a top-notch tee time, the Bailey Ranch Golf Club is ranked among Oklahoma's top 10 courses.

Roosevelt

The petite southwest town of Roosevelt might make the perfect base for exploring the numerous parks and lakes nearby. Just south of town, the Tom Steed Reservoir offers waterside fun, from swimming to picnicking. The body of water lies next to Great Plains State Park, a showplace of Oklahoma's varied terrain. Southeast of town, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge protects local species, including the iconic animal of the West: the American bison. And west of Roosevelt, Quartz Mountain State Park, as well as the adjacent Lake Altus-Lugert, offer some of the state's best natural beauty. The Baldy Point Climbing Area, popular for hiking, bouldering, and cliffhanging at all skill levels, sits just west of the lake.

Sulphur

Sulphur, in southern Oklahoma, grew famous for its mineral-heavy hot springs. A local spa industry grew up around this natural resource, which continues to draw wellness tourists today. Nature fans rave about Sulphur's Chickasaw National Recreation Area, a conservation and leisure zone under the management of the U.S. National Park Service. It rarely gets better than Chickasaw for walking, camping, and watching out for wildlife, especially the Nine-Banded Armadillo — an Oklahoma icon. For more fun and a little education at the same time, head to the Travertine Education Center, which enlightens Chickasaw visitors about local plants, animals, and geology.

Oklahoma Is A Nature Lover's Paradise

As these towns demonstrate, Oklahoma's natural gifts are worth a trip. Ardmore blends lakeside beauty with Depression-era construction, which helped many endure the period's hard times. Eufaula has water activities, RVing, and horse riding, too. In the south, Durant's enormous Lake Texoma offers all the fun one can have on the water. Meanwhile, animal lovers and families with children will find a perfect fit for a vacation in education-minded options like Grove's Har-Ber Village Museum or at Sulphur's Travertine Education Center. For an enlightening and beautiful time in Oklahoma's outdoors, towns like these will point the way.