6 Best Towns in Oklahoma to Visit in 2024
Despite ranking 25th on the list of the most-visited states in the USA with 20 million visitors a year—the top spot goes to Florida with over 100 million visitors—Oklahoma boasts plenty of good reasons for tourists to want to travel here. While the bulk of these folks will visit the big cities of Oklahoma City and Tulsa, those “in the know” will include at least one or two smaller destinations in their list of places to visit in Oklahoma in 2024! From the perfectly planned streetscapes of Carlton Landing to the natural wonders surrounding Broken Bow, and from the mineral springs of Sulphur to the Wild West vibes of Claremore, Oklahoma’s rich heritage, culture, and natural beauty is waiting to be discovered in these charming small towns.
Claremore
Claremore is the place to be in 2024 for those with an interest in the Old West and cowboy culture. Established as a railway town in 1883, Claremore is famous as the hometown of Will Rogers, the legendary cowboy philosopher, and entertainer who owned a ranch in the early 1900s. In addition to the Will Rogers Memorial Museum with its displays and collections relating to Rogers’ life and achievements, the town will again host the always fun Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo, a thrilling family-friendly event held in May that features barrel racing, bull riding, and even “mutton busting” where children compete by riding sheep.
While in town, be sure to pay a visit to the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum. Housing the world's largest private collection of over 20,000 firearms. The town’s location on Route 66 is another plus, especially the portion of this historic drive that passes through downtown Claremore.
Carlton Landing
Carlton Landing could be just the ticket for those interested in seeing just how much fun a master-planned community can be. Founded in 2013 on the shores of Lake Eufaula, approximately 130 miles west of Oklahoma City, this “new town” was designed based on the principles of New Urbanism and is particularly appealing for its walkable neighborhoods, with all major amenities within a five-minute stroll. Highlights of a visit include Lake Eufaula itself, the largest lake in Oklahoma, which boasts ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.
A great way to experience Carlton Landing in 2024 is via a fun lakeside getaway. Accommodations are available via major vacation rental companies, including Vrbo and Airbnb, as well as the local Carlton Landing Vacation Rentals company. A stay in the lovely small community not only opens up the opportunity to enjoy strolls along the boardwalk, kayaking, and making use of the community’s parks and pools, but visitors can also participate in community events like the Porchfest Music Festival or the 2024 Holiday Home Tour this Christmas.
Broken Bow
Broken Bow is located in the southeastern corner of the state and is well-known as the gateway to some of Oklahoma’s most attractive scenery. Some of the best can be found in and around Broken Bow Lake, a 22-mile-long body of water that is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. The big draw here is Beavers Bend Resort Park, a picturesque setting for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting. Mountain Fork River flows into the lake and is another excellent trout fishing spot.
A great time to visit Broken Bow in 2024 is during the famous Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show in November. This fun event attracts around 70 vendors demonstrating crafts, including weaving and yarn spinning, woodworking, and even metalworking… plus plenty of great local music talent!
Pauls Valley
Pauls Valley is a great Oklahoma destination for those planning on traveling with kids in 2024. Located just off the I-35 highway between Oklahoma City and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, the town was founded in 1857 as a European settlement in Indian Territory and built up quickly around its railway station. The star attraction for families is the fun Toy and Action Figure Museum, a paradise for toy enthusiasts and collectors boasting over 13,000 figures. It’s an especially fun place to visit each October during its birthday celebrations when kids are encouraged to dress up as their favorite action hero.
BrickFest is another excuse to visit Pauls Valley. Planned for April 2024, this quirky event features fun exhibits and entertainment as well as pie eating… and even brick tossing. Pauls Valley’s past is also fun to explore and is celebrated at the Santa Fe Depot Museum and Plaza. Highlights of this exciting attraction include a 1902 steam engine and exhibits related to the town's railway history. Speaking of trains, the town is also on the route of the Heartland Flyer, a 206-mile scenic train ride that runs between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, with stops in Pauls Valley.
Sulphur
Located 85 miles south of Oklahoma City and just a short distance off the I-35 highway, Sulphur boasts many great reasons for travelers to want to visit in 2024. Topping the list of things to do in Sulphur is to visit the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. This area of outstanding natural beauty is located in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains and is home to the Lake of the Arbuckles, which, along with Travertine and Rock Creeks, is an ideal spot for activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as hiking and biking.
A great way to experience the rich culture of the Chickasaw Nation and its people is at the 11th Annual Artesian Arts Festival to be held in Sulphur in April 1024. This top-rated event features unique original artworks created by First American artists, live music, dance performances, and food.
Ada
Ada is just a 90-minute drive from Oklahoma City and makes for a fun day trip from the state capital. Ada’s importance as a cultural destination is marked by its being home to East Central University (ECU). Founded in 1909, ECU’s lovely campus grounds are the scene of numerous fun cultural events and arts-related festivals held throughout the year, many of which spill over into the community. A fun example for kids and budding artists is GROUNDED - ECU Chalk Art Festival. Held in October, students, townsfolks, and visitors can sign up to participate for a chance to showcase their skills on town sidewalks, with prizes for the best in various categories.
Other attractions in Ada include exploring the town’s historic Main Street with its many artist studios and historic sites. Highlights include the McSwain Theatre, built in the 1920s and a cultural landmark still hosts live music and performances. Wintersmith Park is another point of interest worth visiting and features picturesque lake views, nature trails, and a public amphitheater used to showcase local talent.
For those seeking fun Oklahoma travel destinations for 2024, these small towns provide plenty of great reasons for adventurous wanderers to want to pay a visit. From the cowboy connections of Claremore to Carlton Landing's innovative community design, and from Broken Bow's outdoor adventures to Pauls Valley's quirky museums, these charming destinations are perfect for travelers seeking to venture a little off the beaten path. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or are simply seeking a fun family retreat, these six best towns in Oklahoma are well worth a visit in 2024.
