7 Most Vibrant Towns in Oklahoma
The Sooner State is known for many things: a deep connection to the history of America’s Indigenous population, a more recent heritage of americana that includes everything from cowboys to muscle cars, and gorgeous landscapes that include vast prairies, thick forests, and breathtaking mountains. A trip through these vibrant towns will allow travelers to experience all these aspects and appreciate the vibrant nature of this southwestern state.
Pauls Valley
Pauls Valley is a gorgeous small town in central Oklahoma, surrounded by the distinctive beauty of the Great Plains and immersed in the history of the region. Founded by a man named Smith Paul in the mid-1800s and developed alongside the Chickasaw people, the town proliferated, hastening after its connection to the Sante Fe Railroad. This connection led to the incorporation of bricks into the construction of the buildings and streets of Pauls Valley, which today holds the distinction of having more brick streets than any other town in the country. The Sante Fe Depot and Museum is an excellent place for visitors to explore this history further. Two more museums- the Toy & Action Figure Museum and the Stark Art Studio and Gallery- present even more varied ways to steep oneself in the unique culture of Pauls Valley. The nearby Pauls Valley Lake is the perfect way to get out of town and experience the area’s natural beauty.
Pawhuska
North of Pauls Valley, deep in the heart of Osage County is the town of Pawhuska. The town's history is tightly connected with the people of the Osage Nation, and visitors can explore this history at the Osage Nation Museum, the oldest tribally-governed museum in the United States. Downtown Pawhuska is home to over 85 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and just taking a stroll through these streets will transport guests back in time. This historicity and connection to the Osage were among the qualities that led to the town being utilized as a primary filming location for Martin Scorcese’s recent epic, The Killers of the Flower Moon. Another Hollywood connection the town boasts is that it is the birthplace of Western movie legend Ben Johnson, whose legacy is celebrated in the Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum. The Wazhazhe Heritage Park and Walking Trail and the Osage Harvest Land Farm are both great ways to experience the landscape surrounding the town.
Tahlequah
Drive two hours southeast from Pawhuska, through the metropolis of Tulsa, to get to Tahlequah, a town in the foothills of the Ozark mountains. Tahlequah is another one of Oklahoma’s towns where history surrounds every street corner. Specifically, the town’s history is primarily that of the Cherokee, and there are countless ways to engage with this lineage. The Cherokee National History Museum, housed in the original Cherokee National Capitol and featuring a plethora of artifacts and art, is the perfect place to start this exploration. Visitors can continue through the Cherokee National Prison Museum and the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum, both conveniently located in downtown Tahlequah. East of town is the Welling Ridge Trails, a trail complex that takes hikers through the beautiful, verdant Green Country of northeast Oklahoma.
Guymon
Far west, in Oklahoma’s iconic panhandle, is the seat of Texas County, Guymon. The town is emblematic of the western country in which it sits, boasting expansive prairie views, delectable barbecue cuisine, and a thriving rodeo culture. The Thompson and Cross parks are great ways to get out into the warm, fresh air the region is known for, and the Sunset Hills Golf Course is a local favorite for anyone looking to hit the links. There are a number of places to taste the neighborhood favorites, but the one preferred by locals is Hunny’s, whose barbecue defines the town. Every year, Guymon hosts the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo, one of the biggest such celebrations in the country, which is just one of the events that has made the town the Saddle Bronc Capital of the World.
Guthrie
Just minutes north of Oklahoma City is the historic town of Guthrie. Home to a miraculously well-maintained downtown area which is among the largest of the nation’s Historic Preservation Districts, stepping into Guthrie is like stepping into the pages of a history book. Victorian-era architecture lines the streets, and there is no shortage of historic homes and buildings to marvel at. The First Capital Trolley tour is among the best ways to take in the sights, though other tours are available, such as the idiosyncratic Guthrie Ghost Walk. The Oklahoma Territorial Museum is full of exhibits that give context to the history you will be steeped in as a visitor to Guthrie, and the Pollard Theatre is the perfect spot to catch a show and immerse yourself in the town’s thriving arts scene.
Medicine Park
Medicine Park is a utopia of natural Oklahoma beauty, situated at the base of the Wichita Mountains and on the shore of Lake Lawtonka. Chock full of hiking, camping, and sightseeing opportunities, the town is perfect for travelers looking to get out into the region's landscapes. The Lawtonka Trails, Hoof Gullies Trails, and Mount Scot Picnic Area represent just a taste of the outdoor adventures on offer around the town. The Medicine Park Primitive Campground and the camping at the nearby Lake Elmer Thomas allow for comfortable nights in and amongst the natural beauty. There are plenty of options for those who would rather not spend the night under the stars, such as inns, cottages, and other quirky places to stay. The Plantation Inn, Boulder House, and Stardust Inn are just a few of the unique lodging opportunities in Medicine Park. The Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center should not be missed by visitors looking for a unique experience.
Chandler
Located at the midway point between Tulsa and Oklahoma City on the world-famous Route 66, Chandler is a perfect little slice of Americana. The Route 66 Interpretive Center in town is an ideal spot to begin your visit and a great way to experience the 20th-century history of the country surrounding “America’s Main Street.” McJerry’s Route 66 Gallery hosts a collection of art relating to the famous road. Chandler’s historical connections go more profound than its relationship to the Route, and the best way to explore and enjoy these is at the Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History. With a constantly rotating collection of artifacts and curiosities, the museum is the perfect place to learn about Chandler and the surrounding region. Other local spots of interest include the H & S Theatre, which takes moviegoers back to the beginning of the century, and the RT 66 Bowl, which will engage bowlers in 1950s nostalgia.
Oklahoma is a state with a lot to offer. It has connections to the deep south, the expansive west, and the plains of the Midwest, and a trip through the state will allow for a wide-ranging set of adventures. Whether it is by exploring the histories of the Osage and the Cherokee, enjoying the distinctly American pastime of attending a rodeo, or hiking one of the many trails, there is something for every traveler. These towns are the perfect starting spots for a journey through this incredible state!
