7 Quietest Small Towns Near Oklahoma City
With Oklahoma City ranked among the best cities for families, it's no wonder the surrounding small towns make excellent weekend retreats for travelers looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation. Enjoy the boundless blue sky and prairie views at each destination on our list. If you love cozy fun with a small-town feel, the following destinations are ideal for locals and travelers alike.
Arcadia
With just under 200 residents and with a town that spans just one square mile, Arcadia is as small as small towns get. However, this is what makes it an attractive weekend getaway for those seeking a break amid their busy lives.
Arcadia is an easy commute from Oklahoma City, located just 22 miles north. If you're ever in the area around Labor Day weekend, head to Arcadia to enjoy their annual Festival and Rodeo. For a fun soda experience, Pops 66 is the must-see family-friendly restaurant that pays homage to historic Route 66. Looking to stay the night? Don't miss the Two Hearts Inn - one of the best-rated accommodations in town.
If you're in the mood for a historic attraction, it doesn't get better than the Arcadia Round Barn. Built in 1898, the Round Barn is a fascinating relic of a bygone era and embodies the same spirit of resilience of the region's residents.
Seminole
This small town started off as a humble settlement in the early 1900s, then experienced a population boom in the 1920s when oil was discovered. While Seminole is now much quieter than it was back in its heyday, its nearly 8,000 residents enjoy their town for the peace and relaxation it offers.
The Jasmine Moran Children's Museum and Sportman's Lake are Seminole's main attractions, though there are a few lesser-known points of interest. The small town is home to Seminole State College and attracts visitors and locals alike to the Jimmie Austin Municipal Golf Course.
For a bite to eat, you can't miss Cazadorez Mexican Restaurant. Afterwards, swing by Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Store for a sweet treat. Accommodation options include well-known favorites such as the Best Western Seminole Inn & Suites.
Sulphur
Located 1.5 hours southeast of Oklahoma City, Sulphur combines city convenience with rural relaxation. Learn about the region's indigenous tribes at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, or check out the Mary E. Parker Memorial Library. Explore nature at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, where several bird and mammal species can be seen year-round.
For a truly relaxing weekend retreat, consider staying at Echo Canyon Spa Resort - a popular destination for weary travelers seeking some R and R. At Echo Canyon, you can expect fine dining experiences, a number of spa treatments, and stunning canyon views.
Cushing
Nicknamed "The Pipeline Crossroads of the World," Cushing got its start as part of the oil boom of the early 1900s. This small town is nestled in the scenic Cimarron Valley and offers stunning views to locals and visitors alike.
Despite Cushing's small size, it has big-city attractions such as the Oklahoma Skydiving Center. Want something a little less extreme? Consider family fun at the Cushing Aquatic Center, or catching a show at the Cushing Community Theater. Planning something a little longer than a day trip? Stop for dinner at Homestead Family Restaurant for a chicken pot pie on your way to a good night's sleep at La-Ze L Motel.
Coalgate
Founded in 1889 as part of the Chickasaw Nation, Coalgate - like many small Oklahoma towns - experienced a population boom when coal mining in the region surged. Now it has fewer than 2,000 residents, all of whom enjoy Coalgate for the peace and slow pace it offers.
Catch a glimpse of the bald eagles that gather in Coalgate each year while enjoying a day with the kids at the 45th Infantry Memorial Park. Locals and travelers alike enjoy this park for its tranquility and its convenient access to US-75. Learn about the region's rich history at the Coal County Historical & Mining Museum. If you're in the area in September, don't miss the Amish School Auction, where you can get your hands on anything from handmade quilts to furniture.
Coalgate has comfortable accommodations for visitors planning to stay the night, such as the HiWay Inn Express at Coalgate.
Meeker
Don't let this town's small size fool you. Meeker, OK, is teeming with culture, from its proud distinction as being the childhood home of baseball legend Carl Hubbell. Hubbell famously served as a pitcher for the New York Giants from 1936 to 1937. You can learn all about his impressive legacy at the Carl Hubbell Museum located at City Hall!
If you're looking for a bite to eat, Meeker has a myriad of restaurants to check out. Two of the most popular options are Ladonna's Grill and The Fat Rooster, especially if you're looking for good food and a friendly atmosphere.
Located about 46 miles from Oklahoma City, Meeker is far enough from the big city to dodge the traffic but close enough for convenience to city-based necessities such as hospitals. Get a good night's sleep at the Holiday Inn and Suites or the La Quinta Inn.
Sparks
With a name like "Sparks," it's no wonder this small town is bursting with life and charm. Located an hour's drive northeast of Oklahoma City, Sparks is a quiet, peaceful little town with many accommodation options. Get a good night's sleep at Lincoln, Skyliner, or Sooner Motel, each with comfortable amenities like Wi-Fi and cable. Are you more of a do-it-yourselfer? Sparks America Campground offers tent sites and RV parking with electrical and water hookups. For a bite to eat, don't forget to check out Giorgio's Pizzeria. If you're looking for a lively 1950s atmosphere, the Boom-er-ang Diner is the perfect dining experience for you.
"Rural" doesn't have to mean "boring." At least, not when it comes to the destinations on our list. Whether you're aiming for an educational trip with plenty of stops featuring culture and history, or want something fun and laid back, you can't go wrong with any of the seven incredible stops on our list.
