Route 66 entrance to the town of Miami, Oklahoma. Image credit duckeesue via Shutterstock

8 Most Overlooked Oklahoma Towns For 2025

With Route 66 running through it, a deep Native American heritage, and more than 200 lakes, Oklahoma has so much to offer. However, the state sometimes slips under the radar to the rest of the United States. The state’s locals, however, know their home is full of underrated destinations, many of which are just a short drive from cities like Tulsa or Oklahoma City. If you are planning a trip in 2025, these eight overlooked towns should be on your list.

Pauls Valley

The old business district on Paul Avenue, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
Paul Avenue, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. Image credit Roberto Galan via Shutterstock.

Just an hour away from Oklahoma City, Pauls Valley is the perfect destination for a weekend away. Travelers can even opt to leave their car at home and hop aboard the Heartland Flyer Train, which travels from Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, stopping in Pauls Valley along the way. Once in town, spend a couple of hours at the famed Toy & Action Figure Museum, which displays more than 13,000 pop culture figures. To finish off the afternoon, hungry travelers can grab a freshly made pie from Fields Pies, renowned for its pecan pies and for selling German, chocolate, and lemon pies.

Miami

Waylans Hamburgers the Ku Ku sign on Route 66, Miami, Oklahoma.
Waylans Hamburgers the Ku Ku sign on Route 66, Miami, Oklahoma. Image credit Fotogro via Shutterstock

It might not have the beaches that Miami, Florida has, but Miami, Oklahoma has its own unique charm. Located along Route 66, there are plenty of historic and nostalgic attractions to check out. If the drive to Miami has worked up an appetite, stop by Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger, a drive-in restaurant that dates back to the 1960s, famous for its neon cuckoo bird sign and mouthwatering burgers. Afterward, catch a show at the historic Coleman Theatre, which hosts musicals, comedic performances, movie screenings, and more. On your way out, stop by the Route 66 Gift Shop & Visitor Center, located inside the theater building, which sells Route 66-themed T-shirts, hats, magnets, and other quirky souvenirs.

Pryor Creek

Allred Theatre in Pryor Creek.
Allred Theatre in Pryor Creek, Oklahoma. Image credit Sabrina Janelle Gordon via Shutterstock.

Pryor Creek hosts an exciting number of events throughout the year, with three important ones coming up in September and October. From September 3rd through 8th, the Mayes County Fair will take place, celebrating the area’s agricultural scene with a tractor driving contest, pedal pull, livestock show, indoor exhibits, and other family-friendly activities. While in town that week, cyclists can participate in the DAM J.A.M. Bicycle Tour, an annual, one-day event where attendees can bike through the county’s rolling hills, enjoying rest stops along the way. In October, enjoy the local art scene at the Northeast Oklahoma Area Artists Show, featuring juried and competitive artwork created by residents of Northeastern Oklahoma.

Broken Bow

North Broadway Street in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.
North Broadway Street in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Image credit Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Home to Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow is the perfect travel destination for nature lovers. The park, filled with towering trees, rivers, lakes, and rugged terrain, is popular for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, river floating, water skiing, and much more. Broken Bow Lake, created in 1968, sits within the park and is a favorite destination for kayakers as well as trout and bass anglers. To conclude your day outdoors, head to Beavers Bend Brewery for a cold drink, serving an extensive menu of craft beers, including pale ales, blondes, and stouts, among other varieties. Twice a month, the brewery also hosts live music performances on its outdoor patio!

Sulphur

The old business district on Broadway Avenue, Sulphur, Oklahoma.
Broadway Avenue, Sulphur, Oklahoma. Image credit Roberto Galan via Shutterstock

Located in southern Oklahoma, Sulphur is a small town with lots of Native American influence. The Chickasaw Cultural Center is a wonderful place to start your adventure, telling the story of the Chickasaw people through interesting exhibits, collections, demonstrations, and performances. Inside the cultural center, visitors can also dine at the Aaimpa' (meaning “A Place to Eat”) Café, which serves various Native-inspired dishes like venison stew, ground elk burgers, and salmon. Travelers wanting to see Sulphur’s beautiful natural surroundings can head out to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, which has over 20 miles of hiking trails, lakes, six campgrounds, and picnic areas.

Catoosa

Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, on the iconic Route 66 Highway.
Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma. Image credit Vineyard Perspective via Shutterstock

Tulsa may attract much of the spotlight, but the small community of Catoosa, only 20 minutes away, deserves more recognition. Located along Route 66, the town is home to roadside landmarks such as the Blue Whale of Catoosa, built in 1972 from hand-mixed cement and measuring 20 feet tall and 80 feet long. The Catoosa Historical Society Museum is an excellent place to learn more about the town’s history, housed in a historic train depot and exhibiting numerous historical displays. Lastly, a visit to Catoosa would not be complete without a night at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, a massive hotel with a 170,000 square foot casino, an 18-hole golf course, and several on-site dining establishments.

Wagoner

Historic buildings in downtown Wagoner, Oklahoma.
Downtown Wagoner, Oklahoma. Image credit RBraley via Wikimedia

Located near Fort Gibson Lake, Wagoner is a beautifully underrated lakeside town in northeastern Oklahoma. One of the best ways to appreciate the lake is at Sequoyah State Park, which offers 225 miles of shoreline and 19,000 surface acres of water, along with plenty of opportunities to hike, horseback ride, picnic, fish, and camp. The Canebrake Resort is also along the lake, a luxurious property that covers over 300 acres with amenities like a spa, yoga barn, an on-site restaurant, and more. Downtown, travelers can grab a delicious dinner at Smokin' Sisters BBQ on Main, which serves mouthwatering pulled pork, smoked sausage, sliced brisket, country-style rib, and more.

Sallisaw

Buildings along the old business district in Sallisaw, Oklahoma.
Old business district in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Image credit Roberto Galan via Shutterstock

Sallisaw is another fascinating destination to visit for those who love Native American history. The Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum should be the first stop on your itinerary. Dating back to 1829, it was once the home of Sequoyah, the monumental creator of the Cherokee written alphabet. Next, travelers can stop at the 14 Flags Museum, which highlights the state’s history under 14 different governments and includes three cabins along with a historic train depot. On a warm and sunny day, visitors might also enjoy spending a few hours at the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, which boasts 250 miles of rugged shoreline and has numerous hiking and nature trails.

Can't-Miss Towns In OklahomaScattered all throughout the rolling plains and wooded hills, one cannot miss these amazing and tremendous small towns in Oklahoma.

No matter your travel style, one of these eight towns is bound to win you over. Towns like Sallisaw and Sulphur are filled with Native American culture and history, while other destinations, like Wagoner and Broken Bow, offer plenty of opportunities to get out on the water or enjoy an afternoon of hiking. So don’t let their small populations fool you: these eight destinations will offer you experiences that you otherwise might have never imagined in the Sooner State!

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Brielle Read August 28 2025 in Places

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