A child runs near the Blue Whale on Route 66, Catoosa, Oklahoma. Image credit Logan Bush via Shutterstock

8 Quirkiest Oklahoma Towns To Visit In 2025

Ready to experience the quirky side of Oklahoma? The Sooner State may be best known for flat plains, tornadoes, and some of the best barbecue in the United States, but it’s also home to some unusual attractions. Route 66 cuts right through the heart of Oklahoma, and along the way are towns eager to see new faces. You can fill up on fried pies at Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies in Davis, visit an enormous concrete whale in Catoosa, or shop for soda at Pops 66 Soda Ranch in Arcadia. When you are ready to experience the unexpected in Oklahoma, add these charming stops to your 2025 Oklahoma road trip list!

Pauls Valley

South of Oklahoma City is where you will find the small community of Pauls Valley. Visitors can arrive in Pauls Valley in style via the local Amtrak, and as soon as you get off the train, the Santa Fe Depot Museum is within walking distance of the Amtrak station. The museum has exhibits and artifacts from Pauls Valley’s early days and a steam locomotive and coal tender on display. You can also visit charming local restaurants, like Creekside Grill, or fill up on that famous Sooner-style barbeque at Bob’s Pig Shop.

Downtown street in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. — Downtown Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. Image credit Roberto Galan via Shutterstock

The best attraction in Pauls Valley isn’t their barbecue—it’s their toys! The Toy and Action Figure Museum is a must-see for kids and kids at heart. The museum has over 13,000 action figures. It has themed rooms, like the Collector’s Bedroom (filled to the brim with action figures!) and the Batcave, which has been dedicated solely to Batman memorabilia throughout the ages.

Pawhuska

In northern Oklahoma, not too far from the Kansas border, is Pawhuska. It is located in the heart of the Osage Nation and honors both its Native American roots and Western heritage through its attractions and architecture downtown. The Osage Nation Museum offers a glimpse into Pawhuska’s past, located in an old stone chapel. If you love to test your luck at the casino, the Osage Casino Hotel is one of the top casinos in the entire state!

Downtown street in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. — Downtown Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Image credit: Pcol via Flickr.com.

While there is always something to do in downtown Pawhuska, the real adventure lies on the edge of Pawhuska on the other side of Route 60. The Swinging Bridge is Pawhuska’s most famous landmark, hanging over Bird Creek. It was built in 1926, and it is a thrilling experience to walk across. The old wooden planks sway gently with each step and offer an incredible view of the area, situated 30 feet in the air.

Tonkawa

Known as the Wheatheart of Oklahoma, Tonkawa is a hidden gem tucked away on the northern edge of Oklahoma. Wheat production plays a major role in Tonkawa’s local economy, which is why it’s referred to as the Wheatheart of Oklahoma. It prides itself on its wheat production so much that it created a heart-shaped labyrinth in the center of Tonkawa called the Heart in the Park Labyrinth. Walking the 45-foot diameter dual-path labyrinth as a meditative experience, and the 100 engraved pavers on the outside tell the tale of Tonkawa's past.

After walking the labyrinth, you can stop in for an old-fashioned meal at the charming Mary's Grill (you have to try their chicken fried steak!), and then spend the evening testing your luck at the stunning Tonkawa Hotel and Casino. For a more peaceful afternoon, the North Oklahoma Botanical Garden and Arboretum is a great place to explore the manicured butterfly garden, herb garden, and rose gardens.

Catoosa

One of Route 66’s most famous attractions lies within Catoosa. The Oklahoma Blue Whale is more than just a kitschy tourist attraction. It is one of the must-see destinations along Route 66! The 20-foot-tall, 80-foot-long concrete whale brings joy to whoever sees it, and you have to get a photo with it if you ever find yourself in Catoosa. While swimming is no longer allowed, there are ample picnic tables and even a gift shop.

As a town east of Tulsa, Catoosa offers so much more to see beyond its famous whale. The Catoosa Historical Museum is small, but it offers a glimpse into its rich history and has plenty of Route 66 artifacts within the former rail depot. If you love history (especially vintage cars), you have to swing by the DW Correll Museum. It not only has a great collection of antique cars, but it also has interesting displays of rocks, minerals, fossils, and seashells.

Davis

Are you ready for fried pies, dinosaurs, and breathtaking waterfalls? Davis is an offbeat town hidden away in the Arbuckle Mountains in southern Oklahoma. While there are beautiful views in Davis, most visitors flock to this charming city for the fried pies. It is home to Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies, inside an old Sinclair gas station (you can’t miss it, it has a dinosaur and a rooster friend on top). They serve an assortment of sweet and savory pies, so make sure you bring your appetite.

The gorgeous Turner Falls near Davis, Oklahoma.

After filling up on pies, you can explore the natural wonders of Davis. There is Turner Falls Park, a natural oasis in the heart of Oklahoma with stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and breathtaking views. One of the best things to see in Davis is the Arbuckle Wilderness Park. It is a drive-through safari park with exotic animals that is perfect for the whole family. Stock up on fried pies at Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies before driving through the Arbuckle Wilderness Park!

Arcadia

Are you ready for another iconic Route 66 attraction? Arcadia is a small community just outside of Oklahoma City with an offbeat past. It is home to Pops 66 Soda Ranch. It is a fairly modern establishment built in 2007 that harkens back to the early days of unique stops along Route 66. You can choose from over 700 varieties of soda, and it has an old-fashioned diner serving up American classics like burgers, omelets, and hand-dipped milkshakes. When you see the massive 66-foot soda bottle, you know you have made it to Pops 66 Soda Ranch!

Route 66 famous Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma — Route 66's famous Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma

After filling up at the soda ranch (and getting a few sodas for the road), there is so much more to see in Arcadia. Make sure to stop by the Arcadia Round Barn, which is a notable Route 66 pit stop, or check out the Chicken Shack. While the Chicken Shack serves up great food, it is also a fantastic place to unwind with live music and cold brews with the friendly locals of Arcadia.

Stroud

East of Oklahoma City, in central Oklahoma, is Stroud. When you picture a classic American village in your mind, Stroud likely comes to mind. Much of the town's architecture was inspired by its fame as a must-see stop along Route 66. The Rock Cafe brought travelers from all over the country, serving up classic American fare since its opening in 1939. The cafe is so iconic that it inspired the character Sally Carrera in the Pixar movie Cars!

If you love exploring American history predating Route 66, you must check out the Ozark Trail Obelisk. Before Route 66, Americans traveled via the Ozark Trail that connected Saint Louis to Texas, which featured Obelisks. The marker stands 21 feet tall and is one of the last standing markers in the state. For natural wonders, Stroud Lake is an idyllic spot to swim, fish, or take a hike along its calming waters. After a long day of exploring, nothing tastes better than Oklahoma barbeque from Five Star BBQ and Steakhouse.

Medicine Park

Southwest of Oklahoma City, along the shores of Lake Lawtonka, is Medicine Park. With a population of just under 500, it is a secluded community known for its unique cobblestone architecture. Visitors can walk its vibrant city streets accented with red cobblestone buildings and stop in inviting eateries like Riverside Cafe, where you can grab a burger with a view of the river, or the rustic Old Plantation Restaurant.

The beautiful town of Medicine Park, Oklahoma. — Sidewalk in Medicine Park, Oklahoma.

If you want to take in the amazing views of Medicine Park, head to Bath Lake Medicine Park. This popular local swimming hole was established in 1908, and not much has changed since its founding. It is an ideal spot to not only swim, picnic, and walk along its calm shores. However, Medicine Park is more than just a sleepy village in a fairytale-like setting. You can also visit the very popular Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center to get up close and personal with sea turtles and river otters, and walk through its six-acre botanical garden.

Off-The-Grid Oklahoma TownsFrom its picturesque natural landscapes, flanked by the Wichita Mountains, to its rich Native American heritage, most first-timers will agree that the state is generally underrated.

Discover the Sooner State's Strangest Stops

From fried pies, giant whales, and roadside roosters, the Sooner State is full of surprises. These small communities highlight the best of America: great food, unique sites, and historical landmarks that weave the tale of the South Central United States. Whether you want to slow down in the picturesque town of Medicine Park or want something a little more offbeat, like the Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley, these communities will not disappoint. When you are ready to take a classic American road trip to experience sights you can’t see anywhere else, make sure to add these quirky, offbeat towns to your list!

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