8 Quirkiest Oklahoma Towns You Didn't Know Existed

Oklahoma, for many, is the picture of the American West, and it has drawn homesteaders, adventurers, and other travelers for generations. Joining the Union in 1907, the place nicknamed the "Sooner State"—taken from the days when pioneers boasted about who could stake their claim to local land "sooner" than others—has long offered the promise of prosperity. That singular (and some would say quirky) attitude is best preserved in the state's smaller towns, where traditions and memories of Oklahoma history live on. Visit Oklahoma and find quirky towns you may not know existed, offering a glimpse of what has, does, and will continue to make the Sooner State a great one to see.

Broken Bow

Broken Bow, on Oklahoma's southeast corner, offers a classic Oklahoma welcome for a weekend or longer. Travelers can sip wine at Fish Tales Winery & Bistro, which specializes in sweet red wines and semi-sweet white ones. Local golfers love the Cedar Creek Golf Course, and its fairways lie between lovely green pine trees. Come November, the Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show takes place: the 48-hour craft show brings in almost 70 vendors, who offer blacksmithing, paper making, basket weaving, quilting, and other hands-on goods.

Davis

South of Oklahoma City, the tiny town of Davis may have just 2,800 inhabitants, but its attractions tend to draw crowds from afar. The Davis Museum, sometimes also called the Arbuckle Museum, celebrates local contributions to the Old West. The museum sits inside the Sante Fe Depot, a former rail station, which is included on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

The town also features Turner Falls Park, home of the natural cascade of the same name—the single-largest waterfall in the state. Southeast of town, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area draws locals and visitors, as does the Lake of the Arbuckles within it.

Eufaula

Eufaula, a petite place of 2,800 souls, sits on the banks of Lake Eufaula, some 70 miles from the Arkansas state line. The town takes its name from the Native American tribe called Eufaula, which once lived around these parts. North Fork Town, once a thriving place in the Oklahoma territory, now lies underwater in Lake Eufaula. The lake took shape during the completion of the Eufaula Dam in 1964.

Much of Eufaula's Old West aspects are still present today. A tourist can find antique stores and other cute shops here, while outdoors types can take a walk along Lake Eufala's shoreline trail. Eufaula's business area enjoys its own position on the NRHP. For a tasty break from traveling, visitors can make their way to local favorites like CodyBob's or Dawn's Place Cafe.

Fort Gibson

Fort Gibson, found in the eastern portion of the state, claims to be Oklahoma's oldest town. The place took root where the Arkansas, Grand, and Verdigris rivers meet, which gave the town a strategically important position for transportation, river navigation, and other early commerce. These days, history buffs enjoy the Fort Gibson Historic Site, which explains the area's development. Fort Gibson Roundup Club, a center for rodeo events, offers a uniquely western kind of entertainment. Visiting families can take advantage of nearby access to the Arkansas River for picnicking, fishing, or simply being outside. For an adults-only evening, the Cherokee Casino and Hotel is great for a night out and a few games of chance.

Grove

Grove, in northeast Oklahoma, sits near one of Oklahoma's most beloved bodies of water. The Grand Lake O' the Cherokees attracts jet-skiiers, boaters, and fun-seekers of all kinds. Those who are only out for a drive will find dramatic views from the shores of Monkey Island. For family-friendly fun, the Water Trix company offers paddleboards, kayaks, and other options for all kinds of fun.

And for a little horseback riding, the Royal Horse Ranch provides lessons, hay rides, and even a kids' camp. At Christmastime, Grove organizes Santa's Ozark Mountain Village, which celebrates wholesome holiday cheer. For a place to stay, Lee's Grand Lake Resort is a great choice, with cabin rentals and a playground for young children.

Perkins

In north-central Oklahoma, the small town of Perkins provides a quaint alternative destination with a slower pace of life. Settled in 1891, today's Perkins runs the Oklahoma Territorial Plaza, which is a six-acre park that showcases local historical exhibits as well as recreation options for all kinds of visitors. North of town, the Golf Club at Cimmaron Trails offers even more fairways for those keen to hit the links during their weekend or longer stay away. And as in Fort Gibson, gambling and entertainment are nearby: Perkins sits near the Cimarron Casino. Families visiting in summer will love the Splash Pad, a local water park.

Sulphur

The unusually named Sulphur, with 4,900 people, has history in its very name. The onetime center of spa and resort activity still offers part of that legacy today, such as at the Artesian Hotel, which combines spa and casino options. The Artesian has welcomed guests here since 1906.

For more on the region's natural wonders, Sulphur's Travertine Nature Center, situated east of town, educates visitors on the diversity of Oklahoma's natural life, from plants and animals to mineral richness. Also near Travertine are a number of waterfalls, including Bear Falls, Little Niagara Falls, and Panther Falls. And like the town of Davis, Sulphur sits near the Lake of the Arbuckles, making the town another popular stop for those wanting to unwind on the water.

Tishomingo

Tishomingo, in south-central Oklahoma, sits near the Blue River. Tishomingo is a truly historic place: it once served as the capital city of the Chickasaw Nation, a prominent Native American tribe in the region. Tishomingo's downtown Chickasaw Council House and Museum exhibits one of the world's largest collections of genuine Chickasaw artifacts and other objects of interest.

To glimpse a contemporary legend, try to follow the footsteps of Oklahoma-born country music icon Blake Shelton, who calls Tishomingo home. For accommodations, the Mulberry Inn provides affordable rooms in the very heart of town. South of Tishomingo, Lake Texoma sprawls between Oklahoma and Texas (hence its quirky name), forming part of the border between the two states.

Oklahoma's Best Awaits Travelers

As these towns show, Oklahoma's small, sometimes eccentric towns pack a punch for the curious visitor. Individuals can enjoy a little history, or try their luck on casino floors or golf courses across the state. Towns like Grove and Sulphur provide relaxation with water views, thanks to the towns' beloved waterways and lakes. Davis and Eufaula offer architecture and local charms worthy of national recognition through the NRHP. Cultures, old and new, come together in places like Tishomingo, whose Native American legacy and modern-day star power come from local residents like Blake Shelton, which means that even petite towns like this one are sure to delight the visiting guests. For a turn through an unusual, but always interesting, part of the American West, Oklahoma makes a great destination for a first-time or repeat visit.