9 Small Towns In Oklahoma To Visit For A Weekend Getaway
The great state of Oklahoma is one of the most geographically diverse places in the United States of America. Within its borders, you'll find the peaks of the Ozark Mountains, arid great plains, lush forests, canyons, and rivers like the Little River. Along with such natural beauty, this centrally located treasure is filled with wonderful small towns that are perfect for a weekend getaway. So, pack your bags and get ready for adventure as we highlight some of our favorites!
Pawhuska
Walking down Main Street in Pawhuska feels in many ways like stepping back in time. The town of just 2,984 is a community with a slower, laid-back way of life. It's the kind of place that remembers what the world was like before it decided to get itself in a big rush. While you're in town, you can spend time at the Osage Nation Museum to learn more about the area's indigenous culture. Fun fact: in the Osage language, Pawhuska means "white hair," named after the nineteenth-century Osage chief Paw-Hiu-Skah. After the museum, you can catch a show at the famed Constantine Theatre. Opened in 1914, the historic theatre is home to an array of both original and well-known shows. If you're feeling hungry, you can go for a bite at P-Town Pizza before enjoying a hike in the Osage Hills State Park, featuring over 1,100 acres of beautiful scenery. While you're in Pawhuska, you can lay your head at The Boarding House, down the street from the Pioneer Woman Mercantile. This boutique-style hotel is located right downtown, so you'll be close to all the action!
Alva
Founded in 1893, the town of Alva began its life, like many in this part of the country, as a railroad town. Since then, this idyllic little town has managed to hold onto its identity without being stuck in the past. When you visit this town of just over 5,000, you can stay at the Ranger Inn Motel. In the center of town, you'll find the Alva Courthouse Square. Along with being home to the historic Woods County Courthouse, you will be able to view incredible murals created by local artists. To learn more about the area's amazing history, visit the Cherokee Strip Museum, conveniently located in the courthouse square. A short trip nearby to the town of Freedom will provide you the chance to visit the Alabaster Caverns State Park, where you can even try your hand at spelunking in the incredible cave system found in the park. Just remember to wear a helmet! Alva is two and a half hours from the state's capital, Oklahoma City, making the town perfect for a weekend getaway. During October and November of each year, you can spend time at Brandt's Menagerie, where you'll find Oklahoma's biggest hay-bale maze and even take part in some laser tag! The Comfort Inn and Suites will provide a comfortable place to lay your head.
Muskogee
Around 48 Miles outside of Tulsa, you'll find the bustling community of Muskogee. Considering that Muskogee's official nickname is "Oklahoma's Music City," you know that you're in a lively time on your visit! During your time in town, you can watch a spirited performance at the Muskogee Little Theatre. If you're the type that enjoys a real, moving experience, then roll your way to the Muskogee Skate Center. The town's beloved roller-skating rink is a family-friendly venue that hosts "glow parties!" A visit to the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame will allow you to see exhibits dedicated to some of the state's most prominent musical exports, such as country singer Patti Page, legendary protest-singer Woody Guthrie, and Muskogee's own Jazz musician, Claude "Fiddler" Williams. During the summer months, you can cool off at the River County Family Waterpark featuring waterslides and a play area. After experiencing some of the town's more exciting activities on offer, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll through Honor Heights Park. The park sits on 132 acres of beautifully maintained land featuring lush vegetation, three walking trails, and five lakes, including Honor Heights Lake. The town is home to several hotels, including the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Muskogee.
Shawnee
The charming town of Shawnee is practically bursting with history and character. For an incredible look at some local history, stop in at the Pottawatomie County Museum, housed in the awe-inspiring Santa Fe Depot. Built in about 1903, the limestone building originally served as Shawnee's railway station. No matter what time of year you visit, a stroll through the Woodland Veterans Memorial Park always makes for a special visit. The park features picnic tables, tennis courts, and some interesting monuments, including a miniature version of the Statue of Liberty. Don't worry, though, you won't risk missing it as the statue is around 15 feet tall. While you're in town, you can stay at the Baymont by Wyndham Shawnee. Here's a fun fact! Shawnee is the childhood home of famed early western movie star Monte Hale, as well as the birthplace of a little-known actor named Brad Pitt. So while you're in town, make sure to catch a show at the Shawnee Little Theatre. Who knows, you might just see the future superstar on stage!
Yukon
Founded in 1901, the charming town of Yukon shares its name with the Canadian Territory that drew in so many during the famed gold rush. While there are no gold mines in Yukon, Oklahoma, its real treasure is unquestionably its people. During October, you can take part in the annual Czech Festival, celebrating the town's proud Czech community. Just remember to join in on the dancing so you can burn off some of that delicious goulash they'll be serving! While you're in town, you can stay at the Comfort Suites Yukon. For your chance to witness heart-pounding mayhem on two wheels, requiring nerves of steel, then make your way to the Yukon BMX Raceway. Will you see the next great motocross champion? For a calming, but no less awe-inspiring experience, make your way to Express Clydesdales, where you can get up close and personal to these gentle giants. You'll feel the world melt away as you watch these incredible animals at play. To learn about the town's incredible military history, you spend time at the Yukon's Veterans Museum, where you can see displays about those who sacrificed so much for our way of life.
Eufaula
Nestled on the shores of Oklahoma's biggest lake is the town of Eufaula. Home to just 2,766, the city, which shares its name with the lake, is the perfect place to get away from the stresses of big-city life for a few days. The town is located less than an hour and a half from Tulsa, making for a perfect getaway. Just outside town, you can stay at the American Cabins on Lake Eufaula. Imagine enjoying a cup of coffee as you look over the beautiful lake before hitting the links at the Fountainhead Creek Golf Course in nearby Checotah. From there, you can rent a kayak at Yakkity Yak Rentals and feel the splash of the water as your oar slaps against the surface of Lake Eufaula. Back on land, you can see a window into the town's past as you tour Eufaula's Historic Downtown. The well-preserved buildings showcase original late 1800s architecture at its finest. If all that adventuring makes you hungry, then stop by Captain John's for some delicious lake-to-table seafood!
Ardmore
About 90 miles from the state capital, Oklahoma City, is the charming town of Ardmore. Currently home to around 25,000 people, the town is filled with unique attractions that will keep you coming back for more. While you're in town, you can view the Eliza Cruce Doll Collection, located in the Ardmore Public Library. The collection, which began in 1936, showcases more than 300 unique dolls. From there, you can visit Tucker Tower, located in Lake Murray State Park. Built during the 1930s, the stone tower sits 60 feet above the lake's surface on a cliffside perch. The impressive structure serves as a museum with an amazing view. The park itself is a perfect place to spend the day, featuring over 12,000 acres of land and water, including Lake Murray, which makes it the largest state park in Oklahoma! While you're in Ardmore, there are many places you can stay, including the Hilton Garden Inn.
Ponca City
Founded by European settlers in 1893, Ponca City has a rich and beautiful history. During your time in town, you can learn about the important role that women played in the town and country's history when you visit the Pioneer Woman Museum & Statue. From there, you can play 18 holes at the popular Wentz Memorial Golf Course, or work on your game with one of the on-staff PGA Pro instructors. There are few better ways to enjoy the area's natural beauty while also getting in a workout than taking a refreshing swim in Lake Ponca. When you've worked up an appetite, you can have a delicious meal at JW Cobbs before catching a performance at the historic Poncan Theatre. During your time in Ponca City, you can stay at one of its many fine hotels, including the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham.
Sapulpa
Located along the legendary Route 66, you'll find the town of Sapulpa. This unique and friendly town definitely wears its personality on its sleeve. As you enter town, you may already see its claim to fame in the form of the World's Tallest Gas Pump. The 74-foot-tall tower (including the sign at the top) of petrol power stands directly outside the famed Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum, featuring a vast collection of mechanical marvels spanning several decades. While you're in town, you can stay at the Super 8 by Wyndham Sapulpa. To learn more about the area's history, you can pay a visit to the Burnett Mansion. Built in 1911, the incredible home allows you to step back in time as you walk through its halls and imagine what Sapulpa was like in an earlier era. To enjoy Sapulpa's natural beauty, you can spend time at Kelley Lane Park. Spread over 69 acres, the park features a disc golf course, walking trails, and picnic tables. The town is only about 14 miles from Tulsa, so if you're coming from afar, you can fly into the Tulsa International Airport.
It's safe to say that Oklahoma offers an embarrassment of riches when it comes to amazing small towns. Each of these communities has its own unique charm mixed with incredible history and topped up by the wonderful people who live in each one. With everything that each town has to offer, you'll be able to make a lifetime of memories while spending a weekend in any of these towns. If you're craving a long weekend that's equal part relaxing and enriching, these towns have got you covered.
