The Best Small Towns in Oklahoma to Chill Out
Oklahoma is a state of great natural beauty, with its southern border lined by the Red River, while the Arkansas River cuts across its northeastern corner. With small towns that place relaxation over flashiness, Oklahoma has quite a bit to offer. Visitors can find lakes to walk, wildlife areas to go bird-watching, and cultural destinations that celebrate the history of the indigenous people who call the area home. With so much to offer, it is a great state to visit when you want to chill out, and these towns are perfect destinations for those looking to kick back and relax.
Broken Bow
Those hoping to unwind outdoors will enjoy a visit to Broken Bow, where they can spend time at T's Paradise Ranch. The ranch includes a 6-bedroom cabin situated on 40 acres of property. Included as part of the cabin is a jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom, along with modern amenities, while guests enjoy incredible views of nature. Further south, you can relax even more while spending time in the Little River National Wildlife Area. Guests to the area can relax on the Little River, casting a line out to catch catfish, crappie, and bass. Guests can also enjoy a hike on the many trails that wind through the area. There are both primitive walking trails and boardwalk trails through the area. And bird watchers will enjoy the Duck Roost Slough Observation Deck, where you can break out your camera or binoculars. An alternative is to head to Broken Bow Lake. Deemed "The Best Lake in Oklahoma since 1970," visitors can access the lake from Beavers Bend State Park. Nearby Beavers Bend Marina offers pontoon boats, houseboats, and jet skis for anyone who wants to head out on the water for a day to chill out and enjoy the sound of waves.
Medicine Park
Guests to Medicine Park can begin their relaxing stay at Plantation Inn. Located in the heart of town and just along Medicine Creek, the inn is built on the foundation of the Oklahoma Press Association Clubhouse, first constructed in 1916. Today, visitors will find themselves at the center of the best destinations around. Guests can enjoy time along the creek at Bath Lake, created in the 1920s as the local swimming hole. Visitors can enjoy the waterfalls and stunning lake views while enjoying an afternoon picnic. Alternatively, you can head west to Elmer Thomas Lake. Guests will find recreational areas like boat ramps, fishing jetties, and a swimming beach. Guests can shop from nearby tackle stores like Little Dam Bait Shop before heading out to cast a line on the lake. North of town, you can also relax by walking the Lawtonka Trails. These include more than 30 miles of trails that run along the shores of Lake Lawtonka. Visitors will find places to swim or head out by boat. The lake includes beach areas if you want to enjoy a swim while enjoying incredible views of nearby Mt. Scott.
Sulphur
A blend of culture and nature makes Sulphur a relaxing destination for anyone hoping to unwind. A unique destination is the Chickasaw Cultural Center, which celebrates the history and culture of the Chickasaw people. Guests can enjoy the traditional village, where they can walk the 40-foot sky bridge before watching stomp dance and stickball events. Guests will also enjoy the beautiful Aaholiitobli' Honor Garden, a tranquil garden honoring the Chickasaw people. Visitors will find unique architecture crafted from rock, granite, and copper, as well as symbols that are unique to the Chickasaw people. Further south is the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, located along the Lake of the Arbuckles. The lake is ideal for fishing for white bass, crappie, panfish, and a variety of other fish species. There are also plenty of places to go hiking, including the Springs, Travertine Creek, and Veterans Trail, as well as the Bison Pasture Trail. These trails and loops offer very different views, depending on which one you hike, from the Antelope and Buffalo Springs that feed Travertine Creek to the herds of bison that roam the Bison Pasture Trail.
Pawhuska
One way to chill out in Pawhuska is right at the Osage Casino Hotel. Of course, guests will find luxurious rooms to enjoy, many of which are decorated by artists from the Osage tribe. Naturally, they will also find plenty of games to test their luck. The hotel also features live music at the Big Spoon Restaurant, with country musicians arriving to entertain guests. A way to experience the town in comfort with the Roaming The Osage tour group. You can enjoy a tour of Pawhuska from the back of a Mercedes-Benz convertible bus and visit surrounding destinations, including the natural highlights of the Osage Hills and Tallgrass Prairie. Those who want to strike out on foot can hit the trails of WahZhaZhe Heritage Park. The trails run along a loop alongside Bird Creek, and bird watchers will find not only migratory flocks in the area but also hawks and sometimes bald eagles.
Stroud
Enjoy relaxing times at San and Fox Nation Casino, where guests can expect to enjoy an afternoon testing their luck on the games before enjoying a meal at the casino grill. If gaming is not your idea of fun, then outdoor excitement can be found on the opposite side of town at Stroud Lake. A reservoir created in 1968, today it is a destination for those who enjoy the outdoors. Anglers will enjoy a day of fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie. A disc golf course is located along the waters, while hikers will enjoy a trip along the Stroud Lake Nature Trail, which affords lakeside views and walks through woods and meadows. Nearby, a unique view into the past awaits visitors at the Route 66 Spirit of America Museum. Route 66 was once known as the "Mother Road" and ran from Chicago to Los Angeles, linking the East Coast to the West Coast. Today, the museum celebrates classic American culture. For example, a unique exhibit pays tribute to the fictional reporter Clark Kent, better known as Superman.
El Reno
Lake El Reno is a particularly popular destination for those seeking to relax in the area. Guests can enjoy a stay on the lake in several ways, either during a day trip or while staying at the RV park. The Lake El Reno Swim Beach allows access to the public swimming area, and after an afternoon outdoors, you can dine at the El Reno Lake Facility. The facility also acts as a pro shop for golfers. On that note, if golfing is your idea of a relaxing afternoon, you can find Crimson Creek Golf Course just next to the lake. The grounds feature both nine- and 18-hole courses, where guests can enjoy views of the well-maintained lawns as well as the lake as they begin the second half of their 18-hole afternoon. If you want to mix things up a little bit, you can learn more about El Reno and the surrounding county at The Canadian County Museum. This museum complex is a history lover's dream, where you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring some of the town's significant historical sights. The complex grounds include the first Red Cross canteen in the United States, as well as the Hotel El Reno, both of which date back more than a century. If you really want to kick back in style, hop on the El Reno Trolley, which runs a 1.5-mile loop through town.
Plenty Of Places To Chill
Oklahoma is a wonderful place to chill out, especially if you enjoy the outdoors. Destinations like Stroud Lake and Lake El Reno make perfect spots for those who want to stroll alongside the water. However, cultural and historic destinations like the Chicasaw Cultural Center or the Canadian County Museum allow visitors to enjoy a casual day while learning about the local culture. If you want to enjoy time chilling out, then visit one of these small Oklahoma towns.
