This Is The Most Welcoming Town In Oklahoma
Guthrie is a bustling community of over 10,000 people where everyone will feel welcomed. This town in Logan County, Oklahoma, abounds with cultural charm, from historic streets that tell endless tales of the past to lively events where locals come together for food, drinks, music, and more. The '89er Days brings people together to celebrate the past with parades and games, while Christmas is joyous with fireworks, trees, and lit-up streets. Moreover, each corner has something new, with Victorian architecture, specialty shops, art galleries, and eateries where you can learn, explore, and smile with friends, both old and new. To this end, Guthrie is Oklahoma’s most welcoming town, and this article delves into the friendly vibe of this community.
The Tale Of Guthrie & Its Historic Appeal
A bustling hub today, Guthrie was not always as lively as it is now. The town was first established in 1887 as a railroad station on the Southern Kansas Railway. Soon after, growth began, and thousands of people settled in town to claim plots of land during the 1889 Land Run. Subsequently, Guthrie developed carriages, a water system, and more. The town continued to expand, and in 1907, it was named the first state capital of Oklahoma. Guthrie served as the state capital for three years, but Oklahoma City was named the capital in 1910 after a special election. Following this, the majority of government-related business moved out of Guthrie, and the city saw a slowdown. Thankfully, the bustling hub’s history as a government center left an immense legacy, and Victorian architecture shines throughout downtown. In fact, the center district was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1999, cementing Guthrie’s place as a cultural hotspot.
Those visiting Guthrie now are transported back in time as they walk through the historic district. It spans around 30 acres with over 2,000 buildings. The majority are from the late 19th and 20th centuries, with some, like the Co-operative Publishing Company Building and the Oklahoma Frontier Drug Store Museum, standing out. The former dates back to 1902 and was home to the State Capital newspaper from 1902 to 1911, while the latter is located in the 1890 Gaffney Building. The Oklahoma Frontier Drug Store Museum also showcases dozens of apothecary items, from alchemical materials to herbal tonics, retelling the region's medicinal history. Guthrie is also home to Oklahoma’s Pollard Theatre Company, one of the state’s oldest year-round theatre companies. Visitors can come to watch one of many annual plays, like A Territorial Christmas Carol, and get into the community spirit with locals.
Charming Events In This Welcoming Town
With so much history behind it, Guthrie’s culture today is as welcoming and vibrant as can be, palpable through dozens of annual events. Beginning early in the year, one of the most popular is '89er Days. This four-day celebration celebrates the town’s beginnings, linked to the 1889 Oklahoma Land Run, with four days of festivities in April. One can enjoy the carnival with rides and games, join in on Oklahoma’s longest and oldest parade, or eat at one of many food trucks and vendors. After the fun, you won’t have much time to relax as the Guthrie Juneteenth Celebration is right around the corner in June. Also historic, this celebration commemorates the freedom of African Americans from slavery in 1865. It features music, games, shopping, and more in Mineral Wells Park, a relaxing abode where everyone is welcome to have a blast.
While these events are historic, Guthrie also has some unique celebrations that people adore. Namely, the Guthrie Road Celebration in September. First held in the 1980s as a car show, the event today invites automobile enthusiasts to bring their cars and show them off alongside other unique vehicles. It's ideal for a road trip to this welcoming town, and it has basketball, tennis, fishing, and other activities if you have the time.
As fall arrives, Guthrie Haunts adds a different kind of community draw, transforming the season with large-scale haunted attractions covering over 30,000 square feet. The spooky environment brings locals and visitors together for nights of scares, food trucks, and outdoor entertainment. When winter follows, the mood shifts once again with Lights in the Cottonwood Flats, where seven blocks are illuminated with thousands of lights, decorated trees, and festive displays. The celebration is capped with a fireworks show each December, along with pop-up vendors and food trucks, making it a relaxed, family-friendly way for the town to gather and celebrate the holiday season.
Attractions Filled With Friendly Vibes
The events may be the star of the show in Guthrie, but this town has a lot more to offer year-round. Every type of traveler will feel welcomed in Guthrie’s eateries, especially at Wanderfolk Distillery. This rustic establishment in downtown is Oklahoma’s first legal distillery, offering tours and unique drinks. Visitors can sip a Gold Rush bourbon or a Rye Maple Smash while chatting with locals and other travelers.
Before or after drinks, those with an artistic side should spend some time at the Terra Rosa Art Gallery. It hosts various exhibitions and has an open studio every Friday, where you can meet fellow artists and learn about the craft. Finally, Honor Park is a small downtown veterans memorial at the corner of W. Harrison Ave and S. Second St, a quiet spot to pause and pay respects.
Nearby Towns That Welcome Visitors
Similar to Guthrie, many nearby towns are just as welcoming and offer new opportunities for locals and tourists alike. Crescent offers a peaceful reprieve just 20 minutes northwest of Guthrie. This small town of just 1,300 residents has a tight-knit community and slow pace of life, with local eateries and landmarks providing great meeting spots. Families can enjoy a meal at El Palmo Mexican Restaurant or enjoy some BBQ and burgers from the Crow Creek Cafe and Market.
On the other hand, Edmond, south of Guthrie, offers a stark contrast to Crescent. This city, home to 100,000 people, is just north of Oklahoma City and provides an urban experience with endless opportunities. Music lovers must catch a show at the Armstrong Auditorium, with some of the best classical, jazz, and ballet stars performing here, such as Renée Fleming and the Romeros Guitar Quartet. If you’re here with the family, then E.C. Hafer Park is the place to be, with playgrounds, walking paths, and a fountain where you can spend hours having a picnic. End the day with some time at one of many eateries, like The Mule, known for its hot melts and wide array of drinks.
A Welcoming Experience In Guthrie, Oklahoma
Guthrie is the kind of town where community is easy to feel, whether you’re visiting during '89er Days, walking through the historic district, or chatting with locals at a downtown shop. The steady calendar of events, paired with walkable streets and familiar faces, makes the town feel open and approachable year-round. Between live performances, seasonal celebrations, and relaxed public spaces, Guthrie invites visitors to slow down, join in, and feel like part of the town rather than just a guest.
