While Oklahoma finds a place in driving industries like oil and natural gas, only a handful of places make it to the high rankings of travel lists. However, the more you search, you will come across destinations that belies their modest size. From the historic streets of Guthrie, once the territorial capital, to the hidden waterfalls and ancient caves of Davis, these small towns in Oklahoma hold a big charm.
These small towns defy convention, offering more than meets the eye. You can expect encounters with prehistoric wonders in Alva, a town tucked away in northwestern Oklahoma, or the scenic delights of Sulphur, where mineral springs and natural parks become silent storytellers.
Guthrie
Guthrie is a living time capsule boasting over 2,000 historic buildings, each narrating a story of the territorial era. You can explore the iconic Victorian-style architecture on a self-guided walking tour, highlighting landmarks like the 1890s De Steiguer Building constructed by the namesake banking pioneer brothers and the magnificent Scottish Rite Temple. Watch out for the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum, offering a glimpse into the bygone era of soda fountains and apothecaries in an 1890s Gaffney Building. When done for the day, you can lie down at the Stone Lion Inn, a converted mansion with antique-filled rooms complementing Guthrie’s historic allure.
Claremore
Claremore, the birthplace of the iconic humorist Will Rogers, is where the spirit of the Wild West is alive and well. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum pays homage to his wit and wisdom, housing artefacts and memorabilia, including his speeches, writing, and documentaries, that paint a vivid picture of his life and also happen to be a Route 66 landmark.
The Belvidere Mansion is another town spotlight representing awe-worthy Victorian architecture from 1907. You can get on tour and admire the vintage furnishings while listening to the rumored ghost stories about this “Belle of Rogers County.” Nature is in its full bloom at Claremore Lake, where you can fish, cycle, walk, run, have fun at the splash pads, or enjoy a picnic.
Medicine Park
Medicine Park is a cobblestone gem featuring a picturesque backdrop of the Wichita Mountains. You will find the parallelism between art and nature at the Bath Lake Grotto, where the postcard-like natural surroundings allow for swimming, summer picnics, and winter trout fishing. The charming six-acre expanse of the botanical gardens, more than 90 varieties of marine life on display, and a kids camp make Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center an attractive family destination. This quaint town also boasts proximity to the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Refuge is home to free-roaming…
Read More: 11 Small Towns In Oklahoma With Big Charm