Are you looking for the best small towns in Oklahoma for a short trip with your loved ones?
If the answer is yes, then you have come to the right place.
There are many beautiful and charming Oklahoma towns that often get overlooked for popular destinations which is why we have prepared this article.
Located in the south-central region of the country, Oklahoma is a popular place to visit in Midwest that offers a diverse landscape for visitors to enjoy.
There are lots of beautiful mountains, museums, prairies, and more to visit in this state.
Apart from the popular cities like Tulsa, Oklahoma City, etc., there are many charming towns to visit here as well.
Whether you are planning a shopping retreat, a weekend getaway, or an adventure trip, there is no shortage of options in Oklahoma.
Check out this article on the 15 best small towns in Oklahoma that you must visit to plan an epic trip here!
15 Best Small Towns in Oklahoma You Must Visit
Elk City
A small town in Oklahoma, Elk City is well-known for its interesting history and beautiful scenery.
This is one of the best small towns in Oklahoma for history buffs and is home to five museums that visitors can explore.
The Old Town Museum, the Blacksmith Museum, and the National Route 66 Museum are a few top historical museums that are a must-visit in this charming town in OK.
One of the best things to do in Oklahoma is to take the Route 66 tour in which you have to make a stop at Elk City as well.
For those who are looking for fun outdoor activities, this town also features several parks such as Ackley Park, Elk City Lake Park, and more.
Here, you can spend a day with your family indulging in outdoor games and picnics.
So, if you are looking for the best towns in OK for a family vacation, then do plan a visit to Elk City.
Medicine Park
One of the smallest Oklahoma towns, Medicine Park is the first resort town to be built in beautiful Oklahoma.
Located in Wichita Mountains, this Oklahoma town acts as a perfect base for outdoor adventures.
You can plan hiking trips to Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, visit the nearby waterfall, a walk along the creek, and more.
This is one of the best Oklahoma small towns for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, bike riding, swimming, and more.
Apart from that, Medicine Park is also one of the best places to live in Oklahoma where you can enjoy shopping and will find all the basic facilities and amenities.
Trust me, if you are looking for beautiful towns in Oklahoma for a short trip, then Medicine Park is a good choice. And, it offers some of the best hiking in Oklahoma!
Pawhuska
If you are looking for fun towns in Oklahoma for a trip, then you should consider Pawhuska.
Founded in 1872, visiting Pawhuska is one of the best things to do in Oklahoma. You will find a lot of historical sites, nature preserves, restaurants, and breweries that you can easily explore.
Some of the top attractions to visit in Pawhuska are Charlie’s Sweet Shop, Pawhuska’s Veterans Memorials, the Pioneer Women Mercantile, Osage Country Fairgrounds, and more.
If you love parks and natural scenery, then one of the best places to visit in this small town in Oklahoma is Osage Hills State Park where the Osage Indians first settled.
Whether you love natural scenery or want to try the local breweries, Pawhuska is one of the top towns in OK for exploration.
Sulphur
Located next to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur is a beautiful Oklahoma small town that you must visit.
This is a small town in Oklahoma where you can enjoy small-town life while having easy access to outdoor adventures at the nearby park.
The town has been named after the mineral springs found here that attracted the first settlers to this area.
One of the main attractions of Sulphur is the sulfurous springs found in the town that were believed to cure medical ailments.
Apart from that, visitors can also spend time in Arbuckle Mountain Range for hiking and other recreational activities.
So, if you want to visit one of the most fun towns in Oklahoma, then plan a trip to Sulphur.
Broken Bow Is A Cute Small Town In Oklahoma
With a population of mere 4,000 people, Broken Bow is one of the top Oklahoma small towns for vacation as it is located close to Beavers Bend State Park and Hochatown State Park.
This Oklahoma town is perfect for a camping vacation and offers several glamping and cabins available for rent, allowing visitors to enjoy the small-town life.
This is one of the best places to go camping in Oklahoma.
One of the best places to live in Oklahoma, Broken Bow is also the gateway to Broken Bow Lake and Ouachita National Forest.
Since this town receives plenty of rainfall throughout the year, the streams are always full while the forests remain green, making it a beautiful place to visit for nature lovers.
Trust me, if you love indulging in outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, and more, then Broken Bow is one of the top places to visit in Oklahoma.
Guthrie Is A Beautiful Small Town In Oklahoma
Here is another beautiful Oklahoma small town that boasts of small-town life with large city culture and economic growth. Guthrie is definitely the best place to live in Oklahoma.
Till 1889, this town was a railroad stop but once 10,000 residents shifted here, it has become a popular place to visit in Oklahoma.
The town preserves its history and culture and visitors can explore the historic downtown which is listed on the list of National Historic Landmarks.
Each year, thousands of tourists visit the gorgeous downtown here and enjoy a quick bite at the local diner and stroll around the ancient train station.
This is one of the best vintage towns in Oklahoma that isn’t popular among tourists.
As a result, it is quiet and charming and features plenty of history, nature, and art for visitors to explore.
Pauls Valley Is A Unique Small Town In Oklahoma
One of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma, Pauls Valley is a unique small town that has a lot to offer to tourists.
This is a classic small town with lots of fun attractions including the Toy and Action Figure Museum.
At this museum, you can marvel at thousands of toys including superhero figurines.
There are hands-on items and more in the playroom and the Bat Cave here.
One of the best ways to tour Pauls Valley is by taking the Heartland Flyer Train that runs between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas, and stops at Pauls Valley every morning.
Apart from that, you can also enjoy a visit to the Santa Fe Depot Museum and Plaza where you can admire the 1902 steam engine.
The museum is located near the station and is a must-visit in the town.
Overall, this is one of the most fun towns in Oklahoma that you shouldn’t miss out on visiting.
Eufaula
Another charming town that you must visit in beautiful Oklahoma is Eufaula.
Located on the largest l.ake in the state, Lake Eufaula, this is a top place in Oklahoma for tourists.
One of the most interesting facts about this town is that it was featured in an episode called the Worm Dung Farmer on the Dirty Jobs TV series.
The town is home to approximately three thousand people but receives thousands of tourists during the summer season who wish to make the most of Lake Eufaula.
Apart from chilling around the lake, there are other fun things to do in Eufaula. Such as visiting the historic downtown which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
You can choose to shop at the antique stores or enjoy the dining opportunities available here. There are lots of fun activities to indulge in as well such as hiking, boating, swimming, and more.
Furthermore, visitors can enjoy a tour of the Sailing Horse Vineyards or Winery or go horseback riding at War Paint Horse.
In short, Eufaula is one of the top towns in Oklahoma for a small weekend getaway and offers both rich heritage and fun activities to enjoy.
Weatherford
A popular small town in Oklahoma on Route 66, Weatherford is a great place in Oklahoma for vacationers and adventurers.
This place in Oklahoma offers both natural beauty and history for visitors to indulge in.
Lake Weatherford is perfect for outdoor lovers and is surrounded by several family-friendly restaurants where you can plan a pit stop on your road trip.
A few other attractions that you cannot miss out on while exploring Weatherford are Lucille’s Roadhouse, Heartland of America Museum, and Stafford Air & Space Museum.
Whether you want to enjoy the numerous parks here or indulge in the historical sites, Weatherford is perfect for everyone.
Davis
One of the top places in Oklahoma for nature lovers, Davis is located close to Sulphur.
Davis is home to not only one of the tallest waterfalls in the state but also offers fun activities such as ziplining, ATV rides, and more.
One of the best things to do in Davis is visiting Turner Falls Park which features lots of picnic areas, caves, nature trails, and geological wonders.
That’s not all, there are two natural pools here as well where you can swim and enjoy with family and friends.
Apart from the famous park, visitors can also plan a trip to the Bedre Chocolate Factory where you can watch how the candies are made and even sample some of the best chocolates here.
The town is full of Native American culture and is home to lots of antique stores, boutiques, and eateries on the old-fashioned Main Street.
So, if you are looking for fun towns in Oklahoma, then do plan a visit to Davis.
There are many state parks in Oklahoma to visit as well.
Arcadia
Arcadia is officially the smallest town in Oklahoma with a population of fewer than 400 people.
This small town in Oklahoma is home to the red, round barn that lies on Route 66 and has become a popular photography spot.
Apart from the red barn, the town also has Pop’s which is another popular thing to see on Route 66.
There are not a lot of things to do in Arcadia but if you plan a visit during the weekend, you can check out the farmer’s market here as well.
Later, you can take a tour of the barn’s museum and have soda at Pop’s.
Are you looking for the best towns in Oklahoma for a family vacation? Then, do plan a stop at Arcadia.
Grove
Located on the gorgeous Grand Lake, Grove is one of the best small towns in Oklahoma for a lake vacation.
Visitors can also enjoy a tour of the largest outdoor museum, Har-Ber Village.
This pioneer-era village also features a museum where you can learn more about its history. And then later buy souvenirs from the Country Store gift shop.
One of the best things to do in a small town like Grove is enjoy lake-related activities such as swimming, boating, and so on.
For a little more adventure, you can also take a ride on the Cherokee Queen on Grand Lake.
If you are a nature lover, then this town in OK is perfect for you.
There is a 3-acre botanical garden, Lendonwood Gardens, where you can stroll around through the 1,400 types of plants.
Chandler
Another charming town in OK that you should visit is Chandler.
Earlier an oil book town, Chandler is another popular stop on Route 66 and is home to several fun attractions dedicated to The Mother Road.
The best thing to do in a small town like Chandler is to explore the downtown which lies on historic Route 66. Here, you will find many restaurants and shops for checking out.
For outdoor lovers, this also happens to be one of the best places to live in Oklahoma. Visitors can make the most of the two lakes here – Chandler Lake and Bell Cow Lake.
Apart from that, there are many attractions such as Route 66-themed murals, the Phillips 66 gas station.
In addition, there is the Route 66 Interpretive Center, the Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History, and more.
This is undoubtedly one of the best towns in Oklahoma for a short visit.
Claremore
Home to Will Rogers, Claremore is another fun Route 66 town in Oklahoma that you cannot miss out on.
The top thing to do in a small town like Claremore is to visit the museums and the historical sites that are scattered throughout the town.
Visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum where you can learn about Will Rogers’ life and accomplishments.
Other interesting places to visit in Claremore are the J. M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum, Cherokee Casino, Will Rogers Raceway, and more.
So, whether you are interested in historical sites or fun activities, Claremore is one of the top towns in Oklahoma to visit.
Cleo Springs
One of the best Oklahoma towns for outdoor enthusiasts, Cleo Springs is located near Fairview.
If you are looking for the best things to do in a small town like Cleo Springs, then visit the City Hall. Here, you can learn the history of this small town and the legendary healing springs.
Visitors can also explore the historic railroad roots of the town and visit the Cleo Springs Sod House, an attraction listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Apart from the history, this town is surrounded by amazing mountains and offers a lot of fun trails for visitors to explore.
Eagle Roost Nature Trail, Gloss Mountain State Park, and more are a few popular places for hiking around Cleo Springs.
Packing List When Visiting Small Towns In Oklahoma
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Oklahoma, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when searching for things to do in Oklahoma towns.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos during Montana attractions.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc… No matter the time of day or evening.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
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