Small towns are often distinguished by traits like a slower pace of life, family-oriented activities, walkability, closeness to nature, and a genuineness that is not readily apparent in bigger cities rather than simply counting the number of residents.
In recent years, these small-town enclaves have drawn more residents as well as tourists. Small communities in Oklahoma often have acquired distinctive identities that give them a hip or unusual vibe.
Here are a few Oklahoman small towns that have drawn the attention of tourists and transplants from major cities due to their outsized personalities.
#1 Perry
Population: 5,000 est. | Year Settled: 1893
The 1893 land rush opened the Cherokee Strip to settlement, creating Perry, Oklahoma. The race to claim 160 acres of virgin land began at noon on September 16, 1893, with the sound of a gun. By nighttime, 40,000 tent city dwellers had founded Perry.
These determined pioneers founded a thriving plains’ community. Visit Perry’s Cherokee Strip Museum & Rose Hill School or Perry Wrestling Monument Park to learn about the land run’s colorful past. Enjoy local cuisine at family-owned restaurants with a long history of delighted customers or relax at Perry Lake.
Source: City of Perry
#2 Guthrie
Population: 10,000 est. | Year Settled: 1889
Guthrie, the territorial capital of Oklahoma, has the most extensive Historic Preservation District in the country as a result of the continuous restoration efforts that are being made in the downtown section of the town.
You may learn the history of local hauntings on a terrifying Guthrie Ghost Walk or take a trolley tour around downtown to discover intriguing history, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and more than a dozen bed & breakfasts situated in gorgeous buildings from the Victorian period.
Explore the varied holdings of Guthrie’s various museums, such as the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and the Carnegie Library, all of which are located in the city.
Source: City of Guthrie
#3 Pauls Valley
Population: 6,000 est. | Year Settled: 1847
Exploring the entire quaint town of Pauls Valley might take several days. On its route from Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas, the passenger train known as the AMTRAK Heartland Flyer makes a stop in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma every morning. Some people take advantage of this opportunity to travel to Pauls Valley.
At the Santa Fe Depot Museum, which is located nearby, you can learn about the history of the area and see a steam engine from 1902.
Visit the well-known Toy & Action Figure Museum, where you can unleash your wildest imagination, or the Field’s Pies factory, where you can satisfy your sweet tooth.
Source: Pauls Valley (Official Website)
#4 Bartlesville
Population: 37,000 est. | Year Settled: 1837
Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is a center of architecture, culture, history, and art. Bartlesville, home of Phillips Petroleum Company, has unique attractions.
Frank Phillips’ ‘second home,’ Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, is worth a visit. On the 3,600-acre site, bison and Japanese Sika deer wander. Inside, see the outstanding Native American and Western art collection.
Modern art and design by Oklahoma architect Bruce Goff may be seen in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Price Tower & Price Tower Arts Center. The National Historic Landmark Price Tower is Frank Lloyd Wright’s sole skyscraper.
Source: City of Bartlesville
#5 Claremore
Population: 20,000 | Year Settled: 1802
Will Rogers and Lynn Riggs, author of Green Grow the Lilacs, the play that inspired ‘Oklahoma!’, were born in Claremore, Oklahoma, on Route 66.
Visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum to learn about this political pundit, comedian, and international celebrity. View his saddle collection, examine his belongings from the airplane crash that killed him and his friend Wiley Post, and watch short films about his incredible life.
The ‘surrey with the fringe on top’ from the movie version of ‘Oklahoma!’ is at the Lynn Riggs Memorial in the Claremore Museum of History.
Source: Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce
#6 Medicine Park
Population: 400 est. | Year Settled: 1908
Medicine Park, Oklahoma, known as America’s cobblestone community, has a unique history.
Before it became a resort town for celebrities, gangsters, politicians, and journalists, the Plains Indians knew this quiet oasis. Most buildings have cobblestones, a local geological feature that gives the town its unique character.
Relax on Medicine Creek or Bath Lake paths, eat in renowned restaurants, or watch the sunset over the Wichita Mountains.
Cottages, cabins, and B&Bs make relaxing easy, and shops with arts, crafts, and gifts provide plenty of browsing pleasure.
Source: Wikidata
#7 Broken Bow
Population: 100,000 | Year Settled: circa 1830
Naturalists adore Broken Bow. Beavers Bend State Park draws visitors to this southeast Oklahoma community year-round.
Fish the Lower Mountain Fork River, boat on Broken Bow Lake, and horseback ride or hike the David Boren Hiking Trail at one of Oklahoma’s greatest state parks.
Lakeview Lodge in Beavers Bend State Park or Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area are great places to relax. The Red Slough Wildlife Management Area and Little River National Wildlife Refuge waterways have approximately 300 bird species.
Broken Bow is a terrific area to enjoy nature and canoeing and kayaking. Visit Girls Gone Wine or the 1884 Choctaw chief’s Gardner Mansion & Museum.
Source: Jasmine Alley
#8 Sulphur
Population: 5,000 est. | Year Settled: 1878
Sulphur, Oklahoma is the entrance to Chickasaw National Recreation Area, nestled amid cross-timber country.
Due to its mineral springs, streams, lakes, and swimming holes, Native Americans called it ‘the land of rippling waters’ one of three National Park Service sites.
The park’s major teaching facility, the Travertine Nature Center, is located in the Platt Historic District, which features National Park Service and CCC projects.
The nature center has display dioramas, bookshop findings, and daily ranger presentations. Visit the Arbuckle Historical Museum to learn more about Sulphur.
Source: Expedia
#9 Eufaula
Population: 3,000 est. | Year Settled: pre-1800
The area around Eufaula, Oklahoma offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, making it a place well worth visiting.
The city’s 20-block downtown, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is perfect for strolling and shopping unique antique emporiums. Lake Eufaula is the largest and most tranquil lake in Oklahoma.
The Calico Heights at Eufaula cabins provide comfortable accommodations with lake views from tree houses. Or, choose the comfortable lodgings at Snug Harbor Cabins.
At Little Turtle RV Park & Horse Resort, go horseback riding on beautiful paths. For a taste of the neighborhood, relax with a cup of coffee from High Street Coffee.
Source: City of Eufaula
