The best small towns in Oklahoma represent the true heart and soul of what our beautiful state is all about. Not only are these little, cute towns in Oklahoma beautiful and quaint, but you’ll meet some of the kindest, most welcoming people ever. Small town Oklahoma has great shopping, beautiful scenery, and outdoor adventures that will have you wondering why you never visited them before. Here are 11 of the best small towns in Oklahoma.

  1. Medicine Park (415 pop.)

MedicineParkOK/Facebook

Doug Miller/Flickr Nestled in the Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma is the vintage cobblestone resort town, Medicine Park. Step back in time as you stroll the quaint Cobblestone Row filled with shopping, history and small town America. It is surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, water running right through it and the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge right next to it. You can enjoy a day trip or weekend trip of breathtaking scenery, fishing, swimming, hiking, shopping, bike riding or just relaxing. This historic resort town in Oklahoma was a finalist for “America’s Coolest Small Town” by Budget Travel Magazine. Medicine Park, OK, USA

  1. Guthrie (10,908 pop.)

Bedtime Champ/Flickr

Bill Wilson/Flickr

Lrn2Go/Flickr Guthrie is a rare community that offers the best qualities of small town rural Oklahoma living along with the culture, history, and economic growth most often found in much larger cities. Quiet, tree-lined streets dominate the internal landscape as beautiful neighborhoods spring up around local golf courses and lakes across the countryside. The historic downtown district is a National Historic Landmark and hosts thousands of visitors each year from around the world. It is also a vibrant residential neighborhood with numerous apartment homes and B&B rooms located above and alongside downtown businesses. Guthrie is also home to The Dominion House (pictured above), an exquisite wedding/event center that features an outdoor garden. Guthrie, OK, USA

  1. Eufaula (2,813 pop.)

maliasmiles.com

carltonlanding.com Nestled on the shores of Lake Eufaula – Oklahoma’s largest, most tranquil lake – the city’s 20-block downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is made for walking and shopping unique antiques. Eufala is a destination community with rich native heritage, a variety of sporting and leisure events, treasure filled shops and boutiques, along with arts and entertainment. Eufaula, OK 74432, USA

  1. Carlton Landing (56 pop.)

Carlton Landing/Facebook

Carlton Landing/Facebook

carltonlanding.com Carlton Landing is a new urbanism town in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. The town was established on October 21, 2013. Carlton Landing is a new town on Lake Eufaula designed according to the tenets of the New Urbanism. Residents of Carlton Landing enjoy a walkable community that offers major amenities within a five-minute walk of their residence. They have a private school, farm, marina and boat club, community pool, parks, nature center, general store, restaurant and so much more. If you are looking for community, this is the place to be. Carlton Landing, OK 74425, USA

  1. Broken Bow (4,120 pop.)

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Facebook

Thomas & Dianne Jones/Flickr Broken Bow is located in McCurtain County in the southeast corner of Oklahoma. It is the gateway city to Broken Bow Lake, Beavers Bend Resort Park, the Mountain Fork and Glover Rivers, and the Ouachita National Forest. Broken Bow is a wonderful place to live or visit. The average summer temperature is 80 degrees and they receive over 50 inches of rainfall a year, which means the forests are green and the streams, rivers, and lakes are full and clear. This scenic area provides a fun-filled environment for many popular outdoor activities such as canoeing, boating, hiking, bird watching, golfing, scuba diving, hunting, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, four-wheeling, and all types of fishing. Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA

  1. Pauls Valley (6,187 pop.)

Stephen Carter/Facebook

Robert Keeley/Facebook This small, charming town has many attractions to explore. Some people tour Pauls Valley via the Heartland Flyer train, which stops every morning in the city on its route from Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, TX. You can see a 1902 steam engine at the Santa Fe Depot Museum and Plaza, located near the train station, play like a kid in the Toy and Action Figure Museum, or enjoy local history along the streets. Pauls Valley, OK, USA

  1. Ada (16,810 pop.)

Brad Holt/Flickr

Brad Holt/Flickr Ada is home to East Central University, and is the headquarters of the Chickasaw Nation. ECU serves roughly 4,500 students and is perhaps best known internationally for its cartography program, as only a few such programs exist. Ada is located in Pontotoc County and is the birthplace of country music star Blake Shelton. Browse Ada’s thriving Main Street for artist studios, galleries and the McSwain Theatre, built in the 1920s and restored in 2009. Enjoy live music from regional stars before visiting Wintersmith Park, a local gem that includes serene lakeside views, nature trails and a public amphitheater. Ada, OK, USA

  1. Sulphur (4,929 pop.)

duggar11/Flickr

Christmas-in-Sulphur-Oklahoma/Facebook Nestled in the rolling prairie of cross-timber country, Sulphur, Oklahoma is known as the gateway to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, a popular destination for many tourists located just east of the town of Sulphur. The main attractions in Sulphur, besides the park, are sulfurous springs in town that were once thought to cure ailments and other medical conditions. Other attractions include the Arbuckle Mountain range, just to the southwest, complete with many hiking and recreational opportunities. Sulphur is also the home to Chickasaw Cultural Center, a museum which tells the story of the Chickasaw Nation. It is also home to Artesian Hotel, Casino, and Spa. Sulphur, OK 73086, USA

  1. Claremore (18,581 pop.)

DowntownClaremore/Facebook

edward stojakovic/Flickr This Route 66 town gave Oklahoma its favorite son, Will Rogers. Visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, where you can explore the life and accomplishments of this celebrity. See his saddle collection and the possessions that were found with him at the site of the airplane crash that killed him and his friend Wiley Post, or take a seat in the theater to enjoy short films about his amazing life. Claremore also offers a historic downtown area full of unique shopping and dining establishments, the Will Rogers Raceway, the Cherokee Casino and the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum, along with many more interesting things to do. Claremore, OK, USA

  1. Chandler (3,100 pop.)

iwishmynamewasmarsha/Flickr

greateroklahomacity.com Chandler, a charming Route 66 community and former oil boom town, is one of the many cities along the famous U.S. Route 66 and contains a number of attractions devoted to the “The Mother Road.” These include The Route 66 Interpretive Center, The Oklahoma Law Enforcement Museum and Hall of Fame, The Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History, several Route 66-themed murals, and the newly restored old cottage-style Phillips 66 gas station. Today, Chandler’s economy is driven mostly by agriculture and livestock, oil and gas services, and manufacturing. The National American Insurance Company is headquartered in Chandler. Downtown Chandler is located on historic Route 66 and is home to many shops and restaurants. Chandler has two lakes, Bell Cow Lake and Chandler Lake, where you can enjoy many outdoor activities. Chandler, OK 74834, USA

  1. Grove (6,623 pop.)

HarBerVillageMuseum/Facebook

HarBerVillageMuseum/Facebook

HarBerVillageMuseum/Facebook This quaint town is located on the beautiful Grand Lake in northeastern Oklahoma. It is a favorite spot for lake lovers, whether vacationing or living in the area. Tour the country’s largest outdoor museum, Har-Ber Village, or take a ride on the Cherokee Queen on the lake. Har-Ber Village Museum is a pioneer-era village and history museum complete with The Country Store gift shop, The crafters at Har-Ber Village retail shop and visitor center. The activities at the lake are endless and the scenery is picturesque. Grove is also home to Lendonwood Gardens, a 3-acre botanical garden of grassy pathways meandering through more than 1,400 different types of plants. Grove, OK 74344, USA

  1. Davis (2,683 pop.)

J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

BedreFineChocolate/Facebook

Karen/Flickr Davis, Oklahoma is proud to be home to one of the state’s most famous tourist attractions, Turner Falls Park, the largest waterfall in Oklahoma. Turner Falls Park is accented with beautiful picnic areas, nature trails, caves, geological wonders and two natural swimming pools very unique in nature. Visit Bedré Chocolate Factory and watch through the huge glass viewing area and see how candies are made while sampling their fine chocolates. Shop and eat in their unique shops and restaurants on Main Street or just off Main at Stillwater Milling, one of Oklahoma’s largest Brighton retailers. Davis, OK 73030, USA

So, do you agree? Are these the best small towns in Oklahoma? Know of any other cute towns in Oklahoma? What do you think are the prettiest towns in Oklahoma? Which ones would you add to the list? Tell us!

MedicineParkOK/Facebook

Doug Miller/Flickr

Nestled in the Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma is the vintage cobblestone resort town, Medicine Park. Step back in time as you stroll the quaint Cobblestone Row filled with shopping, history and small town America. It is surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, water running right through it and the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge right next to it. You can enjoy a day trip or weekend trip of breathtaking scenery, fishing, swimming, hiking, shopping, bike riding or just relaxing. This historic resort town in Oklahoma was a finalist for “America’s Coolest Small Town” by Budget Travel Magazine.

Medicine Park, OK, USA

Bedtime Champ/Flickr

Bill Wilson/Flickr

Lrn2Go/Flickr

Guthrie is a rare community that offers the best qualities of small town rural Oklahoma living along with the culture, history, and economic growth most often found in much larger cities. Quiet, tree-lined streets dominate the internal landscape as beautiful neighborhoods spring up around local golf courses and lakes across the countryside. The historic downtown district is a National Historic Landmark and hosts thousands of visitors each year from around the world. It is also a vibrant residential neighborhood with numerous apartment homes and B&B rooms located above and alongside downtown businesses. Guthrie is also home to The Dominion House (pictured above), an exquisite wedding/event center that features an outdoor garden.

Guthrie, OK, USA

maliasmiles.com

carltonlanding.com

Nestled on the shores of Lake Eufaula – Oklahoma’s largest, most tranquil lake – the city’s 20-block downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is made for walking and shopping unique antiques. Eufala is a destination community with rich native heritage, a variety of sporting and leisure events, treasure filled shops and boutiques, along with arts and entertainment.

Eufaula, OK 74432, USA

Carlton Landing/Facebook

Carlton Landing is a new urbanism town in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. The town was established on October 21, 2013. Carlton Landing is a new town on Lake Eufaula designed according to the tenets of the New Urbanism. Residents of Carlton Landing enjoy a walkable community that offers major amenities within a five-minute walk of their residence. They have a private school, farm, marina and boat club, community pool, parks, nature center, general store, restaurant and so much more. If you are looking for community, this is the place to be.

Carlton Landing, OK 74425, USA

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Facebook

Thomas & Dianne Jones/Flickr

Broken Bow is located in McCurtain County in the southeast corner of Oklahoma. It is the gateway city to Broken Bow Lake, Beavers Bend Resort Park, the Mountain Fork and Glover Rivers, and the Ouachita National Forest. Broken Bow is a wonderful place to live or visit. The average summer temperature is 80 degrees and they receive over 50 inches of rainfall a year, which means the forests are green and the streams, rivers, and lakes are full and clear. This scenic area provides a fun-filled environment for many popular outdoor activities such as canoeing, boating, hiking, bird watching, golfing, scuba diving, hunting, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, four-wheeling, and all types of fishing.

Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA

Stephen Carter/Facebook

Robert Keeley/Facebook

This small, charming town has many attractions to explore. Some people tour Pauls Valley via the Heartland Flyer train, which stops every morning in the city on its route from Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, TX. You can see a 1902 steam engine at the Santa Fe Depot Museum and Plaza, located near the train station, play like a kid in the Toy and Action Figure Museum, or enjoy local history along the streets.

Pauls Valley, OK, USA

Brad Holt/Flickr

Ada is home to East Central University, and is the headquarters of the Chickasaw Nation. ECU serves roughly 4,500 students and is perhaps best known internationally for its cartography program, as only a few such programs exist. Ada is located in Pontotoc County and is the birthplace of country music star Blake Shelton. Browse Ada’s thriving Main Street for artist studios, galleries and the McSwain Theatre, built in the 1920s and restored in 2009. Enjoy live music from regional stars before visiting Wintersmith Park, a local gem that includes serene lakeside views, nature trails and a public amphitheater.

Ada, OK, USA

duggar11/Flickr

Christmas-in-Sulphur-Oklahoma/Facebook

Nestled in the rolling prairie of cross-timber country, Sulphur, Oklahoma is known as the gateway to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, a popular destination for many tourists located just east of the town of Sulphur. The main attractions in Sulphur, besides the park, are sulfurous springs in town that were once thought to cure ailments and other medical conditions. Other attractions include the Arbuckle Mountain range, just to the southwest, complete with many hiking and recreational opportunities. Sulphur is also the home to Chickasaw Cultural Center, a museum which tells the story of the Chickasaw Nation. It is also home to Artesian Hotel, Casino, and Spa.

Sulphur, OK 73086, USA

DowntownClaremore/Facebook

edward stojakovic/Flickr

This Route 66 town gave Oklahoma its favorite son, Will Rogers. Visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, where you can explore the life and accomplishments of this celebrity. See his saddle collection and the possessions that were found with him at the site of the airplane crash that killed him and his friend Wiley Post, or take a seat in the theater to enjoy short films about his amazing life. Claremore also offers a historic downtown area full of unique shopping and dining establishments, the Will Rogers Raceway, the Cherokee Casino and the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum, along with many more interesting things to do.

Claremore, OK, USA

iwishmynamewasmarsha/Flickr

greateroklahomacity.com

Chandler, a charming Route 66 community and former oil boom town, is one of the many cities along the famous U.S. Route 66 and contains a number of attractions devoted to the “The Mother Road.” These include The Route 66 Interpretive Center, The Oklahoma Law Enforcement Museum and Hall of Fame, The Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History, several Route 66-themed murals, and the newly restored old cottage-style Phillips 66 gas station. Today, Chandler’s economy is driven mostly by agriculture and livestock, oil and gas services, and manufacturing. The National American Insurance Company is headquartered in Chandler. Downtown Chandler is located on historic Route 66 and is home to many shops and restaurants. Chandler has two lakes, Bell Cow Lake and Chandler Lake, where you can enjoy many outdoor activities.

Chandler, OK 74834, USA

HarBerVillageMuseum/Facebook

This quaint town is located on the beautiful Grand Lake in northeastern Oklahoma. It is a favorite spot for lake lovers, whether vacationing or living in the area. Tour the country’s largest outdoor museum, Har-Ber Village, or take a ride on the Cherokee Queen on the lake. Har-Ber Village Museum is a pioneer-era village and history museum complete with The Country Store gift shop, The crafters at Har-Ber Village retail shop and visitor center. The activities at the lake are endless and the scenery is picturesque. Grove is also home to Lendonwood Gardens, a 3-acre botanical garden of grassy pathways meandering through more than 1,400 different types of plants.

Grove, OK 74344, USA

J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

BedreFineChocolate/Facebook

Karen/Flickr

Davis, Oklahoma is proud to be home to one of the state’s most famous tourist attractions, Turner Falls Park, the largest waterfall in Oklahoma. Turner Falls Park is accented with beautiful picnic areas, nature trails, caves, geological wonders and two natural swimming pools very unique in nature. Visit Bedré Chocolate Factory and watch through the huge glass viewing area and see how candies are made while sampling their fine chocolates. Shop and eat in their unique shops and restaurants on Main Street or just off Main at Stillwater Milling, one of Oklahoma’s largest Brighton retailers.

Davis, OK 73030, USA

These might be some of the best small towns in Oklahoma, but they’re not the only small towns in the state that belong on your bucket list. Here are 10 more cute towns in Oklahoma to add to your bucket list.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Small Towns In Oklahoma September 20, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo What’s the most beautiful hike in Oklahoma? Great views in the Sooner State aren’t limited to the prettiest towns in Oklahoma. There are lots of places to soak in the state’s stunning sights, including hiking trails. Oklahoma is brimming with picturesque trails; however, there’s no denying that the Elk Mountain Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in Oklahoma. The trail is nestled within the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge, which is a gem in and of itself. Spanning 2.5 miles, the trail leads to the summit of Elk Mountain, where hikers are afforded incredible vistas of the Wichita Mountains as well as the surrounding Charon Garden Wilderness. The incredible views don’t end with the lovely landscape, though. Wildlife sightings, particularly of the eastern collared lizard, are quite common. What are the most well known parks in Oklahoma? Visiting one of the many parks in Oklahoma is another great way to enjoy the Sooner State’s natural beauty. There are tons of parks to choose from. And though each has something to offer, some parks are more popular than others. Take, for instance, Alabaster Caverns State Park. Located in northwest Oklahoma, the park is home to the world’s biggest natural gypsum cave that’s open to the public. In addition to taking a walking tour of the cave, visitors can try their hand at spelunking. Lake Murray State Park is also among the most popular parks in Oklahoma – and that might have something to do with it being Oklahoma’s first and biggest state park. An outdoor lover’s paradise, the park spans more than 12,000 acres. The park is most known for the wealth of water-related activities it offers; however, that’s not all it has going for it. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, golfing, and more.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Small Towns In Oklahoma

September 20, 2022

Daniella DiRienzo

What’s the most beautiful hike in Oklahoma? Great views in the Sooner State aren’t limited to the prettiest towns in Oklahoma. There are lots of places to soak in the state’s stunning sights, including hiking trails. Oklahoma is brimming with picturesque trails; however, there’s no denying that the Elk Mountain Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in Oklahoma. The trail is nestled within the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge, which is a gem in and of itself. Spanning 2.5 miles, the trail leads to the summit of Elk Mountain, where hikers are afforded incredible vistas of the Wichita Mountains as well as the surrounding Charon Garden Wilderness. The incredible views don’t end with the lovely landscape, though. Wildlife sightings, particularly of the eastern collared lizard, are quite common. What are the most well known parks in Oklahoma? Visiting one of the many parks in Oklahoma is another great way to enjoy the Sooner State’s natural beauty. There are tons of parks to choose from. And though each has something to offer, some parks are more popular than others. Take, for instance, Alabaster Caverns State Park. Located in northwest Oklahoma, the park is home to the world’s biggest natural gypsum cave that’s open to the public. In addition to taking a walking tour of the cave, visitors can try their hand at spelunking. Lake Murray State Park is also among the most popular parks in Oklahoma – and that might have something to do with it being Oklahoma’s first and biggest state park. An outdoor lover’s paradise, the park spans more than 12,000 acres. The park is most known for the wealth of water-related activities it offers; however, that’s not all it has going for it. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, golfing, and more.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Great views in the Sooner State aren’t limited to the prettiest towns in Oklahoma. There are lots of places to soak in the state’s stunning sights, including hiking trails. Oklahoma is brimming with picturesque trails; however, there’s no denying that the Elk Mountain Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in Oklahoma. The trail is nestled within the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge, which is a gem in and of itself. Spanning 2.5 miles, the trail leads to the summit of Elk Mountain, where hikers are afforded incredible vistas of the Wichita Mountains as well as the surrounding Charon Garden Wilderness. The incredible views don’t end with the lovely landscape, though. Wildlife sightings, particularly of the eastern collared lizard, are quite common.

What are the most well known parks in Oklahoma?

Visiting one of the many parks in Oklahoma is another great way to enjoy the Sooner State’s natural beauty. There are tons of parks to choose from. And though each has something to offer, some parks are more popular than others. Take, for instance, Alabaster Caverns State Park. Located in northwest Oklahoma, the park is home to the world’s biggest natural gypsum cave that’s open to the public. In addition to taking a walking tour of the cave, visitors can try their hand at spelunking. Lake Murray State Park is also among the most popular parks in Oklahoma – and that might have something to do with it being Oklahoma’s first and biggest state park. An outdoor lover’s paradise, the park spans more than 12,000 acres. The park is most known for the wealth of water-related activities it offers; however, that’s not all it has going for it. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, golfing, and more.