If you’re ready to plan your list of towns to visit in Oklahoma, we found several charming small towns you can’t ignore. Every part of the state has towns that are full of history, character, delicious fare, unique shopping, and outdoor recreation. Here are 11 of them that you’ll definitely want to visit this year.

1. Claremore
claremore ok
DowntownClaremore/Facebook
Claremore 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. It's also home to the famous Will Rogers Museum, where you can explore the life and accomplishments of this celebrity. With many colleges and universities, Claremore benefits from many enriching cultural and sporting events as well, making it one of the best towns to visit in Oklahoma.
2. Pauls Valley
pauls valley ok
Kurt Haubrich/Flickr
Pauls Valley is located in Garvin County, Oklahoma and has a population of around 6,000 residents. It's tucked away off Highway 35 and is the perfect place to go for a day out of the big city. The town might be small, but it's jam-packed with things to do. This farming town has year-round festivals, art galleries, shopping and dining, too.
3. Carlton Landing
Carlton Landing ok
CarltonLanding/Facebook
Carlton Landing is Oklahoma’s newest town that is anything but ordinary. Situated on the rolling hills overlooking Lake Eufaula, Carlton Landing is a New Urbanist town where you might feel more like you’re in Seaside, Florida than in Eufaula, Oklahoma. Southern Living called this charming eco-friendly town a "storybook town" and we couldn’t agree more. Visit the resort-style community established as recent as 2013 that has since blossomed into a thriving Oklahoma small town destination today.
4. Sulphur
Sulphur ok
Sulphur/Facebook
Nestled in the rolling prairie of cross-timber country, Sulphur is known as the gateway to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, a popular destination for many tourists located just east of town. There's also a charming downtown and the beautiful hotel, The Artisan, to check out. The town currently has a population of just over 5,000 residents. The low population, combined with rolling prairie hills and plenty of outdoor activities to do makes Sulphur one of the best towns to visit in Oklahoma.
5. Medicine Park
Medicine Park, OK, USA
MedicineParkOK/Facebook
Medicine Park is best known for its quaint, cobblestone streets overlooking the gorgeous Medicine Creek at the edge of the Wichita Mountains in southern Oklahoma. It’s the kind of town that people travel from all over the state to enjoy the charm, character and scenery not found in other small towns in Oklahoma.

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6. Tishomingo
Tishomingo ok
tishomingo.ok.gov/
Don't let the laid-back feel of Tishomingo fool you, it's still a town full of spunk and personality. It might be slower paced, but sassy Main Street will keep you on your toes. The population of Tishomingo is 3,068 and is home to Blake Shelton's new restaurant Ole Red.
7. Broken Bow
broken bow oklahoma
Thomas & Diane Jones/Flickr
As one of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma, Broken Bow lies nestled in southeast Oklahoma near the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains – a subrange of the breathtaking Ouachita Mountains. The town lies within McCurtain County and with a population just over 4,000. Outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers will enjoy this Oklahoma small town that looks straight out of a storybook.
8. Alva
alva oklahoma
pcol/Flickr
Alva is a tiny town in northwestern Oklahoma in the region known as Red Carpet Country with a population just under 5,000. History lovers, mural artists and museum seekers will be pleasantly surprised to find out it’s a little mecca for the arts. You could spend all day in this town and never run out of things to do.
9. Poteau
poteau oklahoma
Clinton Steeds/Flickr
Poteau is full of wide open spaces and gorgeous views. The town has a population of around 8,500 residents and is also home to the largest hill in the world - Cavanal Hill. Visitors can enjoy Lake Wister State Park as well as the Leflore County Museum. This small Oklahoma town is growing with many people realizing its potential.
10. Davis
Davis oklahoma
J Stephen Conn/Flickr
Davis is home to one of the state's most famous tourist attractions -Turner Falls Park - the largest waterfall in Oklahoma. Zipline through the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains at Air Donkey Zipline, visit Bedre Chocolate Factory and see how candies are made while sampling their fine chocolates or shop and eat on Main Street.
11. Grove
Grove oklahoma
HarBerVillageMuseum/Facebook
The quaint town of Grove is located on the beautiful Grand Lake in northeastern Oklahoma and is a favorite spot for lake lovers, whether vacationing or living in the area. Tour the country's largest outdoor museum, Har-Ber Village, take a ride on the Cherokee Queen or visit the beautiful Lendenwood Gardens.

Whether you are looking for a weekend trip or even a new town to consider relocating, Oklahoma is filled with incredible possibilities! Find small-town gems scattered throughout the great state and see for yourself what makes them so wonderfully unique.

Do you agree with these 11 towns we picked? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Here are 10 more small towns in Oklahoma that are perfect for relaxation.

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More to Explore

towns to visit in Oklahoma

Christina Arrascaeta | September 23, 2022

Is Oklahoma a great place to live?

Living in Oklahoma is wonderful. The state has become a more popular option in recent years, with many relocating for its family-oriented and community-centered lifestyle. Enjoying the outdoors is always an option in the state with ample hiking, fishing, and even boulder-hopping options. For those seeking culture, find many impressive museums like the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum and the Philbrook Museum of Art. The state’s low cost of living and job stability make it a great place to live.

What are the best small towns in Oklahoma?

While Oklahoma City pulsates with a large population compared to the rest of the state, there are plenty of lovely small towns to enjoy. Such small towns include Broken Bow, which is admired for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities, or the once-farming town of Sulphur, Oklahoma, and its brick-lined streets. Don’t pass up a trip to Pauls Valley where you can see the Toy and Action Figure Museum or the historic downtown of Claremore.

What is Oklahoma known for?

Oklahoma is known for its roots in the farming industry and is fondly called the “Sooner State,” after the many people who flocked to the area during the Land Rush of 1889. Its most popular city, Oklahoma City, is often what comes to mind when someone thinks of the state, given that its growing population is nearing 650,000 residents. Unfortunately, the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995 is also associated with the state. Another thing people might know Oklahoma for is its frequent tornados. There are many interesting things that can only be found in Oklahoma.

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