The Smallest National Park In The Country Is Located Right Here In Oklahoma

Guthrie, Oklahoma, is home to the smallest national park in the country due to a historical clerical error.

Technically, Oklahoma doesn't have a national park but unofficially we have the smallest national park in the country due to a mishap at the Guthrie county courthouse many years ago. Back in 1907, the town officials wanted a nice piece of land to tell the story about the Land Run of 1889. They had the city clerk write a document for a portion of land to be used for this purpose. Well, the city clerk mistakenly wrote ‘a parcel of land 100 square feet’ instead of ‘a parcel of land 100-foot square.' Guthrie was the state capitol at the time so when it moved to Oklahoma City this project lost interest until 20 years later when this historical district joined federal jurisdiction making this small piece of land now located on federal property. Because it was a historical landmark, it was transferred over to the National Parks Department.

If you're still following along, basically we have a 100-foot square of land that is located behind the Guthrie Post Office that technically falls under the jurisdiction of the National Parks Department. It's hailed as the "nation’s smallest national park" by the State of Oklahoma but it's really just a fun tourist destination.

If you’re planning a visit to this incredible national park, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!

The parcel of land hailed as the "smallest and least known national park" is located behind the Guthrie Post Office in the historic district.

In 2020 a nice park entrance was added to ensure visitors know where to go. All jokes aside, the fence and monument add a nice touch to this roadside attraction.

This is what it looked like before so the added shrubs and fence make it look more official.

The national park makes for a great photo op, so if you see people taking crazy pictures by a tree in Guthrie...now you know why.

There is an unofficial park ranger that knows all bout the history of the park and will take visitors by it on the Guthrie Ghost Walk tours.

People will also add funny signs and have a good time with its unique history and story.

Funny enough, Oklahoma was actually once home to the smallest national park before Platt National Park was expanded and lost its national park status.

If you enjoy visiting Oklahoma landmarks and roadside attractions, check out these other great ones in the state.

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