Can you imagine having to leave your community because the your house, air, and water is contaminated with a deadly poison? That was the reality for residents of Picher, Oklahoma. In 2006, this town was declared to be so dangerous to human life that it was evacuated and left to quietly rot. Read on to learn why Picher was abandoned, and be sure to check out the chilling footage of the eerily preserved town as it stands today.
Picher was once the site of a massive lead and zinc mine. Huge mountains of "chat" – a mining byproduct – dotted the landscape of the town.
In the 1990s, a local teacher began to notice cognitive problems in a large number of the town's students. In 1996, screening results showed that 34% of children in Picher tested positive for lead poisoning.
I can't imagine learning that I'd been living in a place that was slowly poisoning me and my family. So much of the town has been left as it was at the time of the evacuation. Check out the footage below:
It’s Impossible To Drive Through This Delightful Oklahoma Town Without Stopping
Tahlequah, a charming small town in northeastern Oklahoma, offers rich Native American history, outdoor activities, and unique shopping and dining experiences.
Voted as one of the Top 100 Best Small Towns in America, Tahlequah is a town located in northeastern Oklahoma that is full of charm, character, and Native American history, too. From shopping and dining to outdoor activities, this delightful town is impossible to drive through without stopping to check it out. You'll be charmed by the small streets, interesting history, architecture, and so much more! We're sure you'll agree: this is the best small town in Oklahoma.
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Tahlequah in Oklahoma is a favorite town for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Illinois River runs through town and is a favorite summer spot for floating and rafting. You'll find that there are so many wonderful things to do in Tahlequah!
Downtown is a quaint street filled with unique shopping, dining, and attractions to keep you busy all afternoon.
It's also the capital of the Cherokee Nation and is home to many Native American attractions like the Cherokee Heritage Center.
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Northeastern Oklahoma University is located in Tahlequah and is one of the oldest institutions in Oklahoma. It is a beautiful piece of architecture to tour.
This amazing little town is located at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Green Country and boasts spectacular scenery. You won't be able to drive through town without stopping to check it out.
Interested in seeing more? Check out this delightful tour video:
What do you think? Have you taken a day trip to Tahlequah, the best small town in Oklahoma? Which charming small towns in Oklahoma are your favorites? Let us know! Visit Tahlequah's official website for more information! And if you want to spend a few nights in Tahlequah, book a stay at this gorgeous A-Frame Cabin on the River on Airbnb.
From the Rockies to the Appalachian Mountains and all the ranges in between, we have countless small towns scattered throughout our scenic landscapes. Of course, here at OnlyInYourState, we believe that all these small towns are worth visiting. Dotted with charming Main Streets, great restaurants, specialty boutiques, outdoor adventure, and so much more, these delightful towns are always great for a day trip or a weekend-long adventure. For instance, Medicine Park, Oklahoma is one of those towns that is as charming as can be. With all the activities and attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It's no wonder it made our list for one of the best small-town getaways in the country. Perfect for a weekend trip, here are some of the best things to do in Medicine Park, Oklahoma.
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From the coast of Oregon to the mountains of Pennsylvania and everywhere in between, there are countless charming and captivating small towns across America worthy of a weekend getaway. Curated by our team of local travel experts, you’ll love our 2024 Small Town Getaways.
Explore Our Small Town Getaways
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a foodie, a history buff, or you enjoy exploring small towns, get ready to enjoy all the fun activities in Medicine Park Oklahoma.
Equally charming and quirky, we absolutely love this small town in Oklahoma, and we bet you will too! It's perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Established in 1908, Medicine Park is a hidden gem town in southwest Oklahoma. Originally settled by the Native Americans who believed in the healing powers of Medicine Creek, this scenic mountain town was developed by politician John William Elmer Thomas. Medicine Park Summer Resort and Health Spa soon became a playground for outlaws, bootleggers, politicians, soldiers, and prominent folks in the area.
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Unfortunately, in 1926, Thomas sold the resort park to a corporation after he was elected to the Senate. Shortly thereafter, the town declined due to wars and economic hardship. However, the town’s residents refused to allow their community to waste away and teamed up with the local government to revive the dying town. Today, with a population of less than 500 residents, Medicine Park is a thriving resort community filled with charm, friendly folks, and the most adorable cottages and stores you can imagine. You’re going to love it!
Of course, it is! As Oklahoma’s first resort town and America’s cobblestone community, we have no doubt that you’ll absolutely love everything about Medicine Park. Plus, it was once called one of the ‘Most Hippie Towns in All 50 States’ by Thrillist, so if you love quirky and unique getaways, this is the ideal destination for you. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, a history buff, or you love to shop for unique items, you’ll find something to do in the town. Over the years, the town has attracted folks from all walks of life, including some names you might recognize like President Roosevelt and Al Capone. With its walkable downtown lined with adorable artsy shops and restaurants, you’re going to love spending your weekend in this quirky mountain town. In fact, while you’re here, you might want to extend your stay a bit longer.
Tucked on the banks of Lake Lawtonka, 90 miles south of Oklahoma City, Medicine Park is easy to get to by car or by plane. From Oklahoma City, you would take Interstate Highway 44 southbound to Highway 49 W to get here. The nearest airport, Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport, is less than 30 minutes away, so you can choose to rent a car or take an Uber into town. If you plan on spending a lot of time outside of the resort community, then I would recommend renting a car. However, once you get to Medicine Park, exploring by foot would be the best way to go.
We love towns that are lined with specialty boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and more, and that’s what you’ll find on Cobblestone Row in Medicine Park. The town is completely walkable, so you can leave the car behind to explore all the attractions in the area. While exploring, you’ll believe that you have stepped back in time since many of the cobblestone buildings have remained the same. There won’t be a dull moment as you will always find new places to explore.
To be honest, no matter if you’re there during the warmer months or the colder season, you’ll find something to do in Medicine Park. During the summer, you can take advantage of the lakes and rivers in the area. Nestled at the foothills of the Wichita Mountains, there are endless hiking trails to explore during the colder months. Art, music, and festival lovers, you can easily find a local event like the Artwalk and Flute Festival that takes place during the first week in October. Or, for something a bit more on the wild side, plan a trip in February to participate in the annual Polar Bear Plunge in Bath Lake. Moreover, there are holidays, music, bike festivals, and many other events planned throughout the year. You’ll definitely feel a sense of community while you spend time in this adorable town.
How cool would it be to spend the night at the first tiny home resort in Oklahoma’s resort town? Well, you can do just that at InnHabit Tiny House Resort in Medicine Park. Featuring 10 units with themed rooms, on-site restaurants, a beer garden, and more, these adorable tiny homes made from repurposed shipping containers will be one of the most unique places that you could stay.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, a small kitchen to cook your meals, sitting areas, a deck, and comfy beds. You'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, the resort is within walking distance to restaurants, swimming areas, and hiking trails. Moreover, there is always live music or some kind of entertainment inside the resort. These rooms are big enough to sleep 4 people, but they're great if you're on a solo trip or if you're with that special someone. Learn more about this cute resort by visiting the InnHabit website.
Nestled on the banks of Medicine Creek, you will absolutely fall in love with the Birdhouse Cottages. True to their name, the bungalows are shaped like adorable birdhouses. Colorful and quirky, these 1-bedroom rentals are perfect for 2. You'll find connecting units as well in case you're traveling with more people. Also, there is a unit available with ADA accessibility.
Each unit is themed based on different birds and offers free Wi-Fi, smart TV, microwave, mini-fridge, coffee, patio with outdoor furnishing, and more. Situated in the center of Medicine Park, you'll be minutes away from all the local attractions. These charming birdhouses are the perfect places to relax after a day of exploring Medicine Park. Visit the Birdhouse Cottages Airbnb listing to learn more about these rentals.
Medicine Park Sights & Landmarks
The entire town of Medicine Park is worth seeing. There are historical landmarks and sights at every turn. Most of the buildings were built in the early 1900s, so history buffs will enjoy admiring the different landmarks. However, while you’re in town, you must stop by these two historic sites:
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Old Plantation Restaurant is part restaurant, part hotel, part museum, and has been a major staple in the community since its construction in 1910. Word on the street is that Bonnie and Clyde, as well as Al Capone, have connections to this historic building. The legend and stories about this hotel are still being told to this day. If you choose to dine here, you can expect down-home southern comfort food. This place is definitely a must-visit while you're in town.
Named after Curtis Davis, who managed Medicine Park in the 1950s, the iconic Curtis Davis Walking Bridge that spans Medicine Creek was rebuilt in 1997, and has since been a place where visitors and locals gather to create memories. Take some time to stroll across the bridge and capture incredible pictures of your time in this picturesque town.
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Medicine Park Activities & Attractions
If you're wondering what to do in Medicine Park, we've got you covered. And trust us, you won't run out of fun things to do here. There are family-friendly activities that are great for a day trip in Medicine Park. But to explore all the Medicine Park attractions, you'll need an entire weekend or more.
No trip to Medicine Park is complete without visiting Bath Lake Park. As one of the crowned jewels of the town, the park is an outdoor playground, where you can swim, fish, have a picnic, or take a stroll around the park. There is an admission fee to enter the park, but it's worth it. You could easily spend an entire day enjoying all that it has to offer.
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Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center
If you're traveling with kids, you'll want to stop by the Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center. Boasting more than 100 animal exhibits as well as a six-acre botanical garden, the little ones will absolutely love the close encounters and feeding shows of several of the animals. Admission varies by age and kids under 3 are free. Plan to be here for about 2 to 3 hours so that you'll have time to see everything.
While exploring the town, you'll discover the quirky vibes all around. It's dotted with artwork and whimsical art installations, too. Plus, you'll quickly notice the hippie vibe, and if you get a chance to meet local celebrity Hippie Mark, you'll be lucky. Not only will you get a great history lesson, but you'll be hanging out with the coolest person in town. Be sure to snap a pic with him to remember the encounter.
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Shops & Boutiques In Medicine Park
Shopaholics rejoice! If you love specialty boutiques, unique gifts, jewelry, locally made art, or handmade items from mercantile stores, then you'll enjoy shopping in Medicine Park. The town has a plethora of stores where you can buy an assortment of things. You can even find some delicious treats, too.
As one of the most popular stores in town, you must stop in at the White Buffalo Trading Post. Featuring handmade products, clothing, artwork, jewelry, and accessories, there is plenty to buy and see. Plus, the kids will love the candies, toys, and soda fountain. In addition to his rustic store, check out Medicine Creek Olive Oil Company, Discovery Outpost, and Happy Hollow.
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Restaurants In Medicine Park
Foodies, when you're in Medicine Park, there are several restaurants that you must visit. As I mentioned before, the Old Plantation Restaurant is one of them. In addition, there are coffee shops, sweet shops, and scenic restaurants that belong on your list as well. Check out a few of our choices for the best places to eat in town.
Kick-start your day at Joe Mountain Breakfast Bar, where you can fuel up on the most delicious waffles that you can imagine. With yummy selections like the Granny Smith, the strawberry shortcake, and the trail mix waffles, you can't go wrong. Depending on when you visit, you can also enjoy specialty waffles with your coffee.
For lunch or dinner, stop by Riverside Cafe. As the name indicates, this waterfront eatery overlooks Medicine Creek. Be sure to sit on the patio so that you can enjoy the views as you dine. The menu includes some favorites like burgers, sandwiches, country fried steaks, catfish, chicken platters, and more. You can't go wrong with whatever you choose to eat. After dinner, head over to the cocktail bar, Nice Ice Baby, to end the evening with an adult beverage and live entertainment.
For those with a sweet tooth, you'll want to check out Mrs. Chadwick's Bakery. The cinnamon rolls are to die for. This charming bakery is also a good place to grab coffee or breakfast in the mornings.
The kids will love getting ice cream from Cobblestone Creamery. This adorable parlor has many flavors and add-ins to create your perfect scoop. It's a great place to stop, especially during the warmer months.
Nature In And Around Medicine Park
Surrounded by the Wichita Mountains, outdoor adventure awaits at Medicine Park. Nature lovers will find plenty to do, including chasing waterfalls, hiking, swimming, wildlife viewing, fishing, camping, and so much more. Here are a few of the places where you can immerse yourself in nature.
In town, you’ll find the scenic Medicine Park waterfall on Medicine Creek…
…as well as hiking and biking trails where you can bask in the beauty that surrounds you. Other trails include Bear Mountain Trail, and Hoof Gullies Trail.
At Lake Lawtonka, there are hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, and boating opportunities, too.
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I recommend going for a scenic drive through the mountains. You’ll find plenty of overlooks that are great for taking pictures. The views are to die for!
" target="_blank">Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge, where there are 15 designated trails for you to explore. At 1.5 miles long, the Forty Foot Hole Trail leads to a breathtaking river and waterfall! They’re truly a sight to behold. If you get lucky, you’ll also see the free-range buffaloes, the Texas longhorns, as well as elk that call the sanctuary home.
So, the next time you're planning a weekend getaway, be sure to add this adorable, quirky mountain town to your list. There are so many things to do in Medicine Park Oklahoma, you might even need to visit more than once. Learn more about this charming small town by visiting the Medicine Park website.
Before you leave for your small-town weekend adventure, check out the OIYS ultimate guide to road trip article featuring some cool tips to make your trip as smooth as possible.
