10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Oklahoma

The city of Bartlesville has something for everyone, whether you're interested in history, a place to take the kids for a day of fun and entertainment, or a vast museum dedicated to the arts. The kids will love a trip to the aptly-named Kiddie Park, where you can put them on a wide range of amusement-style rides and they can run and play all day, and you might like visiting the Frank Phillips Home, the historic home of a famed oil magnate. Another highlight is the Price Tower Arts Centre, a towering skyscraper that not only contains a vast art gallery but is also a work of art unto itself, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The city of El Reno was founded in the late 19th century and named for Fort Reno, which stands just a few minutes' drive away. The most famous attraction in this area is the vast Lucky Star Casino, where you can do all the gaming you like as you while the night away. The Centre Theatre also attracts people to the town to see a wide range of local, national, and international acts throughout the year. Of course, while you're in town, you'll want to try one of the famous fried onion burgers that the city is known for. In fact, there's a Fried Onion Burger Day Festival held every May that's full of fun, food, and games.

The town of Guthrie is probably best known for its 2 southern lakes: Guthrie Lake and Liberty Lake. These are popular park destinations for boating, fishing, and other kinds of water recreation. The city also has a wide range of popular museums, including the Oklahoma Territorial Museum, the Oklahoma Sports Museum, the Guthrie Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, and others. Known as the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Oklahoma, Guthrie is also ideal for couples on a romantic escape. You can visit the Clauren Ridge Vineyard for local wine or head to the historic Oklahoma Frontier Drug Store Museum for pharmacy artefacts of days gone by.

Hugo is the county seat of Choctaw County in southeastern Oklahoma and is named for the famed novelist Victor Hugo. You can find plenty to see here that will entertain the entire family. If you're interested in history, you'll want to visit the Choctaw County Historical Society or the Frisco Depot Museum. You can take the kids to see the elephant at the Endangered Ark Foundation. For those looking to just get away from the hustle and bustle and crowded city life, a trip to Hugo Lake State Park offers hiking, cycling, kayaking, and so much more for your outdoor adventures.

Kenton is a very small village where just about everyone knows just about everyone else. That makes it an ideal, welcoming escape from the noisy urban holiday destinations for those looking for a unique travel experience. It's full of scenic vistas, hiking trails, local eateries, historic locations, and independent shops, and it's a quiet way to get off the grid and recharge your batteries. Amongst the popular attractions in this area is the Black Mesa, where you can enjoy hiking, mountain climbing, photo opportunities, and camping. The Kenton Museum tells you about the history of the region, and the Hitching Post Working Ranch allows you to see a real living ranch in action.

The town of Medicine Park in Comanche County is in the heart of the Wichita Mountains. That makes it ideal for panoramic, scenic surroundings with a rainbow of colours and photographic vistas. It's been known for many decades for its vintage cobblestone streets and walkable avenues with independent shops and restaurants. It's also right at the doorstep of the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge, a 60,000-acre park where you can go hiking, view hundreds of animals roaming wild in their natural habitat, and walk along the shores of natural lakes ideal for fishing, hunting, and boating.

The town of Perry offers access to a charming set of attractions that run the gamut from historic landmarks to mountain lakes to museums and more. Two of the most popular museums in the area include the Cherokee Strip Museum and the Timberlake Rose Rock Museum, each a small but focused and interesting collection of artefacts, exhibits, documentation, and education that will enrich and entertain. Perry Lake is a famed camping spot and is also popular for those looking to get out on a boat, go fishing, or enjoy other recreational activities out on the water. For nature lovers, this is a great destination.

Stillwater is one of Oklahoma's larger must-see "small towns," and it offers a lot of the same amenities you might find in a big city, including big-box and brand-name shops, fine dining, a thriving nightlife, and a wealth of top sights to entertain just about anyone. It's also the home of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum, which draws fans of the sport. The Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar showcases exhibits celebrating local history, and kids will like the Oklahoma WONDERtorium, which offers interactive exhibits that educate while being fun and exciting.

The town of Woodward was historically the home of the Kiowa, Comanche, Cherokee, and Arapaho Native American tribes, and today it celebrates that legacy and history. Many visitors enjoy a trip to the Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum, which offers history exhibits related to the entire Northwest Oklahoma area all the way back to prehistoric times. If a theme park excursion is in the cards, pack up the kids and head for Crystal Beach Water Park, which is right on the shores of Crystal Beach Lake. Here, you can enjoy swimming, relaxation, and a wealth of water rides for the whole family.