Do you love visiting charming small towns? Did you just move to Oklahoma, and you’re looking for places to add to your bucket list?
If your answer was yes to any of those two questions, then you’re in the right place!
With Route 66 running right through the heart of the state and western heritage bursting at its seams, it is no wonder so many people travel to Oklahoma each year.
Today, I am going to introduce you to 10 charming small towns in Oklahoma to add to your bucket list.
Not only are the towns beautiful and quaint, but you will meet some of the kindest, most welcoming people ever.
Without further ado, Let’s jump into the article.
Warning, This article might make you hungry.
10 Charming Small Towns in Oklahoma to add to your Bucket List
Tahlequah (16,819 pop.)
This is the largest town on the list, but I refuse to leave it out of contention when it comes to charming small towns in Oklahoma.
Known as the capital of Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah has been named to one of the Top 100 Best Small Towns in America. I can definitely see why:
Tahlequah is known for the Illinois River.
This majestic river which winds through the Cookson Hills of Northeastern Oklahoma is a sparkling, 60-mile-plus scenic waterway that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
A float trip is a must when you visit this charming town. I love staying at the Arrowhead Resort which offers 6- and 12-mile float trips and offer fully equipped cabins on the banks of the river. For more information on Illinois Float trips, please check them out at https://www.arrowheadresortok.com
Luxury Cabins
Broken Bow (4,093 pop.)
Ah, Broken Bow, one of my all-time favorite towns in Oklahoma to visit. It is definitely bucket list material.
Talking about a town that will unlock your outdoor spirit, Broken Bow will definitely accomplish that mission.
This town might be small, but it holds numerous fun and entertaining possibilities for you to enjoy.
The best time to visit Broken Bow is any time. This quaint town that is located at the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains in Southeastern Oklahoma will check off all the boxes when it comes to outdoor activities.
Broken Bow has quite the reputation too when it comes to luxury cabins. These gorgeous cabins dot the entire Ouachita National Forest landscape with its out-of-this world architecture.
Hochatown, a nearby community, will completely exceed your expectations for outdoor activities. You will stay busy axe throwing, paddle boating, and dining out at unique places to eat.
I recommend eating at The Grateful Head Pizza while you are visiting. They serve oven-baked pizzas that are out of this world. For more on their menu, check them out at https://www.gratefulheadpizza.com
For more information on broken bow cabins, I highly recommend you check out this luxury cabin at http://Happilyevenaftercabin.com
Pawhuska (3,456 pop.)
Pawhuska is a town that is one hour northwest of Tulsa, Oklahoma in Osage county.
This town is brimming with charm and plenty of fun things to do on a weekend trip.
Since Ree Drummond, aka (The Pioneer Woman) launched her famous restaurant in 2016 called The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, people continue to flock to this charming northern Oklahoma town.
But there is more to Pawhuska than just the Mercantile.
Pawhuska is a spot that celebrates its rich history. The town was founded in 1872 and has 86 buildings in the downtown area that are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pawhuska is also home to the Osage Nation Museum. This museum was founded in 1938 and is the oldest tribally owned museum in the country.
With great dining options and so much history, Pawhuska warrants bucket list status.
For more information on the Pioneer Woman Mercantile please check them out at https://www.themercantile.com
Bucket List Eats
Tishomingo (3,034 pop.)
The town of Tishomingo has always been a beloved town to Oklahomans, including country music superstar, Blake Shelton.
Shelton loves Tishomingo so much he decided to open a restaurant in town called Ole Red. If you’re in Tishomingo and you’re looking for signature drinks and authentic southern cuisine, then this is your place. For more on Ole Red, please check them out at https://www.olered.com
Tishomingo is also home to the Blue River. The Blue River is best known for its abundance of trout, small-mouth bass, black bass, crappie and blue catfish.
The Trout derby in November draws true anglers from all over the region who come to fish and compete in friendly competition for cash prizes, awards, and trophies.
Whether you’re into the outdoors or you just want to stroll a charming town that is full of history, Tishomingo is bucket list worthy.
Oklahoma’s Little Italy
Krebs (2,147 pop.)
Are you looking for amazing Italian food? Then look no further than Krebs, OK.
Thousands of Italian immigrants settled in this small southeastern Oklahoma town before statehood. They brought with them their favorite family recipes that would impress any Italian food connoisseur. I love the portions, but the quality of food keeps me coming back for more.
Pete’s Place, an Italian restaurant that opened its doors in 1925, is famous for serving large, family-style portions of Italian cuisine. I love Pete’s place, but there are a few more local Italian eatery’s you cannot go wrong with. Just bring your appetite!
On your way out of town, be sure to stop by Lovera’s.
Lovera’s is a tiny Italian grocery store that sells a variety of Italian cheeses, olive oils, and homemade Italian sausages.
Like I said before, just bring your appetite.
For more info on Lovera’s please check them out at https://www.loverasmarket.com
The Best Fried Chicken
Okarche (1,398 pop.)
If you’ve never heard of a small town called Okarche, Oklahoma then you’re not alone.
This small town is less than an hour west from Oklahoma City, and it’s time to pay this small town a visit soon.
Okarche is a tiny town- that if you aren’t paying attention, you will drive on through it. One place that Okarche is known for is Eischen’s Bar.
This state landmark has been packing in locals and non-locals alike with a menu that is bare bones at best.
When you park your car outside of Eischen’s you can immediately smell the grease. Yeah, it’s one of those places.
This is one situation in life you don’t judge a book by its cover. Eischen’s has been serving up the best fried chicken since the dawn of time.
They cook about 4,000 chickens a week and bring in customers from all over the globe. Go inside and you will see picnic tables everywhere with sawdust on the floor and everything being served on wax paper.
Okarche is bucket list material just off their fried chicken alone.
For more on Eischen’s please check them out at https://www.eischensbar.com
Grove (6,956 pop.)
The 2nd largest city on the list is Grove, Oklahoma.
As far as bucket list trips are concerned, you cannot go wrong with including Grove into your travel plans.
Grove has long been the economic and cultural hub of the Grand Lake region, but this place has friendly people, great shopping, and outstanding places to eat.
Various times throughout the year, Grove area merchants will host an Open House with great deals and specials offered at shops and restaurants throughout town.
My favorite thing about Grove is the Farmers Market. I was amazed on the amount of fresh produce they had on hand. It’s definitely worth checking out. They are open every Wednesday and Saturday morning throughout the growing season.
Grove has been rated by Rand McNally, the Wall Street Journal, and Retirement Places Rated as one of the top retirement areas in the nation.
Grove is worth checking out if you are heading to Northeast Oklahoma.
For more information, please stay updated at https://www.groveok.org
Carlton Landing (541 pop.)
If you’re looking to get away for a few days, let me recommend a place to you that will be worth your while.
Carlton Landing.
This small community on the shores of Lake Eufaula is full of charm and will remind you of being in Seaside Florida.
Carlton Landing has something for everyone from the Carlton Landing Boat Club, sparkling swimming pools, gorgeously paved nature trails, a dynamic swim beach, and so much more.
While staying at your favorite vacation rental, you will realize everything at Carlton Landing is completely walkable.
When you’ve had fun all day on the water and you are craving pizza, then I highly recommend Mama Tigs Wood-Fired Pizza. They make specialty gourmet pizzas that will satisfy your lake hunger. For more on their menu http://HTTPS://www.mamatigspizza.com
From cool shops to nature walks, it’s time to load up the car and head to Carlton Landing.
Medicine Park (317 pop.)
A few weeks ago, I wrote about 7 fun things to do in Medicine Park.
Here I am bragging about this tiny town again.
No kidding aside, if you haven’t visited this cobblestone community in Southwestern Oklahoma, then you’re missing out.
Medicine Park has it all when it comes to a bucket list trip. From Trendy taverns to unique shops, Medicine Park will make you realize why you haven’t visited this place before.
Since food is a factor when we have bucket list trips, one place I do not want to leave out is Meers Burgers.
The Meers Store and Restaurant is all that remains of Meers, once a booming town in the Wichita Mountains during the turn of the century.
The building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But the burgers are what keep people coming back.
The famous Meers Burger is a gigantic 7″ in diameter burger made from Longhorn beef raised on the family’s very own ranch.
After a strenuous hike in the Wichita’s, I try and reward myself by clogging my arteries with the Meers burger.
If you’re somehow able to survive the Meers Burger, then you will be rewarded with some of the very best Peach and Blackberry cobbler in the Southwest.
Sulphur (5,043 pop.)
For more information on the Artesian Hotel please check out their website at https://www.artesianhotel.com
If you’re looking for a road trip or even just a day trip to add to your bucket list, then you need to include Sulphur in travel plans.
This town is full of friendly people and has all of the outdoor activities you could ever ask for. However, one place I want to talk about is the Artesian Hotel. This hotel is the perfect bucket list trip.
The Artesian Hotel has grown into southern Oklahoma’s pampering destination.
With relaxing spas and elegant dining options inside, the Artesian Hotel will help you recharge your battery before you go back to work.
The Bedre Cafe that’s inside will give you a malt shop vibe. This place serves the best Hand-dipped ice cream cones and shakes.
All in all, Sulphur is a fun and charming town that is a can’t miss town in Southern Oklahoma.
Thoughts & Takeaways
And there you have it. These are 10 of my favorite small towns in Oklahoma. There are so many more that I left off this list, but that’s ok. I’m going to save them for a rainy day. I hope you get to go out and visit these unique towns. Please let me know what you think in the comment section below.
-CT