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Oklahoma, a symbol of the American West, has long attracted settlers, visitors, and passers-through. A part of the Union only since 1907, the place known as the "Sooner State" — a reference to which homesteader could claim his land in the state "sooner" than others — has held out the promise of a brighter future from its earliest days. For a short Oklahoma trip, towns like these underscore the state's natural and cultural attractions, its wide variety of historic and modern influences, and the enduring spirit of a quintessentially western state.

Guthrie

The town of Guthrie, population 11,400, represents Oklahoma's storied past to state residents and visitors alike. The downtown Guthrie Cultural Arts District gathers dynamic examples of 19th-century architecture in its stately homes and buildings. The town likewise keeps up an active festival schedule, which includes the Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival and the Guthrie Escape, an art and wine event. Other seasonal goings-on, like "A Territorial Christmas Carol" at the Pollard Theatre, remember Oklahoma's frontier beginnings before becoming an official US state.

For more history and a stroll downtown, seek out the elm tree planted in honor of the original Land Run of 1889 Land Office, a center of activity around the rush to claim territory, which helped give rise to the expression "Sooner" — and with it, one of Oklahoma's founding legends. For a place to stay, the Pollard Bed and Breakfast combines charm and value downtown.

Shawnee

Shawnee, with 31,800 souls, sits close to just about everything. The central Oklahoma town just southeast of Oklahoma City serves as its own smaller urban center. Kids and parents can enjoy the town's Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, which is famous for its exhibit featuring real Egyptian mummies.

For lunch, visitors flock to Hamburger King, offering a 1950s-style menu and decor that recalls more recent days gone by. Come autumn, Shawnee's famous Enchanted Woodland Halloween & FallFest celebrates Halloween on a grand scale, with rides, a zombie parade, carnival games, food, and a pie-eating contest using only pumpkin pies. Most hotels in town are of the chain variety, though the Fleetwood Motel offers fun retro digs for the budget-conscious.

Duncan

Duncan, a smaller town with 23,200 people, sits in south-central Oklahoma, not far from the state's southern border with Texas. Tourists come to town in fair weather for its crape myrtle trees that are famous across the region. Local history of cowboys and homesteaders awaits at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, which educates visitors on one of the West's most important and not always well-known routes of trade and travel. For those seeking genteel accommodations, try the Lindley House Garden Cottages, which offer bungalows with old-fashioned decorative accents in a spacious and beautiful garden setting.

Grove

The small town of Grove, population 7,300, lies on one of Oklahoma's most popular waterways. The Grand Lake of the Cherokees draws boaters, weekenders, and fun-seekers of all kinds to its shores, while drivers can take in sweeping views along the shores of Monkey Island. The Water Trix company rents out kayaks, paddleboards, and other resources for on-the-water leisure. For a little cowboy-style riding, head to Royal Horse Ranch, which has lessons, trail and hay rides, and even a horse camp for kids. Come Christmastime, the town puts out Santa's Ozark Mountain village, a celebration of all the toys and good cheer we associate with Santa Claus. For accommodations, Lee's Grand Lake Resort features cabin rentals and a playground for kids.

Sulphur

The unusually named Sulphur, with 4,900 people, speaks to its history as a spa town. With abundant hot springs, and the natural sulphur often found with them, this town in south-central Oklahoma has stood as a natural attraction for generations. The Artesian Hotel, to use just one example from local history, combines casino and spa services and has been in operation since 1906.

For more on the region's earth-based richness, the Travertine Nature Center provides an overview of Oklahoma's animals, plants, geology, and other features. For another Oklahoma experience on the water, head to the Lake of the Arbuckles, a popular recreation area nearby.

Tishomingo

The town of Tishomingo, counting a modest 3,100 residents, bears an outsized past along the Blue River that runs through town. Tishomingo once served as the capital of the Chickasaw Nation, a prominent Native American tribe here. The town's Council House Museum displays one of the Â鶹AV's largest collections of authentic Chickasaw objects and artifacts.

For old objects a person can actually take home, the Junk Stars antique shop in town offers rare finds (for the right price). For a very present-day legend, seek out the footsteps of Oklahoma-born country music superstate Blake Shelton, who calls Tishomingo home. As a place to sleep, the Mulberry Inn provides affordable rooms in the very heart of town.

Ponca City

Ponca City, near Oklahoma's northern border with Kansas, is where some 24,300 people reside. The town sheds light on the region's oil boom and its industrial champions, like the multimillionaire E.W. Marland, whose mansion stands in town and is open to visitors, as is the petroleum-themed Conoco Museum. For a tranquil stroll or perhaps a picnic, Lake Ponca Park makes for a quiet moment outdoors.

The Osage Casino Hotel blends games of chance with rooms on the premises and free breakfast. A gritty history stands on proud display at the town's Pioneer Woman Museum, which honors the many women, whose names are often forgotten by history, who helped make Oklahoma the territory it was — and the state it is today.

Oklahoma's Best Awaits Visitors in Towns Like These

As these towns suggest, Oklahoma's interest in out-of-state visitors spans from past to present, from culture to all-ages attractions and the bliss of the great outdoors. Guthrie puts Oklahaom's past into music and other cultural expressions. Towns like Grove and Sulphur offer relaxation on or near the water, thanks to the towns' beloved lakes and waterways. Places like Duncan and Ponca City await visitors seeking elegance, whether in historic homes or through refined accommodation options. Oklahoma's past grit as a territory has given rise to finer points of interest — without forgetting how far it has come. Oklahoma's features should appeal to travelers from everywhere.