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Street view of Eufaula, Oklahoma. By Cityofeufaulaok, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.

7 Of Oklahoma's Hidden Gems

Deep in the heartland of the United States is Oklahoma, a southern state full of lakes, red-clay hills, and cowboys. Known for agriculture, country music, and its rich history, Oklahoma is a state with a lot to offer. Some of the most unique places to travel to in Oklahoma are the state's small towns. Towns such as Marlow have a unique history as part of the outlaw country. Other towns, such as Eufaula, are full of beautiful lakes and natural scenery, which is the perfect place to enjoy Oklahoma's nature. While these towns might not get a lot of tourist attention, they are hidden gems worth exploring. Here, we explore these towns and others that are true hidden gems in Oklahoma.

Marlow

The Old City Hall in Marlow, Oklahoma.
The Old City Hall in Marlow, Oklahoma. Image credit Jimmy Emerson via Flickr.com

Marlow is a hidden gem in Oklahoma's outlaw country. The town has preserved this history with unique historic landmarks. The Marlow Outlaw Centennial Monument is a granite monument that tells the unique history of the Marlow brothers. On the banks of Wildhorse Creek, visitors can see the original Marlow family home, now called The Outlaw Cave. The Marlow Outlaw Centennial Monument and The Outlaw Cave are found at Redbud Park. The park also has a performance stage, a community center, picnic areas, horseshoe pits, and a splash pad. Visitors can also learn more about the town's history at the Marlow Museum. Creekwalk is a half-mile walking trail that also shares the history of the area, along with decorative lighting and vibrant landscaping.

Beyond history, Marlow is home to some stunning scenery, including Taylor Lake. The lake is just 9 miles outside of town and is the perfect getaway to enjoy a day of lakeside activities from swimming to boating. Walking along Main Street downtown, enjoy the cute shops and quaint eateries. Check out Missing Bristle Pottery Studio to learn a new skill and get creative. After exploring Marlow, unwind with a glass of wine at the local Cotton Blossom Winery.

Guthrie

The downtown area of Guthrie with its historical buildings.
The downtown area of Guthrie with its historical buildings. Editorial credit: Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com.

One of the best small towns to see the historic side of rural Oklahoma is Guthrie. The town has a rich history and was even the original capital of the state until 1910. There is so much history preserved in Guthrie that the town is unique as the largest Historic Preservation District in all of the United States. The historic district has more than 2,000 buildings showing off Victorian architecture combined with the town's Wild West spirit. One of the most unique historic buildings to check out in Guthrie is the Scottish Rite Temple. This building was built in 1919 and is unique as one of the Â鶹AV's largest Masonic Centers. Another interesting historic building to visit in Guthrie is the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum. The museum features pharmaceutical memorabilia from the frontier days. Anyone looking to stay overnight in Guthrie should check out the haunted B&B Stone Lion Inn. The place is famous as one of the most haunted buildings in town. They even offer creepy murder mystery dinners.

Downtown Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Downtown Guthrie, Oklahoma. Editorial credit: Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

Eufaula

Foley Building in Eufaula, Oklahoma.
Foley Building in Eufaula, Oklahoma. Image credit RaksyBH via Shutterstock

Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Eufaula is the stunning small town of Eufaula. Full of expansive meadows and tranquil lakes, the town is the perfect place for a pristine natural getaway. Eufaula Lake is a fishermen's paradise. The lake is chalked full of bass, catfish, and crappie in a thriving ecosystem. Kiwanis Park is a peaceful spot for visitors to enjoy Eufaula's stunning views. The park is a great spot for a picnic or a scenic walk. Posey Park is another beloved park in the town. Posey Park is one of Eufaula's oldest parks. The park offers scenic views of Lake Eufaula. In the summer months, Posey Park is a hotspot for events, including art festivals, concerts, and outdoor markets.

Aerial view of the coast along Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma.
Aerial view of the coast along Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma.

Eufaula also has a rich history. Visitors can take a step back in time by visiting Eufaula's historic downtown district. The downtown has well-preserved Victorian-era buildings, with quaint shops, art galleries, and antique stores.

Gore

Highway 64 bridge across the lower Illinois river in Gore, Oklahoma.
Highway 64 bridge across the lower Illinois river in Gore, Oklahoma.

Gore is a small town packed with attractions ranging from beautiful natural scenery to historic landmarks. Gore is home to one of Oklahoma's most beautiful lakes, Lake Tenkiller. Spanning over 12,000 acres, Lake Tenkiller is surrounded by thick, lush forest, making it a great camping, hiking, and fishing spot. The lake hosts different fishing tournaments throughout the year, making it a great option for anyone who likes to fish. A few minutes away from Lake Tenkiller is Gore Landing. This is a great spot for a picnic or a quiet afternoon by the river.

Just 15 miles southeast of Gore is the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. The nature refugee is unique as it has the largest concentration of snow geese in Oklahoma. This is a great place to hike and become immersed in Oklahoma nature. Downtown enjoy Gore's antique stores and stop at Garden Gate Shop & Emily's Tea Room for a bite to eat.

Chelsea

The Pryor Creek Bridge in Chelsea, Oklahoma.
The Pryor Creek Bridge in Chelsea, Oklahoma. Editorial credit: Logan Bush / Shutterstock.com

Chelsea is a historic town that was founded as an Atlantic and Pacific Railroad stop in 1881. Today, the town is full of charming shops, eateries, and historic landmarks. Some classic places to visit in Chelsea include Winganon Cafe And Convenience, known for its delicious barbecue food such as pulled pork and ribs. Pat's Main Street Diner is a stable in town. The Diner serves hand-battered chicken-fried steak, hand-cut fries, and homemade cinnamon rolls, all the comfort food classics. Pryor Creek Bridge is another cool local landmark. The 123-foot bridge is unique as the only unaltered bridge still standing in the entire state.

Davis

Turner Falls is one of the two Oklahoma’s tallest waterfalls.
Turner Falls is one of the two Oklahoma’s tallest waterfalls.

Davis is a small town in beautiful south-central Oklahoma. The town is famous for having the largest waterfall in all of Oklahoma. The waterfall is at Turner Falls Park and features a 77-foot falls that drops into a refreshing swimming hole. Enjoy camping at Turner Falls Park to take in the breathtaking scenery and spend an evening stargazing. During the day check out the park's natural caves, novelty shops, picnic sites, and hiking trails.

Davis, Oklahoma, USA.
Davis, Oklahoma, USA. Editorial credit: Roberto Galan / Shutterstock.com

Turner Falls Park has a unique history, as well as the town itself. Learn about Davis's history at the Arbuckle Historical Society Museum. Here explore artifacts dating back from the 1850s including military exhibits, vintage clothing, and a large file of family histories. Afterward, enjoy some unique shopping downtown and stop at local boutiques such as Cactus Queens and Crazy Chick Boutiques.

Poteau

Poteau, Oklahoma, US.
Poteau, Oklahoma, US. Editorial credit: Roberto Galan / Shutterstock.com

While Davis is famous for having Oaklahoma's highest waterfall, Poteau has another claim to fame, Oklahoma's highest hill. The hill is called Cavanal Hill and is one foot short of being tall enough to be labeled a mountain. At 1,999 feet tall, standing on the hill is a great way to enjoy views of the surrounding area. To enjoy some real mountains, head to the Kiamichi Mountains and take a stroll to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Poteau, Oklahoma, US.
Poteau, Oklahoma, US. Editorial credit: Roberto Galan / Shutterstock.com

While in Poteau, head downtown and check out the Leflore County Museum to learn about the area's history. Just outside Poteau, there are some unusual historical landmarks that history buffs can enjoy seeing, such as the Spiro Mounds and the Heavener Runestone. One of the best times to visit Poteau is during their annual Poteau Balloon Fest. Watch the sky light up with hot air balloons into the night.

Why Visit These Small Towns

Whether you are looking for a romantic weekend getaway or a family vacation, these Oklahoma towns are the perfect travel destination. The combination of rich history, natural beauty, and cultural charm in these towns makes them an inviting, unique travel destination. History buffs will love exploring the Arbuckle Historical Society Museum in Davis. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking in the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge outside of Gore. Poteau offers visitors a combination of mountains, historic landmarks, and unique cultural celebrations such as the annual Balloon Fest. Next time you are planning a getaway, consider visiting the hidden gems of Oklahoma. These charming small towns are sure not to disappoint.

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