8 Serene Oklahoma Towns For A Weekend Retreat
If you live in Oklahoma, you will be happy to know that you do not have to travel far to have a relaxing weekend away. The state is one of only four in the country with more than 10 ecoregions, offering some of the most diverse terrain in the US. As a result, Oklahoma residents are fortunate to be able to explore all kinds of natural landmarks over the weekend, whether it be cascading waterfalls, buffalo roaming the prairies, or the shores of Lake Eufaula, the state鈥檚 largest lake. The state also offers a wide mix of history, home to the capital of the Cherokee Nation and towns along the famous Route 66. If you are seeking a laid-back weekend away, these eight serene towns are the perfect place to begin your adventure.
Davis
Situated in the scenic Arbuckle Mountains, Davis is home to Oklahoma鈥檚 tallest waterfall. Visitors can explore these falls at Turner Falls Park, where a beautiful 77-foot waterfall cascades into a natural swimming pool. Davis is also home to Oklahoma鈥檚 largest off-roading park, Cross Bar Ranch, which spans 6,500 acres. Visitors can navigate over 150 miles of trails through the Arbuckle Mountains by four-wheeler, UTV, or dirt bike. Want to explore the ruins of a castle? Make sure to add Collings Castle to your itinerary. Once a private residence in the 1930s, visitors can now wander through its steep staircases, low ceilings, and maze-like rooms. If you are looking to immerse yourself in nature, you can spend the weekend at the Turner Falls Park Cabins, which offer guests beautiful views overlooking the mountains and river. Each cabin comfortably accommodates up to four guests.
Stillwater
Stillwater is a laid-back college town that is famous for its Red Dirt music scene. Each year, the town hosts the Bob Childers Gypsy Caf茅 Music Festival, in which more than 70 songwriters and musicians perform Red Dirt tunes in venues around town. To enjoy a morning outdoors, travelers can head to Boomer Lake Park, which features a fishing and boating dock, an 18-hole disc golf course, walking trails, and picnic tables for the ultimate lakeside relaxation. The OSU Botanic Garden is worth a visit as well. This garden, spanning 100 acres, features an abundance of native plants and walking trails. The Cottonwood Inn Bed and Breakfast offers a cozy stay in a two-story brick home, with cookies and drinks always available to guests.
Eufaula
The town of Eufaula sits along the shores of Oklahoma's largest lake, offering visitors plenty of space to relax outdoors. Those looking to explore Lake Eufaula can launch their boat from one of its many boat ramps or rent kayaks and canoes by the lake. If you want to spend the day fishing, consider a fishing charter with one of the local charter services, such as Hook鈥檇 Guide Service, who will take you out on the lake for a day of crappie fishing. For a memorable souvenir, visitors can stop by Our Favorite Place, an art gallery and artisan shop that features the work of over 90 artists and vendors. Yogi Bear鈥檚 Jellystone Park Camp-Resort is a popular place to lodge. This park and campground offers both campsites and comfortable rental cabins and is just steps away from the lake.
Bartlesville
In Bartlesville, travelers can spot bison roaming the vast western prairies and uncover the town鈥檚 fascinating oil history. The Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve is home to a 3,700-acre wildlife preserve with over 30 species of animals, including bison, longhorn, and elk, among many others. Bartlesville is also home to the famous Phillips Petroleum Company, where visitors can tour the Phillips Petroleum Company Museum and explore exhibits on the company's early years and growth. Architecture lovers should check out the Price Tower during their visit as well, which is widely considered one of the greatest works of architecture from the 20th century. To experience some classic Oklahoma hospitality, travelers can lodge in the BarDew Valley Inn, located on the outskirts of town, offering a country breakfast each morning and rooms furnished in an eclectic fashion.
Guthrie
No matter the occasion, Guthrie always has a small-town festival going on. The next festival takes place this month in March and will be the Guthrie Renaissance Festival and will include jousting, juggling, raptor shows, axe throwing, and much more. While in town, travelers can drive out to Liberty Lake, where they can swim, hike, fish, boat, horseback ride, or camp. If you want to catch a live show, make sure to check out the calendar for the Pollard Theatre, which frequently hosts musicals and plays. Starting on March 14th, they will be performing The Spongebob Musical! For a historic night away, travelers can lodge in The Pollard Inn, a Victorian-style hotel that is located in the heart of the Historic and Cultural Arts Districts.
Tahlequah
As the capital of the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah is one of Oklahoma鈥檚 most significant cultural centers. At the Cherokee National History Museum, visitors can explore 7,000 square feet of tribal art and exhibits that explain the Cherokee Nation鈥檚 history. The Cherokee National Prison Museum is another interesting landmark, which explores the Cherokee judicial system that was used during the 19th century. In the summer, travelers can cool off on the Illinois River by kayaking, canoeing, or rafting downstream. Several outfitters offer rentals, including All American Floats. If you are seeking a cozy place to lodge, consider the Blue Fern Bed and Breakfast, a beautifully restored 1904 Victorian home renovated by the inn owners in 2010.
Stroud
Stroud is a classic Route 66 town that will evoke nostalgia in all who visit. A staple of Route 66 for generations, the Rock Cafe is one of Stroud鈥檚 most iconic restaurants, known for its unique dishes like alligator burgers, German j盲gerschnitzel, and Reuben sandwiches. Another popular attraction is the Route 66 Tool Tree, where travelers can snap a photo with the famous tree carving in front of Stroud True Value Hardware store. Afterwards, visitors can relax and discover Stroud鈥檚 wine scene at Stable Ridge Winery, where wines are made from locally grown grapes, offering a true taste of Oklahoma. For a comfortable night away, there are several lodges and motels throughout town. Cattle Country Lodge offers numerous amenities, including flat-screen TVs in each room, air conditioning, free wifi, and breakfast each morning.
Pauls Valley
In the warmer months, Pauls Valley bursts into color during lavender season. Travelers can visit Lakeview Lavender Farm, where six varieties of lavender are grown, and pick their own blooms to assemble into a bouquet. Field鈥檚 Pies is another homey stop to add to your itinerary. This pie shop has been making pies since 1922 and is particularly well known for its pecan pies! For an entertaining afternoon, travelers can visit the Toy and Action Figure Museum, which dates back to 2000 and is dedicated completely to the art of action figures. To stay in the heart of town, travelers can lodge in the Days Inn, which includes a complimentary light breakfast and free wifi to make your stay more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
If you are craving a weekend getaway, there is no need to leave the state. Oklahoma offers plenty of nearby destinations to explore. Travelers can enjoy rolling fields of lavender in Pauls Valley, or sip on a glass of local wine in Stroud. For a lakeside escape, Eufaula makes an excellent choice. No matter what you consider the perfect place to unwind, you will find it in these eight towns.
