After the full year 2024 has proven to be, from the Paris Olympics in the summer to the Presidential election in the fall, you may be inclined to retreat to a slower city or just a town with some nice spots to enjoy some quiet.
And in Oklahoma, there are plenty of towns full of history, beautiful landscapes, and lots to enjoy throughout the year.
From Route 66 to the storied history of several Native American tribes, educational travel website WorldAtlas spotlights nine towns enjoying Oklahoma’s slower pace.
Davis
The historic Collings Castle in Turner Falls Park is seen on Thursday, April 14, 2011, in Davis, Oklahoma.
In southcentral Oklahoma, visitors can find Davis tucked in the Arbuckle Mountains. The town attracts hikers who want to explore the weaving trails near Turner Falls, Oklahoma’s largest waterfall.
While the weather may be dropping and the natural swimming pools may get a bit colder during the winter, the year-round waterfall has something for everyone who visits. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area continues the natural waters with mineral springs and lakes.
Inside the town, however, you can find several buildings like the Davis Santa Fe Depot and several antique shops and art galleries to fill your pocket.
Tahlequah
Cherokee Nation headquarters. Town of Tahlequah and the Cherokee Nation. Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Tahlequah blends American culture with the rich history of the area’s Native American tribes. Just 20 minutes from the Arkansas River in eastern Oklahoma, the town is in perfect reach of Sequoyah State Park, the Ozark Mountains and the rich history of the Cherokee Nation.
As the former capital of the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, the town fills every Labor Day with the Cherokee National Holiday. This event brings in visitors from across the state and region to learn and celebrate the traditions, music and dance of the Cherokee Nation.
Pauls Valley
Kevin Stark, curator for the Toy and Action Figure Museum and also an artist with his own gallery in Pauls Valley, Tuesday, November 30, 2021.
The quiet yet easygoing city of Pauls Valley provides something for the adventurer and the easy-going homebody. Guests can enjoy several aspects of Oklahoma’s landscape by hiking and fishing on and around the Paul Valley City Lake.
The city is the birthplace of Field Pies and still the home of the factory, which offers plenty of treats and memorabilia for your trip south. In addition to the factory, the Toy and Action Figure Museum attracts Marvel, Star Wars, DC and other pop culture fans with its history of famed figures.
Chicksha
If you’re looking for an alternative to touring Oklahoma City’s light show, every holiday turns into a complete festival literally with the Festival of Lights. The town is filled with lights throughout Shannon Springs Park, which attracts visitors from all across the country to see the holiday light show.
Outside of the holiday season, there are still festive moments to enjoy year-round, with the Grady County Fairgrounds regularly hosting rodeos, livestock shows, and other community gatherings.
Kingfisher
Kingfisher adds to Oklahoma’s long list of historic spots. The historic downtown has been completely preserved since the early 1900s. The town’s history sits at the forefront of its culture. If you want to enjoy the town’s history, head to the Chisholm Museum and Chisholm Trail, the former home to the greatest cattle trails in the world.
Or head to Kingfisher City Park and see the streams and enjoy the falls’ leaves while listening to music or reading a good book. If you want to spend the day with someone, the park is also the prime spot for a picnic after a day on the trail or exploring one of the many locally owned restaurants.
Weatherford
With 12,000 residents and Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford is known as more than the home of the Bulldogs. Like much of Oklahoma, the small town also has a strong agricultural community—specifically, peaches.
Outside of the orchards, visitors can visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum for an out-of-this-world experience. The exhibits document some of NASA’s earliest missions.
Pawhuska
A couple hikes in Osage Hills State Park on May 23, 2014, in Pawhuska, Okla. A human resources officer is advocating for loud vacationing, a workplace initiative that promotes using time off.
Pawhuska is hidden in the Osage Hills and still has the rustic charm and modern-day appeal that keeps several visitors coming for a trip. The town is most known for being the hometown of Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, and having attracted foodies, historians and architects alike.
Those wanting to explore the unique blend of strong Native American history and Art Deco architecture also enjoy seeing the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Whether strolling through Main Street or exploring the countryside, there’s something for everyone to escape to.
Hugo
Meet the friendly elephants of the Endangered Ark Foundation during a scheduled tour of this Hugo attraction.
Another mountainous city with Hugo is in Oklahoma’s southeastern corner. From the top of the mountain to the trails below, the town is a great stop if you are looking for nature and wildlife. The lake is a prime location for boating, fishing or birdwatching the migratory birds.
The Endangered Ark Foundation is a sanctuary for elephants, providing families with a chance to witness the Asian Elephant and help preserve its continued existence on Earth.
Sulphur
Olympic Gold Medalist Bart Conners, center, participates in a Friendship Dance during an open house at the new Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Friday, May 21, 2010. Photo by David McDaniel, The Oklahoman
Though Sulphur is a small town, it is packed with several outdoor activities: fishing, boating, and hiking along the Lake of the Arbuckles. The area is also a prime location for healing mineral springs.
Outside of the nature aspect, the Downtown District is home to several shops, cafes, antique stores and an active arts community. The town uses the attractions to also celebrate local art each spring with the Artisanal Arts Festival, which features music, craft displays and delicious food.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: These are the 9 best Oklahoma towns for a slow-paced nature escape
