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Medicine Park Is A Small Town In Oklahoma That Offers Plenty Of Peace And Quiet

Medicine Park, Oklahoma’s first resort town, offers scenic views, outdoor activities, and local eateries, making it a perfect getaway.

Published Oct 19, 2020

Written by 

Ashley

Medicine Park was founded in 1908 as Oklahoma's first resort town. Originally called "Medicine Park Summer Resort and Health Spa," this quaint little town in Southern Oklahoma quickly became a destination location for folks looking for a respite from the city. Because of its gorgeous natural beauty and the Wichita Mountains as a picture-perfect backdrop, it is easy to see why it is still a fan favorite all these years later.

The Wichita Mountains form the backdrop of Medicine Park and provide plenty of opportunities to explore. Stretching across 59,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie, there are hundreds of species of animals, including Texas Longhorn Cattle.

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MedicineParkOK/Facebook

Bath Lake was formed in the 1920s as the town’s swimming hole and has since remained a hidden gem in the state. Located in the center of downtown, the cost is only $3 per person and is always free for locals.

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MedicineParkOK/Facebook

If you are not a big hiking fan, then this might be perfect for you. There is a nice meandering drive that takes you through all of the scenic views, in and around Medicine Park, without ever having to get out of your car.

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MedicineParkOK/Facebook

This waterfall is just one of the many beautiful reasons to visit Medicine Park and the surrounding mountains. Everywhere you look, nature's majesty surrounds you.

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MedicineParkOK/Facebook

As you can see from the picture below, the Wichita Mountains are some of the tallest and most picturesque in the Sooner State. Whether camping, fishing, or just relaxing, Medicine Park has something for everyone.

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MedicineParkOK/Facebook

Back in town, Mrs. Chadwick's Bakery is just one of the many local eateries you need to try while you are visiting. Specializing in homemade treats, this bakery makes everything from scratch daily and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

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MedicineParkOK/Facebook

The night sky just seems bigger and clearer when you get out of the city. Maybe you can get a peak at a comet like this one during your visit to this peaceful setting.

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Discover Medicine Park Oklahoma/Facebook

For more information on Medicine Park, click here.

Click here to read about more lovely resorts in Oklahoma.

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The Surprising Oklahoma Town That Makes An Excellent Weekend Getaway

Sulphur offers a mix of luxury and outdoor recreation, featuring the Artesian Hotel and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Updated Jul 8, 2024

Written by 

Ashley

Looking for a weekend getaway in Oklahoma but don’t want to go too far? If so, consider an escape to one of our favorite hidden gem small towns. Sulphur is the gateway city to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and it’s great for an escape. This little town is full of charm, gorgeous scenery, quaint shops and eateries, and a luxurious hotel, so there are plenty of things to do in Sulphur Oklahoma. Come with us and see for yourself!

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Please note that earlier this year, an EF-3 tornado caused tremendous damage to the town of Sulphur, and the town is still in the process of recovering. Many of the businesses are temporarily closed or have moved their operations online, but there is still plenty to do there. 

Sulphur is known for its mineral springs and as the gateway city to the majestic Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The quaint town is also home to the luxurious Artesian Hotel.

A modern brick building with domed roofs, featuring a sign that reads "Artesian" and landscaped surroundings.
Facebook/TheArtesian

The Artesian Hotel, Casino, and Hotel is one of southern Oklahoma's nicest destinations. Just look at all this luxury that awaits you.

Luxurious hotel room featuring a king bed, elegant decor, and a large window with a scenic view.
Facebook/TheArtesian

You could spend all weekend at the Artesian but there's so much more to do in town, so keep scrolling.

A serene indoor pool with a stone wall, waterfall feature, and blue lighting, surrounded by potted plants.
Facebook/TheArtesian

It's the perfect place to go if you want a mixture of pampering and outdoor recreation. You can relax in the spa located on the second floor or head outdoors and enjoy nature at its finest.

A modern nail salon with comfortable pedicure chairs and sinks, decorated with plants and artwork on the wall.
Facebook/TheArtesian

Just down the road is the Chickasaw National Recreation Area - home to many natural mineral springs and mini waterfalls. You are allowed to swim here, so it's a great place to visit in the middle of summer. The area is also filled with hiking trails, so be sure and pack a good pair of walking shoes.

A serene waterfall cascades into a clear blue pool, surrounded by lush green trees and sunlight filtering through.
Facebook/TheArtesian

Another fun outdoor activity is a horseback ride through Arbuckle Trail Rides.

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A group of people riding horses along a scenic trail near a lake, surrounded by greenery and trees.
Facebook/Arbuckle-Trail-Rides

Or, head back into town and enjoy the shops and bistros along the Artesian hotel.

Signage for Bedré Café and Okie Twister, decorated with a large red bow, against a clear blue sky.
Facebook/TheArtesian

If you're looking for overnight accommodations that can house large groups or a cabin in nature, check out this rustic Airbnb rental. It's one of our top picks.

A rustic cabin porch with rocking chairs, surrounded by trees and a gravel path.
airbnb.com

Have you ever been to Sulphur? Would you consider this town for a weekend getaway in Oklahoma? Tell us below.

If you plan on hiking the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, be sure to download AllTrails+, so you’ll have access to turn by turn directions for the 30-miles of trails inside the sanctuary.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oklahoma/explore-chickasaw-recreation-ok/

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The Ultimate and Definitive Bucket List For Everyone In Oklahoma

Explore Oklahoma's must-see attractions and experiences, from scenic drives to world-class museums.

Updated May 2, 2024

Written by 

Ashley

There are so many things to see and visit in the Sooner State. From beautiful scenery to world-class museums, Oklahoma is full of interesting and beautiful places to visit. Take time out of your busy schedule to see these gems in Oklahoma. Here is a list of all the things you must experience as part of your very own Oklahoma bucket list:

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Facebook/Talimena National Scenic Byway

Colorful glass sculpture with swirling yellow, blue, and green forms, resembling a vibrant, abstract tree.
tigilau/TripAdvisor

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Facebook/Poteau BalloonFest

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Facebook/Nic's Grill

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Facebook/Burn Co Barbecue

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Facebook/Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Silhouette of a person with a feathered headdress, arms raised against a colorful sunset sky.
Facebook/Oklahoma City Pow Wow Club

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Facebook/Bricktown OKC

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Facebook/Oklahoma Aquarium

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Flickr/Drew Tarvin

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Facebook/Price Tower

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Facebook/Alabaster Caverns State Park

A vibrant garden filled with red, pink, and white azaleas surrounded by lush green trees.
Flcikr/Brian Wright

A tall, glass skyscraper with a distinctive triangular top against a clear blue sky.
TripAdvisor/TheExplorerFamily

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Flickr/Karen

A person stands on a circular stone pattern in an urban area, with buildings and a parking structure in the background.
jill, jellidonut... whatever/Flickr

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Facebook/Oklahoma Football

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Facebook/National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Sign reading "You're on... Oklahoma US 66" with a classic highway shield design.
Flickr/David

A panoramic view of rolling green hills and a blue lake, with rocky foreground and distant buildings along the shore.
Doug Miller/Flickr

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Facebook/Cattlemen's Steakhouse in Historic Stockyard City

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Facebook/Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

A person walks past a large stone building with arched entrance and decorative landscaping under a clear blue sky.
Sunnysideup987/TripAdvisor

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Facebook/Tulsa Air and Space Museum (TASM)

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Facebook/Oklahoma City Thunder

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Facebook/Philbrook Museum of Art

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Facebook/WinStar World Casino and Resort

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Facebook/Broken Bow Cabin Lodging

How many of these can you cross off your Oklahoma bucket list? What would you add? Let us know! Need a place to stay while you're exploring the Sooner State? Check out the awesome and unique options from our friends at VRBO.

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