15 Largest Cities In Oklahoma: A Comprehensive Guide To The State's Urban Centres

Oklahoma, known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is home to a number of thriving urban centers. From vibrant metropolitan areas to charming small towns, the state offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty. In this blog post, we will explore the 15 largest cities in Oklahoma, delving into their history, attractions, and the role they play in shaping the state's identity.

Exploring Oklahoma's Urban Landscape

Oklahoma is a state with a strong sense of community and a vibrant urban culture. Its cities, big and small, contribute to the state's economic growth, cultural diversity, and overall appeal. Let's dive into the list of the 15 largest cities in Oklahoma, uncovering the unique characteristics and offerings of each.

1. Oklahoma City

Population: 665,310

Land Area: 621.21 sq. mi.

Oklahoma City, often referred to as OKC, is the largest city in the state and serves as its cultural and economic hub. With a rich history dating back to the Land Run of 1889, OKC has grown into a modern metropolis with a thriving arts scene, diverse cuisine, and a host of attractions.

Attractions and Highlights

• The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: A solemn reminder of the 1995 bombing, this memorial and museum honor the victims and survivors of the tragedy.
• Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark: Home to the Oklahoma City Dodgers, this stadium offers a great baseball experience and is a popular venue for concerts and events.
• Scissortail Park: A stunning urban park that stretches along the Oklahoma River, offering beautiful views, walking trails, and a vibrant atmosphere.
• Oklahoma City Museum of Art: Featuring a diverse collection of art, this museum showcases everything from contemporary exhibits to classic masterpieces.

2. Tulsa

Population: 413,926

Land Area: 197.44 sq. mi.

Tulsa, known as the "Oil Capital of the World," is Oklahoma's second-largest city. It boasts a thriving arts community, a rich cultural heritage, and a diverse range of attractions that cater to visitors of all ages.

Attractions and Highlights

• Gilcrease Museum: Home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive collections of American Western art, this museum offers a unique cultural experience.
• Woodward Park: A beautiful urban oasis with lush gardens, walking trails, and a serene lake, providing a peaceful escape from the city.
• Philbrook Museum of Art: Housed in a historic mansion, this art museum showcases an impressive collection of European, Asian, and American art.
• ONEOK Field: A modern baseball stadium that is home to the Tulsa Drillers, offering a great sports experience and a vibrant atmosphere.

3. Norman

Population: 134,279

Land Area: 121.46 sq. mi.

Norman, often referred to as "The University Town," is home to the University of Oklahoma. This vibrant city offers a perfect blend of academic excellence, a lively downtown, and a range of recreational activities.

Attractions and Highlights

• University of Oklahoma: A renowned educational institution with a rich history, offering a vibrant campus life and various cultural events.
• Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History: This museum showcases an extensive collection of natural history exhibits, including fossils, artifacts, and cultural displays.
• Lake Thunderbird: A popular recreational area with opportunities for boating, fishing, and outdoor activities, providing a great escape from the city.

4. Broken Arrow

Population: 118,274

Land Area: 60.63 sq. mi.

Broken Arrow, often referred to as "The Rose City," is a rapidly growing suburb of Tulsa. It offers a blend of urban amenities and a small-town feel, making it an attractive place to live and visit.

Attractions and Highlights

• Rose District: A vibrant and eclectic neighborhood known for its charming shops, restaurants, and art galleries, offering a unique shopping and dining experience.
• Battle Creek Golf Course: A beautiful golf course with challenging holes and stunning scenery, providing a great golfing experience.
• Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center: A state-of-the-art venue that hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, theater, and community events.

5. Lawton

Population: 97,531

Land Area: 105.51 sq. mi.

Lawton, located in southwestern Oklahoma, is a military town with a rich history. It serves as the regional center for education, healthcare, and commerce, offering a range of attractions and cultural experiences.

Attractions and Highlights

• Museum of the Great Plains: A fascinating museum that showcases the history and culture of the Great Plains region, with interactive exhibits and artifacts.
• Fort Sill: A historic military post that serves as an active Army base, offering a glimpse into the military's rich history and providing opportunities for visitors to learn about its legacy.
• Lake Ellsworth: A beautiful recreational lake offering boating, fishing, and camping, providing a great outdoor experience.

6. Edmond

Population: 93,214

Land Area: 81.29 sq. mi.

Edmond, known for its strong sense of community and high quality of life, is a thriving suburb of Oklahoma City. It offers a blend of urban amenities, a vibrant downtown, and a range of recreational activities.

Attractions and Highlights

• Eckenroth Park: A beautiful city park with a lake, walking trails, and a playground, providing a peaceful retreat from the city.
• University of Central Oklahoma: A prominent educational institution with a rich history, offering a vibrant campus life and various cultural events.
• Mitchell's Vintage Ice Cream: A beloved local ice cream shop that serves up delicious, old-fashioned ice cream treats.

7. Midwest City

Population: 57,336

Land Area: 27.36 sq. mi.

Midwest City, located just east of Oklahoma City, is a thriving community with a rich military history. It offers a range of attractions, including a vibrant downtown area and a strong sense of community.

Attractions and Highlights

• Trosper Park: A beautiful city park with a lake, walking trails, and a playground, providing a great space for outdoor activities.
• Rose State College: A renowned community college with a rich history, offering a range of educational programs and cultural events.
• Tinker Air Force Base: A major Air Force base that serves as a key military installation, offering opportunities to learn about its history and contributions.

8. Moore

Population: 57,265

Land Area: 37.01 sq. mi.

Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City, is known for its strong sense of community and its resilience in the face of natural disasters. It offers a range of attractions, including a vibrant downtown and a focus on family-friendly activities.

Attractions and Highlights

• Central Park: A beautiful city park with a lake, walking trails, and a playground, providing a great space for outdoor activities and community events.
• Moore-Southmore Airport: A general aviation airport that offers scenic flights and aviation-related activities, providing a unique experience for aviation enthusiasts.

9. Bartlesville

Population: 36,031

Land Area: 32.65 sq. mi.

Bartlesville, located in northeastern Oklahoma, is a charming city with a rich history. It is known for its oil and gas industry, as well as its vibrant cultural scene and unique attractions.

Attractions and Highlights

• Price Tower: A unique architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, offering a glimpse into the world of modern architecture.
• Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve: A fascinating museum and wildlife preserve that showcases the history and culture of the American West, with a focus on ranching and Native American artifacts.
• Bartlesville Community Center: A state-of-the-art venue that hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, theater, and community events.

10. Stillwater

Population: 36,031

Land Area: 26.31 sq. mi.

Stillwater, home to Oklahoma State University, is a vibrant college town with a lively atmosphere. It offers a range of attractions, including a vibrant downtown, a thriving arts scene, and a focus on outdoor activities.

Attractions and Highlights

• Oklahoma State University: A renowned educational institution with a rich history, offering a vibrant campus life and various cultural events.
• Boomer Lake: A beautiful recreational lake offering boating, fishing, and hiking trails, providing a great outdoor experience.
• Stillwater Arts Festival: An annual event that celebrates the arts, featuring live music, art exhibitions, and a vibrant street fair.

11. Enid

Population: 48,400

Land Area: 28.52 sq. mi.

Enid, located in north-central Oklahoma, is a thriving community with a rich agricultural heritage. It offers a range of attractions, including a vibrant downtown, a focus on local businesses, and a strong sense of community.

Attractions and Highlights

• Leonardo's Children's Museum: A fun and interactive museum designed for children, offering a range of hands-on exhibits and activities.
• Enid Symphony Orchestra: A renowned orchestra that performs a variety of classical and contemporary music, offering a rich cultural experience.
• Enid Farmers Market: A popular market that showcases local produce, crafts, and food, providing a great opportunity to support local businesses.

12. Muskogee

Population: 36,904

Land Area: 31.12 sq. mi.

Muskogee, located in northeastern Oklahoma, is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. It offers a range of attractions, including a vibrant downtown, a focus on arts and culture, and a strong sense of community.

Attractions and Highlights

• Five Civilized Tribes Museum: A fascinating museum that showcases the history and culture of the Five Civilized Tribes, with a focus on their contributions to the region.
• Honor Heights Park: A beautiful park with lush gardens, walking trails, and a lake, providing a peaceful retreat from the city.
• Muskogee Jazz Hall of Fame: A unique museum that celebrates the rich history of jazz music, with a focus on local and regional jazz legends.

13. Shawnee

Population: 29,813

Land Area: 22.44 sq. mi.

Shawnee, located in central Oklahoma, is a charming city with a rich cultural heritage. It offers a range of attractions, including a vibrant downtown, a focus on arts and culture, and a strong sense of community.

Attractions and Highlights

• Red Earth Museum: A fascinating museum that showcases the history and culture of Native American tribes, with a focus on their art, artifacts, and traditions.
• Potawatomi Casino: A popular casino that offers a range of gaming options, as well as live entertainment and dining experiences.
• Shawnee Little Theatre: A beloved community theater that produces a variety of plays and musicals, offering a rich cultural experience.

14. Yukon

Population: 25,151

Land Area: 23.15 sq. mi.

Yukon, a suburb of Oklahoma City, is a thriving community with a strong sense of community and a focus on family-friendly activities. It offers a range of attractions, including a vibrant downtown and a range of recreational opportunities.

Attractions and Highlights

• Chisholm Trail Park: A beautiful city park with a lake, walking trails, and a playground, providing a great space for outdoor activities and community events.
• Stage 222: A vibrant performing arts center that hosts a variety of performances, including theater, music, and comedy shows.

15. Ponca City

Population: 24,712

Land Area: 20.68 sq. mi.

Ponca City, located in north-central Oklahoma, is a charming city with a rich history. It is known for its oil and gas industry, as well as its vibrant cultural scene and unique attractions.

Attractions and Highlights

• Marland Estate: A historic mansion that was once the home of oil baron E.W. Marland, offering a glimpse into the opulence of the early 20th century.
• Ponca City Museum: A fascinating museum that showcases the history and culture of Ponca City, with a focus on its oil and gas industry and local heritage.
• Ponca City Arts Center: A vibrant arts center that hosts a variety of exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, promoting the arts in the community.

Conclusion

Oklahoma's largest cities offer a diverse range of experiences, from vibrant urban centers to charming small towns. Each city has its own unique character, attractions, and cultural offerings that contribute to the state's rich tapestry. Whether you're exploring the vibrant downtowns, immersing yourself in the arts and culture, or enjoying the natural beauty of the state, Oklahoma's urban centers provide a wealth of opportunities for visitors and residents alike.