It's incredible to me that people travel miles, states, even countries away for this place; yet, if you ask anyone north of Chickasha, which is right down the road from this hidden gem, hardly anyone knows of it. I'm talking about Oklahoma's "small town gone big" called Medicine Park.

You can't mistake this town for anywhere else in the state - the iconic cobblestone buildings and flourishing greenery engulving the entire town make this place live up to its name. The people, the businesses, even the wildlife are therapeutic to anyone escaping to Medicine Park.

Since it's start in 1908, the intention was always to make this place a haven for the public. When the founder, John William Elmer Thomas, bought the land, he named it “Medicine Park Summer Resort and Health Spa.” According to the Plains Indians at that time, and even still today, the water in Medicine Park has healing and medicinal properties.

Canva/Medicine Park Bath Lake Facebook
Canva/Medicine Park Bath Lake Facebook
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It wasn't just the founder and the Native Americans that saw this town for the beauty is was, either. It soon became a hotspot for outlaws, politicians and historys most famous people. Imagine walking the same roads that Bonnie and Clyde, Al Capone, President Roosevelt and Pretty Boy Floyd once did - that reality is closer than most realize.

After years of encouraging the town to bloom, the founder was eventually elected as a U.S. Senator and unfortunately sold Medicine Park to a corporation. Shortly after, the Great Depression and World War II began to affect the townspeople. Financial hardships caused the town to lose its popularity and eventually it started to decline.

Canva/medicinepark.com
Canva/medicinepark.com
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However, according to Medicine Park's historical records, in 1984, the townspeople partnered with "students from OU and the Association for South Central Oklahoma Governments (ASCOG)" to eventually win a grant that allowed them to restore the cobblestone walls. From that point on, the never-ending project to become bigger and better has never stopped.

Today, when you visit Medicine Park, you're sure to have an experience unlike any other. Here, you can experience the authenticity of the past with the innovations and ideas of modern-living businesses and owners.

@thestegmonsters The Refuge Ale House is a must stop if you enjoy good beer. Medicine Park, OK #ale #beer #medicinepark #roadtrip #medicinepark #innhabit #weekendgetaway ♬ Travel & Road Trip Background_Good Vibes, Refreshing / Off-Road, Touring, Drive, Bike, Holiday, Vacation(1326776) - Ney

Stay in the shipping container homes, just walking distance from Medicine Creek and Main street Medicine Park.

Or join the hundreds of people who travel to town to jam the night away during the many music festivals the town hosts throughout the year, including the Roots Ball this Memorial Day weekend.

The townspeople, also known as "Parkies," are also encouraging of visitors and have begun different interactive things to do with people coming by. Keep an eye out for painted rocks throughout the town and take part in "Rock On Medicine Park."

Canva/Rock On Medicine Park Facebook
Canva/Rock On Medicine Park Facebook
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Even join in on the themed events they hold throughout the year, such as the Park Tavern's annual Polar Plunge.

Canva/Medicine Park Souvenir Portraits LLC Facebook
Canva/Medicine Park Souvenir Portraits LLC Facebook
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Mark this day in history for yourself with a tattoo from American Legends, or take home a piece of Medicine Park you'll find at nearly all of the businesses in town.

Canva/American Legends Tattoo Facebook
Canva/American Legends Tattoo Facebook
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Fishing, hiking, swimming - if you imagine it, you can almost bet you'll be able to do it in the small town of Medicine Park.

The Best Places to Live in Oklahoma

When it comes to living in Oklahoma, there is no shortage of opinions on where you should live. If you compare all of the different metrics--schools, cost of living, diversity, amenities, etc--you'll get a slightly different list every time... but if you compound all of them into one, you get this list. The best places to live in Oklahoma.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Oklahoma Counties Where Speeding 100+ MPH is Most Common

Do you often feel the need for speed? There's a theory about speeding, especially in the heartland of America... The less there is to see, the faster you want to get through it. It's a solid theory.

All the same, driving 100+ MPH down most of Oklahoma's highways might be more in line with a wild death wish, but many people do. Here's a quick list from OHP where speed demons are caught the most in the Sooner State.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

 

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