Once the territorial capital, Guthrie, Oklahoma, is packed with vintage storefronts, Wild West stories, and small-town charm. From haunted history tours to boot stomping rodeos, here are five can’t-miss experiences for your next trip to the Queen of the Prairie.
Wander Historic Downtown
Walk the brick streets where horse-drawn carriages once rolled by and see why Guthrie’s historic downtown feels like a living museum of architectural splendor. Marvel at century-old buildings in one of the country’s largest contiguous Victorian districts. Paired with brightly colored fall foliage, every block feels like a scene from a Hallmark movie.
Pop into G Gallery & Glass Studio to browse stained glass masterpieces and fine art by regional creatives, or head to Lokals to shop handcrafted pottery, leather goods, and Oklahoma-made gifts. Find stylish clothing and accessories at Boutique 206, or check out Western apparel at Diamond S Western Wear. If you are a music lover, do not miss Byron’s Double Stop Fiddle Shop & Music Hall, home to Oklahoma’s largest collection of violins and bows.
Sample handmade chocolates from Nardello’s Chocolates + Confections, the evolution of longtime local favorite Rick’s Fine Chocolates & Coffees. Check current hours before you go. Then indulge in Texas-style barbecue at Stables Café, a local hotspot set in a restored livery stable.
Visit on a Saturday for a theatrical reenactment by the Guthrie Gunfighters, complete with old Western gear and staged shootouts. Performances are typically seasonal and weather permitting, so verify showtimes in advance. Before you go, download a self-guided walking tour and keep an eye out for landmarks such as the Victor Block and the turreted Foucart Building.
Visit the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library
Immerse yourself in the city’s storied past at the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library. Travel back to the days before Oklahoma became the forty-sixth state, when Guthrie served as the bustling capital of the Oklahoma Territory. Housed in a well-preserved 1902 Second Renaissance Revival building, the museum sits on the very steps where Oklahoma’s 1907 statehood ceremonies took place.
Stroll exhibits that depict the days of the 1889 Land Run. Discover artifacts such as intricate dioramas, vintage photographs, and personal items that once belonged to Boomers, who pushed to open the land, and Sooners, who snuck in early to claim it. Step inside a reconstruction of the first governor’s office for a front row seat to Guthrie’s glory days as capital.
Inside the upstairs rotunda, gaze up at historic chandeliers hanging above reading rooms filled with frontier era books. Time your visit with a “From the Stacks” literary program, where local readers bring nineteenth-century works to life in the library. Do not leave without checking out the gun that took down infamous outlaw Elmer McCurdy, whose mummified body was passed around in sideshows for decades before finally being laid to rest in Guthrie.
Embark on a Guthrie Ghost Walk
Ready to experience Guthrie’s haunted side. After the sun sets, set off on a 90-minute walking tour that is equal parts spine-tingling and educational. Begin your Guthrie Ghost Walk near the Apothecary Garden, then wind through historic alleys, cemeteries, and backstreets.
Stop at five or six spooky sites with long-standing paranormal claims. Listen to eerie tales of the town’s most notorious residents, shootouts, and reported hauntings. Head to the Boot Hill section of Summit View Cemetery to see where legendary outlaws such as Bill Doolin, “Little Dick” West, and Elmer McCurdy are buried. In the days of the Wild West, locals said the cemetery was overflowing from all the deadly disputes and duels that broke out in town.
Along the way, you will pass the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum, where you can peek into a recreated pharmacy filled with glass apothecary jars and oddball “cures” from the frontier era. Out back, explore a medicinal herb garden planted with traditional healing herbs. Keep your eyes peeled. Some visitors claim to feel sudden cold drafts, smell phantom cigar smoke, or spot shadowy figures in the alleyways. Dress warm, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready for a spooky evening of Old West lore.
Catch a Rodeo at Lazy E Arena
Swap ghost stories for grit at Lazy E Arena, located just outside Guthrie. Here, modern cowboys and cowgirls keep Old West traditions alive inside one of the country’s premier indoor rodeo arenas. Snag tickets for a PRCA rodeo, junior bull riding competition, or barrel racing showdown.
Expect a traditional rodeo experience, with patriotic flag ceremonies, energetic announcers, livestock stables, and heart-pounding events. Watch as real-life cowboys take on challenges such as saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and bull riding. Secure a front row bleacher seat or stand near the chute gates for close-up views of bucking broncos and behind-the-scenes prep. Arrive early to catch contestant introductions and animal parades.
In between events, stroll through the vendor areas to score Western gear. Shop for hand-tooled leather goods, rodeo posters, vintage-style belt buckles, and authentic cowboy hats. Hungry. Stop by concession stands for classic rodeo fare such as kettle corn and barbecue sandwiches. Dress in layers. The arena is indoors, but it can still feel chilly during the colder months.
See a Show at the Historic Pollard Theatre
Wrap up your day with a cozy night of entertainment at the historic Pollard Theatre, home to Oklahoma’s oldest year-round professional theatre company. The beautifully restored Romanesque Revival building first opened its doors in 1901 as a furniture store. Over time, it transformed into a vaudeville venue and eventually the beloved Pollard Theatre.
Inside, expect ornate mirrored balconies, turn-of-the-century woodwork, and intimate rows that pull you right into the performance. Arrive early to browse the lobby’s historic photos and behind-the-scenes displays of Guthrie’s theatrical past. Each season includes six productions that range from quirky musicals to seasonal classics.
Past shows have included Little Shop of Horrors, The SpongeBob Musical, and It’s a Wonderful Life. For a uniquely Guthrie experience, plan a visit during A Territorial Christmas Carol, a local twist on the classic Charles Dickens tale that has become a holiday tradition.
After the show, walk down the street to The Wander Inn, a speakeasy-style lounge that doubles as the tasting room for WanderFolk Spirits. Sip a French 75 or an Old Fashioned made with Same Old Moses whiskey and toast to an unforgettable day in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
