Situated in central Oklahoma just north of Oklahoma City, Guthrie blends historic appeal with unexpected happenings. Once the territorial capital, the Guthrie of today is best known for its lovingly preserved downtown – the largest Historic Preservation District in the nation – where brick-lined streets and ornate Victorian buildings invite visitors to linger, shop and explore. Yet beyond the echoes of the past, Guthrie pulses with energy, offering everything from adrenaline-fueled outdoor sports to festive holiday traditions that light up the community.
The city’s historic roots run deep. Guthrie’s early statehood story comes alive at the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library, where exhibits highlight the Land Run of 1889 and the town’s role in shaping Oklahoma’s identity. Nearby, the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum and Apothecary Garden offers a glimpse into 19th-century medicine, when pharmacies served as both remedy dispensaries and social hubs.
“The goal is to preserve the pharmacy history, specifically within Oklahoma,” says Sandi M. Colby, volunteer and Oklahoma Drugstore Museum board of directors vice president. “We have guests from all walks of life that come [to visit], and all of our docents have tons of stories on Oklahoma history, as well as Oklahoma’s ties to national history. We try to make it as friendly to all guests as we can.”
But Guthrie is far from a town that rests on its history. Just outside the city center, thrill seekers find their playground at Avid Extreme Sports Park, one of the premier paintball and airsoft destinations in the midwest. Set across wooded landscapes and open fields, the park’s innovative courses and obstacle-filled arenas are designed to test teamwork, strategy and skill. Whether for a family outing, birthday celebration or corporate team-building event, Avid delivers high-energy fun that contrasts and complements Guthrie’s historic downtown charm.
Seasonal celebrations also play a central role in Guthrie’s appeal, none more enchanting than the Guthrie Territorial Christmas Celebration. Each winter, the city transforms into a Victorian holiday postcard, as lamplight carolers fill the streets and shopkeepers in period costume welcome visitors for the beloved Victorian Walk Nights on Dec. 7 and 14. The Christmas Parade of Lights takes place on Nov. 30 and brings the community together in dazzling style, while families make memories visiting Santa and enjoying time-honored festivities.
Beyond its headline attractions, Guthrie offers plenty of surprises. More than a dozen charming bed and breakfasts, many set in restored Victorian homes, extend the historic experience into overnight stays. Antique shops, galleries and specialty boutiques line the downtown district, ensuring that each stroll brings new discoveries.
“Guthrie has all the small-town charm and warmth you could hope for, paired with a surprising variety of fun things to do,” says Missy Hancock, tourism coordinator for the city of Guthrie. “Known as a place with ‘a festival for every season,’ Guthrie celebrates year-round with everything from classic car shows and the Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival to spirited ghost walks and our much loved Victorian Walks, where the windows come alive with Victorian scenes and visitors stroll the historic streets in their finest period attire. There is always something to celebrate in Guthrie.”
