Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Guthrie, OK
Year Listed: 2004
When Congress opened up the Oklahoma Territory to settlers on April 22, 1889, thousands of hopeful landowners rushed to stake their claims, and the city of Guthrie (pop. 10,000) sprang out of the prairie overnight. The place has changed since those rough-and-ready days, but it hasn't lost touch with its rich heritage - and today, Guthrie's cobblestone streets and expansive collection of 19th- and 20th-century architecture invite visitors to take a trip into the past. Trolley or horse-drawn carriage rides offer a great way to explore the large historic district, enlivened by galleries, shops and museums including the Oklahoma Territorial Museum, the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum, the State Capital Publishing Museum and the Oklahoma Sports Museum. Visitors might want to take in a rodeo at the Lazy E Arena (the country's largest indoor rodeo arena), a movie at the restored Beacon Drive-In, a play at the Pollard Theatre, or a toe-tapping concert at the Double Stop Fiddle Shop and Music Hall. Numerous historic bed-and-breakfasts and inns offer a variety of accommodations, and a year-round calendar of festivals - including the 89er Celebration commemorating Guthrie's birth - ensures that no matter when you visit, you'll have a rootin' tootin' good time! "Guthrie's spirit of frontier determination is nowhere more evident than in its great success in preserving and celebrating its history," said National Trust President Richard Moe. "Whether visitors want to get a taste of the old Wild West or just enjoy interesting architecture and unique cultural opportunities, Guthrie is a must-see place."
