Marlow, OK

Just 10 miles north of Duncan, you'll find the charming community full of wild, western history called Marlow.

Marlow folks are famous for their dedication to preserving the outlaw history of the town. This can be seen in the Marlow Area Museum, located inside a cherished antique shop, The Marlow Mercantile. When in Marlow, you can't miss their unique dining, such as Guiseppe's Fine Italian Dining located in the historic 1911 State National Bank Building. Guiseppe's was even featured in our Flavors of Chickasaw Country video series- check it out! 

What To Do

The Marlow Area Museum houses an exhibit dedicated to the family featuring items such as the original tombstones of brothers Alfred, Boone and Lewellyn. The exhibit also contains the contract signed by the family giving rights to the 1965 film based on their story, “The Sons of Katie Elder”, starring John Wayne. Other museum exhibits include antique items and artifacts depicting the rich traditions of families, businesses and recreation, dating back to Marlow's founding community of Old West settlers.

Marlow offers a multitude of outdoor attractions for visitors to enjoy from parks and trails to golf courses and lakes. Taylor Lake, located 9 miles outside of town, has 227 surface acres and seven miles of shoreline for swimming, boating and fishing as well as numerous cabins and RV sites for camping.

RedBud Park is a favorite recreational area for locals and tourists alike. Expanding ten city blocks, the park features a performance stage, a community center, picnic areas, horseshoe pits, a splash pad, as well as the following: 

  • Marlow Outlaw Centennial Monument - A historical granite stone that tells the story of the Marlow brothers 
  • The Outlaw Cave – The original homestead of the Marlow family located on the banks of Wildhorse Creek
  • RedBud Chapel – The first Catholic Church built in 1904, and a popular venue for wedding ceremonies
  • The Hideout – A 13,000 square foot state-of-the-art Western-style playground 
  • Creekwalk – A half-mile walking trail with historical displays, decorative lighting and vibrant landscaping

To taste the flavors of Oklahoma wine, visit Cotton Blossom Winery. They offer free wine tastings from their 16 varieties of wine! The Owners Ryan and Meagan Bellow specialize in small-batch, hand-crafted wine that is made right there on-site!

Golf guys & gals - grab those clubs and make your way to Generations Golf Course! Play a round of golf at the beautiful and challenging Course. This 18-hole public course offers the perfect spot for a great day of play. 

If the artistic side is ready to jump into learning a new skill, visit Missing Bristle Pottery Studio. Choose from a variety of pottery options, decide on the design of your choice and create your own pottery masterpiece. Want to bring a group? Missing Bristle offers Paint Your Own Pottery (PYOP) classes perfect for adults and kids. 

Strolling down Main Street, shoppers will find several attractive storefronts, antique shops and other specialty boutiques to explore. Be sure to stop and shop in The Whisper Trading Co., a snazzy southern boutique featuring bookoos of colorful clothing and western wear or Broadway and Main for the most on-trend clothing, shoes, and accessories. If you’re shopping for small fries, Baby Glam & Mama Too are unique kid-centric shops offering the latest for trendy tots as well as handcrafted clothing and accessories. For classic collectors, the Marlow Mercantile is a must with shelves upon shelves of cherished antique items and collectibles. 

What To Eat

The restaurants in Marlow serve up a flavorful array of multicultural cuisine. Guiseppe’s Fine Italian Dining is pretty much like 'Little Italy meets Down South, USA.' Located in the historic 1911 State National Bank building, Guiseppe’s offers a rustic, red brick dining atmosphere in an elegant candlelit setting. The menu boasts authentic Italian bakes along with classic dishes like eggplant parmigiana, lasagna and manicotti. Other items featured on the menu are specialty pizzas, Italian wines and decadent dessert dishes - sure to leave any sweet tooth floating in dolce heaven. Other delicious options are Big Belly Deli or El Campesino Mexican Restaurant for traditional Tex-Mex fans. In the breakfast category, try Brothers Barista. This quaint coffee shop is located inside Guiseppe's and carries hot and cold coffees as well as fresh-baked desserts.

History

Marlow was first settled in the mid-1880s by old west pioneers. The famous Chisholm Trail once crossed through Marlow bringing the founding settlers into the area. Stampeding soon became popular here, hence why the town became known as Outlaw Country. Marlow has quite an extraordinary history, centered around one set of brothers in particular – the Marlows!

When the area was first being settled, the Marlow family came here and found a home on Wildhorse Creek, about a mile out from the Chisholm Trail. They brought with them their five sons: Alfred, George, Charlie, Lewellyn and Boone, who all worked for a large cattle outfit there. At one point, the brothers were unjustly accused of horse thievery and four of them were arrested in 1888 by U.S. deputy marshals, despite a lack of evidence for any wrongdoing. The brothers were later relocated to a prison in Graham, Texas. While being transported to trial on a cold, dark night in January of 1889, they were ambushed by a mob and the brothers, seemingly weaponless, defiantly fought back. At the end of the scuffle, thirteen men laid dead and wounded on the road. Two of the brothers, Alfred and Lewellyn, were killed in the attack while the other two, George and Charles, escaped after cutting off the feet of their dead brothers, to whom they had been chained for the ride. The brothers were subsequently exonerated for defending their lives against the brutal lynching. Although the family had already moved from the area when the incident occurred, they continue to be immortalized by the community of Marlow and beyond through song, poetry, book and film.

Visiting Marlow is a real treat for southern travelers. Aside from its wild west history, it is a charming community best known for its southern hospitality, unique downtown area and superstar sports. Bet you didn’t know that Terry Brown, former NFL star, Joe Dial, former world record pole vaulter and Michael Lightner, NCAA All-American wrestling champion, at some point in time, all called this place home-sweet-home! 

Waltzing into downtown Marlow, visitors immediately get a warm, fuzzy feeling of pure bliss. With charming mom-and-pop shops, beautiful historic monuments and several recreational attractions to enjoy, Marlow offers its guests a small wonderland of pure southern delight. When making a trip to Marlow, be sure to hit up some of the hotspots listed below:

Explore Marlow

  1. Blessed Oak Farm

    Marlow, OK

    Blessed Oak Farm is located in Marlow, Oklahoma and is the ideal event venue for all of your special occasions! The perfect blend of rustic elegance with a stunning country backdrop make for a beautiful atmosphere anyone in attendance is sure...
  2. Cotton Blossom Winery

    Marlow, OK

    Cotton Blossom Winery is a local winery located in the community of Marlow, Oklahoma. They specialize in small batch, hand crafted wine that is made right there on site! Cotton Blossom is owned by Ryan and Meagan Bell, locals of Marlow, and their...
  3. Generations Golf Course

    Marlow, OK

    Hit A Hole-In-One at Generations Golf Course! Golf guys & gals - head to Marlow to try a round of golf at the beautiful and challenging Generations Golf Course. This 18-hole public course offers the perfect spot for a great day of play!
  4. Marlow Area Museum

    Marlow, OK

    Explore the Outlaw History of Marlow! The Marlow Area Museum, located inside the Marlow Mercantile, offers a variety of displays showcasing its colorful outlaw history. The museum features a prized exhibit dedicated to the famous Marlow family...
  5. Missing Bristle Pottery Studio

    Marlow, OK

    It's time to seize the clay! The Missing Bristle Pottery Studio is your artistic oasis on West Main Street in Marlow. Choose from a variety of pottery options, decide on the design of your choice and create your own pottery masterpiece. Want to...
  6. Outlaw Cave

    Marlow, OK

    Few know of the legendary cave in the Stephens County town of Marlow, Oklahoma. It was once the hideout of the legendary outlaw Marlow brothers. According to lore, in Marlow, the brothers used to avoid capture from law enforcement by hiding in a...
  7. Redbud Park

    Marlow, OK

    Explore A Historic Park in Downtown Marlow! Redbud Park is a favorite recreational area in Marlow for locals and tourists alike! Expanding ten city blocks, the park features a performance stage, a community center, picnic areas, horseshoe pits,...
  8. Taylor Lake

    Marlow, OK

    Enjoy the great outdoors at Taylor Lake! Taylor Lake, located 9 miles northeast of Marlow, offers 227 surface acres and 7 miles of shoreline for fishing, boating, and camping. Fishers can expect to catch everything from saugeye to perch to...
  1. Century Inn

    Marlow, OK

    Come stay awhile in Marlow! Looking for a place to stay while visiting Marlow? Book a stay at the comfy and affordable Century Inn! The Inn features 30 single and double units with full size, queen, or king beds in your choice of a smoking or...
  1. Big Belly Deli

    Marlow, OK

    Big Belly Deli in Marlow, Oklahoma is much more than a clever name. This locally owned deli offers a delectable menu of freshly made food including sandwiches, pastries and desserts. KLLR coffee is also offered at the deli and is renowned for...
  2. Brothers Barista

    Marlow, OK

    Brothers Barista is quaint little coffee shop in Marlow, Oklahoma. Locals praise the impeccable service and delicious drinks that “blow Starbucks out of the water.” Come in and experience for yourself what all the hype is about. Meet some of...
  3. DiCintio's Pizza Cucina

    Marlow, OK

    Located in Marlow, Oklahoma, DiCintio's Pizza Cucina is home to a family tradition! This New York-styled pizza making that has been in the works since 1959. Brian DiCintio and his wife continue to serve this delicious pizza by the slice or by...
  4. El Campesino Mexican Restaurant

    Marlow, OK

    Bring Your Amigos To El Campesino For A Dining Fiesta! When in Marlow and your appetite is calling, head over to El Campesino Mexican Restaurant for some great south-of-the-border fare! Their menu features authentic Mexican entrees like...
  5. Esperanza Mexican Restaurant

    Marlow, OK

    Esperanza Mexican Restaurant in Marlow, Oklahoma serves a blend of Mexican and American food in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Their menu offers a great selection of dishes from tamales and chile rellenos to fajitas and chicken fried steak. Their...
  6. Giuseppe's Italian Dining

    Marlow, OK

    Little Italy Meets Chickasaw Country! Giuseppe's is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant situated in the heart of Marlow, Oklahoma. Located in the historic 1911 State National Bank building, the restaurant's red brick walls and...
  7. Wright's Family Diner

    Marlow, OK

    Come to Wright's when you are in Marlow for a home-cooked meal!  At Wright's Family Diner, the service is friendly, the helpings are generous, and everything is homemade. Situated right off Highway 81, Wright’s is a local favorite that is...
  1. Ashley Marie's Flowers & Gifts

    Marlow, OK

    Ashley Marie’s Flowers & Gifts is a floral gift shop in Marlow, Oklahoma. They specialize in creating the finest floral arrangements and also offer a few gifts. Locals love the fast and friendly service. Stop in today to see the beautiful...
  2. Baby Glam & Mama Too!

    Marlow, OK

    Hey Moms, It's Time To Glam It Up! If you’re shopping for yourself and the little ones, Baby Glam & Mama Too in Marlow, Oklahoma, is a unique mother and child-centric clothing boutique offering the latest for trendy tots and their moms! The...
  3. Broadway and Main Boutique

    Marlow, OK

    Broadway and Main Boutique is a boutique located on Main Street in Marlow, Oklahoma that offers a trendy and reasonably priced stock of outfits perfect for any occasion. It is a must see, as it offers a variety of clothes and shoes to choose from...
  4. Cotton Blossom Winery

    Marlow, OK

    Cotton Blossom Winery is a local winery located in the community of Marlow, Oklahoma. They specialize in small batch, hand crafted wine that is made right there on site! Cotton Blossom is owned by Ryan and Meagan Bell, locals of Marlow, and their...
  5. Dorian's Watermelon Stand

    Marlow, OK

    Everyone loves fresh fruit and vegetables as well as locally sourced and fed livestock.  The fresh crisp taste of the vegetables, the quality of the home-grown, grass-fed beef and the sweet flavors of fruit grown right here in south-central...
  6. Linda's Flowers

    Marlow, OK

    Located in Marlow, Oklahoma, Linda's Flowers is a full service florist specializing in floral arrangements, prom dresses, formal and fashion jewelry and shoes for every kind of special event. Linda's Flowers and More also rents out tuxedos to get...
  7. Nita's Flowers and Gifts - Marlow

    Marlow, OK

    Nita’s Flowers and Gifts is a family-owned and operated floral gift shop in Marlow, Oklahoma. They are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. Nita’s believes all...
  8. Pink Rebel Clothing Co.

    Marlow, OK

    Come see the broad selection of clothing, jewelry and décor at Pink Rebel Clothing Co. in Marlow, Oklahoma! Offering brands like Kan Kan Jeans, Myra Handbags, Southern Bliss T-Shirts and much more, this cute fashion boutique and home décor...
  9. The Marlow Mercantile

    Marlow, OK

    A Cherished Local Shop! For classic collectors, the Marlow Mercantile in the heart of Marlow, OK is a must see with shelves upon shelves of antique treasures! This two story antique shop is filled with unique home decor and furnishings,...
  10. The Whisper Trading Co.

    Marlow, OK

    Patrons from The Whisper Trading Co. and Salon in Marlow, Oklahoma generally describe their opinion of the business with one word – “awesome!” Blurring the line between chic boutique and quality salon, The Whisper Trading Co. and Salon has a lot...