Discover Nowata

A few quick facts about where we call home

The World Knows Nowata For

Oil was discovered in the area in the early 1900’s and it led to a booming economy in the City of Nowata. A majority of local infrastructure can trace its existence to the oil industry. However, Nowata was known worldwide for having the shallowest oil deposits and thus, a race to pump the formations in the community began.

In 1906 the maximum daily production of oil was around 53,000 oil barrels per day or bbls. While oil production still exists within historic formations today, the local economy has become less energy dependent than the earlier years of the community.

Source: Oklahoma Geological Survey >>

Our City’s Population

The City of Nowata serves as the seat of Nowata County and as of the 2010 US Census had 3,731 citizens.

Source: US Census >>

How did Nowata get its Name

Founded in 1899 as the town of “Metz” after the founder, Fred Metzner, the namesake of “Nowata” has many stories associated with it. Contrary to urban legend, the City of Nowata has water and a lot of it, as it has direct access to the Oologah Watershed.

The root of the namesake goes back to the area’s years of American Indian settlement, most notably the Delaware. For it’s the Delaware word “no-we-ata,” meaning “welcome,” that Nowata is said to garner it’s name from.

Source: Tulsa City-County Library >>

Best local events & festivals

Our community has many different local events. We are known for great local parades, sharing a meal together, and celebrating our kids and their accomplishments.

One of our most popular events is our celebration of our community’s founders, Pioneer Day. Pioneer Day occurs in May of each year and includes local vendors, street food, bed races, crowning of a queen, music, and of course, a parade on main street.

View our community’s event calendar to learn of upcoming events in the area >>

Hollywood came to town when this football movie was filmed

Possums (1998)

Local News Stories About Possums Movie


Read 1997 News Story of Impact of Movie on City of Nowata >

Read Recent Review by the Lost Ogle >

 

Notable Actors


Barry Switzer, former OU and Dallas Cowboys Football Coach

 

Quickest Access to a Lake

The Oologah Watershed and Oologah Lake are accessible within minutes of the City of Nowata. While the most popular access point to Oologah Lake is Double Creek Cove, managed by the City of Nowata.

Double Creek possess campsites with electric, tent sites, a boat ramp, a playground and hunting grounds. Reserve your spot at Double Creek and enjoy Oologah Lake this upcoming summer by contacting the City of Nowata.

 

Source: US Army Corps of Engineers-Tulsa District >>

Best Local Landmarks

In the area we have a wide array of landmarks. One of our most notable landmarks is the historic homestead of the Glass family, known as the Glass Mansion. The Glass Mansion is decorated for Christmas by the Nowata Historical Society and is available for private events.

City Help Desk

Call us

Call (918) 273 3538

Visit City Hall

114 S. MAPLE ST., NOWATA, OK 74048

Get Directions

Once known for having the shallowest oil deposits in the world, we’ve adapted to post-oil boom days.

 

We are a tight-knit community nestled between the Tulsa, OK metro and the Kansas border. And we are defying the rural stereotypes and are creating a growing community.

 

Read Our Story >

READY FOR BUSINESS

Local workforce of 4,400

  • Direct access to US HWYs 169 & 60
  • Municipal Airport access at New Industrial Park
Choose Nowata

3
Steps to
Discover Nowata

Visit Here

Eat, Hunt, Fish, Golf, Gamble, or Get Down at the Downtown Country Jamboree. We’re Where the Oklahoma Life Begins.

Love It Here

Close enough to the hustle and retail appeal of the Tulsa metro, but far enough to enjoy the security of a tight-knit community.

Move Here

Morning coffees downtown, Friday Night Football under the lights, and nightly sunsets so picturesque, it must be hand painted every evening.