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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.
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
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.
READY FOR BUSINESS
Local workforce of 4,400
- Direct access to US HWYs 169 & 60
- Municipal Airport access at New Industrial Park
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Steps to
Discover Nowata
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.