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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

Possums (1998)

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 >>

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.