Ottawa County, Oklahoma

Population and Demographics

Ottawa County, located in the northeastern part of Oklahoma, is a lively and varied community. It showcases a rich blend of cultures, including Native American, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander influences. Additionally, the county is distinguished by nine Sovereign Native American Tribal Nations, emphasizing its profound indigenous heritage.

Geography and History

Encompassing 484.73 square miles of land and water, Ottawa County was established in 1907 at the time of Oklahoma’s statehood. It is bordered by Kansas to the north, Missouri to the east, Delaware County to the south, and Craig County to the west. The county is named in honor of the Ottawa tribe, paying homage to its historical significance.

The Ottawa County Historical Society, founded in 1962, plays a crucial role in preserving the county’s rich history. By collecting, preserving, and interpreting historical artifacts and stories, the society ensures that future generations can appreciate Ottawa County’s unique past.

You can read more about Ottawa County’s history on the Oklahoma Historical Society website.

Mickey Mantle’s Childhood Home

The Coleman Theatre

The Dairy King

Arts & Culture

Ottawa County is a hub of artistic talent and cultural activity. It has been home to numerous musicians and artists, including Charles Banks Wilson, Bill Hudson Hastings, Moscelyne Larkin, and Keifer Thompson. The county’s cultural district features prominent attractions like the Coleman Theatre, Dobson Museum, Miami Little Theatre, and the Myaamia Heritage Museum & Archive. These venues, along with local murals and Coleman Celebrity Park, contribute to the county’s lively cultural scene.

Notable Cultural Venues and Attractions

Each site provides insight into the rich cultural traditions and histories of the Native American tribes in Ottawa County.

Points of Interest

Ottawa County offers a variety of attractions that draw visitors from near and far. Key highlights include:

Mickey Mantle’s Boyhood Home: A must-see for baseball enthusiasts.
The Miami Route 66 Gateway Sign: Celebrating the iconic Route 66.
Ribbon Road: The Miami Original Nine-Foot Section of the Route 66 Roadbed, a historic piece of Americana.
Allen’s Conoco Fillin’ Station – A must-see for Route 66 Travelers.
Will Rogers Highway Marker – The marker tells the story of the Sidewalk Highway

The county is also home to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Northeast Tech, and Miami Public Library, which serve as the community’s educational cornerstones.

Cultural District

Located on Route 66 and nestled in the northeast corner of Oklahoma, the Coleman Theatre Beautiful is a beacon for tourists worldwide.

The Dobson Museum has been located on A SW St. in Miami since 1972.

Miami Little Theatre is a community-based non-profit organization founded in 1959. Our actors, directors, stage crew, set builders, and board of directors are 100% volunteers. MLT is proud to bring art and entertainment to Miami, Oklahoma.

As the tribal museum of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, the Myaamia Heritage Museum & Archive is dedicated to educating all tribal citizens and the general public about the history, culture, language and heritage of the Myaamia people. Visit the museum to browse collections from the National Anthropological Archives, the Robert & Mabel Owens Collection, correspondence, the Indian Claims Commission and more.

The Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is a full-service bureau with experienced staff members who are available to assist you as you plan your trip to Northeast Oklahoma. If you are looking for a great location to host a conference, sports tournament, small market marketing, group tour, reunion, or other such activity, the CVB can be a great asset.