Owasso is situated at the foot of the Ozark Mountains in northeast Oklahoma. Its rich history has made it one of the most prominent cities in the state, with many tales that date back to its founding by Quaker settlers over 150 years ago.
Its nearby cities are Tulsa to the south, Bartlesville to the southwest, and Claremore to the west.
The name "Owasso" comes from the Native American word "Oo-wee-sau," which itself was a combination of two separate words - 'oo' meaning "place of"and 'wee sau' meaning "chief" or "headman." The official town motto is "the Place of the Chief," which has given rise to Owasso's unofficial moniker, "The Place of Perfect Peace."
Owasso is known for its excellent schools and for its successful support of the sports teams of Oklahoma Christian University, which has made it to the NAIA Final Four several times in recent years.
Owasso's strong sense of community is obvious when you drive around town - many homes prominently display "Support Our Troops" signs, and some even fly American flags from their front porches.
Owasso has also been rated as one of the 100 best cities to live and raise a family by CNN Money and is home to many successful business executives and entrepreneurs.
Places to See and Visit in Owasso, OK
Owasso City Park
The Owasso city park has a large pavilion that's popular for outdoor weddings and events. It also has a lake that is home to ducks, geese, swans, and fish. In addition to the lake, there are several ponds and open fields where you can play Frisbee or toss a football. The park also features a playground and sand volleyball courts, which are popular in the summertime.
Owasso Youth Park
The Owasso youth park is just across from the above-mentioned Owasso city park, making it easy to enjoy both locations on the same trip. This small play area has one large open field with swings, a small football field, and one picnic table.
Owasso Community Center
The Owasso community center is only open on certain days of the week, but it's well worth checking out if you are in town when they're open. It features several rooms for rent, including an indoor gymnasium that can accommodate up to 400 people.
Among the attractions in Owasso is the Tulsa Zoo, which features a petting zoo and camel rides; the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium; the Gilcrease Museum in nearby Tulsa, OK; and several golf courses.
Food and Entertainment in Owasso, OK
Many of Owasso's fine restaurants are located along N. 76th Street or in the Oak Tree shopping center on the east side of town. The Lakehouse Restaurant offers outdoor dining and a full menu with entrees ranging from $10 to $30. There's Bennigan's, a friendly Irish pub with a full menu and daily specials for more casual fare. Other restaurants to consider are Jackalope Southwestern Grill, Texas Roadhouse, and El Chico's Mexican Restaurant.
Owasso has its share of fast-food establishments, including Burger King, McDonald's, Subway Sandwiches & Salads, and Taco John's.
Owasso features several places to catch a good movie, the Rose Bowl Lanes bowling alley and Oak Tree Golf Club in terms of entertainment.
Conclusion
Owasso is an amazing place - with its rich history, beautiful natural scenery, and a strong sense of community, it deserves recognition as one of Oklahoma's best places to live.