Wewoka is a small town with a deep Seminole Nation history
Wewoka, Oklahoma, is a rural town far-flung on the plains east of Oklahoma City. It is the capital of the Seminole Nation, boasting a rich history that modern residents celebrate. “I have a couple of listings out there now, and the woman who is selling the houses watched her grandfather dig cellars for them with a mule and a plough,” says Janis Lothrop, real estate agent with Always Real Estate. “It’s not a very big town, but it does inspire loyalty.” The town’s heyday came in the early 1920s, when oil was discovered and the population boomed to almost 20,000. Today, it is home to just over 3,000 residents, once again becoming a small prairie town. “I was born there, and my father was a pioneer and a sooner,” says Realtor Barbara Butner with Coldwell Banker Select. “Stories about digging out basements with mules are pretty common in Wewoka. There’s lots of pride in the history, the people are warm and friendly, and the community just really pulls together.”
Historic homes offer character and renovation potential
Ranch-style homes, many built between 1930 and 1980, are popular on the outskirts of Wewoka. Closely packed in-town lots also contain bungalows with Craftsman features and small cottages. Some streets closer to the main avenue have sidewalks that are shaded by tall trees; however, most sidewalks farther from the center of town have been overgrown. Many homes in town will require renovations. “There are some homes that are gorgeous and have a lot of historic character,” Butner says. “But there are also a lot of homes where the upkeep hasn’t been the greatest. However, that really creates good value opportunities for people who want houses with some real historic charm to them.” Depending on lot size, square footage, renovation status, and build year, home prices can range from around $18,000 to $162,000.
Sorghum Festival celebrates Wewoka’s heritage
The Seminole Nation Museum is a point of pride for the Wewoka community, hosting events throughout the year, including a holiday bazaar and the Sorghum Festival in the fall. “The Sorghum Festival highlights the traditions of the town’s forefathers,” Butner says. “The town makes sorghum in the traditional way, and they sell it and Indian tacos – all kinds of food.” The festival also features live music and demonstrations of both pioneer and native traditions.
Most students attend public schools in Wewoka
Most students in Wewoka will attend schools in town, beginning at Wewoka Elementary, which earns a C-plus from Niche. Wewoka Middle receives a C-minus. Wewoka High, which scores a C-plus, partners with community businesses and organizations to offer students hands-on experience in the workforce. Some children on the south side of Wewoka will be zoned for Justice Public School, rated C-minus, which serves students from kindergarten through Grade 8.
Lakes and golf course provide quiet recreation opportunities
Wewoka’s T.B. Mutt Miller Park has open fields and a small splash pad called Lane’s World. The park is also adjacent to the 9-hole Dr. Gil Morgan Municipal Golf Course. There are also a pair of lakes nearby that support outdoor recreation. “Sportsman Lake up in Seminole is bigger and more popular for fishing and boating,” Lothrop says. “But Wewoka Lake is closer, and it’s usually not as busy, so you can enjoy a quiet day on the water.”
Mother Jug’s Grill is a longtime residential favorite
Convenience stores like Village Market, grocery stores like Sonny's and stops like Dollar General are available in town for quick milk runs, but the closest major shopping is nearly 15 minutes southeast in Holdenville. While many residents may head to Holdenville’s Main Street for eateries like Pat’s Café and Main Street Mix, homegrown restaurant Mother Jug’s Grill has been a community staple since 2011.
Highway 270 connects Wewoka to jobs and services nearby
U.S. Highway 270 and Oklahoma Highway 56 are the main thoroughfares of Wewoka. “Most people will probably work in either Seminole or Holdenville, since they’re right on the highway,” Lothrop says. “It’s over an hour and a half to Oklahoma City from Wewoka, so it’s a rough commute, but some people do choose to make it.” Holdenville is home to the closest medical center, while Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers Airport is the closest international travel hub.
