Visit Alva
history
Alva was born when the Panhandle line of the Santa Fe Railroad was built through Indian Territory in 1885-1886. It was the first town located south of the Kansas line. When the railroad sought a name for the new town, Alva was chosen in recognition of Alva Adams, an attorney for the railroad.
The Cherokee Strip was opened to settlers on September 16, 1893. On opening day many people came to Alva by train, on horseback, in wagons and buggies to stake their claim. They had a choice of either a city lot or a quarter section of land. With many of the new arrivals choosing lots, Alva grew to several hundred people the first day.
In March 1986, Alva became one of the first five Oklahoma Main Street towns. Funded locally, the Alva Main Street Project utilizes an incremental strategy developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
This project seeks to improve the image of the town, especially the downtown core, building on existing resources and fostering strong local leadership and long-term community support. The project's ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for all Alvans. Recognizing the unique character of the buildings in the business district, it encourages architectural and graphic design that complements the existing structures.
Education
Alva is an education-oriented community. Residents have great respect for education, and a high percentage of them are college-trained. In addition to the public schools, educational institutions in Alva include the Oklahoma Northwest Area Vocational Technical School and Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
At NWOSU,
Students can choose from more than 40 areas of study to earn their Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees. Northwestern offers master's degree programs in education, counseling psychology, and American Studies, and a doctoral program in nursing practice.
Students enjoy a vibrant on-campus college experience by living in university housing, dining in the cafeteria or Student Center Snack Bar, participating in Greek life or campus organizations, attending home athletic contests, or attending numerous other campus events.
Northwestern also operates additional locations in northwest Oklahoma’s two largest cities – Enid and Woodward.
Alva's normal monthly high temperature is 96.3 degrees in July. The average low temperature in January is 19.6 degrees. Annual precipitation is 27.2 inches.
weather
The Woods County Fair is held annually in Alva. Exhibits of livestock, fruit, vegetables, farm equipment and other items plus a midway with rides, games and concessions provide enjoyment for everyone. Other area attractions include the Cherokee Strip Museum, Alabaster Caverns State Park, Little Sahara State Park, the annual Rattlesnake Hunt, the Nescatunga Arts Festival, the annual Christmas Crafts Show and more.
Alva is an education-oriented community. Residents have great respect for education, and a high percentage of them are college-trained. In addition to the public schools, educational institutions in Alva include the Oklahoma Northwest Area Vocational Technical School and Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
events
Excellent fishing can be found at Canton Lake and Salt Plains Reservoir. Hunting enthusiasts find northwestern Oklahoma excellent for deer hunting, quail, duck, geese, pheasant, wild turkey, squirrel and other small game.