Visit Claremore Guide

Welcome to Claremore!

Claremore’s history dates back long before statehood. Today, Claremore is located in the heart of the Cherokee Nation and home to many Cherokee Citizens, but its origins are closely connected to the Osage Tribe-particularly to an Osage leader named Chief Clermont.

In April of 1817, the Western Cherokees attacked the Osage in what is known as the Battle of Claremore Mound, which took place about six miles north of Claremore on the banks of the Verdigris River. While the Osage were not victorious in the battle, Claremore’s founding fathers wanted to name the town, established in 1893, after the famous Osage chief. Due to a spelling error with the postal service, “Clermont” became “Claremore”, as it is still known today.

With a rich history steeped in Native American culture, famous cowboys, singers, playwrights, and a romantic connection to Route 66, Claremore continues to provide interesting experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Now a modern community home to an accredited four-year university, global manufacturing and diverse experiences, Claremore offers a uniquely Oklahoma lifestyle with wide-open spaces, beautiful scenery and a deep love and appreciation for community. In the spirit of our own storytellers Will Rogers and Lynn Riggs, who shared our humor with the world and made everyone fall in love with Oklahoma, we remain proud of our roots and continued transformation.

There is always something happening in Claremore! Events, music, cruising, roughin’ it, or not, great food, kickin’ it on 66 and a whole lot of new friends to meet!

can’t wait to

Experience the Cherokee story, through centuries of ingenuity, determination and sovereignty, in insightful and moving exhibits beside timeless works of art. Admission is free for all ages. One Nation. Ten Attractions. Endless Adventure. *Named 2020 Tribal Destination of the Year by the American Indian and Alaska Native Tourism Association

Stay In Claremore

Hotels/Motels

Claremore Motor Inn 1709 N Lynn Riggs Blvd 800-828-4540 • 918-342-4545

CMI66.com

Hampton Inn & Suites 1811 S. Scissortail Ave 918-965-1360

HamptonInn.com

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 1400 W. Country Club 918-283-4877

HolidayInnExpress.com

La Quinta Inn & Suites 774 S. Lynn Riggs Blvd 918-965-1877

LQ.com

Motel 6 1720 Lynn Riggs Blvd. 918-343-3297

Motel6.com Super 8 1100 E Will Rogers Blvd 918-341-2323

Super8.com

Travel Inn 812 E Will Rogers Blvd 918-341-3254

TravelInnClaremore.com

Will Rogers Inn 940 S Lynn Riggs Blvd 800-644-9455 • 918-341-4410 WillRogersInn.com

*All hotels offer a full hot breakfast, a deluxe continental breakfast or a juice and pastry bar, and free WiFi.

Bed & Breakfast

Andersonville Cottage 417 W Lake Rd/Anderson Dr 918-341-2224

AndersonvilleCottage.com

Country Inn Cottage & Farm 20530 E 430 Rd 918-766-8253

GreenCountryOK.com

American Legion RV Park 1495 N Hwy 88 918-510-5522

Claremore Expo Center RV Park

400 Veterans Parkway 918-342-5357

VisitClaremore.com

KOA at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs 20900 S 4200 Rd 918-283-8800

KOA.com/Campgrounds/Tulsa

Hawthorne Bluff at Oologah Lake

US Army Corps of Engineer Oologah Lake 918-443-2250

ReserveAmerica.com

Redbud Marina & RV Park

Oologah Lake 9001 E Hwy 88 918-341-5190

RedbudMarina.com

Stay In Claremore

Hotels/Motels

Claremore Motor Inn 1709 N Lynn Riggs Blvd 800-828-4540 • 918-342-4545

CMI66.com

Hampton Inn & Suites 1811 S. Scissortail Ave 918-965-1360

HamptonInn.com

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 1400 W. Country Club 918-283-4877

HolidayInnExpress.com

La Quinta Inn & Suites 774 S. Lynn Riggs Blvd 918-965-1877

LQ.com

Motel 6 1720 Lynn Riggs Blvd. 918-343-3297

Motel6.com Super 8 1100 E Will Rogers Blvd 918-341-2323

Super8.com

Travel Inn 812 E Will Rogers Blvd 918-341-3254

TravelInnClaremore.com

Will Rogers Inn 940 S Lynn Riggs Blvd 800-644-9455 • 918-341-4410 WillRogersInn.com

*All hotels offer a full hot breakfast, a deluxe continental breakfast or a juice and pastry bar, and free WiFi.

Bed & Breakfast

Andersonville Cottage 417 W Lake Rd/Anderson Dr 918-341-2224

AndersonvilleCottage.com

Country Inn Cottage & Farm 20530 E 430 Rd 918-766-8253

GreenCountryOK.com

Historic Route 66

For nearly sixty years, a two-lane road running 2,448 miles connected Chicago to Los Angeles. For Oklahomans it was the path to promise for escape from the Dust Bowl that ravaged the Midwest, and led them to greener pastures in Arizona and beyond.

Now Route 66 is a nostalgic destination for travelers of all ages. Oklahoma is home to the longest stretch of original Route 66-about 400 miles. While traveling the Mother Road, be sure visit our great Route 66 attractions when you come through Claremore!

Chelsea, OK

Start your tour off in Chelsea with your first stop being the Pryor Creek Bridge. It is a 123 ft. steel-truss bridge that was part of the original Route 66 alignment. It carried travelers on Route 66 from 1926 to 1932. It is the only unaltered bridge with its structure left in Oklahoma. It is no longer drivable but you can walk across it.

A visit to Chelsea is not complete unless you have experienced the mural in the pedestrian tunnel that you can go “under Route 66” from one side to another-be sure and sign your name on the mural! The mural portrays the history of Chelsea, and the tunnel was built under the highway because US 66 was busy; this allowed pedestrians to cross the road safely.

Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park, Foyil, OK

In Foyil, you cannot miss the world’s largest Totem Pole just 4 miles off Route 66 on OK-highway 28A. It is the largest and oldest example of folk art in Oklahoma. The Totem Pole stands 90 feet and is made of red sandstone framed with steel and wood with a thick concrete skin, and sits on a large 3-dimensional turtle. The Totem Pole is an iconic Route 66 attraction and is easily identified once you are on highway 28-A.

Also in Foyil is the Andy Payne Park. Payne won the Bunion Derby back in 1928, the first Trans-American Footrace. The race started in Los Angeles, California and finished in New York City, just 3,423.5 miles. Be sure to stop by the Route 66, Texaco Filling Station located on an original piece of Route 66, and also sets on Andy Payne Boulevard.

Enjoy a short drive to beautiful Claremore, with more historic Route 66 attractions, shopping and dining.

JM Davis Arms & Historical Museum, Claremore, OK

The JM Davis Gun Museum is located on the original stretch of Route 66 in Claremore. Explore an amazing collection of World War I posters, antique saddles, a fascinating outlaw section with guns used by notorious criminals like Pretty Boy Floyd, Pancho Villa and much more.

Will

Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore, OK

Come view the inspiring life of Oklahoma statesman Will Rogers at this beautiful museum in Claremore. Known as the Cherokee Kid, Will Rogers had many careers throughout his life. He was a cowboy, vaudeville performer, humorist, newspaper columnist and movie star. Will’s vaudeville rope act brought him great success in the Ziefgeld Follies.

The Blue Whale, Catoosa, OK

The Blue Whale is a roadside Route 66 attraction in Catoosa, just south of Claremore and is one of the most recognizable icons on Route 66. The Blue Whale is a waterfront structure that was built in the early 1970s and at the time it was a favored swimming hole and picnic area for locals and for travelers along Route 66.

All along Historic Route 66 from Chelsea to Catoosa, there are great locally owned shops and diners/cafes to experience, plenty of fueling stations and places to stop and get that perfect selfie.

Exploring

Maritime Education Center and Port of Catoosa

5350 Cimarron Rd, Catoosa • 918-266-2291 tulsaports.com/careers-education/tour-the-tulsa-ports

The nation’s furthest inland port, located on the Verdigris River and home to world known industries, invites visitors to experience the Maritime Education Center. Located in the Port Authority’s main office, the center is an interactive forum to educate students and the general public about the importance of water transport to the economy. Learn about the Port’s history and economic impact on Oklahoma with interactive video kiosks. Entrance is free of charge.

Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm

Claremore Museum of History

121 N Weenonah • 918-341-5630

The museum showcases Claremore’s unique history from radium water baths to Lynn Riggs. The Lynn Riggs exhibit features the original “surrey with the fringe on top” as well as other props from the musical Oklahoma! which was adapted by Rodgers & Hammerstein from Lynn Riggs’ “Green Grow the Lilacs”. Enjoy walking through time and experiencing Historic Downtown, artifacts from the train depot and more.

Hours/Admission: Tue-Sat 11 am – 4 pm

Admission by voluntary contribution

Belvidere Mansion 4th & Chickasaw • 918-342-1127 • RCHS1.org

Attracted by Claremore’s two railroads, John M. Bayless brought his family to Indian Territory in 1901. By 1902, Bayless started building his castle-like mansion, The Belvidere, and it was completed in 1907. The unique three-story Victorian style mansion has four towers, one on each corner. A portico on the north side provided cover for the guest carriages as they arrived for gala parties. Today, you can tour the home, shop in the gift shop and enjoy lunch by the Pink House inside the Belvidere.

Hours/Admission: Mon-Sat 11 am – 2 pm

Admission by voluntary contribution

Oklahoma Military Academy Museum

Rogers State University, 1701 W Will Rogers Blvd

The Oklahoma Military Academy Museum tells the story of the more than 10,000 cadets who attended from 1919 to 1971. The museum collects, preserves, and exhibits items relevant to the school’s history including a recreated typical cadet room and a bust of Lt. Gen. William E. Potts who is the highest-ranking alumnus of OMA. OMA created a proud heritage having served the state and nation for 52 years.

Hours/Admission: Mon-Sat 8 am – 5 pm (Closed Holidays) www.rsu.edu/alumni/oklahoma-military-academy

J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum 330 N JM Davis Blvd • 918-341-5707 • TheGunMuseum.com

Home to the unique collection of J.M. Davis of over 12,000 firearms and thousands of nonfirearm artifacts ranging from Old West saddles and spurs, John Rogers Statuary, Toby Mugs and Beer Steins, World War I posters and local Claremore and Rogers County History.

Hours/Admission: Tue-Sat, Memorial Day, Independence Day, & Labor Day 10AM-5PM Admission is free, donations are accepted

Will Rogers Memorial Museum

1720 W Will Rogers Blvd • 918-341-0719 • WillRogers.com

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Will Rogers memorabilia and his entire collection of writings. The museum features his most famous movies daily, and hosts special events like the Will Rogers Film Festival every year the first weekend in November.

Hours/Admission: 10AM-5PM (Mar 1-Nov 10) Seasonal Hours: (Nov 11-Feb 28): Closed Monday, Tuesday, Thanksgiving and Christmas

Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch - Oologah 9501 E 380 Rd • Oologah, OK 74053 • 918-341-0719 • WillRogers.com

Take a self-guided tour through the historic Rogers ranch house, and catch a glimpse at what life was like on a late nineteenth century ranch in Indian Territory. See the era-correct barn, livestock grazing in their pastures, and enjoy the beautiful, hilltop view of Oologah Lake.

Hours/Admission: 10AM-5PM (Mar 1-Nov 10) Seasonal Hours: (Nov 11-Feb 28): Closed Monday, Tuesday, Free Admission Thanksgiving and Christmas

Totem Pole Park 4 mi east of Route 66 on SH 28-A, Foyil 918-342-1127 • RCHS1.org

Ed Galloway’s Totem Park features a 90 foot totem pole containing over 200 carved Native American emblems and symbols. It towers over a nine acre park featuring one of Oklahoma’s best examples of colorful folk art. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it claims the title of World’s Largest Totem Pole and is a popular stop along Historic Route 66.

Hours/Admission: Daily during daylight hours

Gift Shop/Museum: Tue-Sat, 12 pm – 5 pm Free Admission Sun 11 am – 5 pm

Area Events

January

Mad Dog Demo Derby at the Claremore Expo

March/April

Claremore Kennel’s Classic Dog Show at the Expo Center. More than 1,100 entries of various breeds

Green Country Hamfest, Amateur Radio Operators Annual Convention at the Claremore Expo Center

Spring & Fall Meets

Live Horse Racing at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs

August

Will Rogers and Wiley Post Fly-In at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch. Honoring the death of two great pilots

September

Rogers County Fall Fair at the Claremore Expo Center

Route 66 Cruiser’s Car Show at Claremore Lake Park with more than 400 entries from all over the US

The Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo is the proud recipient of the PRCA Small Rodeo of the Year six years in a row, and 2022 Medium Rodeo of the Year Nominee. The Rodeo is hosted annually every Memorial Weekend. Claremore’s kick off to Rodeo week is Thursday night with Boots on the Boulevard in Historic Downtown Claremore. Live music, street dance, food trucks, family fun and stores are open late. Stampede Slack is Thursday and Friday, with PRCA Performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Find more information at VisitClaremore.com.

Agritourism

The Nut House

26677 S Hwy 66 • 918-266-1604 • 66Nuts.com

Located on Historic Route 66, the “true” Nut House is a must see. A great place for a rest stop, souvenirs, sweet treats, or lunch in Hot Mama’s Deli, the Nut House is a local favorite for seasonal pecans and great gift items.

Swan Bros. Dairy

938 E 5th St • 918-341-2298

Established in 1923 with one cow, Swan Dairy began selling Grade A raw milk in one-gallon bottles for 50¢ in 1951. Oklahoma’s finest milk enters a pre-cooler directly from the cows. It is then transferred to a tank cooler and bottled. Call for a behind-the-scene tour of the dairy and milking available spring through fall.

A-Bar Ranch

21002 S 4210 Rd • 918-342-2225

ABarRanch.com

A Bar provides quality, hands-on learning about the cattle and horse industry. It’s a family operation comprised of three divisions: commercial cow/calf operation, performance horses, and livestock marketing.

Lakeside Trail Ride

Oologah Lake • 918-341-1044

LakeSideTrailRide.com

Enjoy a trail ride along popular trails in Claremore and Oologah—they’ll bring the horses to you! Open yearround, Lakeside can accommodate up to five guests at a time.

Moore’s Fish Farm 25353 S 4230 RD, Inola, OK 918-341-4194

MooresFishFarm.com

Established in 1962 and family-operated in Inola, Moore’s Fish Farm hosts a fish fry on the third Friday and Saturday of the month, year-round. You can also stock your pond, buy some hay and check out their Brahman, Akaushi and Brangus and Crossbreed cattle.

Walke Meat Company

9815 E. 520 Rd. • 918-341-3236 • WalkeBrothers.com

The Walke Brothers name has come to signify exceptional quality in all of our products and services. Whether its bratwurst for your next tailgater, a USDA Choice Rib Roast for your holiday gathering or barbeque for the company picnic. Walke Brothers are here to serve you!

Rogers County Farmer’s Market

Our open-air farmers’ market offers a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, farm-fresh eggs, meats, flowers and Made in Oklahoma products. It is open every Saturday, April through October, at the Rogers County Courthouse. Facebook-Rogers-County-Farmers-Market

Meet and Greet

Claremore has great options to host your next meeting, conference or special event.

The Claremore Conference Center has 23,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space and an 81 room Holiday Inn Express adjacent to it.

320 on Main is a charming event space in Historic Downtown Claremore great for evening and welcome receptions, special events and more.

North Block Common, known as NBC, located in historic downtown, features an eclectic blend of décor and an open floor plan for a variety of functions. NBC has three individual spaces for smaller events, or the entire building for larger gatherings.

Visit Claremore’s staff is here to help make your next meeting a success. We will assist by providing detailed information on venues and menus, and be your liaison with the local business community. Start planning your event at MeetInClaremore.com.

Claremore Expo Center

400 Veterans Parkway • 918-9342-5357 • ClaremorePAC.org

The Claremore Expo Center is the largest event center northeast of Tulsa, with over 150,000 square feet of event space, and hosts more than 300 indoor and outdoor events. The Expo has hosted concerts and trade shows, tractor pulls, motorcycle, bicycle and monster truck events, dog shows, livestock auctions and a variety of equestrian events. The Expo Center also hosts conventions, weddings, graduations, special events, seminars and large meetings. Centered by a skate park, city park and splash pad, along with great dining options in the district, you will enjoy being a “Westerner”.

Robson Performing Arts Center

101 E Stuart Roosa • 918-923-4290 • ClaremorePAC.org

The Robson Performing Arts Center was built for, and dedicated to, the students of Claremore Public Schools for their education and enjoyment. It is open to the general public for great concerts, plays, musicals and cultural events by regional and national performers. Tickets and complete event listing can be found on their website.

P R OU D TO CAL L C L A R EMO R E HOM E FO R 86 Y E A R S!

RCB Bank is a hometown community bank , founded in Claremore in 1936 during the Great Depression. Today, RCB Bank is one of the largest Oklahoma-owned banks by assets, ser ving more than 60 locations across Oklahoma and Kansas.

Home for the Holidays

Claremore loves family, food, fun, and lights lots of lights! Starting early November, Historic Downtown hosts the annual Holiday Open House, followed by the Tree Lighting and Dickens on the Boulevard, all before Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving weekend the City of Claremore opens the lake park to host the Claremore Lake Lights, a drive through light display, nightly through January. December kicks off with Claremore’s most popular parade - the Christmas Parade. Claremore Lake Lights are still up and open, Rogers State University kicks off their holidays with Lights on the Hill, and the community celebrates the 12 Days of Christmas by shopping and dining locally.

Back in the Day Antiques & Treasures

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