Museums:
Will Rogers Memorial Museum
Oklahoma's favorite son called Claremore home and the Memorial hosts nine
galleries of artifacts, memorabilia, Will's saddle collection, photographs
and manuscripts depicting a career as a Trick Roper, Vaudeville and Ziegfeld
Follies performer, movie star, radio commentator, syndicated newspaper
columnist and humorist, and has a wide variety of special events and exhibits
all year long.
Hours: 8am - 5pm, 365 days a year
Contact: 800-324-9455 / 918-341-0719
Visitors can walk through the self guided home of where Will grew up or
just stroll around the ranch and take in the breath-taking scenery overlooking
Oologah lake. While visiting enjoy one of his most famous movies, "Roping
Fool" most usually playing in the barn.
Located on Historic Route 66
The world's largest, privately owned gun collection with over 50,000 artifacts
Including a world class stein collection, statuary collection, World War
I posters, and much, much more. See where the collection started in the
lobby of the Mason Hotel; have your photo taken by the Tank outside or
the Gatlin Gun inside.
The 1907 vintage mansion is located two blocks east of downtown Claremore
and is furnished with period pieces. The Belvidere is a unique three story
Victorian mansion. The house is brick with a tile roof and 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. The Tea Room at the
Belvidere is open for lunch, from 11am - 2pm, with daily specials and
a wide variety of teas and sweets.
(Tea Room closes at 2pm)
Closed Sundays & Mondays
Located in the South wing of the old library is the Rollie Lynn Riggs
Memorial. Born in 1899 three miles Southwest of Claremore in Indian Territory,
he became an internationally famous author and playwright of "Green
Grow the Lilacs", from which the musical "Oklahoma!" was
adapted by Rodgers & Hammerstein. The Lynn Riggs Memorial houses the
original surrey with the fringe on top from the movie, "Oklahoma!"
When Oklahoma was granted statehood, the first legislature established
Eastern University Preparatory School, which opened on College Hill in
Claremore in 1909. This school was to prepare Indian students for the
University of Oklahoma. The only building on campus was Preparatory Hall
this domed structure was completed in 1911. In 1919, the Oklahoma Legislature
eliminated EUPS, and in its place established Oklahoma Military Academy,
hailed as the "West Point of the Southwest". The first 40 students
lived in tents during the fall and winter of 1919 - 1920 until Meyer Hall
could be built. This building was named for Maurice Meyer, the first Oklahoman
killed in action in the First World War. The Oklahoma Military Academy
Museum is located on the second floor of Meyer Hall.
Shopping:
Historic Downtown Claremore
Shopping, walking tours and dining in 50's style diners, is all part of
Claremore's historic Main Street experience. More than 300 Antique, Unique
and Collectable Dealers in three blocks can be visited while enjoying
a "walk through time" in our beautiful downtown.
For more information please visit:
Claremore's Main Street organization
918-341-5881
Historic Downtown also includes:
Will Rogers Hotel
dedicated February 7, 1930
The fireproof structure of concrete and steel, unique for its time and
furnishings cost $321,000 to build. The six story hotel contained 78 rooms
and was known for exquisite service. The mineral water baths became an
important part of the grand hotel's service. The mineral water, called
radium water, was discovered in 1903 on the eastside of Claremore while
prospectors were drilling for oil and gas. Will Rogers joked that the
water would "cure you of everything but being a Democrat."
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
the first and second floors are open for public viewing.
Contact: 918-342-1127
Wolf Productions A Gallery
of Arts
An Art Gallery representing over 50 Oklahoman Artists and Artisans working
in many different styles and mediums. The Gallery features art pieces
for purchase and hosts special events and exhibits year round. Located
in Historic Downtown, just ½ block east of Historic Route 66 on
Will Rogers Boulevard.
Hours: Monday - Wednesday, 10am - 5pm
Thursday - Friday, 10am - 7pm
Saturdays 10am - 5pm
Closed on Sundays
Contact: 918-342-4210
Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs
Located just three miles east of Claremore on State Highway 20, Will Rogers
Downs is host to many annual events, Oklahoma's largest RV Park, live
and simulcast Horse Racing, live entertainment and lots of gaming excitement.
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 11am - 1am; Fridays,
11am to 4am
Saturdays, 10am - 4am
Sundays 10am - 1am
Contact: 918-283-8800
Robson Performing Arts Center
Dedicated to the students of the Claremore Public Schools for their education
and enjoyment. The mission of the Robson Performing Arts Center is to
promote arts education for the students of the Claremore School District
by providing a safe, technically proficient venue. It also serves as a
resource for the community at large and contributes to the cultural vitality
of the city of Claremore and its surrounding areas. The PAC hosts several
special events such as musicals, concerts, plays and competitions throughout
the year. For more information or to check upcoming events visit
Contact: 918-699-7390
Hours: during normal school hours and for special
events; please call ahead.
Experience Route 66 through Rogers County, from
Catoosa-Claremore-Foyil-Chelsea
The Will Rogers Memorial Highway
Claremore Convention & Visitors
Bureau I 419 West Will Rogers Boulevard I Claremore, Oklahoma 74017
Toll Free: 877-341-8688 - Local: 918-341-8688