Attractions

The beautiful main campus of Rogers State University is located on “the Hill” on the west side of Claremore. RSU is a regional university serving more than 4,300 students. The campus features elaborate outdoor sculptures of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln. Two buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the university’s flagship building, Preparatory Hall, which features the iconic gold dome, and Meyer Hall, the main administration building. The Oklahoma Military Academy Museum is located on the second floor of Meyer Hall. The campus also features two lakes and a 100-acre nature reserve with walking trails open to the public.

8 am- 6 pm Monday-Saturday
Closed Sundays

The fireproof structure of concrete and steel originally contained 78 rooms and 7 apartments. During World War II, it was designated as a bomb shelter. Mineral water baths called “radium water” were an important part of the hotel’s service. In the lobby is a statue of Will Rogers, I Don’t Tell Jokes. I Just Watch the Government and Report the Facts, representing his career in radio broadcasting. Rehabilitation of the Will Rogers Hotel, now the Will Rogers Center, was completed in 1997 and contains 38 apartments. Visitors are welcome to view the lobby and second floor, Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am to 5 pm. Group tours may be arranged, with a three-day advance notice.

Will Rogers Memorial Museum

1720 W. Will Rogers Blvd., Claremore

800-324-9455 / 918-341-0719

Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch

9501 E. 380 Rd., Oologah

918-275-4201

The 25,000-square-foot Will Rogers Memorial Museum is located on a beautiful 20-acre campus in Claremore and features eleven galleries of memorabilia and artifacts, a children’s museum, theaters and television kiosks, interactive displays, and fine art dedicated to the life of the famed American humorist, Will Rogers, one of the country’s most multi-talented and historically significant public figures. He and members of his family are interred on the grounds.

The birthplace home of Will Rogers overlooks Lake Oologah three miles northeast of the town of Oologah. The scenic living history ranch includes the house in which Will Rogers was born in 1879. The ranch has indoor and outdoor exhibits, RV hook-ups, and picnic facilities.

Admission to the museums is by voluntary contribution, and both are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 365 days a year. The Claremore museum features a large gift shop of Will Rogers and Route 66 souvenirs, books, and mementos. Guided tours and after-hour accessibility are available by arrangement.