Looking for Route 66 charm, cowboy heritage, and quirky museums? Head to Claremore! Located northeast of Tulsa, Claremore offers a mix of Western nostalgia, Native American history, and scenic green hills. Whether you're tracing Will Rogers’ legacy or exploring antique shops along the Mother Road, Claremore delivers heartland hospitality with a touch of frontier spirit.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Claremore is in the spring and fall (April to June and September to October). These months offer pleasant weather for walking tours, outdoor festivals, and drives along historic Route 66. Summer is great for lakes and local events, though temperatures can be hot.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Claremore sits on historic Route 66 and U.S. Highway 412, about 30 minutes northeast of Tulsa.
  • By Air: Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is the closest major airport, roughly 25 miles away.
  • By Train: While there is no passenger rail service to Claremore, regional bus services and highways make it easily accessible from Tulsa and other Oklahoma cities.

Where to Stay

  • La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Claremore – Comfortable rooms with breakfast, a pool, and proximity to downtown and Route 66 attractions.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Claremore – Modern option near Rogers State University and just minutes from museums and shops.
  • Will Rogers Hotel – Historic boutique hotel with Old West charm in the heart of downtown Claremore.

Top Attractions

Learn About a Legend at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum

Explore Will Rogers' legacy, admire memorabilia and historic exhibits.

Learn About a Legend at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum

© Will Rogers Memorial Museum

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum was established to preserve the memory of entertainer Will Rogers. The19,052-square-foot museum contains artifacts, photographs, memorabilia and manuscripts from Rogers' life. It also has documentaries, speeches, and movies starring Rogers that are shown in a theater. Rogers' tomb is located on the 20-acre grounds overlooking Rogers State University and the city of Claremore. The museum is owned and operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society. Will Rogers was born near Oologah, Oklahoma, where his father had settled. Will's widow, Betty Rogers, donated the property in 1937 to the state of Oklahoma. The government funded original 15,000-square-foot museum building. The museum opened in 1938. The rotunda contains a famous sculpture of Will Rogers by artist Jo Davidson. The 1983 addition contains a library and research areas for scholars and writers.

1720 W Will Rogers Blvd, Claremore, OK 74017, Phone: 918-341-0719

Explore a Vast Collection at the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum

Discover firearms history, see an unusual collection of antique weapons.

Explore a Vast Collection at the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum

© J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum

The J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma houses more than 20,000 firearms and related items. The Davis Museum also contains guns from all around the world including Kentucky rifles, black-powder guns of all kinds, a Gatling gun, cannons, Winchesters, rare Colts, as well as elephant, whaling, and outlaw guns. The museum also has a collections of 1,200 German beer steins, statues by John Rogers, late 19th century music boxes, knives, swords, Native American artifacts, a large boot jack collection, household antiques, local cattle brands, animal horns and heads and World War I posters. Most of the exhibits were part of the private collections of J.M. Davis. His collection was originally donated to the J.M. Davis Foundation, which later donated the entire collection to the Oklahoma State so that it could be housed in a museum and shared with the public.

330 N J M Davis Blvd, Claremore, OK 74017, Phone: 918-341-5707

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Fish, Picnic, or Paddle at Claremore Lake

Walk along peaceful shores, enjoy fishing and scenic picnic spots.

Fish, Picnic, or Paddle at Claremore Lake

© Oleksii Sergieiev/stock.adobe.com

Claremore Lake in Rogers County, Oklahoma was created in 1929-1930 by damming Dog Creek. The dam was built in order to provide water to the city of Claremore, Oklahoma. It includes a boat ramp, fishing docks, a picnic area and a 9-hole disc golf course. The 1,200-acre Claremore Lake Park has two separate playgrounds, plenty of picnic tables and grills and two covered shelters with electricity that can be rented for private parties. Camping in the park is not allowed, and dogs must be leashed at all times. Alcohol is prohibited. The park and the lake are popular weekend destination for the local families during warm summer months

Claremore, Rogers County, Oklahoma

Tour the Historic Elegance of Belvidere Mansion

Tour Victorian architecture, admire ornate interiors and historic charm.

Tour the Historic Elegance of Belvidere Mansion

© Belvidere Mansion

The Belvidere Mansion, standing on the corner of 4th and Chickasaw in Claremore, Oklahoma is the city landmark and the “belle” of Rogers County. Completed by Christmas of 1907, the mansion was built for the businessman and financier John Melville Bayless and his family. Bayless also built the Sequoyah Hotel with then-new and rare electric lighting and therapeutic radium baths; the three-story Windsor Opera House and the Claremore Athletic Association with an indoor swimming pool. Only the Belvidere survived to this day. Bayless did not live to see his mansion completed. His family lived in the lovely three-floor, 9,000-square foot, four-tower, opulent brick home until 1919. After being converted to apartments in the late 1920 and then deserted in the early 1990’s, the mansion was purchased by the Rogers County Historical Society and brought to its original glory.

121 N Chickasaw Ave, Claremore, OK 74017, Phone: 918-342-1127

Taste Fresh Dairy and Local Charm at Swan Bros. Dairy

Visit a working dairy, savor fresh, locally produced cheese and milk.

Taste Fresh Dairy and Local Charm at Swan Bros. Dairy

© Swan Bros. Dairy

Swan Bros. Dairy is a family owned and operated dairy farm near the town of Claremore, in the northeast corner of Oklahoma. They offer high quality handcrafted cheeses and fresh raw milk sold at their store in Claremore, Oklahoma. Visitors are welcome to tour the farm, meet the cattle, learn about the cheese-making process and about the hard work necessary to run a family farm. The picture windows in the milking parlor allow visitors to see cows being milked. Their cheeses are made from their high quality milk right at the farm. It takes about eight hours to make one cheese and it is not possible to find creamier, tastier cheeses than at Swan Bros Dairy.

938 E 5th St #6300, Claremore, OK 74017, Phone: 918-341-2298

Where to Eat

Indulge in Homestyle Favorites at Hammett House Restaurant

Savor homestyle comfort food, enjoy a quick, hearty meal.

Indulge in Homestyle Favorites at Hammett House Restaurant

© Hammett House Restaurant

Claremore landmark since 1969, Hammett House Restaurant is a true classic, a homey, family-friendly eatery proud to serve food that is ‘almost as good as at home.” There are lunch specials and dinner specials and 14 different pies, three signature pies always available. People keep coming back for their signature Skinny Soup and hot Mashed Potato Rolls. They make their own salad dressings, you can buy a spices mix in a bottle on your way out. You can even get a recipe for your favorite pie. The menu is extensive and surprisingly inventive – everyone’s favorites are mixed with some original delights such as Lamb and Turkey Fries and Alligator Bites.

1616 W Will Rogers Blvd, Claremore, OK 74017, Phone: 918-341-7333

Kick Back with Good Eats and Vibes at J Farley’s

Enjoy craft beers, savor delicious pub fare in a lively setting.

Kick Back with Good Eats and Vibes at J Farley’s

© F-Stop Boy/stock.adobe.com

Located on the North Block in Claremore, Oklahoma, J Farleys Pub is a popular local watering hole and gathering spot. This Irish American pub offers extensive selection of cocktails, Irish and all others, beers from all over the world and classic pub grub including quarter pounder burgers with all the trimmings and in all variations, a few Irish dishes such as Stoneyford Shepards Pie and and Bangers and Mash, nice sandwiches and a few salads. The place is always buzzing with action, but it is bursting at seams on Bingo or Karaoke nights or when one of local bands come to play.

820 S Lynn Riggs Blvd, Claremore, OK 74017, Phone: 918-923-6130

Where to Eat

  • Hammett House Restaurant – A Claremore staple for Southern comfort food and mile-high pies.
  • J Farley's – Local gastropub serving burgers, steak, and craft beers in a relaxed setting with Route 66 décor.
  • The Pink House – Quaint tea room in the Belvidere Mansion with salads, sandwiches, and homemade desserts.
  • El Azteca – Popular Mexican restaurant with generous portions and a friendly atmosphere.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Will Rogers Days (November) – Celebrate Will Rogers’ birthday with a parade, rodeo, and classic films at the museum.
  • Claremore Main Street Food Truck Thursdays (Spring–Fall) – Weekly event with live music, local vendors, and a variety of food trucks downtown.
  • Rogers County Fair (September) – Family-friendly fair with rides, livestock shows, and live entertainment at the Claremore Expo Center.
  • Claremore Lake Fireworks Show (July 4th) – Enjoy live music and fireworks over the lake in a festive Independence Day celebration.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes to 1 Hour of Claremore, Oklahoma:

  • Tulsa (30–40 min) – Explore the Gathering Place, Philbrook Museum, and vibrant arts and music scene in Oklahoma’s second-largest city.
  • Pryor (30 min) – Visit during Rocklahoma music festival or explore small-town charm and local eateries.
  • Oologah Lake (20–25 min) – Great for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping with scenic lake views.
  • Blue Whale of Catoosa (20 min) – Iconic and quirky roadside stop along Route 66, perfect for photos and nostalgia.
  • Tahlequah (1 hr) – Discover Cherokee heritage at museums and cultural sites in the capital of the Cherokee Nation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Claremore located?
    • Claremore is a city in Rogers County in northeastern Oklahoma, in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.
  • Is Claremore part of a larger metropolitan area?
    • The city is part of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area and home to Rogers State University.
  • What is Claremore known for?
    • Claremore is known as the birthplace and home of early 20th-century entertainer Will Rogers.
  • What can visitors see at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum?
    • The Will Rogers Memorial Museum contains artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, and manuscripts from Rogers' life.
  • What is housed in the J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum?
    • The J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum houses more than 20,000 firearms and related items.
  • What recreational activities are available at Claremore Lake?
    • Claremore Lake is surrounded by Claremore Park, a popular local recreation spot that includes boat ramps, fishing docks, a picnic area, and a 9-hole disc golf course.
  • What is the significance of the Belvidere Mansion?
    • The Belvidere Mansion, standing on the corner of 4th and Chickasaw in Claremore, is the city landmark and the “belle” of Rogers County.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Claremore – A comfortable stay with modern amenities. Visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum – Learn about the life and legacy of the famous entertainer.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and ideal for exploring historic sites. Hampton Inn & Suites Claremore – A centrally located hotel with great amenities. Check out the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum – See an extensive collection of firearms and artifacts.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and colorful fall foliage. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Claremore – A great option for families and business travelers. Attend the Rogers County Fair – Enjoy carnival rides, local food, and live entertainment.

Plan Your Trip


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