Historic Route 66 meets State Highways 20 and 88 in Claremore. This location gives your trip a practical starting point for exploring Route 66 heritage, the city’s museums, and outdoor activities. As you plan, consider whether you want to focus mainly on historical collections, cultural events, or getting active.
Route 66 and History
The Belvidere is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to visitors. Check the current visiting conditions before your visit. Claremore’s Route 66 Centennial Monument offers another connection to Route 66: it is located at the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum, 330 N. J.M. Davis Blvd. Since you should check its on-site status before traveling, it’s a good idea to confirm current details if you’re planning a visit specifically to see the monument.
The J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum displays more than 12,000 firearms and thousands of artifacts that are not firearms. The scale gives an idea of the collection’s range; individual exhibition details may change. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum offers a different focus: it includes twelve galleries and a 2,400-square-foot research library and archives that preserve Will Rogers’s complete works. The Claremore Museum of History displays the original “Surrey with the Fringe on Top” from the musical Oklahoma!. If you especially want to see this exhibit, check its current presentation before your trip.
The museums offer different perspectives: firearms and other artifacts, the work of Will Rogers, and a well-known object from the musical each provide a distinct way to explore local and cultural history. You can choose the focus of your visit based on which of these subjects interests you most.
Trails, the Lake, and Outdoor Activities
Claremore Lake has more than four miles of paved trails for running, walking, and cycling. The information about trail length and surface can help you plan your time outdoors; it does not indicate a particular pace or walking time. Fishing and boating are permitted on the lake with the appropriate permit. Check the permit rules on the city’s Lake page before your visit.
Day hiking, trail running, and nature walks are allowed on the Claremore Mountain Bike Trails. Follow the posted trail-use and safety instructions. If you’re traveling with a dog, Cat Creek Dog Park has separate areas for large and small dogs. Since amenities may change, check the city’s current information about the park areas if needed.
During the Christmas season, visitors can take an evening drive around Claremore Lake to see festive Christmas lights and decorations. The seasonal event and dates may vary; check ahead if you’re planning a visit.
Downtown and Events
In the historic downtown, you can explore shops, restaurants, bars, and historic sites on foot. From May through October, food trucks, live music, and activities for children take place there on the fourth Thursday of the month. Check the dates and program before your visit. Concerts by the Claremore Community Band are held at the Gazebo during the summer months; plan around the current concert calendar.
Another annual event is the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo, held over Memorial Day weekend. The program includes bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, mutton busting, steer wrestling, and saddle bronc riding. Dates and programming may vary from year to year, so check the details for the relevant year.
At Swan Brothers Dairy Farm, visitors can watch dairy cows being milked daily at 4 p.m. Since this is a time-specific visit, confirm the time in advance.
Explore more destinations: Catoosa
For the regional travel overview: Rogers County.
