Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Claremore, OK

  • Published 2023/03/27

Claremore is the county seat of Rogers County, Oklahoma, on the foothills of the famous Ozark Mountains.

Although Claremore is part of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, it stands out for various reasons.

First, it’s home to Rogers State University, which caters to more than a thousand students.

At the same time, Claremore is the birthplace of famous 1920s performer Will Rogers.

Visiting Claremore offers you plenty of surprises making your experience there worthwhile.

Experience this vibrant city by reading this travel post about the best things to do in Claremore, Oklahoma.

Roam the Belvidere Mansion

Exterior of the Belvidere Mansion

Kristina Maldonado, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Belvidere Mansion is another recommended historical attraction you mustn’t forget to visit.

This historic mansion is situated along N. Chickasaw Street.

Entering this historic mansion allows you to travel to the past by exploring its early 20th-century history through guided tours.

Also known as the “Belle of Rogers County,” this 1907 mansion features a three-story Victorian architecture.

John Melville Bayless, a known local businessman, was its original owner.

The Rogers County Historical Society led the preservation efforts of the mansion, now one of Claremore’s most famous historical attractions.

Inside, you’ll see its marble walls and floors, original furnishings, and elegant interior designs up close.

To complete your visit to the Belvidere Mansion, head to the Pink House restaurant on the first floor to enjoy a delicious meal.

Travel Back in Time at the Claremore Museum of History

The Claremore Museum of History is a recommended attraction to drop by upon arriving in the city.

You can visit this place along N. Weenonah Avenue.

The museum opened in 2011, thanks to a group of locals.

Their main initiative was establishing a local museum to showcase the city’s rich history.

This museum was the former Will Rogers Library; it displays Claremore’s diverse and fascinating history and culture.

See exhibits on the history of Claremore’s famous personalities, historical artifacts, and photographs of the city’s past.

Also, you can check out an extensive collection of Will Rogers’ memorabilia in a separate exhibit inside this museum.

Step inside the Claremore Museum of History and marvel at the city’s fascinating history.

Explore the Great Outdoors at Claremore Lake Park

Claremore Lake Park is probably the most famous park in the city.

You can visit this park northeast of Claremore.

This park was developed in 1929, the same year Claremore’s dam was completed.

Today, it’s a favorite place for locals and visitors to hang out and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The park mainly features the 470-acre lake, a water reservoir in Rogers County.

Some outdoor activities you and your loved ones can enjoy at this park are boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, and duck hunting.

One of the reasons to visit Claremore Lake Park is its gorgeous sunset views and tranquil atmosphere.

Catch a Show at the Robson Performing Arts Center

Robson Performing Arts Center is an excellent venue to catch top-notch entertaining shows.

You can visit this theater along E. Stuart Roosa Drive.

This theater features 1,100 seats and regularly hosts broadway musicals, stage plays, concerts, and symphonies.

One of its distinct attractions is the unique displays in its main lobby, which has a gallery.

Also, the theater itself is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, audio, and other essential equipment for a top-notch entertainment experience.

Besides entertainment shows, the Robson Performing Arts Center hosts community events and seminars.

Place Your Bets at the Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs

For a different kind of entertainment, head to the Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs.

You can visit this famous casino and horse racing venue along S. 4200 Road.

This place offers you a thrilling casino gaming experience and plenty more.

It has a top-notch live horse racing track where you can watch live races with fellow racing fans seasonally.

At the same time, it has hundreds of machines, tables, and rooms with the most popular casino games to test your luck.

Besides gaming and racing, treat yourself or your loved ones to a delicious dinner at its fine-dining restaurant.

There are dozens of ways to enjoy your time inside the Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs.

Remember to add this top-notch entertainment hub to your itinerary.

Set up Your Tent at the Blue Creek Campground

Blue Creek Campground is a charming outdoor camping site on the shores of Claremore Lake.

You can visit this campground along E. 390 Road.

If you want to connect with nature and shake off stress from city life, visit this campground.

It’s an excellent getaway destination for those who want to embrace nature’s tranquility while enjoying plenty of outdoor activities.

The campground is also a famous fishing and boating destination for locals and visitors.

Sixty-one campsites are available at the Blue Creek Campground, where you and your family can stay during your visit to Claremore.

Consider this campground your temporary home for a few days in your Claremore adventure.

Catch Rodeos at the Will Rogers Stampede Arena

The Will Rogers Stampede Arena is a famous venue for rodeo competitions in Rogers County.

You can visit this place along E. 480 Road.

This outdoor arena is where famous rodeo events, such as the annual Will Rogers Stampede, happen.

At this place, you’ll witness how rodeos tame massive bulls and ride wild horses in a one-of-a-kind entertaining competition.

Some rodeo competitions featured at this arena are bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, rodeo clowns, and entertaining music and dance performances.

Drop by the Will Rogers Stampede Arena and witness locals celebrating their cowboy heritage with exciting rodeo events.

Appreciate Local Arts at the Time & Space Mural

Claremore is more than just its entertainment and rodeo history.

It’s also home to a thriving local art scene which you can see on its streetside.

Claremore’s local arts scene is accessible by visiting the famous Time & Space Mural at the North Block Common along N. Missouri Avenue.

These colorful mural paintings are the creation of local artist John Hammer.

Claremore Main Street hired him to put colors on the historic downtown area.

Hammer’s murals feature a massive Route 66 sign and several portraits of Will Rogers and Stuart Roosa, two famous sons of Claremore.

The Time & Space Murals are scattered throughout Claremore’s downtown area.

It features various themes, including train murals, colorful collages, and portraits.

Drop by these art attractions and snap photos to complete your experience.

See Antique Firearms at the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum

Interior of the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum

www.CGPGrey.com, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum is a unique place to dive into the past.

You can visit this museum along N J.M. Davis Boulevard.

It’s unique mainly because of its massive collection of firearms and related items in one place.

Fascinatingly, it supposedly holds the world’s biggest collection of privately owned firearms, numbering over 20,000.

Its exhibits feature the world’s smallest produced handgun and the rarest gun in the world.

Exhibit in the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum

http://www.cgpgrey.com, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

At the same time, it has a replica of an 1800s gunsmith shop which you can visit during a tour.

Also, one of its most popular exhibits, the “Believe It Or Not Oddities,” feature one-of-a-kind guns, which were outlawed in their day.

Besides guns, the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum displays other historical collections.

It includes musical instruments and antique music boxes.

An antique gun in the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum

http://www.cgpgrey.com, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Have a Solemn Experience at Shepherd’s Cross

Shepherd’s Cross is a fascinating and unique countryside farm that remains operational today.

You can visit this farm along E. 450 Road.

This farm was established in the 1920s.

From its name, the farm is a working farm run by a Christian mission which allows the public to visit and experience farm life in a solemn and fun way.

It features a scenic landscape amidst its 120 acres of pastures, rolling hills, and forest area that genuinely showcases the simple farm life.

Amazingly, it still has its original buildings, such as its barn, silo, and farmhouse, now serving as attractions within the area.

It also has a picnic area, a specialty gift shop, and farm-related activities.

For those who want a solemn experience at the Shepherd’s Cross, check out its “Bible Garden,” perfect for meditation because of its tranquil atmosphere.

Celebrate the Lilac District St. Paddy’s Party

Claremore locals celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with its unique and exciting Lilac District St. Paddy’s Party.

This annual festival celebrating St. Patrick’s Day happens in Claremore’s downtown area.

Thousands of locals and people from Rogers County converge in the area for fun games, shows, food, and drinks.

Watch live musical and dance performances from visiting artists or perhaps join exciting games and win exciting prizes.

Also, enjoy mouthwatering food from vendors and locals as drinks overflow throughout the festivities.

Celebrate the decades-old Lilac District St. Paddy’s Party with Claremore’s locals!

Stroll through the Lilac District

Claremore’s downtown area is popularly known as the Lilac District.

This area is full of leisure, entertainment, and history, making it one of the must-visit places in the city.

You can unwind, shop, or dine at this place in Claremore.

It has dozens of restaurants, shops, and businesses you can visit while strolling its charming streets.

Otherwise, take a step back in time and explore Claremore’s history.

Check out the downtown buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places for a historical detour.

Regardless of your preferred activity, the Lilac District has something exciting waiting for you.

Explore the heart of Claremore!

Shop Local at the Claremore Farmers Market

The Claremore Farmers Market is one of the sought-after community events every year.

This seasonal farmers’ market happens every May to October and July to August.

It usually happens at the Claremore Expo Center along S. Veterans Parkway.

This farmers market has a charming and friendly atmosphere, freshly picked fruits, and newly-harvested vegetables and crops.

It also has freshly baked pastries, bread, and sweets from local artisans and hot cooked meals ready to serve for hungry marketgoers.

It also has local wines and preserves such as honey, jams, and plenty more products you can take home.

Visiting the Claremore Farmers Market is a pleasant experience to meet locals and learn more fascinating things about the city.

Treat Yourself at the Nuts House

The Nut House is a fun and satisfying place to shop for nuts and other delicious products.

You can visit this place along South Highway 66.

This place is unique because its store is built out of real pecan logs.

Inside are dozens of nut varieties from your favorite almonds, pecans, and other delicious nuts prepared in various ways.

Some nuts are smothered in toffee, honey, or with a dash of salt.

At the same time, some are covered with cinnamon and other spices to offer everyone a delicious snack.

The Nuts House also offers homemade jams, fudges, cheeses, and jellies, perfect to pair with its freshly baked bread and pastries.

Amazingly, this store has served the locals and visitors with its delicious treats for over 40 years, making it a local icon.

Dive into History at the Oklahoma Military Academy Museum

The Oklahoma Military Academy Museum is a unique place to discover history.

You can visit this museum at Rogers State University.

Inside this military academy museum are the stories of over 10,000 cadets who attended the academy from the early 1900s to the 1970s.

The museum has exhibits featuring collections of the academy’s history, mostly preserved artifacts and memorabilia from cadets.

Exploring the Oklahoma Military Academy Museum lets you understand how its cadets lived back in the day.

Final Thoughts

Claremore is more than the birthplace of an iconic entertainer back in the day.

It has gorgeous outdoor attractions, extensive history, and plenty of leisure and outdoor activities you and your loved ones can enjoy.

Explore the best things to do in Claremore, Oklahoma!

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