Will Rogers Memorial Museum

Claremore, Oklahoma

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Will Rogers (William Penn Adair Rogers) was an American vaudeville performer, radio commentator, newspaper columnist, humorist, and movie star. Though he rose to national fame, he was born in an Indian Territory near modern-day Claremore and always considered this part of Oklahoma home. Today, you can learn more about “Oklahoma’s Favorite Son” at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, located right along Route 66—also known as the Will Rogers Highway.

The Will Rogers Memorial was built and dedicated in 1938 by the citizens of Oklahoma to honor Rogers. Inside, the museum spans more than 16,000 square feet and features 12 galleries and two theaters. Visitors can explore paintings, sculptures, documents, and other artifacts that highlight Rogers’ life and legacy, offering a chance to appreciate his humor and reflect on the character that made him one of America’s most beloved public figures.

The limestone museum sits on land originally purchased by Rogers himself, where he had planned to build a retirement home. After his passing, the property was donated by his family. The grounds now include his tomb, engraved with his well-known quote: “I never met a man I didn’t like.” The museum also features a gift shop stocked with books, CDs, videos, art, and a wide range of souvenirs.

Rogers’s connection to Route 66 goes beyond the museum’s location. After his death in 1935, local supporters pushed to rename the highway in his honor, noting that it connected his hometown to Hollywood, just like his own journey. Later that year, the U.S. Highway Association approved the redesignation, and the road became widely known as the Will Rogers Highway. Through February 2027, the museum is hosting a “Will Rogers Highway: Route 66” exhibit that explores how the highway was dedicated to Rogers from the 1930s through the 1950s, along with its place in popular culture, from a cameo in The Grapes of Wrath to references in the music of Woody Guthrie.

Last Modified:

July 1, 2026

State:

Attraction Type:

Museum, Specialty Museum

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Photos of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Sculpture of Will Rogers inside the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Paintings inside the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Exhibits inside the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Will Rogers Highway Route 66 exhibit at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Will Rogers Highway Route 66 exhibit at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Will Rogers Highway Route 66 exhibit at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Recreated cabin inside the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Exhibits inside the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Exhibits inside the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Miniatures exhibit inside the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Will Rogers Tomb and sculpture outside the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Will Rogers Tomb and sculpture outside the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Will Rogers Tomb and exterior of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Exterior of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, here are some things to know before you go.

Where is the Will Rogers Museum located on Route 66?

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum is located at 1720 W. Will Rogers Blvd. in Claremore, Oklahoma, on a 20-acre hilltop site overlooking Claremore and Rogers State University.

What are the hours?

From March 1 through November 10, the museum is open daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm From November 11 through February 28 (seasonal hours), the museum is closed Monday and Tuesday and open Wednesday through Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The museum is also closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter Sunday. Confirm current hours before your visit.

Is there parking?

Yes. Free parking is available at the entrance to the building.

What is the connection between Will Rogers and Route 66?

Route 66 is officially designated the Will Rogers Highway. In the 1930s, people wanted to rename Route 66 after Will Rogers due to his national fame. After his death in 1935, the US Highway Association designated Route 66 as the “Will Rogers Highway” in his honor.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes. The gift shop carries books, CDs, videos, art, Route 66 memorabilia, Western heritage items, and a wide variety of souvenir items.

Where to Stay Near the Will Rogers Memorial Museum

Exhausted after a full day of exploring? Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest at one of these Oklahoma hotels near this Route 66 museum.

Claremore Motor Inn

Claremore Motor Inn is a budget friendly Route 66 motel is located about 30 miles outside of Tulsa. It offers comfort and convenience with WiFi, cable TV, microwaves, and free continental breakfasts.

Will Rogers Inn

Will Rogers Inn is a Route 66 motel in Claremore, Oklahoma. It features free wireless internet, an outdoor pool, guest laundry, an on-site restaurant, and an on-site lounge.

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Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

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