Full of authentic small-town charm and world-class attractions, Rogers County is the perfect day trip destination, weekend getaway or family trip. Our towns are full of art, history, breathtaking nature, culinary treasures, Native American culture and so much more. You’ll never run out of things to explore and will be making plans to return before you arrive home.
Home to thriving industry, exciting entertainment options and Route 66 icons, Catoosa is a popular travel stop for tourists traveling down the Mother Road. A popular Tulsa residential suburb, Catoosa continues to experience steady population growth and business expansion. The community comes together throughout the year to celebrate and play, with annual events and festivals such as Hometown Halloween, LibertyFest and the Blue Whale Christmas lighting. As you travel through Catoosa, make sure you stop at one of the more unique and recognizable Route 66 attractions, the Blue Whale. Catoosa is also home to the most inland port on the 25,000 Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, the Tulsa Port of Catoosa.
Must See Destinations:
Founded in 1881 as an Atlantic and Pacific Railroad stop, Chelsea was incorporated under the law of the Cherokee Nation in 1889. Home to Oklahoma leaders and icons such as Gene Autry, Admiral Joseph James “JOCKO” Clark, and Clem McSpadden, Chelsea has played a crucial role in shaping and sharing the story of our state. Today, the community is home to nearly 2,000 residents and offers a mix of suburban and rural living. Historic Route 66 runs directly through the heart of this community that is home to tourist destinations such as the Pryor Creek Bridge, the Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass, and Oklahoma’s first oil well.
Must See Destinations:
Born when Oklahoma was still Indian Territory, Claremore has an incredibly rich, diverse history and culture that we love to share with our visitors. But we’re not exactly stuck in the past, as you’ll soon discover when you explore our shops, parks, world-class dining options, amenities, and attractions. If you love museums, look no further than Claremore, which has more museums per capita than any city in the world. And with more than 1,200 acres of fishing, hiking, and mountain biking on Claremore Lake, a golf course, nature reserve, and variety of camping options, there’s plenty to see and do in Claremore.
Must See Destinations:
Home to 1928 Great Transcontinental Footrace winner Andy Payne and the world’s largest totem pole, Foyil is rich with Route 66 and First American history. Built around the historic Mother Road, Foyil offers several must-see destinations, including Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park, the Andy Payne statue, and a refurbished Texaco gas station. Blue Creek and Spencer Creek offer scenic campground destinations overlooking beautiful Oologah Lake, with ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking.
Must See Destinations:
Known as the “Hay Capital of the World,” Inola offers direct access to highways and interstates, providing residents and guests with a wide variety of retail, entertainment, and dining options, including local home-cooking-style favorites. Located at the southern point of Rogers County, Inola is home to more than 7,000 residents and has deep agricultural roots. While many residents no longer run active farm or ranch operations, it is still common to see tractors, haying equipment, trucks, and trailers across the community. Inola hosts several annual events, including the popular Hay Days celebration and Hmong New Year Festival. With two industrial park locations and a thriving downtown district, Inola is a growing business community. In May 2023, it was announced that solar panel manufacturer Enel North America selected the Port of Inola as home for its new operation, bringing 1,500 jobs and $1 billion in capital investment.
Must See Destinations:
Oolagah (the original spelling of the town) means “dark cloud’’ in Cherokee and is the proud home of country music star Zach Bryan. As the birthplace of Will Rogers, Oologah has a rich history, with many attractions that showcase the community’s origins before statehood. Home to Oologah Lake, the town is brimming with recreation opportunities, making it a perfect weekend getaway destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy a trail ride with lakeside views, spend a quiet day fishing and reflect by campfire at night.
Must See Destinations:
Talala is a rural community rich in agriculture and with a strong small-town appeal. While only 1,500 call this community home, more than 40,000 travel through daily on State Highway 169. When visiting, guests will find local farmers and ranchers gathered at the local grocery store or large feed mill, Mid America Farm & Ranch. Talala is home to several noteworthy residents, including Rogers County’s first Medal of Honor recipient, Roy W. Harmon, and the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic Champion, Edwin Evers. The community got its start as a major railroad shipping hub for cattle. Located near Oologah Lake, Talala offers many prime fishing and boating destinations.
Must See Destinations:
Verdigris serves as a central connection point on Route 66, welcoming visitors exiting the interstate and traveling the Mother Road through Catoosa. Verdigris was established as a trading colony in the 1700s with the Osage, Delaware and Cherokee Nations. French traders named the Verdigris River, using the French word describing the water’s green hue. When the town of Verdigris was incorporated in 1980, it adopted the name of this vital waterway, which links to the Tulsa Port of Catoosa at the head of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. Today, Verdigris is a vibrant small community focused on family activities, contemporary housing, a golf course, top-notch schools, and land along Route 66.
Must See Destinations:
The Cherokee Nation is the federally recognized government of the Cherokee people and has inherent sovereign status recognized by treaty and law. With more than 450,000 citizens, 11,000 employees and a variety of tribal enterprises ranging from aerospace and defense contracts to entertainment venues, Cherokee Nation is one of the largest employers in northeastern Oklahoma and is the largest tribal nation in the United States.
In the heart of the Cherokee Nation is Rogers County, home to attractions and venues highlighting the rich history of the Nation and its people. Visitors to Rogers County can learn about Oklahoma icons and proud tribal members such as Will Rogers, Andy Payne, and Lynn Riggs; enjoy an afternoon of leisure on the Cherokee Hills Golf Course; and experience diverse entertainment, concert, and dining options at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
The Cherokee Nation is responsible for driving more than $3.04 billion annually into the Oklahoma economy. The tribe and its businesses continually expand opportunities and advantages throughout northeast Oklahoma by supporting education, growing industries, providing jobs, improving health care, building infrastructure, and more.