What’s there to do in Oklahoma?

Take a cruise down Route 66 and visit the Catoosa Historical Museum in Catoosa, Oklahoma!

Many people say there is nothing to do in Oklahoma, but I’m here to tell you those people are mistaken. That’s why we started our “Whats there to do in Oklahoma” series. Oklahoma actually has places to see and things to do that you may have never heard about. The Catoosa Historical Museum is one of those places.

What is the Catoosa Historical Museum?

The Catoosa Historical Museum is a collection of nearly 500 items, both local and national. The majority of the items are donated by local families and businesses. It is volunteer ran and funded by the public.

The museum building is a replica of the Catoosa Train Depot which was an important part of Catoosa’s history. Inside the museum you can track Catoosa and American History from its start as an abandoned fort, to a major rail head, and a stockyard community into the modern city it is today.

The museum is on an original portion of Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma. It is just down the road from the road from the D.W. Correll Museum and the Blue Whale.

Our Experiences at the Catoosa Historical Museum

I remember stopping by the Historical Museum a few times when visiting the Blue Whale and letting the kids climb around in the train out front. We even took Kayla’s little sister Sadie. But the few times we came we didn’t get a chance to go inside.

I recently made a point to visit during their hours of operation so I could see what the museum held inside. There are plenty of areas to park in the front and the back of the museum. After parking at the front of the museum I was greeted by 3 volunteers. They were excited to have me there and they told me about many of the items on display. They were knowledgeable of the history of Catoosa and Route 66.

I was surprised how many unique items they had on display despite the building being fairly small. They have quite a variety. I was impressed to find out most of the items were donated from local families and businesses.

What items are on display at the Catoosa Historical Museum?

A large variety unique memorabilia fill the museums rooms. Photographs, newspapers, clothing, household items and many other items about their local history. The displays are clean and well organized. They have many unique and rare items one being the Navajo Indian rug that is over 100 years old. It was traded for potatoes in 1914. The items within the museum each have a story behind them coming from Catoosan’s from the past.

The first room is filled with its older items. There are many photos of the original ranchers and businessmen, and a selection of record albums from Catoosa’s famous musician Gene Autry. He was born in Texas but considers himself an Oklahoman living and working most of his young life in Catoosa. (Known for many famous Christmas songs and others)

Before he was a musician he worked as a railroad depot agent. Once he left Catoosa he became know as “Americas singing cowboy” on the radio and in movies in Hollywood. There are many other items in this room but I’m going to leave the suspense and let you come see them yourself.

After exploring the first room you will see a hallway with a display in memory of J.B. Hamby Catoosa Chief of Police who was killed in the line of duty in 1978.

The second room is filled with unique items. They have a display for the Port Of Catoosa which was dedicated in 1971. The Port of Catoosa launched the city into the future with the furthest inland shipping port in the United States. There are also many old American house ware and kitchen ware items. Many items in this room are from the WW2 days. There is a set of clothes from Otis and Ruby Johnston. Otis was a turkey farmer and became a WW2 Army Air Corporal. Ruby served Catoosa Public schools teaching commerce and Spanish for 19 years. There really are many interesting items you need to come see for yourself.

Souvenirs and Gifts

Considering the museum is free you could use your saved money and get a unique souvenir.

They have many nice souvenirs, books and even Christmas ornaments.

Train Caboose

An old Frisco Caboose sits outside of the museum. It is a great spot the let the kids out and climb on the train car. It also makes a great place to take photos.

Bricks

Around the train you will see many bricks from businesses lining the ground. They show some of the people who supported the museum in donations.

The Location

Where is the Catoosa Historical Museum on Route 66 and how do I get there?

It is in Catoosa, Oklahoma. Check out the map below to see exactly where it is and how to get there.

Additional Information

Hours of operation

As of now the Catoosa Historical Museum is only open Tuesday’s and Friday’s from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Additional Hours can be scheduled by arrangement.

Phone Number

918-266-3296

Admission

Free for everyone

For more information visit the Catoosa Historical Museum Facebook Page.

On your next visit be sure to tell them Dylan from Family Travel Go sent you!

I want to Thank the Volunteers for showing me around the museum and answering my questions.

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Want to know more great things to do in Oklahoma?

Check out our What’s there to do in Oklahoma section of our site!

The Blue Whale and the D.W. Correll Museum are just down the street and I highly recommend you visiting them as well.

Visit the Catoosa Historical Museum on Route 66