What’s there to do in Oklahoma?
Take a cruise down Route 66 and visit the D.W. Correll 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.
What is the DW Correll Museum?
The DW Correll Museum is a series of collections of many different unique and rare items, most being from Mr. D.W. Correll private collection. He left his valuable collection to the citizens of Catoosa to be enjoyed by all.
The museum is on Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma. It is just down the road from the road from the Route 66 Blue Whale.
There are all kinds of rocks, minerals, gems, antiques, bottles,carriages, automobiles and one unique oddity. The D.W. Correll Museum is a must see if traveling in Oklahoma or cruising down Route 66.
Our Experiences at the DW Correll Museum
I had driven by the museum and seen the mural many times but I regret not stopping to make a visit sooner. My friends who live in the area for years still hadn’t visited the museum yet either. If you are one of those Okies that still have not seen the museum, I highly recommend you plan a day to experience it. Tell them Dylan from Family Travel Go sent you!
The museum is very impressive and I was blown away by the variety of items on display and friendliness of the staff.
As I entered the Museum I was greeted by Museum Bob Hicks, one of the friendly employees. He was so kind and explained the museum was partially under construction. The construction didn’t stop Mr. Hicks from showing me around. He told me all about the history of the museum and the collections. Mr. Hicks had many rocks being cleaned and shined through 3 different machines. After ensuring the rocks would be OK on the machine for a bit he took me through the first building and told me all about the different items on display. He answered any question I had. (Video will be up soon so be sure to Subscribe to my YouTube and hit the bell so you know when it’s up!)
After I was shown all of the first building I met up with Eric Hamshar the Director/Curator of the museum. He took me to the other building containing the carriage and automobile portion of the museum. Then he told me all about the carriages and cars and about their most unusual oddity… a naturally mummified cat. (Photo and more information below in the History section of the article)
What items are on display at the D.W. Correll Museum?
Gems, Rocks, Minerals
There is a large selection of over 1,000 Gems, Rocks, Minerals, Sea Shells and more. Many were found in Oklahoma or the Tri-State Area. The rocks are in all shapes, sizes and colors. There is a case filled with some of the rocks and miner equipment from closed down mines in Picher, Oklahoma. Picher is now a Ghost Town and was closed down due to health and environmental damage from the mines. They have many large rocks and crystals unlike anywhere in the world.
Fossils, Bones and Native American Artifacts
There is a surprising amount of fossils and bones in the museum, most were found here in Oklahoma in the Arkansas River. They have Mastodon Bones and many fossils. As for the Native American Artifacts they have arrowheads, tools and stones used by Native Americans.
Antiques, Toys, Bottles and Jewelry
Mr. Correll really did collect all kinds of things, even toys. The toys in the collection are a favorite to many children. There is a variety of antique toys, toy cars, cap guns, and you may even see some familiar faces in the toys. We saw Mickey Mouse and Popeye toys among the collection.
The bottles are also very unique and I had not seen anything like them before. Many of the bottles were very old and came in all shapes and sizes.
Carriages and Automobiles
The Automobile building has 11 automobiles from D.W.’s personal collection and many vintage carriages. There is a 1898 Steam Engine Locomobile, a 1902 Oldsmobile Run About, a 1906 Cadillac, a 1914 Dodge Touring Car, 1914 Oldsmobile, 1917 Twin 6 Packard, 1922 Franklin, 1927 Stutz 8, 1930 Model A Ford Cabriolet, 1935 Ford 4-door, and a 1948 Dodge Coupe. The 1902 Oldsmobile Run About is one of only 2 models made prior to a fire that destroyed the factory they were made in. All models were destroyed except this one and one in Australia. The 1922 Franklin is also very special and the Curator’s favorite, It has an aluminum engine and an aluminum body.
More Coming Soon!
They also have a Fluorescent Room to view some of the rocks under construction but will be Coming Soon!
The History
We have D.W. Correll to thank for the Museum and the majority of the collections within it.
Mr. Correll loved collecting a variety of things. He was an industrial management expert and he had a variety of hobbies and businesses. Mr. Correll opened his first museum in 1970 and bought the original Catoosa post office building to store some of his collections. The Post Office has since been replaced with two larger buildings.
D.W. traveled around the world and brought back fossils from Morocco, and many other things form outside of the U.S.A. The majority of the cars he restored himself. The strangest item in the museum was found by accident. Fluffy the mummified cat was found inside the walls of the old museum.
D.W. Correll passed away in 1998 leaving the museum to the citizens of Catoosa and for the world to enjoy his collections here on Route 66.
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The Location
Where is the D.W. Correll 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
Tuesday & Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday & Saturday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday
Phone Number
918-266-3612
Admission
Adults $3.00 | Under 18 Free | Seniors (62 & Over) $2.00
Events and Activities
On your next visit be sure to tell them Dylan from Family Travel Go sent you!
I want to Thank the Director/Curator Eric Hamshar and Archivist Bob Hicks 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!
Does this sound like something you and your family would enjoy?
Please share with your friends and plan a trip!
Let us know what you think in the comment section below!
Wow! Love your blog! I am a sucker for such valuable information. Nicely written!!!
OK has tons to do! Thanks for sharing!!