This week, I was honored to join the Visit Claremore team and other tourism partners across Rogers County to celebrate the launch of an exciting new initiative, Discover Rogers County! Through collaborative efforts, the effort aims to position our region as a premier destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences and unforgettable adventures. 

The Rogers County Tourism Interlocal Cooperative was formed by the Rogers County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) utilizing American Rescue Plan funding. Board members are appointed from each of the county’s eight communities, as well as a representative from the Rogers County BOCC. The goal of the group is to bolster tourism and grow our local economy. 

For generations, Rogers County has been a hub that brings people and places together through must-see experiences like the iconic Blue Whale, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, the World’s Largest Totem Pole, and of course, historic Route 66. From the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum and the Belvidere Mansion, this iconic stretch of highway continues to be a top tourist attraction for people around the globe. In Claremore, Route 66 continues to be a significant tourism driver, attracting thousands of visitors each year. 

In 2023, Claremore welcomed more than 245,000 visitors to our community. As guests enjoy local attractions and experiences, they eat at area restaurants, stay at our hotels and shop at our community retail destinations. The tax dollars generated from those purchases support critical city operations and infrastructure improvements. The estimated impact of visitors spending in our community this year was $42,224,837. 

Discover Rogers County exemplifies the potential benefits that can be realized through effective local collaboration. I am excited to watch the impact this group has on our community in the coming years. If you have not already, I encourage you to visit discoverrogerscounty.com and learn more about the adventures that await in your own backyard. You can also connect with the initiative on Facebook and Instagram by searching Discover Rogers County. 

Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday season! 

John W. Feary
Claremore City Manager