The Catoosa center point is around 1 mile east of DW Correll Museum and 1 mile southeast of Catoosa Historical Museum.
Catoosa has hot and muggy summers, with temperatures in the mid-90s, and a few days a month of rainfall. Spring is short-lived, with temperatures starting to creep up in March, averaging in the mid-60s and increasing over April and May into the 80s. Fall is similar to spring, and temperatures in winter average in the mid-40s for highs and upper-20s for lows.
The area receives an average of 43 inches of rain annually, with just nine inches of snow annually.
Catoosa is the site of a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Owned and operated by the Cherokee tribe, it is the site of musical events year-round. On days with a particularly popular music act, hotel rates may be higher.
The Hampton Inn & Suites Catoosa / Tulsa offers king, queen, two queen rooms, and suites with interior hallway access doors. Traditional Hampton hospitality includes free parking, clean and fresh bed linens, free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen televisions. Discounts are available off the already-affordable rates: Seniors can receive up to 10% off, and government employees and military families can receive a discount as well. AAA rates are 15% off.
Just three miles from Catoosa in Tulsa, the Clarion Inn Tulsa International Airport is a great value for king, queen, two queens, or two double bed rooms. There are 110 rooms with interior hallway access. The Clarion Inn is pet-friendly, and standard amenities include free parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, and complimentary hot breakfast. If you're traveling, there is a free airport shuttle as well.
Even if you don't plan to stay in the Hard Rock Hotel, you can visit the casino, the restaurants, or attend a show. The Joint is a 2,700-seat amphitheater that offers great seats for any act. Past musical guests have included Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire, KISS, and Kid Rock.
Its location along classic Route 66 means you can pick it up in Catoosa and go exploring. The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a great place to start. In 1970, a man named Hugh Davis surprised his wife with the 80-foot long blue whale he had built out of pipe and concrete on their property. It borders a pond with a diving board and a slide their kids used for fun.
Eventually, it became the feature of an attraction Hugh and his wife named Nature's Acres which included a replica Noah's Ark and a Trading Post. Though most of the attraction has fallen into decay, the whale is kept up with attention from locals and is a famous landmark along Route 66.
If you enjoy visiting vintage gas stations, this section of Route 66 has quite a few. Vickery's Phillips 66 Station was built in 1931 and is listed on the Historic Register of Places. It's a Cotswold Cottage-style station and now serves as an Avis car rental agency.
If history is your thing, a visit to the Tulsa Historical Society will teach you all you might want to know about Tulsa and the surrounding area. The museum is open from Tuesday - Friday and it has rotating exhibits with photographs and artifacts. The exhibitions explore the impact of social change and the oil industry on Oklahoma and its residents.
About 55 miles to the north in Bartlesville, you can learn about oil at the Phillips Petroleum Company Museum, with free admission Monday - Saturday. The Phillips Oil Company was founded in 1917 in Bartlesville by the Phillips brothers. The museum has information and exhibits about the influence of the oil industry in this area of Oklahoma.
Don't miss the Philbrook Art Museum, located in the sprawling historic residence of the Phillips family, and surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens. There is an additional location downtown. The collection is anchored around Native American artifacts and art, including baskets, pottery, paintings, and jewelry. The museums also house paintings and sculptures from various periods and artists.
If you love the outdoors, a visit to the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve features a one-mile hike along a variety of habitats, meant to inspire your love for nature and local plant and animal life. It's part of the Oxley Nature Center, and also includes a visitors' center.
To learn about how to explore Cherokee history in the area, visit the Cherokee Nation Welcome Center in Tulsa. Once there, you'll be guided on where you can go to find tour information, maps, and site planning for your exploration of the area's important Native American history.
If you want a road trip along Route 66 from Catoosa, you might consider stopping by Clinton, Oklahoma, to visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. There, you'll learn about the history of transportation and the role Route 66 played in the car travel movement of the United States. You'll see memorabilia, artifacts, signs, and much more on display. This will make it easy to plan the next phase of your Route 66 journey.
The town of Catoosa, Oklahoma is known for its important presence in the inland shipping system along the Arkansas River. Situated along historic Route 66 and part of Cherokee Nation, the area is rich with history and places to explore. There are many hotel options in and around Catoosa for every price point and taste level. Whether you're looking for a luxury casino experience or a simple and affordable place to rest your head in between adventures, Catoosa is a fine place to visit.
Below are reviews of the city of Catoosa, OK from an actual visitor's perspective.
Easily located near the interstate (yet quiet), plenty of shopping and food nearby. With the casino next door there is plenty of entertainment within walking distance if you choose.
Easily located near the interstate (yet quiet), plenty of shopping and food nearby. With the casino next door there is plenty of entertainment within walking distance if you choose.
We enjoyed Hard Rock Casino and eating at Carvers. We were celebrating our 30th anniversary.
Visited the zoo.
Hot tub and swimming pool area is awesome!
Casino
Casino!
Friendly small town with easy access to entertainment and fun.
Casino!
The softball complex!
Everyone is very kind!
Nice and quiet!
Lots of places to eat and shop very close to the hotel.
Just passing through. Did eat at restaurant called I Don't Care and it was wonderful!!
Hard Rock Casino
Lots of choices for food and shopping