Oklahoma Military Academy Museum
Explore a vast collection of over 12,000 firearms, Native American artifacts, and local history. Free admission!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Oklahoma Military Academy Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vast collection of over 12,000 firearms, Native American artifacts, and local history. Free admission!
"Amazing museum with an extensive collection of Indian artifacts, Oklahoma and local Claremore history displays, with a well organized very large incredible Arms collection."
Donations Welcome! 🙏
Admission is free, but donations are crucial for maintaining this incredible collection. Give what you can!
Allow Plenty of Time ⏳
You'll need 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the vastness of the firearms and other historical displays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Extensive Firearms Collection
Thousands of civilian and military firearms, from flintlocks to modern semi-automatics. A true paradise for gun enthusiasts.
Outlaw Weapons Display
See firearms used by famous criminals of the 1920s and 30s, alongside intriguing historical artifacts.
Native American Artifacts
Discover a significant collection of Native American artifacts, offering insights into the region's rich cultural heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Collection
Beyond the Firearms
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Conversion bayonet.
Donations Welcome! 🙏
Admission is free, but donations are crucial for maintaining this incredible collection. Give what you can!
Allow Plenty of Time ⏳
You'll need 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the vastness of the firearms and other historical displays.
Wheelchair Friendly ♿
The entire museum is on one level, making it easily accessible for everyone.
More Than Just Guns 🏹
Explore Native American artifacts, local history, and even a Stein collection. Something for everyone!
Tips
from all over the internet
Donations Welcome! 🙏
Admission is free, but donations are crucial for maintaining this incredible collection. Give what you can!
Allow Plenty of Time ⏳
You'll need 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the vastness of the firearms and other historical displays.
Wheelchair Friendly ♿
The entire museum is on one level, making it easily accessible for everyone.
More Than Just Guns 🏹
Explore Native American artifacts, local history, and even a Stein collection. Something for everyone!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Gun Museum for its incredibly extensive and diverse collection, especially its firearms. The free admission is a major draw, and many appreciate the breadth of exhibits beyond guns, including Native American artifacts and local history. The accessibility and friendly staff also receive positive mentions, though some note the information cards are brief.
"This museum and displays were great! The staff and woman at the front was very welcoming. Entrance is free yet we donated to help them continue maintaining these displays. 👍
We walked up and down each display vase and were there for 2.5 hours.
They have a video about Davis, lots of photos and articles.
The cases are displayed well and cards to educate you on the items.
They not only have MANY firearms, plus knives, swords, attire, horse saddles and spurs. A Stein collection, some personal art pieces and so much more. Don’t miss going to see for yourself!
It’s also nice they had places to sit in case your feet get tired."
Janet Quinn
"This was not my first visit to the museum but it was worth it all the same. If you enjoy the history of firearms this is the museum for you. The collection is huge and one thing that makes it so interesting is it focus on civilian firearms. Yes, there are military firearms in the collection but I would guess that less then 150 of those are on display. The vast majority of firearms on display are civilian target and hunting models from flintlocks to modern semi-automatic repeaters.
About the only thing I could complain about is that the information plates are fairly bare-bones with generally make, model, type, caliber, and year of manufacture.
The collection is laid out logically however and you can follow it such that you essentially get a history of sporting arms going back several hundred years. I did not notice any glaring errors on any of the displays and I am fairly conversant with firearms although not a gun geek by any means. There is a also a pretty decent section in the museum on railroad history.
One of the most interesting section is the outlaw section where they have displayed some of the weapons used by famous criminals of the 20's and 30's and an interesting display of used hangman's nooses.
Admission is free although they do accept donations and there is a small gift shop that is mostly full of Route 66 gear and not gun museum stuff.
This museum is well worth the 2 hours or so it takes to visit."
Patrick Shrier
"Amazing museum with an extensive collection of Indian artifacts, Okahoma and local Claremore history displays, with a well organized very large incredible Arms collection. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Could visit there many times and still see displays and learn interesting history."
Lisa McKaughan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Claremore, Oklahoma. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors arrive as part of a Route 66 road trip, as it's near the historic highway.
Public transportation options directly to the museum are limited. It's best to plan your visit with a personal vehicle or rideshare service.
The museum is often referred to as the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Gun Museum. Using this name in your GPS will ensure you find it easily.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the museum is free! However, they gratefully accept donations to help maintain their extensive collections and exhibits.
As admission is free, there are no discounts. However, the value of the experience far exceeds any potential cost.
Operating hours can vary, so it's always best to check their official website or call ahead before your visit to confirm current opening and closing times.
Since admission is free, advance booking is not necessary. You can simply walk in during operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the museum's vast collections. You could easily spend longer if you're a history or firearms enthusiast.
Yes, the museum offers a variety of exhibits that can be interesting for children, including historical artifacts and interactive elements like a virtual shooting range.
Absolutely! The museum thoughtfully provides seating areas throughout the exhibits, which is great for those who need a break.
Yes, the museum is entirely on one level and is very wheelchair friendly, making it accessible for all visitors.
Beyond firearms, you'll find extensive displays of Native American artifacts, local Oklahoma history, railroad history, outlaw memorabilia, and even a collection of Steins.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum does not have an on-site cafe or restaurant. However, there are several dining options available in the nearby town of Claremore.
It's generally recommended to consume food and drinks outside the exhibit areas to help preserve the artifacts. Check with staff upon arrival for specific policies.
Claremore offers a variety of local eateries, from casual diners to more established restaurants. Ask the museum staff for local recommendations.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. It's always best to confirm the specific policy with museum staff upon entry.
The diverse exhibits, from the detailed firearms to the historical artifacts, offer numerous visually interesting opportunities. The outlaw section and the Native American displays are particularly striking.
Avoid using flash, and be mindful of other visitors. Tripods or professional photography equipment may require special permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The museum's layout is entirely on one level, making it wheelchair and stroller accessible, which is a huge plus for families. There are also plenty of places to sit and rest if little legs get tired. The free admission is also a significant benefit for family outings. Encourage kids to look for different types of weapons and historical items to make it an engaging learning experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Plan to spend a good chunk of time here, as you can easily dedicate 2-3 hours to exploring the vast collections. Pack your own snacks and water, as there are no dining facilities on-site, and enjoy a rich cultural experience without breaking the bank. It's a fantastic way to experience local history and a unique collection on a shoestring budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Gun Museum Collection
Beyond the sheer number of guns, the museum excels in its presentation. Displays are logically laid out, allowing visitors to follow a chronological or thematic progression. Informative cards provide essential details like make, model, caliber, and year of manufacture, though some visitors note they are 'bare-bones.' The collection also extends to knives, swords, attire, saddles, spurs, and even a notable Stein collection, offering a multi-faceted look at historical craftsmanship and personal effects.
What truly sets this museum apart is its commitment to preserving and showcasing a significant piece of American history. The inclusion of sections on Native American artifacts, local Oklahoma history, and even outlaw memorabilia adds layers of context and interest, making it more than just a gun museum. It's a repository of regional heritage and a testament to the diverse interests of its founder, J.M. Davis.
Exploring Claremore's Rich History
The museum also dedicates space to local Oklahoma and Claremore history, connecting the broader narrative of the state with the specific heritage of the town. This includes displays on early settlers, local industries, and notable figures. For those interested in transportation history, a surprisingly robust railroad history section is also present, showcasing artifacts and information related to the development of rail travel in the area.
Adding a touch of intrigue, the museum features an 'outlaw section' that displays weapons used by famous criminals from the 1920s and 30s, alongside other historical curiosities. This blend of historical periods and themes ensures that visitors, regardless of their primary interest, will find something captivating within the museum's walls. The friendly and knowledgeable staff further enhance the experience, often sharing additional historical context.
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