The name Oologah, pronounced oo’-la-gawh, is a Cherokee word meaning “dark cloud.”

This area is the birthplace of Oklahoma’s best-loved and most famous citizen, Will Rogers, who was born halfway between Claremore and the lake’s namesake. “I usually say I was born in Claremore for convenience,” he once said, “because nobody but an Indian can pronounce ‘Oologah.’ “

Oologah Lake provides a great getaway for fishing, boating, picnicking, or camping. Oologah Lake is one of the best sailing lakes in the southwest, with 29,500 acres of water lying north and south.

The lake is popular for all types of boating and water skiing, with 14 public boat ramps. The forested hills around the lake provide excellent hunting opportunities. Eleven public use areas scattered around the lake.