What’s there to do in Oklahoma?
Take a cruise down Route 66 and visit the Blue Whale 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 Blue Whale?
The Blue Whale is a large whale structure located on a pond on Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma. Ol’ Blue has been a prominent route 66 attraction since it was completed in 1972. You might recognize it from the 2019 Mercedes Commercial which played during the Super Bowl. It is a must see if traveling in Oklahoma or cruising Route 66.
Our Experiences with the whale
We have visited the Blue Whale many times on our adventures. I don’t recall my first visit, but I know I usually stop anytime I’m on that side of Oklahoma. We first took our oldest son Cash when he was only 4 years old and I have since taken my youngest son Cale multiple times. They love visiting and exploring the insides of the whale. We have also found Geocaches here and I once even flew my drone around the whale before the Oklahoma winds almost flew it away. (I need to go back and take a flight when its less windy)
What can you do at the Blue Whale in Catoosa?
Around the Whale
There are many things you can do when visiting the Blue Whale. The blue whale is a great spot to get out and take some photos. They have many picnic tables so bring a lunch. Also don’t worry they have free restrooms. (That were recently updated with a new sidewalk.) They even have a small trail where you can take a hike and see the whale from a different perspective, one that many people don’t ever see him from. If you are into fishing you can also bring a fishing pole and try to catch your own big fish! But, leave your swimming trunks at home, because you can no longer swim here.
Inside the Whale
You can climb up inside of the head of the whale and climb the whale’s tale. Both bring you interesting views of the area that are great for photos.
The Gift Shop
The gift shop is awesome, you can get a taste of the history and purchase a variety of whale and route 66 items. Also, can search and find a Geocache hidden in the area. (You can find out more from our Geocaching Article. (It’s an old one but its informative) and here is the link to the actual Geocache located here.
The History
We have Hugh S. Davis to thank for the Blue Whale. The pond started out as a swimming hole for his children and their friends and an ice rink for them to skate in the winter.
After Mr. Davis’ retirement from the Tulsa Zoo he worked on many projects and in 1960 he began to doodle pictures of a “fish” he wanted to build at the pond. He added up the costs for parts to build the whale costing over 1800.
His friend Harold Thomas welded the 20 ft tall 80 ft long whale. It took over 100 hours and he didn’t charge a dime. It took two years to build the whale over 2,920 hours of applying cement one 5 gallon bucket at a time. It was a surprise wedding anniversary gift for his wife Zelta. She collected whale figurines
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It started gaining attention and became a popular whale diving location from 11 am until dark everyday except Monday. The Whale temporarily closed from 1988 but later reopened by Dee Dee (Davis) Belt and her husband Dick.
Restoration and maintenance is an ongoing effort for the blue whale. Many volunteers, private companies included the Hampton Inn’s have given time and money to maintain the whale and the area.
The Location
Where exactly is the Blue Whale 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.
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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!
Check out our post about Crystal Digging and more at the Great Salt Plains State Park in Alfalfa, Oklahoma . It is near the Gloss Mountain State Park and can easily be added as a stop on your next road trip!
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!
We love roadside attractions like this! We’d torally stop for a lunch break and photo opp at the big blue whale next time we’re road tripping through Oklahoma!
The Catoosa Whale was one of our favorite roadside attractions during our family’s big cross-country road trip a few years ago. The kids were amazed that they could walk inside it! I wish I had known about the hiking trail there.
What a lovely, quirky attraction and a great potted history.
What a fun little stop! Love finding cool stuff like this.
That’s really cool! I’ve never heard of the Blue Whale in Oklahoma! Looks like a fun little stop to make with kids 🙂
I love finding quirky fun finds when I travel. I’m also dying to do the full route 66! I’m in the early planning stages but probably won’t hit the road for this for another year. Any tips?
I love travel souvenirs, and that gift shop looks like an interesting place to buy little gifts for friends and family back home 🙂