If you’re cruising along Route 66 through Oklahoma and craving something offbeat, nostalgic, and downright charming, the Big Blue Whale in Catoosa is a must-see. It’s one of those roadside oddities that perfectly captures the spirit of old-school Americana—equal parts weird and wonderful, with just enough backstory to make it unforgettable.
Where Is It?
The Big Blue Whale is located in Catoosa, Oklahoma, just northeast of Tulsa along the legendary Route 66. You’ll find it right off the road in a small roadside park beside a pond. The exact address is:
2600 U.S. Route 66, Catoosa, OK 74015
GPS: [36.1894° N, 95.7457° W]
The Story Behind the Whale
Built in the early 1970s, the whale was never intended to become a Route 66 icon—it started as a simple, sweet gesture. Hugh Davis, a zoologist and former curator at the Tulsa Zoo, constructed the giant cement whale as an anniversary gift for his wife, Zelta, who loved whales and aquatic life.
Hugh and a friend, Harold Thomas, spent two years crafting the 80-foot-long creature out of concrete and pipe. They finished it in 1972, and almost immediately, it became a hit with locals and travelers alike. The family opened the area as a public swimming hole and picnic spot, adding slides off the whale’s tail and ladders to climb inside its belly.
For years, it served as a quirky summer hotspot. When the Davis family stopped maintaining it in the late ’80s, the whale began to decay—but like any good legend, it wasn’t down for long. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, volunteers and the Catoosa community restored the whale, giving it a fresh coat of bright blue paint and some much-needed love.
Today, it’s one of the most photographed attractions on the Mother Road.
What Can You Do There?
While you can’t swim anymore due to safety concerns, there’s still plenty to enjoy around this fin-tastic attraction:
- Climb inside the whale – Yep, it’s open to visitors! Kids and adults alike can walk into its hollow belly and peek out the porthole-like eyes.
- Take a photo – The whale is practically begging to be your next Instagram post.
- Picnic by the pond – There are shaded tables, a grassy area, and the peaceful sound of frogs and birds nearby.
- Visit the gift shop – Snag some Big Blue Whale merch, postcards, or Route 66 souvenirs.
- Check out the nearby arc – There’s a quirky display of whale-themed art, signs, and old photos that give you a deeper glimpse into the whale’s quirky past.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re making the Big Blue Whale part of a larger Route 66 adventure, there are several other local highlights worth hitting:
- D.W. Correll Museum (5 minutes away) – Antique cars, rocks, minerals, and a quirky collection of memorabilia.
- Blue Dome District in Tulsa (20 minutes away) – Historic downtown vibe, great restaurants, and neon signs.
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa (10 minutes away) – If you’re in the mood for a little gambling or a nice dinner.
- Route 66 Historical Markers and Neon Signs – Plenty of photo ops and small roadside treasures along the way.
When to Go
The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free. If you’re passing through in the summer, expect a few more visitors and possibly events or festivals. Spring and fall are ideal for weather and photos, with fewer crowds.
Whether you’re doing the full Route 66 run or just breezing through Oklahoma, the Big Blue Whale is one of those stops that makes the journey feel like an adventure. It’s strange. It’s sweet. It’s blue. And it’s got more personality than most modern tourist traps combined.
So next time you’re near Catoosa… make a splash, pull over, and say hi to the whale.
