blue whale of catoosa

Blue Whale of Catoosa

The Blue Whale of Catoosa has become a beloved historic landmark along Route 66. The Blue Whale was originally built by Hugh S. Davis, a zoologist and family man who envisioned the whale as a special place where his grandchildren could play and swim in the nearby pond. His sketches of the mammal grew until they reached 20 feet tall and 80 feet long. With the help of a friend, Harold Thomas, the duo spent two years welding the metal framework and applying the hand-mixed cement, one five-gallon bucket at a time.

After the whale's completion in July 1972, it attracted visitors from all over and became a place where people swam, fished and picnicked. It is still owned and operated by Davis' daughter, though swimming is no longer available. Over the years, there have been many efforts to refurbish the whale with new paint and facilities.

Pack a picnic lunch and head to the Blue Whale for a fun-filled day of fishing. This quirky attraction also has seasonal restroom facilities. Explore the different angles of this jovial concrete mammal and you'll find a small ladder leading into a secret compartment in the whale's head. This area has been a family favorite for generations and continues to be a must-see for any traveler on Route 66.

Credit: TravelOK

Find Us

Location:

2600 US Route 66, Catoosa, OK 74015

Hours:

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Saturday-Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm

Phone:

918-857-0676

Email Us

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whale viewed from across lake

Photo credit: Oklahoma Route 66 Association

Plan Your Visit

Pricing: Free admission

Tours: Guided tours and self-guided tours available

Group Amenities:

  • Advance Group Reservations Required

  • Bus/Motorcoach Parking

  • Tour Group Welcome Reception

The Blue Whale Is a Gem! Love this quirky Route 66 attraction! Must see if you are traveling thru OK. The whale will just make you smile and great photo opportunity. Cute little gift shop with some cute gift items. The story behind the whale is sweet and so glad the town of Catoosa saved this wonderful landmark!

Diann A  

   TripAdvisor

two men in front of blue whale
family in front of blue whale
bikers in front of blue whale
Blue Whale Event-in mouth of blue whale

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In the Media

The Blue Whale of Catoosa has been featured in:

  • The comic strip Zippy the Pinhead

  • The British television series An Idiot Abroad (season 2 episode 6)

  • The Food Network show, The Great Food Truck Race (season 6, episode 5, "Roadside Attractions")

  • American Pickers (episode entitled "On the Road Again")

  • A television advertisement for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC titled "Attractions"

  • A television advertisement for Phillips 66 as part of their "Live to the Full" series.

Credit: Wikipedia

oklahoma route 66 association

distances to cities pole

Photo credit: Oklahoma Route 66 Association