A Whimsical Welcome on the Mother Road
Few roadside attractions capture the joy and nostalgia of Route 66 quite like the Blue Whale of Catoosa. With its toothy grin, glistening blue paint, and whimsical presence beside a small pond, this larger-than-life fiberglass whale has been stopping travelers in their tracks since the 1970s. Located just off the historic Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma, the Blue Whale remains one of the most photographed and fondly remembered landmarks on the Mother Road.
The History of the Blue Whale of Catoosa
The Blue Whale was born out of love—literally. In the early 1970s, Hugh S. Davis, a zoologist and former director at the Tulsa Zoo, decided to build a surprise gift for his wife Zelta, who collected whale figurines. What began as a personal project quickly turned into a local marvel. With the help of a friend and local welder Harold Thomas, Davis constructed the 80-foot-long smiling whale on the edge of their family’s property.
Set beside a pond that Davis had already developed into a popular swimming hole known as Nature’s Acres, the whale quickly became the centerpiece of a free roadside attraction. Complete with slides from the whale’s side and a diving platform from its tail, the attraction grew in popularity throughout the 1970s and 1980s among Route 66 travelers and local families alike.
The Blue Whale and Route 66
During its heyday, Route 66 was America’s main east-west corridor, bringing thousands of families through small towns like Catoosa. The Blue Whale was ideally situated to catch their attention. Unlike corporate theme parks or high-dollar attractions, the Blue Whale offered a relaxed, down-to-earth experience emblematic of Route 66’s charm—spontaneous, local, and deeply personal.
The rise of the interstate system eventually bypassed many towns on Route 66, including Catoosa. As traffic diminished, so did visits to the whale. By the late 1980s, the site had fallen into disrepair. But like Route 66 itself, the Blue Whale was far from forgotten.
Restoration and Revival
In the 1990s, as interest in Route 66 nostalgia grew, locals and Route 66 enthusiasts began rallying around the Blue Whale. A significant restoration project took place with help from the Catoosa Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Route 66 Association, and the Davis family. The whale was repainted, the grounds were cleaned, and interpretive signs were added to honor the site’s quirky and lovable history.
Visiting the Blue Whale Today
Today, the Blue Whale of Catoosa is a free and welcoming attraction for anyone traveling the historic route. While swimming is no longer permitted for safety reasons, visitors are welcome to explore the whale from the inside out, walk along the dock, and take photos from every angle. Picnic tables and walking trails make it a great place to relax, and the gift shop offers Route 66 memorabilia and snacks.
The whale remains a favorite among Route 66 travelers, bloggers, and road-trippers seeking a taste of roadside Americana. Its smiling face has become a symbol not just of Oklahoma, but of the enduring spirit of Route 66.
Directions to the Blue Whale of Catoosa on Route 66
Address:
Blue Whale of Catoosa
2680 Oklahoma 66, Catoosa, OK 74015
From Tulsa (West of Catoosa):
- Take I-44 East (Will Rogers Turnpike) from Tulsa.
- Exit at 193rd East Avenue / Exit 240A toward Catoosa.
- Turn left (north) on 193rd East Ave.
- Continue about 1.5 miles.
- Turn right onto OK-66 (Historic Route 66).
- The Blue Whale will be on your right, just past the bridge over the creek. Look for signs and the big blue smile!
From Claremore (East of Catoosa):
- Take OK-66 West toward Catoosa.
- Continue on Route 66 for approximately 10 miles.
- After passing Redbud Valley Nature Preserve, look to your left for the Blue Whale.
- Turn into the clearly marked parking lot.
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: 36.1794
Longitude: -95.7134
The Blue Whale is well-signposted and easy to spot from Route 66, especially with its bright blue color and happy grin. Plenty of parking is available, and admission is free. Perfect for a quick stop or a leisurely picnic!
Final Thoughts
The Blue Whale of Catoosa is more than just a roadside sculpture—it’s a story of love, community, and the lasting magic of the Mother Road. For generations, it has brought smiles to children and adults alike, offering a joyful and unexpected encounter in the heart of Oklahoma. Whether you’re driving the full length of Route 66 or just passing through Tulsa, a stop at the Blue Whale is a must.
Don’t forget your camera—and your sense of wonder.
