Blue Whale of Catoosa
4.5(4.4K)google
4.4(90)yelp
Road TripWildlifeFree
Overview
The Blue Whale of Catoosa is one of the most beloved, recognizable, and whimsical roadside landmarks along the historic Route 66, situated just east of Tulsa. Built in the early 1970s by Hugh S. Davis as an anniversary gift for his wife, this massive, smiling iron and cement waterfront sculpture stretches 80 feet long and sits in a peaceful pond. Visitors can walk directly inside the whale's mouth, climb up to its blowhole viewing deck, and explore the surrounding shaded picnic grounds. Serving as a nostalgic emblem of mid-century American road-trip culture, it continues to capture the hearts of global travelers looking to photograph a unique piece of classic Americana history.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration0.5-1 hour
Best TimeThis legendary mid-century Route 66 monument is best visited between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM on a sunny day from spring to summer. Crisp morning light perfectly illuminates the whimsical hand-built turquoise cement whale floating on the pond, offering vibrant contrast for iconic photography.
Getting ThereLocated on historic Route 66 at 2670 Hwy 66 in Catoosa, 15 miles northeast of Tulsa. Drive via Interstate 44 East to Exit 240, merge onto OK Highway 66 North, and proceed for 2 miles. The giant blue whale sits directly on the west side of the highway with an unpaved complimentary gravel lot.
Travel Tips
- The vintage metallic ladders inside the whale structural tail do not meet ADA codes. Never climb barefoot or in flip-flops, and swimming or fishing in the pond is banned.
- The gift shack operates conditionally on peak weekends, and no plumbed public restrooms exist on site. Stop at nearby Interstate 44 travel plazas for plumbing facilities.
Reviews
Positive
- This famous Route 66 giant blue whale statue is visually classic and fun, packed with nostalgic retro Americana core value and living up to its name.
- The slide on the whale's back and the pond surroundings are kept clean and tidy; the shaded lakeside exudes an authentic, rural peace.
- It is completely free to the public, with a spacious free gravel parking lot right by the roadside, making it a time-saving, wallet-friendly road trip stop.
- The on-site caretakers are very amiable, pointing out the best photo angles and providing clean outdoor picnic pavilions and trash bins.
Heads up
- This is a tiny single photo stop; except for walking onto the whale structure for a picture, there are zero other interactive entertainment facilities.
- Set in a natural wild pond environment, summer mosquitoes and flies are numerous, and there are no modern indoor flushing restrooms built onsite.
- For safety and historic preservation reasons, swimming or wading in the pond around the whale is strictly banned, disappointing some guests.
- Surrounding commercial amenities are extremely scarce, with no high-quality dining, cafes, or gift shops nearby for food or refreshments.