Parts of this park are Temporarily Closed for Renovations!
~currently The Blue Whale of Catoosa is OSHA compliant, complete with his own personal hard hat!
The Blue Whale of Catoosa might not scream “romance” at first glance, but stick with me—it’s actually a love story for the ages. Why? Because this giant concrete whale wasn’t just built by a man in the 1970s—it was built for love, as an anniversary gift for Hugh Davis’s wife, Zelta, who adored whales.
The Blue Whale started as a private swimming hole and eventually became a beloved Route 66 roadside attraction. Families splashed in the pond, picnicked on the shore, and climbed on the whale’s back for decades. But in the 1980s and 90s, the whale fell into disrepair—and the city council once considered chopping it up, keeping only the tail, and building a new park around it.
Enter the true love story: the community. People petitioned, rallied, and fought to save the whole whale. And they succeeded! Today, the Blue Whale is restored, OSHA compliant, and still delighting visitors—though swimming is no longer allowed. The ark, mushrooms, and other whimsical structures are in storage, being restored, thanks to passionate volunteers who loved this quirky slice of Americana enough to save it.
The Blue Whale of Catoosa
At about 80 feet long, the whale sits partially submerged in a spring-fed pond. Bright blue paint and a cheerful red smile make it impossible to miss from the road. You can climb the ladder on the tail to peek inside (tight squeeze, but worth it!).
Other Quirky Structures on the Property
The property doesn’t stop with the whale. Other whimsical concrete sculptures—mushrooms, a lighthouse-style building, and various animals—add to the charm. The large ark structure is being restored, along with other pieces, so you’ll get the full quirky experience again in the future.
Ongoing Restoration Efforts
Local volunteers and Route 66 preservation groups have kept the Blue Whale afloat (literally and figuratively). Donations help maintain the site and fund ongoing restoration.
Visitor Information
Address: 2600 N Highway 66, Catoosa, OK 74015
Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
Cost: Free (donations appreciated)
Parking: Small gravel lot on-site
Pet-Friendly: Yes, dogs on leash
Accessibility: Grounds accessible; climbing the whale requires ladder use
Frequently Asked Questions about The Blue Whale of Catoosa
Can you swim in the pond? No, swimming is no longer allowed.
Is it open year-round? Yes, weather permitting.
How long does it take to visit? 20-30 minutes.
Anything else nearby? Plenty! Route 66 is full of quirky stops and diners.
Who maintains it? Local volunteers and preservation groups. Donations welcome.
The Blue Whale of Catoosa is more than a roadside oddity—it’s a monument to community, nostalgia, and love for something delightfully weird. If you’re on Route 66, don’t just drive by—stop, climb, smile, and remember why the people of Catoosa fought to keep this whale whole.
Check out more Route 66 oddities on our Things To Do in Oklahoma page or explore more travel tips and quirky stops on our Homepage.