Blue Whale
Catoosa, OK
Photo courtesy Kelly Coalier

Catoosa’s Blue Whale is one friendly moby worth visiting along Route 66. Hugh Davis built the giant between 1970 and 1972 as an anniversary gift for his wife, Zelta. It soon became a swimming and picnic spot, though swimming is no longer permitted.

At 80 feet long, the whale remains hard to overlook. I visited just before the new visitor center opened, and the large building took some getting used to. Still, it seems a small price to pay if it helps preserve this familiar roadside friend. 07-07

UPDATE: The whale reopened following major improvements in 2026, including the visitor center, walking paths and playground. More than fifty years on, it remains a favorite Oklahoma Route 66 stop. 06-26