Blue Whale of Catoosa
A giant, smiling concrete whale on Route 66, Catoosa, Oklahoma. A quirky, iconic roadside attraction perfect for photos and feeding wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more photo ops
Blue Whale of Catoosa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more photo ops
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A giant, smiling concrete whale on Route 66, Catoosa, Oklahoma. A quirky, iconic roadside attraction perfect for photos and feeding wildlife.
"Cute little roadside attraction. They have a small store and bathrooms. It’s a unique OK experience."
Bring cash for snacks
Small shop sells souvenirs & turtle food. Cash is often preferred! :moneybag:
Feed the wildlife!
Buy food to feed the turtles & catfish in the pond. They love it! :fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Blue Whale
Main attraction
A giant, smiling concrete whale, a quintessential Route 66 roadside attraction. Perfect for photos!
Feeding the Turtles & Catfish
Pond surrounding the whale
Purchase food to delight the numerous turtles and catfish that call the pond home. A hit with all ages!
Picnic & Relax
Designated picnic areas
Enjoy a meal or a break in the shade at the picnic tables surrounding the whale.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Route 66 Icon: Plan Your Visit
What to Expect at the Blue Whale
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring cash for snacks
Small shop sells souvenirs & turtle food. Cash is often preferred! :moneybag:
Feed the wildlife!
Buy food to feed the turtles & catfish in the pond. They love it! :fish:
Perfect photo op
The whale is a classic Route 66 photo spot. Get creative with your shots! :camerawithflash:
Restroom break
Clean restrooms available on-site for a convenient stop. :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring cash for snacks
Small shop sells souvenirs & turtle food. Cash is often preferred! :moneybag:
Feed the wildlife!
Buy food to feed the turtles & catfish in the pond. They love it! :fish:
Perfect photo op
The whale is a classic Route 66 photo spot. Get creative with your shots! :camerawithflash:
Restroom break
Clean restrooms available on-site for a convenient stop. :toilet:
Pack a picnic
Enjoy lunch at the picnic tables. A great way to break up a road trip. :sandwich:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Blue Whale of Catoosa to be a charming and nostalgic Route 66 icon, perfect for a quick photo stop and a unique experience. While it's not an attraction with extensive activities, the opportunity to feed the turtles and enjoy the picnic areas adds to its appeal. Some note the pond isn't for swimming and the shop hours can be inconsistent.
"Cute little roadside attraction. They have a small store and bathrooms. It’s a unique OK experience but unless you are fishing there is not much here. You can’t swim, the water looks pretty gross anyway. But you can feed the catfish and turtles! That was fun."
Bethany Jones
"Amazing stop on my way to tulsa. Such an iconic route 66 location. Had a really nice clean bathroom, and picnic areas. Really enjoyed walking around the small park around the Whale. They are getting ready to build a new visitor center there. Shop was closed at 2 pm for some reason. Only downside while I was there. Please stop and experience this classic Americana."
Elijah Wogoman
"Cute little place to visit. You can fish, but you can't swim (even though the whale has 2 sides into the water). I loved the tables and all the decorations."
Laura Skinner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Blue Whale of Catoosa is located directly on historic Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma, just east of Tulsa. It's easily accessible by car and a popular stop for those driving the Mother Road.
Yes, the Blue Whale is a very prominent roadside attraction and is hard to miss when you're on Route 66 in Catoosa. Look for the giant blue structure!
Most visitors arrive by car, as it's a classic road trip destination. If you're flying in, Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is the closest major airport, about a 20-minute drive away.
Public transportation directly to the Blue Whale is limited. It's primarily a destination for road trippers driving their own vehicles.
Absolutely! The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a perfect quick day trip from Tulsa, located only about 16 miles east.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit the Blue Whale of Catoosa. It's a free roadside attraction for everyone to enjoy.
The Blue Whale itself is always accessible as an outdoor attraction. The nearby gift shop and facilities may have specific operating hours, typically during daylight.
Entry to the Blue Whale of Catoosa is free. You can stop, take photos, and enjoy the grounds without any cost.
While the grounds are generally accessible, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the attraction and take photos.
No booking is required. The Blue Whale is a public roadside attraction, so you can stop by anytime.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
The best photo spots are right in front of the whale, from the sides, and even from the pond's edge. Get creative with angles and include the pond and surrounding nature!
No, swimming is no longer allowed in the pond. It was once a swimming hole, but now it's primarily for viewing and feeding the aquatic life.
You can feed the turtles and catfish, enjoy the picnic areas, and explore the small park around the whale. It's a relaxing stop.
Yes, kids often love feeding the animals and climbing on the whale (with supervision). It's a fun, quirky stop for families. +1
Hugh S. Davis built the Blue Whale in the early 1970s as an anniversary gift for his wife, Zelta, who collected whale figurines. It was originally a fun place for his grandchildren. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are some local diners and fast-food options in Catoosa, a short drive from the Blue Whale. For a more extensive selection, Tulsa offers many choices.
Yes, there are picnic tables available, making it a great spot to enjoy a packed lunch or snacks.
There is a small gift shop that may sell snacks and drinks, but it's best to bring your own food for a picnic.
The Blue Whale itself doesn't serve food, but the nearby town of Catoosa has typical American diner fare and fast food.
While specific options vary, larger towns like Tulsa will offer more diverse dining choices that can accommodate vegetarian or vegan preferences.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Route 66 Enthusiasts
Take your time to appreciate the kitsch, snap plenty of photos, and perhaps grab a souvenir from the small shop. It's a perfect quick stop to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in Americana.📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
Experiment with different angles, incorporate the pond and surrounding landscape, and capture the essence of this quirky landmark. It's a popular spot for selfies and creative shots that are sure to stand out on social media. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the Blue Whale
Davis envisioned it as a fun, whimsical spot for his grandchildren to play, creating a unique destination along the historic Route 66. Initially, the Blue Whale served as a popular swimming hole, with visitors enjoying the cool waters of the pond.
Over time, the pond's use for swimming ceased, but the whale's charm endured. Today, it remains a beloved landmark, drawing tourists and locals alike who are captivated by its quirky appeal and the nostalgic atmosphere it evokes. The family of Hugh Davis has continued to maintain the attraction, ensuring its legacy lives on as a cherished piece of Route 66 history. The whale itself is a large, hand-sculpted concrete structure, measuring approximately 80 feet long and 20 feet tall.
Its bright blue paint and friendly smile make it an instantly recognizable icon. Visitors can still interact with the site by feeding the abundant turtles and catfish that inhabit the pond, a simple yet delightful activity that connects them to the natural surroundings. Experiencing the Blue Whale Today
+1One of the most popular activities is feeding the local wildlife. Visitors can purchase food to toss to the numerous turtles and catfish that populate the pond surrounding the whale. This interactive element adds a layer of fun, especially for families with children, who delight in watching the animals eagerly approach for a snack.
The Blue Whale is a photographer's dream, offering endless opportunities for creative shots. Whether you're capturing the grandeur of the whale itself, the playful interactions with the wildlife, or the nostalgic Route 66 signage, the photo potential is immense.
It’s a place that encourages a sense of wonder and a playful appreciation for the quirky side of travel, making it a memorable stop on any journey along the Mother Road.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit