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Such a cool spot. Was there on a Monday around lunch time to try and watch The Great Race go by (which was a bust). The parking lot was packed (especially with a group of British bikers/Route 66 enthusiasts). The building was not opened which was a huge surprise because their FB page had actually advertised the Great Race event. There are a few picnic tables and I want to experience their Thursday night events from 4-7. It looks like they are alternating between a Farmers Market and an art event. Also Food Trucks on Friday.
Went to see the Blue Whale for the first time in our lives. I have seen many FB posts about celebrities making a stop in, shared by Tulsa Local News, of course!! I know it was once part of a swimming hole for all ages up into the 80s or so. I'm not keen on how far the Blue Whale went until now a Route 66 site-see. The museum and gift shop opened a week later from this visit. This is a unique place. You'll feel happy here while making a visit. Maybe the days of your childhood reminisce' will pay you a visit too!!
Such a fun and unique stop! The Blue Whale is a classic Route 66 roadside attraction that didn't disappoint. We took some great photos with the family and enjoyed walking around the pond. It had a laid-back, nostalgic feel that made the visit really special. A cool piece of Americana--definitely 5 stars!
What a cute little spot along historic Rt. 66. Looks like it once had a play area attached. There is a small gift shop with some Rt. 66 items like pins and key chains. Originally opened in the 1970's it grew over time and eventually became a popular spot for locals to swim. The gift shop attendant said it was $0.25/person to swim. The owners hired life guards and installed picnic tables. The large parking area is dirt. Restrooms are on site. Swimming is no longer available and fishing is 'catch and release'. A sign post by the entrance lists points of interest and how far away they are.
So much fun hitting all the Route 66 kitschy spots. While you can no longer swim in this lake it is so much fun to go take pics and walk around. There was a family with young kids fishing off the side of the tail but they released it and said they wouldn't eat the fish there. There is a mock up drawing of a new visitor center that they are building there but they haven't started and I have no idea when it will be done. Can't wait to go back -3x is a charm!
The Blue whale is one of the attractions along Historic Route 66 near Tulsa. The blue whale is located at Catoosa on northeast of Tulsa. The blue whale is built 1970 anniversary gift from the artist to his wife. I am guessing he wants to show a blue whale in the pond for his wife personal pet. If you are there, the blue whale mid section and tail has ladders. It means the lake was swim able. The blue is very visible to public. Whale is very cute for pictures. There is a picnic table and stool. The stool leg look like whale too. The is a restroom facility at the attractions. Now the blue whale own by city.
We love the Blue Whale on Rt 66! It is a classic roadside attraction that is a must-see right off the highway in Catoosa. The Whale is on a small lake that used to be a swimming hole. Now there is no swimming, but you can fish (catch and release) and walk on the whale to explore and feed the fish and turtles. I believe it is open dawn to dusk. There are outdoor bathrooms and there's a small gift shop. A snow cone food truck is in the parking lot during the day and has great prices. Good photo ops with signs and info along with picnic tables, chalk for coloring the sidewalk, and benches. Big gravel lot for parking. Check it out!
Built out of love by a man for his wife and family it became a Route 66 landmark starting in 1972 when he finished it . You can no longer swim there but it's a chance to step back on time if you close your eyes and listen real Good you can hear the children's laughter
Nice little touristy stop off Route 66. We were in Catoosa for a training and this was close by so we stopped. The whale itself is the main attraction. You can walk in it, climb up it, fish from the deck or enjoy a seat around the lake and view it from afar. There a small lake here with plenty of seating for a place to get out and stretch your legs. We took a couple selfies with the whale, walked through it and enjoyed the view from a far - all in about 5 minutes! There were signs for sno-cones but we didn't partake. This is a quick stop if you want or a long one if you want to enjoy the scenery.
This whale is super cute and has a sweet creation story. Some reviews say it is not clean but on 9/4/23 it was perfectly clean and welcoming and had some spots to walk, sit and enjoy. The gift store is great, and cashiers were from the town and friendly. There are so few things that are free nowadays, nice to just be able to take in a little piece of someone's art and be on the grass. It's pretty simple folks- it's a blue whale. If that doesn't sound interesting to you, probably shouldn't come. Respect the art
The Blue Whale was really cool to see in person! It's clearly visible from the highway and even better up close in person! It's pretty easy to imagine the whale in its heyday, full of kids and adults diving or sliding off into the water. It is a nicely restored glimpse into the distant past. Definitely worth a stop for some photos! Note: don't use the bathrooms. They don't seem to be kept up at all and since they are 'outdoors' I saw a massive spider right next to the women's toilet that looked like he was going to come after me! Pee elsewhere.
One of Route 66 "The Mother Road"'s top 10 landmarks lies here in Catoosa, east of Tulsa. There's a lot of history to this, as this dates back to 1972, ironically when the Mother Road was losing its status as a main highway because of Interstate construction. In nearly two decades (up until 1988), this was a swimming hole for locals and tourists. The whale has been beautifully restored over the years, thanks to tireless volunteer work. The slides are still visible on the whale, and of course no one is recommended to slide down them. You can climb up the stairs into the whale's head or tail, but be strongly advised - do it at your own risk. The ladders are very narrow. It's all good, as the novelty sort of wears off after 15 minutes. People apparently are allowed to fish in the lake, so don't be surprised to see some people there. Side note: the bathrooms are very interesting. Also, there apparently is/was a gift shop or a place where an attendant is usually at - but there was nobody there and the small building was locked when I was there. I read somewhere that souvenirs are sold there. I hope they didn't have Blue Whale shot glasses, because that's what I collect! Overall, this Route 66 icon is recommended. Some may be shaking their heads at this, but any 66-er knows how much this place means to the Mother Road community.
The Blue Whale of Catoosa has been on my Route 66 bucket list for quite a while, and I'm glad we finally made the stop. At first glance, you might wonder why people travel miles to see a giant blue whale. Then you get there, walk through it, read the story behind it, and it all starts to make sense. What began as a whimsical anniversary gift from Hugh Davis to his wife Zelta has become one of the most recognizable landmarks on the Mother Road. The recent restoration is impressive. The visitor center does an excellent job sharing the history, the grounds are clean and well maintained, and the whale looks fantastic. Walking through the whale's mouth and out the tail brought out the kid in me, while the historical displays gave me a new appreciation for the people who created it. This isn't a place where you'll spend half a day--20 to 30 minutes is about right--but it's absolutely worth the stop. It's fun, nostalgic, family-friendly, and one of those Route 66 attractions you'll be talking about long after you leave. One piece of advice for fellow Oklahoma Route 66 Passport travelers: don't get so caught up exploring that you forget to get your passport stamped...like I did! No worries--the Blue Whale gave me the perfect excuse to plan another trip down Route 66. read more
The Blue Whale is a historic landmark along Route 66 in Catoosa, OK. It was a stop we wanted to make rain or shine during our Route 66 Centennial Celebration road trip in the Midwest. My eldest daughter and I did just that. Yes, it was raining cats and dogs. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to walk outside to be closer to the Blue Whale. We did our best to capture some photos from a far of its 20 feel tall and 80 feet long frame. There is a visitor center that holds the history of its loving story. We didn't get to walk inside the center either. It was slightly disappointing to come from a far and we didn't get to experience it the way we would have liked. Yes, we could have gotten out of the car and walked on over to the whale and center. However, we didn't bring an umbrella or any covering to keep us dry from the pouring rain. Lesson learned... bring an umbrella rain or shine! LOL No regrets... just fond memories of our wonderful experiences as it is meant to be. We just weren't meant to see the Blue Whale up close and personal. All good! I didn't know until after our trip that the Blue Whale of Catoosa was built in 1972 by zoologist Hugh Davis as an anniversary gift for his wife Zelta. It evolved from a private family swimming hole into a beloved free public attraction. If you ever get a chance to visit here, please give the Blue Whale a hug for me. Thank you! read more
Such a cool spot. Was there on a Monday around lunch time to try and watch The Great Race go by (which was a bust). The parking lot was packed (especially with a group of British bikers/Route 66 enthusiasts). The building was not opened which was a huge surprise because their FB page had actually advertised the Great Race event. There are a few picnic tables and I want to experience their Thursday night events from 4-7. It looks like they are alternating between a Farmers Market and an art event. Also Food Trucks on Friday. read more
3 months ago
Went to see the Blue Whale for the first time in our lives. I have seen many FB posts about celebrities making a stop in, shared by Tulsa Local News, of course!! I know it was once part of a swimming hole for all ages up into the 80s or so. I'm not keen on how far the Blue Whale went until now a Route 66 site-see. The museum and gift shop opened a week later from this visit. This is a unique place. You'll feel happy here while making a visit. Maybe the days of your childhood reminisce' will pay you a visit too!! read more
2 months ago
3 months ago
Such a fun and unique stop! The Blue Whale is a classic Route 66 roadside attraction that didn't disappoint. We took some great photos with the family and enjoyed walking around the pond. It had a laid-back, nostalgic feel that made the visit really special. A cool piece of Americana--definitely 5 stars! read more
What a cute little spot along historic Rt. 66. Looks like it once had a play area attached. There is a small gift shop with some Rt. 66 items like pins and key chains. Originally opened in the 1970's it grew over time and eventually became a popular spot for locals to swim. The gift shop attendant said it was $0.25/person to swim. The owners hired life guards and installed picnic tables. The large parking area is dirt. Restrooms are on site. Swimming is no longer available and fishing is 'catch and release'. A sign post by the entrance lists points of interest and how far away they are. read more
1 year ago
So much fun hitting all the Route 66 kitschy spots. While you can no longer swim in this lake it is so much fun to go take pics and walk around. There was a family with young kids fishing off the side of the tail but they released it and said they wouldn't eat the fish there. There is a mock up drawing of a new visitor center that they are building there but they haven't started and I have no idea when it will be done. Can't wait to go back -3x is a charm! read more
The Blue whale is one of the attractions along Historic Route 66 near Tulsa. The blue whale is located at Catoosa on northeast of Tulsa. The blue whale is built 1970 anniversary gift from the artist to his wife. I am guessing he wants to show a blue whale in the pond for his wife personal pet. If you are there, the blue whale mid section and tail has ladders. It means the lake was swim able. The blue is very visible to public. Whale is very cute for pictures. There is a picnic table and stool. The stool leg look like whale too. The is a restroom facility at the attractions. Now the blue whale own by city. read more
We love the Blue Whale on Rt 66! It is a classic roadside attraction that is a must-see right off the highway in Catoosa. The Whale is on a small lake that used to be a swimming hole. Now there is no swimming, but you can fish (catch and release) and walk on the whale to explore and feed the fish and turtles. I believe it is open dawn to dusk. There are outdoor bathrooms and there's a small gift shop. A snow cone food truck is in the parking lot during the day and has great prices. Good photo ops with signs and info along with picnic tables, chalk for coloring the sidewalk, and benches. Big gravel lot for parking. Check it out! read more
Built out of love by a man for his wife and family it became a Route 66 landmark starting in 1972 when he finished it . You can no longer swim there but it's a chance to step back on time if you close your eyes and listen real Good you can hear the children's laughter read more
Nice little touristy stop off Route 66. We were in Catoosa for a training and this was close by so we stopped. The whale itself is the main attraction. You can walk in it, climb up it, fish from the deck or enjoy a seat around the lake and view it from afar. There a small lake here with plenty of seating for a place to get out and stretch your legs. We took a couple selfies with the whale, walked through it and enjoyed the view from a far - all in about 5 minutes! There were signs for sno-cones but we didn't partake. This is a quick stop if you want or a long one if you want to enjoy the scenery. read more
1 year ago
I love visiting with my friends and family there!!!!! it's so much fun!!!!! employee very very nice!!!!!!!! read more
This whale is super cute and has a sweet creation story. Some reviews say it is not clean but on 9/4/23 it was perfectly clean and welcoming and had some spots to walk, sit and enjoy. The gift store is great, and cashiers were from the town and friendly. There are so few things that are free nowadays, nice to just be able to take in a little piece of someone's art and be on the grass. It's pretty simple folks- it's a blue whale. If that doesn't sound interesting to you, probably shouldn't come. Respect the art read more
The Blue Whale was really cool to see in person! It's clearly visible from the highway and even better up close in person! It's pretty easy to imagine the whale in its heyday, full of kids and adults diving or sliding off into the water. It is a nicely restored glimpse into the distant past. Definitely worth a stop for some photos! Note: don't use the bathrooms. They don't seem to be kept up at all and since they are 'outdoors' I saw a massive spider right next to the women's toilet that looked like he was going to come after me! Pee elsewhere. read more
One of Route 66 "The Mother Road"'s top 10 landmarks lies here in Catoosa, east of Tulsa. There's a lot of history to this, as this dates back to 1972, ironically when the Mother Road was losing its status as a main highway because of Interstate construction. In nearly two decades (up until 1988), this was a swimming hole for locals and tourists. The whale has been beautifully restored over the years, thanks to tireless volunteer work. The slides are still visible on the whale, and of course no one is recommended to slide down them. You can climb up the stairs into the whale's head or tail, but be strongly advised - do it at your own risk. The ladders are very narrow. It's all good, as the novelty sort of wears off after 15 minutes. People apparently are allowed to fish in the lake, so don't be surprised to see some people there. Side note: the bathrooms are very interesting. Also, there apparently is/was a gift shop or a place where an attendant is usually at - but there was nobody there and the small building was locked when I was there. I read somewhere that souvenirs are sold there. I hope they didn't have Blue Whale shot glasses, because that's what I collect! Overall, this Route 66 icon is recommended. Some may be shaking their heads at this, but any 66-er knows how much this place means to the Mother Road community. read more
To rate this iconic Route 66 landmark anything less than 5 stars should be a punishable offense! Having traveled the Mother Road many times before, I remember when the Blue Whale was in a sad state of disrepair. It broke my heart back then, so it's no surprise I actually started getting teary-eyed when I visited in October on a road trip! This adorable fellow has been carefully renovated to his original glory, and he's so handsome and photogenic. We spent the night nearby so we could see him during the daylight hours, and it was worth it. We arrived early and took some fantastic pictures since we were the only tourists there. The park is open to the public and free, so you can wander around at your leisure. You can walk into the whale for photo ops, and marvel at his tail that once doubled as a slide into the pond below. I wouldn't recommend swimming here, and the signs forbid it (no fishing allowed either). Be sure to walk across the way and visit the old ark attraction. There's a weird mushroom garden too that looks like some sort of creepy ritual circle, ha ha. Back to the whale: I climbed on and explored for about 30 minutes, taking photos with a huge smile on my face. And here's the best part -- this dapper blue fellow IS EVEN WEARING A BASEBALL CAP! There are some cute picnic tables with little whale details (it was far too cold and rainy for a picnic that morning or I would've totally sat there), and a nifty directional sign with mile markers to other Route 66 landmarks. Don't forget to drop some cash into the donation bucket before you leave. We put our last $20 in, but visiting this iconic Oklahoma landmark truly was priceless to me. read more
6 years ago
This unique place is just a one time must. I had been hearing about the whale for awhile now. On a route 66 drive it's a fun free stop. Whale seemed to have been repainted recently. Surroundings need some love! Wish tables and grounds were cleaner. Very nice lady working the gift shop with really low ceilings! She will stamp your route 66 booklet. Bathrooms are provided. No swimming but a man was fishing. I can now mark it off my bucket list! Been there, done that! read more
Such a fun little travel stop with gift shop during our adventure road trip. This was an old amusement water park that is now a roadside stop. You can bring leashed pets, as long as you clean up after them. Stop to use the restroom, take some pictures, and grab a small gift from the on-site shop. read more
3 years ago
We stopped to see the blue whale on the way back home from Texas. It was worth stopping. They were decorating it for Christmas. read more
Childhood memories right there . We used to drive over here and swim way way back when I was a kid. Now u can't swim or climb allover the whale . I haven't seen this is probably 20 years. Incredible memories with my grandmother here read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
For many years I have seen post cards of The Blue Whale in Catoosa, OK, so when we were in the area this summer, I just HAD to stop in. What a treat! The love story of the man who built The Blue Whale for his wife's 30 wedding anniversary is adorable. The additional artwork of The Ark, the food carts and the Mushrooms, at the Frog Pond made from recycled WWII bomber bubbles are all AMAZING stories of an era gone by. The woman who chatted with us in the kiosk was as friendly and informative as any high end tour guide. This stop is definitely worth the cost of admission...FREE! read more
3 years ago
This place was cool but the people hanging around made me nervous. I got out took a picture and left. Totally didn't feel comfortable walking around by myself. Definitely a lot of vandalism. I wouldn't go back. But I guess if you are driving through, it's worth a min or two to stretch the legs. read more
A cute little attraction in Oklahoma that is meant for any fans of Finding Nemo or Dory or JAWS. Yea, literally anyone that enjoys water will find this giant blue whale somewhat amusing as an attraction. We didn't originally intend to stop here, but once my friend mentioned the fact that there was a giant blue whale sitting in a pond, I knew it was a done deal. Apparently, this used to be part of a water park as evident by the mini water slides coming out of the whale's body. You can walk into the whale, explore the fragility of the beast, and climb all over itself. Aside from the whale, there's areas to picnic and relax under some nice shade to enjoy the summer heat. Great times can be had here at the blue whale that make it a great experience for all family members. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
Great little stop on Route 66. Unfortunately, it was so cold, we took a few pictures, looked around for a couple of seconds, then jumped back into the car. The gift shop was closed (thank goodness!!!!! burrrrrr!) Definitely a cool free attraction on a historic road. Not sure I'd drive out of my way to see it though. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
Stagnant water park occupied by a large, metal mammal. Not sure bout this swimming hole being used to cool off but it sure is a fun place to stretch your legs as you drive across Oklahoma. Imagine playing in the pond and rubbing up against rusted steal. A whale the size of a Herman Melville masterpiece comes with slides, a look out and an inside hangout, Jonah would feel completely at home in. Not open when we swung through, there are restrooms and a snack shack to fill you up and let you out as you spend the afternoon on the trails around the stock pond and listen to the wind blow through the willows. A a curious see on a road trip, it's worth the 5 minute detour off 44. read more
2 years ago
Route 66 stop! So I have been hearing about this blue whale for a while and even was delighted by getting a glimpse of it on road trips. It is just a stunning random blue whale in a pond in the middle of nowhere. The history is cute. Actually I am really happy that I came. The construction and layout is pretty cool, but definitely needs some work. You can actually climb around on the whale, though many of the boards are definitely not safe. But!! I heard they're going to be renovating it soon so think. If I had a friend that wanted to go, I would go with them, but if it was just me I might not go again. Our 3 and 4 year olds absolutely loved it and ran and climbed all over it. You cannot swim in the pond but I really don't think you should anyway for your health. They have tables, a sandy area, and restrooms. Again I am happy we went because that is a very unique feature, but again not something I would want to visit all the time or a second time. It is free. I hear the family is nice. No one is there monitoring. Relaxed feel. read more
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