Blue Whale of Catoosa, Roadside attraction in Catoosa, Oklahoma
The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a concrete sculpture that rises from the water and features slides, a diving platform, and several portholes. The structure sits in a small park surrounded by water, allowing visitors to explore the sculpture from multiple angles and vantage points.
Hugh Davis created this concrete structure in 1972 as an anniversary gift for his wife Zelta, who collected whale figurines. The work came about during the height of roadside attractions along Route 66.
This structure represents a key moment in American roadside culture during the 1970s, drawing travelers interested in Route 66 history. Photographers and curious visitors appreciate the site as an authentic place to experience that era's aesthetic firsthand.
The site is freely accessible during daylight hours and offers picnic areas and seasonal restrooms for visitors. The water surrounding the structure means visitors should wear water-appropriate shoes if they want to get closer to explore all the features.
Inside the sculpture's head sits a hidden small chamber accessible by a narrow ladder, offering visitors an elevated vantage point over the pond. This discovery provides a surprising perspective on the park below.
Location: Oklahoma
GPS coordinates: 36.19370,-95.73310
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01
Oklahoma offers destinations beyond the well-traveled routes. The state holds a biblical city replica built into a hillside, a roadside blue whale large enough to climb, a Western museum with roaming bison and elk, and a park filled with hand-carved totem poles. Natural formations add depth to this list, including caverns lined with alabaster, red-rock canyons, waterfalls, and thermal springs. Some parks preserve sand dunes, forests, and lakes that provide space for hiking and water recreation. The region's history appears in frontier forts, homes of settlers and oil barons, and museums dedicated to the indigenous nations of the area. The collection includes galleries of Western and Native American art, natural history exhibits with fossil discoveries, and a museum holding the largest private arms collection in the country. Architectural examples range from preserved Victorian mansions to a 1950s tower now serving as an arts center.
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