The Big Blue Whale

A Route 66 Roadside Attraction

If you have never driven the famous Route 66 in America, put it on your list to drive before you die. There are many wild and amazing attractions to see along this road. The Big Blue Whale is one of the most iconic and recognizable attractions along the route. It is located in Catoosa, Oklahoma, not too far from Tulsa.

A few years back, Rich and I drove a long section of this road and stopped to see the Big Blue Whale. It was built in the early 1970’s by a man named Hugh Davis. He built it for his wife, who loved whales and collected whale figurines.

The pond surrounding the blue whale is spring fed and is a favorite swimming hole among the locals. It used to be a private area owned by the Davis’s but eventually he opened it up to the public. The beach is sandy and the picnic tables are nice. There is a small welcome center and gift shop.

According to Wikipedia,

By 1988, the Davises were not able to continue managing the attraction, so they closed it to the public. Davis died in January 1990, followed by his wife Zelta in 2001. The park soon fell into disrepair, crumbling from neglect and weather. However, after a decade the people of Catoosa launched a fund-raising and volunteer effort to restore the Route 66 landmark. The Blue Whale was restored and repainted to its original brilliant blue. The adjacent picnic area has also been restored.

The photo above is the kissing whales sign above the entrance and exit to the whale.

In popular culture, the blue whale sculpture has appeared in several television shows and advertisements over the years, and was even the inspiration for the 2005 film titled, “The Squid and the Whale.” This is a story about two young boys dealing with their parents divorce in 1986. I have never seen this movie, but might have to watch it now.

Have you ever seen the Big Blue Whale on Route 66?

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Tagging some friends — Pamela Oglesby, Ray Day, Adrienne Beaumont, Autistic Widower (“AJ”), Bernie Pullen, Bonnie L. Boucek, Bruce Coulter, The Sturg, Keeley Schroder, Denise Kendig, Brandon Ellrich, Jerry Dwyer, Harry Hogg, NancyO, Karen Schwartz, Michael Rhodes, Trisha Faye, Brett Jenae Tomlin, Toni The Talker, Dr. Tracy Davis, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Paula Shablo, Adrian CDTPPW, Lynn L. Alexander, Nicole Peery 🌄, Ruby Noir 😈, Jennifer Dunne , Pluto Wolnosci 🟣 , Lu Skerdoo , Normal Earthling ,