blue whale of catoosa

Aimaen

I saw the Blue Whale of Catoosa on Altas Obscura's Website and I had to check it out when I out there for business. I managed to get there just before dusk. I saw a family with a couple of kids playing on the whale and fishing (catch and release). The lady in the gift shop shared with me pictures of the history of the Whale. People have gotten married here, had picnics, and ran around both in the past and the present. This location is chock full of history. If you allow the lady in the gift shop to show you around, you learn a lot about the guy who came up with the idea of making the Whale and the old learning zoo next door. The lady in the gift shop will give you that tour too. I enjoyed the Blue Whale a lot.Plus there is a tamale food truck there that is delicious.Cute, historic, unique, a great place to relax and take pictures.Donate to keep this place going and maybe a little more to renovate the former zoo next door.

JoanW230

If you are traveling Route 66 you cannot miss the Blue Whale as it is huge. It started out as an anniversary present back in the 1970s, became a water park, closed in 1988, and now has been restored and visitors can go inside and climb on the whale. Swimming is no longer allowed, but catch and release fishing is, picnic tables are provided, and there are restrooms. It looked like in warmer months some food might be available including tamales.You could make a quick stop here, take a photo or two and be on your way in 5 minutes, but I enjoyed walking around the site and imagining the fun families must have had here years ago. Just looking at the whale with his bright color, huge size, and eyes looking at you, brought a smile to my face. Kids would enjoy being able to go inside and crawl around and in nice weather it would be a pleasant stop for a picnic.

863mikee

No other place in America has The Blue Whale! A small park where you can get out, have a picnic if you want, take some photos, and just relax. A neat place for the kids!!

kellyp318

I remember it from when I was a kid so it was cool to see it again. You can't swim here anymore but it's neat to see. The lady in the gift shop is super nice and chatty.

HaleyPratt

It's literally a just sculpture of a whale, sitting in a pond. Perfect way to break up the monotony of a road trip. Or, if you're like the couple I saw there, it's a great place for a romantic rendezvous.

ginabean32

How I love Blue, he was the swimming hole in the late 70 ' s and 80's sad when it closed. However, very happy to see it as a national and historical icin on Rte 66

Snowflake1211

I was born in Tulsa and lived there for 18 years but I never stopped to see the whale until my husband and I moved to Wisconsin. We drove back to OK in July 2014 and stopped there and it was great. Our 18 month old loved the whale. There isn't too much to do but stretch and take pictures but it's still worth the stop.

SamDro

Very fun and worth a stop when travelling route 66. It was also really nice to see the terrapins swimming about in the pond. Good fun even if it's just to take a photo or 2. Definitely one of a kind.

steved938

Stop in and check it out... free admission, although they do have a donation box for maintenance and upkeep. There are a couple of food trucks parked out in front which makes it look a little tacky. But worth the visit.

DStahre

This is so corny and gaudy that I just had to stop to see it! I'll say one thing, it puts Catoosa on the map! The locals seem to have a heartfelt affection for the big guy. Admission is free though there is a donation box. I sprang for a couple of bucks. There are also some antique cars and tractors on the site and I understand that they have live music there often!

Fullhouse14

Route 66 icon, I hope they keep trying to preserve it. It is better to go into the tiny building next to the whale for a better understanding and tips. If not its just the wale and you could miss the other attractions like the mushroom and ark

KO172

In what remains of an old swimming hole and nature park is one of the most popular sights on Route 66, the Blue Whale. The whale and adjacent picnic area have been renovated and very friendly, onsite volunteers informed us that current plans are to continue renovating the nature/reptile park. Food (a tamale stand and and a barbecue stand) and drinks were available. If you're traveling the "Mother Road", you should put this on your list of stops"

TheDonovansUK

A cool and unique roadside attraction that we stopped at whilst driving Route 66. Area is safe and quiet. You can walk inside of the whale and also climb the ladder to the upper deck if you want to. Definitely worth a stop.

viewmasterlady

This vintage attraction is still around and we were so happy to visit and help support it for future generations.

KylaM690

This was super cool! I had researched the story behind this before we visited, and was able to share some details with our girls - 19, 16, 10 yo when we visited. What an experience this must have been back in the day. My children enjoyed walking along the inside of the whale, climbing up the ceiling to the inside of his head and seeing the structure. This is a catch and release site as well - be careful of children and their hooks. Great picture opportunities. Well kept. Gift shop was closed while we were there - bummer. Would return.