Blue Whale of Catoosa
Catoosa, OK
A grinning concrete whale built in the early 1970s as an anniversary gift. It sits in a spring-fed pond beside Route 66.
Zoologist Hugh S. Davis built the whale with his friend Harold Thomas as a surprise for the 34th wedding anniversary of his wife Zelta, who collected whale figurines. Over two years the pair welded a metal frame and applied hand-mixed cement; by 1972 the figure, about 6 m (20 ft) tall and 24 m (80 ft) long, was finished. The pond was first meant only for the family, but Davis later opened it as a swimming hole with a sand beach and lifeguards. The site closed in 1988, and in 1997 volunteers restored the whale and painted it blue again.
Today the property belongs to the City of Catoosa, which opened a visitor center with a gift shop in late May 2026. Swimming in the pond is no longer allowed, but fishing and feeding the turtles are. There are picnic areas and restrooms, plus bus parking for groups. Half an hour is usually enough for photos and a short break.
- Nearest town
- Catoosa, OK
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 36.1997, -95.7340
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in September and November. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Mingo RV ParkMotorhome stopover8 mi from Blue Whale of CatoosaMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Claremore Expo Center RV ParkMotorhome stopover10 mi from Blue Whale of Catoosa · 44 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Cherry Hill ParkMotorhome stopover16 mi from Blue Whale of CatoosaMotorhomes
- Warrior RV ParkMotorhome stopover17 mi from Blue Whale of CatoosaMotorhomesToilets
- Home BaseCampsite18 mi from Blue Whale of Catoosa
- Route 66 RV ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Blue Whale of CatoosaMotorhomes
All campsites in Oklahoma · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Blue Whale of Catoosa?
Blue Whale of Catoosa is in Catoosa, OK, at GPS 36.1997, -95.7340. It is about 15 mi from Tulsa.
Can you camp near Blue Whale of Catoosa?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Mingo RV Park, about 8 mi away; within 25 mi there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Blue Whale of Catoosa?
Blue Whale of Catoosa is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Route 66, part one: Chicago to Oklahoma City and Off Route 66: Osage country and the tallgrass.
What is there to see near Blue Whale of Catoosa?
Places worth a stop nearby: Will Rogers Memorial Museum (10 mi), Gilcrease Museum (16 mi), Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve (36 mi) and Price Tower (40 mi).
When is the best time to visit Blue Whale of Catoosa?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)