Catoosa, Oklahoma: Blue Whale

It's rather interesting that one of the top attractions of Route 66 first came along past the road's biggest moments of fame ... and really opened up to the public well after that.

Say hello to the relatively famous Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma. It was built by Hugh Davis, starting late in the 1960s. Construction took place from 1970 to 1972. It turned into something of an attraction for people driving by, and Davis apparently welcomed everyone to hop in the pond and play on the whale.

Davis closed the whale in 1988, and it slid downhill for a decade or so before people realized that it needed to be brought back. It was restored and reopened, and Catoosa's number one attraction was back.

There is a concession stand that's open on weekends - a little disappointing, since we were there on a weekday, but understandable. There are tables for picnics, and the area is always open to those driving by.

The Blue Whale became iconic somewhere along the way. Maybe it's because just looking at it brings a smile that's as wide as a whale's mouth.

Learn more about the creature at the official website.

And let's walk around the whale:

 

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