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    The Blue Whale

    4.4 (87 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    The Blue Whale Photos

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    Boon C.

    The Blue whale is one of the attractions along Historic Route 66 near Tulsa. The blue whale is located at Catoosa on northeast of Tulsa. The blue whale is built 1970 anniversary gift from the artist to his wife. I am guessing he wants to show a blue whale in the pond for his wife personal pet. If you are there, the blue whale mid section and tail has ladders. It means the lake was swim able. The blue is very visible to public. Whale is very cute for pictures. There is a picnic table and stool. The stool leg look like whale too. The is a restroom facility at the attractions. Now the blue whale own by city.

    Nicole H.

    We love the Blue Whale on Rt 66! It is a classic roadside attraction that is a must-see right off the highway in Catoosa. The Whale is on a small lake that used to be a swimming hole. Now there is no swimming, but you can fish (catch and release) and walk on the whale to explore and feed the fish and turtles. I believe it is open dawn to dusk. There are outdoor bathrooms and there's a small gift shop. A snow cone food truck is in the parking lot during the day and has great prices. Good photo ops with signs and info along with picnic tables, chalk for coloring the sidewalk, and benches. Big gravel lot for parking. Check it out!

    Sara L.

    Nice little touristy stop off Route 66. We were in Catoosa for a training and this was close by so we stopped. The whale itself is the main attraction. You can walk in it, climb up it, fish from the deck or enjoy a seat around the lake and view it from afar. There a small lake here with plenty of seating for a place to get out and stretch your legs. We took a couple selfies with the whale, walked through it and enjoyed the view from a far - all in about 5 minutes! There were signs for sno-cones but we didn't partake. This is a quick stop if you want or a long one if you want to enjoy the scenery.

    Blue whale

    I love visiting with my friends and family there!!!!! it's so much fun!!!!! employee very very nice!!!!!!!!

    Kathy F.

    Built out of love by a man for his wife and family it became a Route 66 landmark starting in 1972 when he finished it . You can no longer swim there but it's a chance to step back on time if you close your eyes and listen real Good you can hear the children's laughter

    Blue Whale
    Roo F.

    This whale is super cute and has a sweet creation story. Some reviews say it is not clean but on 9/4/23 it was perfectly clean and welcoming and had some spots to walk, sit and enjoy. The gift store is great, and cashiers were from the town and friendly. There are so few things that are free nowadays, nice to just be able to take in a little piece of someone's art and be on the grass. It's pretty simple folks- it's a blue whale. If that doesn't sound interesting to you, probably shouldn't come. Respect the art

    Ashley D.

    The Blue Whale was really cool to see in person! It's clearly visible from the highway and even better up close in person! It's pretty easy to imagine the whale in its heyday, full of kids and adults diving or sliding off into the water. It is a nicely restored glimpse into the distant past. Definitely worth a stop for some photos! Note: don't use the bathrooms. They don't seem to be kept up at all and since they are 'outdoors' I saw a massive spider right next to the women's toilet that looked like he was going to come after me! Pee elsewhere.

    The grounds. Free entry.
    Louisa M.

    To rate this iconic Route 66 landmark anything less than 5 stars should be a punishable offense! Having traveled the Mother Road many times before, I remember when the Blue Whale was in a sad state of disrepair. It broke my heart back then, so it's no surprise I actually started getting teary-eyed when I visited in October on a road trip! This adorable fellow has been carefully renovated to his original glory, and he's so handsome and photogenic. We spent the night nearby so we could see him during the daylight hours, and it was worth it. We arrived early and took some fantastic pictures since we were the only tourists there. The park is open to the public and free, so you can wander around at your leisure. You can walk into the whale for photo ops, and marvel at his tail that once doubled as a slide into the pond below. I wouldn't recommend swimming here, and the signs forbid it (no fishing allowed either). Be sure to walk across the way and visit the old ark attraction. There's a weird mushroom garden too that looks like some sort of creepy ritual circle, ha ha. Back to the whale: I climbed on and explored for about 30 minutes, taking photos with a huge smile on my face. And here's the best part -- this dapper blue fellow IS EVEN WEARING A BASEBALL CAP! There are some cute picnic tables with little whale details (it was far too cold and rainy for a picnic that morning or I would've totally sat there), and a nifty directional sign with mile markers to other Route 66 landmarks. Don't forget to drop some cash into the donation bucket before you leave. We put our last $20 in, but visiting this iconic Oklahoma landmark truly was priceless to me.

    Approaching the whale's mouth
    Jason V.

    One of Route 66 "The Mother Road"'s top 10 landmarks lies here in Catoosa, east of Tulsa. There's a lot of history to this, as this dates back to 1972, ironically when the Mother Road was losing its status as a main highway because of Interstate construction. In nearly two decades (up until 1988), this was a swimming hole for locals and tourists. The whale has been beautifully restored over the years, thanks to tireless volunteer work. The slides are still visible on the whale, and of course no one is recommended to slide down them. You can climb up the stairs into the whale's head or tail, but be strongly advised - do it at your own risk. The ladders are very narrow. It's all good, as the novelty sort of wears off after 15 minutes. People apparently are allowed to fish in the lake, so don't be surprised to see some people there. Side note: the bathrooms are very interesting. Also, there apparently is/was a gift shop or a place where an attendant is usually at - but there was nobody there and the small building was locked when I was there. I read somewhere that souvenirs are sold there. I hope they didn't have Blue Whale shot glasses, because that's what I collect! Overall, this Route 66 icon is recommended. Some may be shaking their heads at this, but any 66-er knows how much this place means to the Mother Road community.

    Shelby G.

    Such a fun little travel stop with gift shop during our adventure road trip. This was an old amusement water park that is now a roadside stop. You can bring leashed pets, as long as you clean up after them. Stop to use the restroom, take some pictures, and grab a small gift from the on-site shop.

    Carolyn P.

    This unique place is just a one time must. I had been hearing about the whale for awhile now. On a route 66 drive it's a fun free stop. Whale seemed to have been repainted recently. Surroundings need some love! Wish tables and grounds were cleaner. Very nice lady working the gift shop with really low ceilings! She will stamp your route 66 booklet. Bathrooms are provided. No swimming but a man was fishing. I can now mark it off my bucket list! Been there, done that!

    Blue whale
    Kirt V.

    We stopped to see the blue whale on the way back home from Texas. It was worth stopping. They were decorating it for Christmas.

    Jason B.

    Childhood memories right there . We used to drive over here and swim way way back when I was a kid. Now u can't swim or climb allover the whale . I haven't seen this is probably 20 years. Incredible memories with my grandmother here

    The Blue Whale of Catoosa, OK

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    Great place to hang out ! Nice amenities . And they keep the place clean, and well monitored.

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    Fun place to stretch your legs and let the little one run off some energy. Pretty well-maintained for what it is, and cute to boot.

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    Great place to visit with the kids, very good gift shop and friendly staff. Go when there is an event there for the best time.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Blue Whale

    Review Highlights - The Blue Whale

    Photos show it was quite a family attraction back in the day, and it still is a nice oasis on Route 66.

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    Philcade Building

    Philcade Building

    5.0(3 reviews)
    14.5 miDowntown

    Another one of my favorite buildings downtown! It is made up of three interconnected buildings that…read moreshare a lavish lobby built in the shape of a "T" for Tulsa. It was originally 9 stories, 4 more stories were added shortly after completion. It was supposed to complement (not compete visually with) the Philtower. A tunnel connects the two buildings. You can also find the WP initials. The zig zag designs of the glass and bronze insets above the entrances are very characteristic and the architecture shows the Art Deco style in Tulsa. It had naturalistic motifs outside and inside (flowers, vines, and animals). The penthouse was added in 1937 as Waite Phillips' primary residence. The rooms have hardwood paneled walls and ornate decorative Art Deco details. Besides it's awesome historical significance, it is where Mod's coffee and crepes is located as well as the awesome Deco District shops (Picklesworth, The Bookerie, Okie Crowe and Made).

    The Philcade building was built by Waite Phillips with Leon Senter as the architect. The building…read moreopened in 1930 with 259 suites of offices and 28 shops. It has a beautiful, classy lobby that is probably the most beautiful lobby in Tulsa. I love the fan traceries of the Philtower, but that is gothic! I have never been past the first floor, but hear the second floor and penthouse are fabulous art deco examples. It is on the National Register and in all the Art Deco books!

    Photos
    Philcade Building - This building is pretty awesome...

    This building is pretty awesome...

    Philcade Building
    Philcade Building

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    Fairgrounds Pavilion

    Fairgrounds Pavilion

    4.7(3 reviews)
    11.4 miMidtown

    the fairgrounds pavilion is top 2 favorite place for me in the city to see art deco, the other…read morebeing a historic petroleum office building downtown. i like too how in addition to ornate designs in that style, the building features images like murals in the style, that the ornate design flourishes in the surrounding area complement. also, side note, if you like looking at art deco designs, there is a scene in the recent 'escape room' movie with a train station featuring art in the style, with that the first presence of the art style i've immediately identified in film. further, the pavilion provides a interesting case study in the connection between contemporary event planning and historic significance, with the building housing the annual shriners circus since i was a kid, which happens near the start of spring, and also some state fair activities at the end of october and beginning of november, meanwhile maintaining a role history, both in the positive light of such events as historic petroleum expositions, and dark moments like the tulsa race massacre, in which the building was one among a few that sheltered survivors, though i'm not immediately recalling if the services were provided equally between races. nonetheless, i'd identity the building as a primary example in the city of how legacy is created consistently by keeping focus in the present while recognizing the significance of historical context.

    This brightly colored terra cotta buidling was designed by Leland I. Shumway and built in 1932…read more The total floor space is ten and a half acres and is built without interior columns. There was a major renovation about a decade ago and made it a gem in Tulsa's Art Deco tiara! It is in all the art deco books It is worth the look, it is in good shape and good Art Deco.

    Photos
    Fairgrounds Pavilion - Shrine Circus to benefit the Shrine hospitals

    Shrine Circus to benefit the Shrine hospitals

    Fairgrounds Pavilion
    Fairgrounds Pavilion

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    Meadow Gold District

    Meadow Gold District

    4.6(5 reviews)
    13.9 mi

    Most days there are four reasons to visit the Meadow Gold District, but from Thursday through…read moreSaturdays there's a fifth. Reason 1: Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66. This place was my introduction to the Meadow Gold District. It's a small gift store set inside a former old time Route 66 gas station and it's loaded with great Route 66 and Tulsa souvenirs. Highly recommended. Reason 2: Decopolis. If you love the Art Deco era, this store is a must visit. In addition to a fantastic ever changing inventory of great contemporary merchandise for sale, there is a wonderful permanent display of collectible household items from the Art Deco years. I particularly love the collection of colorful celluloid radios. Reason 3: Meadow Gold Mack. This place is another must visit for me whenever I'm in Tulsa. There are a whole bunch of local artists that display their work in little booths here. Really wonderful works celebrating both Oklahoma in general and Tulsa specifically. My favorite booth here is 3 Bulls Upcycling. You've got to see their robots and rayguns! Reason 4: Buck's Vintage on 66. If you love high quality vintage Western Wear, I recommend a visit. Way more than just a great clothing selection, they also have an attractive assortment of vintage Western collectibles. This last reason only applies from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, because those are the business hours of Reason 5: Baloney Maroney. This little food trailer is located in the parking lot of Buck Atom's and by itself is reason enough to visit the Meadow Gold District. I mean, even if you have no interest in any of the other places mentioned above, you need to check this place out. The Smoked Baloney sandwich I had here was the best sandwich I had in the first quarter of 2026 and is officially in the running for my personal Sandwich of The Year. Now, just because you were cool enough to read this far, I'm going to offer up one more reason to visit the Meadow Gold District! Bonus Reason: All of the above places are within two or three blocks of each other. You can park for free right next to the big Meadow Gold Diary sign and easily walk to all of these great little places. Mikey C says: damn, forgot to mention the giant advertising icons.

    Meadow Gold district has many things to offer. You will know that when you enter the district with…read moreNeon Meadow Gold Sign in gold color. The district located in the Historic Route 66. It has several attractions nearby. You can visit buck's Atom Comic. They have a 19 feet space cowboy with photo opportunities. The mother road market has great food in one spot may be you can try.

    Photos
    Meadow Gold District
    Meadow Gold District
    Meadow Gold District - Plaque

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    Plaque

    The Blue Whale - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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