Have a Whale of a Time in Catoosa, OK
If you want to see whales, I suggest you take a boat or motorcycle tour in Alaska. That, or you could motor down Route 66 to Oklahoma.
In the Sooner State, you’ll find the city of Catoosa and its blue whale.
This whale isn’t flesh and blood, though. With its iron frame and a colorful baby blue paint job, the Blue Whale of Catoosa is one of those weird roadside attractions that keep drawing people onto Route 66.
However, the Blue Whale never existed during the Mother Road’s prime time. It nonetheless has quite an interesting story behind it.
A local man called Hugh Davis built the whale as a surprise anniversary gift for his wife, Zelta, completing the structure in 1972. I’m not sure how he managed to keep such a massive project as a surprise, but that’s the story, anyhow.
Although a huge whale seems like a bizarre present, it was much appreciated, as Zelta had a soft spot for whales. She collected small whale figurines, and she could now add a giant one to her catalog.
Hugh had intended for the whale and its surrounding pond to be private, but he couldn’t exactly keep locals from coming to see the strange newcomer in town. So, Hugh decided to embrace the public.
Creating a sandy beach, building picnic facilities, and even setting up a (now defunct) Animal Reptile Kingdom, he transformed the Blue Whale into a popular summertime picnic spot and attraction. So it remained until Hugh passed away in 1990, followed by his wife in 2001.
The whale quickly fell into disrepair and became derelict. Fortunately, in 2011, Catoosa residents organized a successful fundraiser, and their beloved whale is once again painted and open to the public.
Across SR66 from the whale, you’ll find the ruin of the Arrowood Trading Post. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, this store was run by Chief Wolf-Robe Hunt, Hugh’s brother-in-law who was an Acoma Native American. He sold his paintings and intricate silver work. Sadly, the store closed in the late ‘90s and hasn’t been repaired.
Of course, there’s more to Catoosa’s story than just a wacky whale. You can explore the city’s history at the two local museums.
The Catoosa Historical Museum showcases items, documents, and other curiosities that detail life in the area over the years. The museum also has a replica of an old post office and a train car that you can get inside.
Meanwhile, the D.W. Correll Museum is split between two buildings. The main building houses a collection of gems, minerals, and other pretty stones, while the second building pays homage to Route 66’s history with its collection of vintage automobiles. You’ll also find a mural painted by award-winning artist Lance Hunter.
If you exhaust what’s available in Catoosa, the city of Tulsa is just down the road.
Any rider finding themselves roaring down Route 66 would be remiss not to make a stop in Catoosa. It’s a whale of a time.
Facts & Info
Nearby Attractions
- Blue Whale of Catoosa
- Catoosa Historical Museum
- D.W. Correll Museum
Nearby Roads
Following the last official 1957 alignment of Route 66 through Catoosa is simple—just ride down the current US 66. The original 1926 route is fairly easy to find as well.
Its northern section, off US 66, is marked both on map apps and in the real world as Old Hwy 66. Once this section hits US 66 again, you’ll roll down the road a short distance before taking a right onto E Ford St and then a left onto S Cherokee St.
A word of caution for the northern section marked Old Hwy 66. I doubt the pavement is original, but it might as well be, considering its condition in some spots. Ride with care.
Another good ride in the immediate area involves taking SR 11 north from Skiatook and then SR 99 to the Kansas border. These two-laners have some nice curves and elevation changes, and they also take you past several historical sites in the Osage Nation.
Recommended Lodging: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was previously called the Cherokee Casino. Although it’s now part of the Hard Rock franchise, the Cherokee Nation still operates the place.
The rooms in the hotel section of the resort are well-sized and modern, although somewhat basic. The noise from the casino doesn’t really reach the rooms, so you can sleep comfortably.
Speaking of the casino, it boasts a wide selection of machines and table games if you’d like to test your mettle against Lady Luck. If gambling isn’t your thing, there are regular concerts and other shows, alongside an indoor pool.
Dinner and breakfast are non-issues. The resort has multiple on-site restaurants, including the Highway 66 Diner to get your day started with a proper Mother Road breakfast.
Food & Dining
- I Don’t Care Bar & Grill: They claim not to care, but the food shows that they obviously do. Located a few miles outside Catoosa, I Don’t Care prepares tasty pub grub and Mexican food while also boasting a wide variety of beers. Find it at 11015 E 590 Rd, Catoosa, OK.
- Boomerang Diner: For that Route 66 diner experience, drop by Boomarag. With its ‘50s-inspired decor, this place fills your stomach with the American classics you’d expect. Find it at 1875 SR 66, Unit J, Catoosa, OK.
Best Time to Travel
Summers in this part of Oklahoma can get very hot (we’re talking well past 90), so it’s best to make your Route 66 ride through the Sooner State in the shoulder seasons. Spring, however, is tornado-prone in this region, averaging 10 tornado watches a year.
So, I recommend you make this a fall ride. Just remember to pack your rain suit.