10 Oct Blue Whale, Catoosa, Oklahoma
It was scorching hot the day we stopped to appreciate this wonderful Route 66 roadside attraction, the Blue Whale, in Catoosa, Oklahoma. Sadly, although it’s in disrepair and no longer a real swimming hole-type attraction, it’s been saved as a Mother Road landmark. Originally built by Hugh Davis in the early 1970’s it was a surprise anniversary gift to his wife Zelta, who collected whale figurines! He went on to open it to the public and added other fun attractions and games, picnic tables and life guards. What a sweet spot it must have been to take the kids and enjoy a hot day splashing in the water next to the whale! By the late 1980’s he couldn’t keep the place afloat and it fell into serious disrepair. It looked like the whale was going to be tanked! Thank goodness the preservationists of Catoosa and the employees of the Hampton Inn raised funds to restore the whale for the rest of us to enjoy!
As a side note, we loved all the Hampton Inns we stayed at with The Ride for the Relay – as we crossed the entire United States. They were most hospitable to our group and we really loved them for that!
No Comments