Description

Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma

Let’s Paint the Blue Whale of Catoosa for Route 66’s 100th Anniversary!

Celebrate creativity and a touch of roadside nostalgia at our Route 66 Paint Party featuring the iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa! This beloved Oklahoma landmark comes to life on canvas as you paint your own version of the cheerful blue whale, nestled along the historic Route 66.

Enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere where you can unwind, laugh, and create something uniquely yours. Whether you’re a local who loves Oklahoma history or just looking for a fun night out, this paint party blends art, culture, and a splash of whimsy.

Bring your friends, grab your favorite snacks and drinks, and get ready to make memories as colorful as your canvas. By the end of the evening, you’ll take home a vibrant piece of Route 66 charm that captures the spirit of adventure and small-town magic.

Canvas Size: 12″ x 24″

All supplies are included. Just bring yourself!

Who:
Adults

When:
Saturday, May 30th
2 pm – 5 pm

Where:
The Artist’s Retreat
115 S. 11th St.
Collinsville, OK 74021

History of the Blue Whale of Catoosa

The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a whimsical concrete sculpture and roadside park located on historic U.S. Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma, USA. Built in the early 1970s as a personal gift, it has become one of the most recognizable landmarks along Route 66 and a beloved example of Americana roadside art.

Key facts

  • Completed: July 1972
  • Creator: Hugh S. Davis, zoologist and Tulsa Zoo curator
  • Structure: 80 ft long, 20 ft tall, concrete and steel
  • Location: 2600 N Highway 66, Catoosa, Oklahoma
  • Admission: Free (public park, owned by the City of Catoosa)

Origins and construction

Hugh S. Davis built the Blue Whale as a 34th-anniversary gift for his wife Zelta, who collected whale figurines. Working with friend Harold Thomas, Davis spent two years welding a steel frame and applying hand-mixed cement one bucket at a time. Completed in 1972, the cheerful whale quickly drew travelers and locals, who used its slides and diving platforms to swim in the adjoining pond.

Rise, closure, and restoration

The attraction thrived through the 1970s and early ’80s as part of Davis’s small wildlife park, “Nature’s Acres.” Declining attendance and Davis’s health led to its closure in 1988, followed by years of neglect. In 1997 community volunteers, the Catoosa Chamber of Commerce, and Davis’s son Blaine restored the sculpture and reopened it as a public park. Later, the group FINS of the Blue Whale and local businesses helped sustain ongoing upkeep.

Current status and visitor experience

Now city-owned, the park offers picnic areas, a pond for catch-and-release fishing, and a small gift shop. While swimming is no longer allowed, visitors can explore the whale’s interior or feed resident turtles. Renovations begun in 2025 are adding upgraded facilities and a new Route 66 welcome center. The Blue Whale remains a popular stop for road-trippers and international tourists seeking the nostalgic charm of the Mother Road.

Cultural impact

The smiling whale has appeared in shows like American Pickers and The Great Food Truck Race, and in ads for Mercedes-Benz and Phillips 66. Celebrated by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, it symbolizes the creativity and community spirit that define Route 66’s enduring roadside culture.

Do you want to schedule your own Creative Party?

Just give us a call at (918) 335-8318 to get started!

Let us know if you have any questions at all! You can also reach out to us on Facebook!

Check our calendar for other events.