One of my absolute favorite things to do when I am out riding around is to find roadside oddities and attractions. I have been known to make many a U-turn while driving down the road. This page will be dedicated to any roadside attractions that I have found in the state of Oklahoma.
It will be a constant work in progress as I will add new oddities and attractions every time I find one. Make sure you check back often for new updates. Better yet, subscribe to my site so you will be informed each time content is added. Don’t worry, no spam here. I send just one email a month, on the final Friday. Subscribe Here
Blue Whale of Catoosa – RT 66
Location: 2600 OK-66
City: Catoosa
Region of State Located: North/East
Google Maps Pin
Smiling wide across a tranquil pond right along historic Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma, the Blue Whale of Catoosa is arguably the most beloved piece of roadside Americana on the entire Mother Road! Built in the early 1970s by zoologist Hugh Davis as an anniversary surprise for his wife Zelta (who collected whale figurines), this 80-foot-long, 20-foot-tall concrete-and-metal structure quickly became a local swimming hole and tourist sensation. While you can no longer dive off the whale’s tail into the pond, visitors can still stroll right onto the wooden walkway leading straight through his grinning mouth and climb up inside his head to peek out the porthole eyes, making it a whimsical, must-see photo stop.
Cruising through Green Country, this iconic landmark is a wonderfully relaxing and accessible detour. The park features a spacious, flat gravel and paved parking lot right off Route 66, leading to level grassy paths and picnic tables shaded by mature trees. You can easily admire and photograph the whale from the solid ground around the pond without climbing a single step. If you want to venture onto the dock and walk inside the whale, the wooden walkway is flat, though climbing to the upper lookout requires navigating a narrow interior ladder-style staircase. Clean, accessible portable restrooms and a small gift shop are available on-site during daytime hours.
Giant Push Pin – RT66
Location: 331990 U.S. Bicycle Rt 66
City: Wellston
Region of State Located: Central
Google Maps Pin
Marking the exact halfway point of Historic Route 66 through the Sooner State, the giant red pushpin officially known as the Route 66 Oklahoma Midpoint Sculpture in Wellston, Oklahoma, is a clever, modern twist on classic Mother Road kitsch. Installed in 2022 outside the iconic Butcher BBQ Stand, this towering crimson map pin looks like a giant digital GPS marker dropped straight from the heavens onto the side of the highway! It was created to celebrate Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66, which boasts over 400 drivable miles of the original highway, giving road-trippers a fun, visually striking landmark to prove they’ve officially made it halfway across the state.
For active seniors cruising down Historic Route 66, stopping to snap a photo with this colossal pushpin is a breeze. The sculpture sits right beside a spacious, flat gravel and paved parking area with zero stairs or steep inclines to navigate, making it easy to step out of the car and walk right up to the base. While there are no standalone public park restrooms at the monument itself, the sculpture is conveniently situated a short distance from the Butcher BBQ Stand, which offers shaded outdoor picnic seating, delicious smoked meats, cold drinks, and accessible restrooms during business hours.
Use the buttons above to explore more roadside oddities, road trips, parks, and campground and lodging for active adults. If you found it helpful, share it with someone who believes the journey is just as much fun as the destination. Want more travel destinations, active senior lifestyle information, and the occasional bad joke? Subscribe below and I’ll send you one friendly update every Friday. No spam, just helpful content and a little encouragement for the road ahead.