22 Wonderfully Weird Roadside Attractions You’ll Want to Pull Over For

20. The Blue Whale of Catoosa – Catoosa, Oklahoma

On a quiet stretch of Route 66, far from any ocean, an 80-foot-long blue whale with a friendly grin sits in the middle of a pond, greeting travelers with its massive smile. This is the Blue Whale of Catoosa, one of the most beloved and whimsical roadside attractions along America's most famous highway. The story behind the whale is just as charming as the attraction itself. In the 1970s, local zoologist Hugh Davis built it as a surprise gift for his wife, who loved whales. Originally intended as a private family swimming hole, the Blue Whale quickly became a popular pit stop for Route 66 travelers looking for a place to cool off. Its slide-equipped tail and fun design turned it into an accidental roadside legend. Though it eventually fell into disrepair, a community restoration effort brought the whale back to life, ensuring it would remain a cherished part of Oklahoma’s roadside culture.