The landmark Blue Whale site in Catoosa, Oklahoma, on Tuesday closed down temporarily for a months-long renovation project. The Blue Whale of Catoosa page on Facebook stated the closure was prompted by safety concerns regarding the construction. In the meantime, Blue Whale's gift shop is being relocated to the D.W. Correll Museum, located at 19934 E. … Continue reading Blue Whale site in Catoosa shuts down for renovation project
Tag: Catoosa
Ground broken for Blue Whale of Catoosa Visitors Center
The City of Catoosa, Oklahoma, and other officials participated in Friday's ceremonial groundbreaking for the Blue Whale of Catoosa Visitors Center. The city posted a photo from the event: More from a report by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association: “You can argue the most iconic monument on the most famous road in the world is … Continue reading Ground broken for Blue Whale of Catoosa Visitors Center
Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla, one of Twin Bridges near Catoosa torn down
Historic Route 66 lost two landmarks in the past few days -- the Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla, Missouri, and the remaining Twin Bridge near Catoosa, Oklahoma. Josh Thompson posted on Facebook's Historic Route 66 group images of the Totem Pole being torn down on May 7. One of his images: The Totem Pole … Continue reading Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla, one of Twin Bridges near Catoosa torn down
Construction work begins on Blue Whale Park in Catoosa
The City of Catoosa, Oklahoma, announced that construction has begun on the transformation of the Blue Whale site, a Route 66 landmark. The city stated in a Facebook post that the dilapidated Ark structure near the whale would be disassembled and stored for future relocation. The gigantic mushrooms behind the Ark were moved off-site so … Continue reading Construction work begins on Blue Whale Park in Catoosa
Tulsa Oilers hockey team to be renamed Route 66 Blue Whales for home games on Jan. 10-11
The Tulsa Oilers hockey team, an Anaheim Ducks and San Diego Gulls affiliate, will temporarily change its name to the Route 66 Blue Whales for home games on Jan. 10-11 in tribute to the historic highway and the Blue Whale landmark in nearby Catoosa. According to a news release from the Oilers, the team will wear … Continue reading Tulsa Oilers hockey team to be renamed Route 66 Blue Whales for home games on Jan. 10-11
Remaining bridge over Bird Creek near Catoosa will be torn down
The other half of the Route 66 Twin Bridges that once stood near Catoosa, Oklahoma, will be torn down starting sometime next year. KJRH-TV in nearby Tulsa reported the Oklahoma Department of Transportation awarded a $7.2 million contract to replace the 1956 bridge on eastbound Route 66. The bridge replacement project is expected to begin … Continue reading Remaining bridge over Bird Creek near Catoosa will be torn down
New Oklahoma Route 66 grants go to Blue Whale improvements, giant dinosaur, neon projects
The Oklahoma Route 66 Commission announced more than $6.6 million in grants, including improvements to the Blue Whale in Catoosa, a 66-foot dinosaur in Tulsa and multiple neon-sign initiatives. The grants, initially reported by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, cover 13 Route 66-related projects in the Sooner State. More about the grants can be found … Continue reading New Oklahoma Route 66 grants go to Blue Whale improvements, giant dinosaur, neon projects
Application window opens for Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program
The initial application period for the Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program opened Friday, making $6.6 million available to municipalities, nonprofits and government entities on Route 66. Oversight for the grants will be by the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission, comprised of Oklahoma residents who live and work on the Mother Road. The application period will close at 5 … Continue reading Application window opens for Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program
Holiday lighting event for Blue Whale adds a new twist
The iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma, has been decorated for the Christmas season for nearly 15 years. But on Saturday, the city added a new twist to the annual event. Santa in his sleigh was placed onto the pond, with a long string of Christmas lights leading to the whale, as if the big … Continue reading Holiday lighting event for Blue Whale adds a new twist
City of Catoosa approves development proposal for the Blue Whale
The city council of Catoosa, Oklahoma, earlier this month approved a conceptual development plan for the iconic Blue Whale site, but not without hearing concerns from residents and officials from the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. According to a report by the association, several people during the public comments portion of the meeting spoke up about … Continue reading City of Catoosa approves development proposal for the Blue Whale