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

Fire at Molly’s Landing restaurant in Catoosa kills one person

Molly's Landing restaurant, a fixture along Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma, for nearly 40 years, was severely damaged by fire early Friday that apparently killed one person. KJRH-TV in nearby Tulsa reported Friday afternoon that one body was found in an upstairs apartment of the restaurant. Melissa Beasley-Lee, president of the New Mexico Route 66 … Continue reading Fire at Molly’s Landing restaurant in Catoosa kills one person

More details revealed of proposed renovations for Blue Whale site in Catoosa

Now we know better where that proposed $6 million for the Blue Whale would go. The City Council of Catoosa, Oklahoma, last week unveiled a proposed master plan for the iconic Blue Whale site along Route 66 as envisioned by Hampton Creative of Tulsa. Among the additions would be a mini-golf course, a new visitors center, … Continue reading More details revealed of proposed renovations for Blue Whale site in Catoosa

Catoosa wants $6 million in upgrades to Blue Whale site before Route 66 centennial

The City of Catoosa, Oklahoma, is looking for about $6 million in improvements to its Blue Whale site before Route 66's centennial in 2026. John Blish, the city manager, said he wants to add more amenities to the site to make it more tourist-friendly, according to a report from News on 6 in nearby Tulsa. … Continue reading Catoosa wants $6 million in upgrades to Blue Whale site before Route 66 centennial

City of Catoosa plans improvements to the grounds of the Blue Whale

The City of Catoosa, Oklahoma, wants to make a series of improvements to the grounds of the iconic Blue Whale site. According to News on 6 in nearby Tulsa, the city's plans include "building trails behind the whale, restrooms, a new gift shop and possibly creating a small R-V park." The city also wants to … Continue reading City of Catoosa plans improvements to the grounds of the Blue Whale

Scenes of Christmas decor along Route 66

A number of Route 66 landmarks recently have been decorated for the Christmas holiday. First, the Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, held its annual "lights on" ceremony on Sunday night. As these photos from Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin shows, not only was the whale lighted, but so was the nearby ark. In … Continue reading Scenes of Christmas decor along Route 66

Catoosa comprehensive plan proposes a 1.2-mile View 66 Trail to Blue Whale

A proposed 20-year comprehensive plan for the City of Catoosa, Oklahoma, envisions a 1.2-mile View 66 Trail that connects from Rodger Berry Sports Complex to the iconic Blue Whale. Fox23 in Tulsa reports the city already has applied for a $2 million grant through the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to pay for the 12-foot-wide asphalt … Continue reading Catoosa comprehensive plan proposes a 1.2-mile View 66 Trail to Blue Whale

Scenes from the Blue Whale of Catoosa’s 50th-anniversary celebration

A bunch of Route 66 aficionados have posted photographs from Saturday's 50th-anniversary party of the landmark Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma. The event included appearances by "Route 66: The Mother Road" author Michael Wallis, Dean "Crazy Legs" Walker, Ron "Tattoo Man" Jones and Blue Whale park director Liz Huckleby, to name a few. KTUL-TV in … Continue reading Scenes from the Blue Whale of Catoosa’s 50th-anniversary celebration