The Blue Whale: Catoosa, Oklahoma

The Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, has been lovingly cared for by the community.

Hugh Davis originally built this happy beast in the early 1970s as an anniversary present for his wife. The 80-foot smiling cement whale attracted so much attention on Route 66 that it became the showpiece for a reptile zoo and swimming hole operated by Davis until shortly before his death.

The community of Catoosa, Oklahoma, has since rallied around the Blue Whale, refurbishing it and applying thousands of gallons of blue paint in the process.

Check out the unique decorating technique used by the people of the "Corn Capital of the World" on the next page.

Want to discover more family vacation destinations? See:

• Family Vacations
• Read Mobil Travel Guide's Oklahoma State Guide
• Scenic Drives
• America's National Monuments
• America's National Historic Sites
• America's National Memorials