Route 66 Roadside Attractions Near Tulsa

Reopened in 2026, the Blue Whale of Catoosa invites visitors to step inside the mouth of a grinning blue whale. But this whimsical roadside photo op has a surprising back story. The 20-foot-tall, 80-foot-long whale was originally created in 1972 by Hugh Davis as an anniversary gift for his wife, Zelta. Locals and Route 66 travelers alike remember the place as an eclectic and low key swimming hole. After $2 million of revitalization efforts, a stop at the Blue Whale now includes a new visitor center, updated restrooms, expanded parking, walking trails, and a vintage-inspired neon sign. 

2600 OK-66, Catoosa, OK
 

The “Land of the Giants” encompasses the Meadow Gold District on Route 66, and is named for the 20-foot-tall figures that line the streets. These statues are the brainchild of Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios owner Mary Beth Babcock who is on a mission to create more fun on her corner of Route 66. Buck Atom the space cowboy was once a lone ranger as the mascot of Babcock’s souvenir and gift shop. Now, he’s got company. Cowboy Bob stands outside of Buck’s Vintage with his guitar. Meadow Gold Mack the lumberjack welcomes you to a shop of the same name selling goods from local artists and entrepreneurs. Stella Atom and Rosie the Riveter are also prominently featured on America’s Main Street, rounding out the Land of the Giants.

1347 E 11th St, Tulsa, OK

This roadside attraction will catch your eye from a mile away, thanks to the tallest oil derrick in North America towering 154 feet above its grounds. The Route 66 Historical Village is a jam-packed stop for history lovers and locomotive fans. It’s free to drop into this open-air outdoor museum to see original and restored remnants of Tulsa’s bygone eras, including a restored Frisco 4500 Steam Engine, passenger car, and caboose. The visitors center is a replica of a 1920s Phillips 66 gas station. These were typically designed to look like the cottage-style neighborhoods of the era.

3770 Southwest Boulevard, Tulsa, OK
 

Immerse yourself in Oklahoma’s largest and oldest folk art environment, featuring the artwork of woodworker, blacksmith, educator, and artist Ed Galloway. Just a 45-minute drive from Tulsa is this park designated by the National Register of Historic Places. Here you’ll find Galloway’s 90-foot totem pole of carved stone and concrete that the artist created as a monument to Native Americans. The sprawling 9-acre park feels like it is straight out of a story book with so many whimsical art pieces scattered throughout its grounds. Discover more treasures in its Fiddle House Museum, home to Galloway’s hand-carved violins and other collections.

21300 OK-28A, Chelsea, OK
 

This attraction is one you don’t even have to put the brakes on for. It's more of a unique audial experience than a photo op. The Southwest Boulevard Bridge has precisely spaced grooves in its pavement to mimic a familiar tune as you drive over them. Head east on the bridge in the middle lane at exactly 35mph to hear Woody Guthrie’s, “This Land Is Your Land.” If you’d prefer to stretch your legs and snap a pic, pull over to the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza and stand on the bridge to see if you can pick out the tune amongst the traffic.

US Route 66, Tulsa, OK