Blue Whale Visitor Center Grand Opening

City of Catoosa to Host Blue Whale Visitor Center Grand Opening and Inaugural Blue Whale Run on May 30

The City of Catoosa will host the grand opening of the new Blue Whale Visitor Center and the inaugural Blue Whale Run on Saturday, May 30, at the Blue Whale of Catoosa. The day will begin with a one-mile fun run at 8 a.m. and a certified 5K at 8:30 a.m. Grand opening festivities will begin at noon with a vendor market featuring craft vendors and food trucks. Remarks and a ribbon cutting are scheduled for 2 p.m. Live music will follow from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., with a fireworks finale at 8:30 p.m.

What is the Blue Whale Run?

Taking place during Route 66’s centennial year, the Blue Whale Run gives participants the chance to run through history on one of the oldest stretches of original Route 66. The run will begin and end at the Blue Whale of Catoosa, one of the country’s most iconic roadside landmarks. All 5K participants will receive a finisher medal. A virtual option is also available for participants who cannot attend in person. Proceeds from the Blue Whale Run will benefit Blue Whale Park.

What is the Blue Whale Visitor Center?

The grand opening marks a major milestone for one of Oklahoma’s most recognizable Route 66 landmarks. The new visitor center is designed to honor the history of the Blue Whale while improving the visitor experience for travelers and the community for generations to come.

“The new visitor center adds to the experience of visiting the Blue Whale while respecting the history that made it so special in the first place,” City Manager Josh Brown said. “It is an investment in both preservation and community pride.”

The approximately 4,000-square-foot facility includes an expanded gift shop, historical art and photos, updated traveler amenities, a concession area, and a meeting hall and event space.

The Blue Whale of Catoosa is located at 2600 North Highway 66 Expressway, Catoosa, OK 74015

For more information and race registration, visit https://bluewhalerun.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=17062. More information about the Visitor Center Grand Opening can be found on the City’s Facebook page.

Blue Whale Event schedule:

• 8 a.m. One-Mile Fun Run
• 8:30 a.m. Blue Whale 5K
• Noon vendor market begins