Oklahoma’s highways are a treasure trove of quirky, whimsical, and downright weird roadside attractions that make any road trip through the Sooner State unforgettable. From giant whales to cosmic cowboys, here are 11 of the weirdest Oklahoma roadside attractions worth pulling over for.
1. Blue Whale of Catoosa
This massive, smiling blue whale is perhaps Oklahoma’s most iconic roadside oddity. Built in the 1970s by Hugh Davis as a gift for his wife, the 20-foot-tall, 80-foot-long whale sits in a pond off Route 66. Visitors can walk inside the whale, picnic by the water, and snap photos with this beloved Route 66 mascot.
2. Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios
Standing tall on Route 66 in Tulsa, Buck Atom is a space cowboy Muffler Man, reimagined and rebuilt from a 1960s statue. Unveiled in 2019, Buck Atom has quickly become a fan favorite, blending retro Americana with a cosmic twist outside Buck’s Cosmic Curios.
3. Pops 66 Soda Ranch
In Arcadia, Pops 66 is more than a gas station—it’s a soda lover’s paradise. The giant 66-foot-tall soda bottle out front glows with neon at night, while inside you’ll find over 700 varieties of soda from around the world. It’s a must-stop for quirky photos and unique refreshments.
4. Arcadia Round Barn
A marvel of engineering and a Route 66 staple, the Arcadia Round Barn is exactly what it sounds like—a perfectly round barn built in 1898. Its unique architecture and storied past make it a fascinating and photogenic stop.
5. Golden Driller Statue
Tulsa’s Golden Driller is impossible to miss. Towering at 76 feet, this tribute to Oklahoma’s oil industry is the tallest freestanding statue in the U.S. Sometimes dressed up for local events, the Golden Driller is a true Tulsa icon.
6. Totem Pole Park
Located in Foyil, Totem Pole Park features the world’s largest concrete totem pole, hand-carved by artist Ed Galloway over 11 years. The park is filled with colorful, intricate totem poles and folk art, making it a surreal and memorable stop.
7. Buddy the Blue Hippo
In Edmond, Buddy the Blue Hippo is a fiberglass hippo with a mischievous reputation. Originally a senior prank target, Buddy has become a beloved and quirky roadside mascot, now filled with concrete to thwart would-be thieves.
8. Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pie Dinosaur and Rooster
At the original Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies in Davis, you’ll find a Sinclair dinosaur and a giant rooster perched atop the gas station. While you’re there, don’t miss the legendary fried pies—both sweet and savory.
9. McCubbin’s Bumblebee Transformer
Stillwater is home to a towering Bumblebee Transformer statue, a sibling to the nearby Optimus Prime. Originally from Thailand, these statues have been upgraded and now guard local auto shops, delighting kids and Transformers fans alike.
10. World’s Largest Peanut
Durant boasts the World’s Largest Peanut, a 2,000-pound concrete sculpture celebrating the region’s agricultural roots. This kitschy landmark is a fun photo op and a testament to Oklahoma’s love for all things big and unusual.
11. Wheeler Ferris Wheel
Oklahoma City’s Wheeler District is home to the historic Santa Monica Ferris Wheel, relocated from the California boardwalk. Refurbished and now spinning in OKC, it offers unique skyline views and a touch of nostalgia in the heart of the city.
These 11 attractions are just a sampling of Oklahoma’s delightfully weird roadside wonders. Whether you’re a Route 66 enthusiast, a lover of Americana, or simply seeking a memorable photo op, these stops promise to make your journey through Oklahoma as fun as the destination itself.
Sources
- https://www.travelok.com/roadside_oddities
- https://oklahomawonders.com/best-oklahoma-roadside-attractions/
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/oklahoma/roadside-attractions
- https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/843514/crazy-and-offbeat-roadside-attractions-in-oklahoma-city
- https://www.travelingcheesehead.com/roadside-attractions-in-oklahoma/
