Built primarily as an anniversary gift by creator Hugh Davis to his whale-loving wife, Zelta, in the early 70s, the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma has become one of the most well known attractions in the area. It was initially just something that stood in the family’s property, well decorating the spring fed pond, but soon enough, it attracted people, so the Davises decided to open it to the public.

When the area was opened to public use, they named the area the Nature’s Acres. It contained the Blue Whale in the pond, the A.R.K. or the Animal Reptile Kingdom, and the art works of Chief Wolf-Robe, who was Davis’ brother-in-law.

Sadly, the Nature’s Acres closed down in 1988 when the Davises decided to retire. The area fell into disrepair but volunteers restored the Blue Whale and the picnic benches in the area, so it’s open to the public once again.