I have seen many wonders and marvels as I have traveled the country, among them The World’s Largest Lighthouse-collectibles store, The World’s Largest Chair-there are several of these, and the Giant Ball of String, not to be confused with the Giant Ball of Yarn, or The Giant Ball of Twine. But there is a little spot off Route 66 in a northern corner of Oklahoma which has The World’s Tallest Totem Pole-there are several World’s Tallest Totem Poles as well, but this is the only one I have seen in person.
Now I thought the World’s Largest Totem Pole should be in Alaska, or Washington, or maybe even one of the many fine specimens that are resting comfortably in The British Museum-but no, this one is a slightly different kind of Totem Pole. This one is made of concrete and was constructed in the 1940s by one Ed Galloway.
Route 66 has a lot of odd little wonders scattered along its once great coast to coast length. And this was a designed Tourist Attraction, though from the looks of the surrounding area it didn’t do to much to bring people to beautiful Foyil-near Tulsa, OK.
There are a number of odd sculptures, for lack of a better term, with loud paint jobs and odd animals and Indians painted upon them. The World’s Largest Totem Pole rests on the back of a giant turtle and towers into the sky some 60 feet. It can been seen from a ways down the road, if you are keeping an eye out for it.
Inside the Gift Shop-another wonderfully weird and ornate structure, can be found a large number of violins made by the same artist/madman who make the Totem Poles. At a casual glance these do not like they would playable, but then, they are more works of art than musical instruments. Many of them have cool scenes and images on their backs, but there is something kind of sad about violins that will never make music.
Is it worth a trip to middle of nowhere Oklahoma to see the World’s Tallest Totem Pole? No, it’s not. But if you happen to be in the area for some reason, its not too bad of a side trip.
Directions: I-44 exit 255. Route 20 west into Claremore, then right on Route 66. 11 miles north to Foyil. Right on Route 28A, then 3.5 miles east; on south side. The little gift shop is open Monday-Saturday 11-3, Sunday 12:30-4
