Posted in Oregon
July 17, 2020
The Crazy But True Story Behind This New Oregon Park’s Name
There’s a brand new park in the seaside town of Florence, and it has the craziest name you’ve ever heard. Even more crazy? The true story that happened here in 1970. If you haven’t heard how Exploding Whale Memorial Park got its name, you’re about to find out.
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The name refers to an actual event that occurred right here in Florence in 1970.

They considered burying the whale, but that was a monumental task, and no one was very eager to cut up the decaying, smelly flesh and dig a huge hole.





Unfortunately, the blast didn't destroy the entire carcass, and the birds were all scared away by the dynamite, so they weren't even around to dine on their whale dinners. The remains of the whale were buried after all, and 50 years later, a new little park in Florence memorializes the whale and the mark it made on the town's history.
Check out this old footage posted on YouTube by Bailey James to see the incident.
Today, when whale carcasses wash up on Oregon coast beaches, they’re immediately buried.
Exploding Whale Memorial Park is nestled on the banks of the Siuslaw River, and has a nice walking path and put-in access for canoes and kayaks. Visitors also enjoy grassy areas, picnic shelters, and views of the dunes across the river.
Do you remember when the exploding whale incident happened here in Florence? Share your memories with us in the comments.
Address: Florence, OR 97439, USA