Since the opening of the first highways (and maybe before), people have created those delightfully quirky sideshows for travelers called “roadside attractions” or, more simply, Big Things.
As one might expect, the Big Lake hosts a wealth of Big Things, from outlandish statuary to items with history and panache. The Things listed below serve as a sampler and a tribute to those who take the time and money to create attractions that make travel more amazing and amusing.
Thanks to all the travelers who shared these photos. If you have your own Big Things pictures, email them to edit@lakesuperior.com or ping us with a mention on Facebook (LakeSuperiorMagazine), Instagram (@LakeSuperiorMagazine) or Twitter (@LakeSuperiorMag).
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Paul L. Hayden / Lake Superior Magazine
Earthwood Inn
The 20-foot-tall statue at the Earthwood Inn is known fondly as Pierre the Pantsless Voyageur. Pierre, who has his own “public figure” Facebook page, started life in Two Harbors as the welcome sign for the Voyageur Motel. He once moved and spoke (thanks to motel staff), but fell on hard times after the motel closed. He recently found a new gig at the Earthwood. We don’t know if he’s really “pantsless.” Photo by Paul L. Hayden.
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Courtesy Cove Point Lodge
Cove Point Lodge on Lake Superior
These chairs are a popular photo-taking spot on Minnesota's North Shore. Photo courtesy Cove Point Lodge.
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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
Grand Marais, Minnesota
The walleye bursting through the Beaver House is a Grand Marais landmark. The bait shop is currently for sale. Photo by Phil Bencomo.
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Courtesy City of Eveleth
Eveleth Hockey Plaza
Eveleth, Minnesota, is home to both the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and the world's largest free-standing hockey stick. Photo courtesy City of Eveleth.
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Lois Donovan
Prince Arthur's Landing at Marina Park
"Naturally Inflated," by Paul Slipper and Nadine Stefan, is a series of 10 whimsical sculptures at the base of Pier 1. Photo by Lois Donovan.
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Jason Snell
Paddle-to-the-Sea Park
A highlight of Nipigon's downtown is Paddle-to-the-Sea Park, a family theme park based on the 1941 children's book by Holling C. Holling. Photo courtesy Jason Snell.
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Paul and Dennis LeMay
White River Tourist Information Centre
Winnie-the-Pooh, the beloved A.A. Milne character, commemorates White River as the place where the bear cub named Winnipeg was bought by a soldier and transported to London’s zoo, where it was seen by the children’s author and his son Christopher. Photo courtesy Paul & Dennis LeMay.
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Peter Murray
Wawa Tourist Information Centre
The Wawa Goose stands beside the city's tourist information centre at the junction of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 101. Photo by Peter Murray.
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Rob Elliott / Swizzle Studio
Chippewa Trading Post and Frontier Village
This table-turning moose statue greets shoppers at the Frontier Village. Photo by Rob Elliott / Swizzle Studio.
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Annie English
Sinclair Yards
The World's Largest Baseball sits at the entrance to the Soo Minor Baseball Association's Sinclair Yards. With a 10-foot diameter, the baseball weighs 8,620 pounds (3,910 kilograms). Photo courtesy Annie English.
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Paul L. Hayden / Lake Superior Magazine
Roberta Bondar Park
65 Foster Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 5N1, CanadaWhimsical statuary found by the Roberta Bondar Pavilion and boardwalk in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, are sweet finds along any route. Photo by Paul L. Hayden.
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Jim Boehlke
Pickle Barrel House Museum
Lake Ave., Grand Marais, Michigan 49839The Pickle Barrel House was built in 1926. Originally a summer cottage, it's now owned by the Grand Marais Historical Society. Photo by Jim Boehlke.
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Courtesy Santa's Workshop
Santa's Workshop
Santa watches over his workshop in the town of Christmas, Michigan. Photo courtesy Santa's Workshop.
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Kendall Cox
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Paul L. Hayden / Lake Superior Magazine
Da Yoopers Tourist Trap & Museum
At places like Da Yoopers Tourist Trap in Ishpeming, you can’t walk two paces without seeing three or four big reflections of Up North life. Photo by Paul L. Hayden.
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Bob & Jo Baskerville
Snow Gauge Roadside Park
The Keweenaw Snow Gauge marks the season's snowfall total and all-time records. (The snowiest winter on the books? 1978-79's 390.4 inches.) Photo by Bob & Jo Baskerville.
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Amy Larsen
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Sara Moilanen
Stormy Kromer Factory and Flagship Store
In Ironwood, look for a Paul-Bunyan-sized red Stormy Kromer that marks where the famed cap is made. Photo by Sara Moilanen.
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Peter Grewe
Ironwood Chamber of Commerce
The Hiawatha Statue was built in 1964. It stands 52 feet tall. Photo by Peter Grewe.
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Dallas Richards
River Rock Inn & Bait Shop
Turn onto the highway in Ashland and you'll spot The Big Bass about to snap a lure. Photo by Dallas Richards.
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