Giant Prospector
Washoe Valley, Nevada
The giant prospector has been mining a gentle slope in Washoe Valley for about 30 years, ever since he was retired from his job standing at the Nugget Casino in Reno (he started at the Claimstake Casino, which closed after a year). The 20-ft. tall fiberglass figure is the eye candy for The Candy Factory along US Hwy 395. Visitors can park in the store parking lot, walk up the hill (at their own risk, as a sign advises) to pose with the giant, and buy a bag of assorted chocolates on the way out.
A major highway construction project seems to have stalled behind the prospector, leaving earth berms and a concrete overpass -- unfinished over several years.
