World's Largest Tiger Muskie

Nevis, Minnesota

We first saw the Nevis Tiger Muskie on a trip that also took in the World's Largest Fiberglass Muskie in neighboring Wisconsin. No comparison. But this is no fiberglass mascot-come-lately. It's 30 feet, 6 inches in length, made of cedar, redwood and cement scales. Minnesota Gov. Luther Youngdahl dedicated it in 1950, to honor tourists who spend their vacations (and dollars) in the state.

A roof was put over it in 1991 -- another example of a town building something to see, then covering up with trees or buildings, and facing it north or placing it in bad light, so that no visitor can get a decent picture. Nevis officials said the sculpture needed protection from the elements, and the guys who know how to do periodic repairs were dying off.

Decades later the Tiger Muskie was still there, the south-facing side of the fish covered by an added shelter with picnic tables. Power lunch at the Tiger Muskie, anyone?

The obvious photo op -- sticking a head in its maw -- is discouraged by a warning stenciled in the mouth: "KEEP OUT."