Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin - Scrap Iron Menagerie

The unique sculptures of Mr. Keller are still there. However, Mr. Keller was recently killed in a tragic accident. I just wanted to bring this up so people can be respectful of the family. [Jon, 09/19/2009]

[RA: Wally Keller, 79, died Aug. 4, 2009 when the tractor he was using to cut grass flipped along a creek and pinned him underneath, then burst into flames.]

About three miles north of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin on Highway 78 you'll find a most unique collection of metal monsters and machines. It's quite a sight to round the bend and encounter a rolling, beautifully landscaped yard hosting a nine-eyed Crown Bug, The Parts Man, The Temple Lion, and various Dragons and Dinosaurs.

Wally Keller has been forging his creations on his farm since 1995. He and his wife Shirley have lived in this beautiful valley since they built the house back in the '70s. After retiring, Wally started fashioning interesting pieces from old farm machinery just for fun, but has since sold over 1000 of his creations. We happened upon the quirky collection completely by accident as we were on our way to Mt. Horeb for a couple days of mustard and trolls. Maybe there's something about this part of Wisconsin that brings out the peculiar in people.

The major pieces can be seen in their yard from the road, but we just had to stop for a closer look. Wally and Shirley were more than hospitable and gladly showed us all of the pieces while filling us in on many of the details of their creations. There are dozens of smaller critters all over the property. Many of them with interesting movement employing kinetic energy. Folks in these parts have come to know the Kellers well and will special order works and even leave their scrap metal pieces by the workshop as donations. If somehow you miss the field full of creatures, just look for the Tin Man mailbox. [GypsyNester.com, 06/27/2009]