Battle Lake, Minnesota: Chief Wenonga Statue

I'm not sure how tall he is, but a picture with the good ol' chief is a must do even for residents. If you go to visit in the summer, there is an interesting flea market every weekend. Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends are the best time to go, unless you hate traffic. This small town really starts hopping at Wenonga Days -- I'm not sure when they are but it's lots of fun.

Just to be clear, Battle Lake is a small town (population approximately 800) located in Ottertail County, MN, approximately 180 miles from the Twin Cities and Mall of America.

The statue of Chief Wenonga stands in a public park on MN Highway 78 just outside town, directly across from the lake.

Each summer (in 2001 it will take place July 29-29), the town celebrates "Chief Wenonga Days" which includes a parade, turtle races on Main Street, and a street dance.

"Chief Wenonga" a big Indian in Battle Lake, Minnesota, site of an Indian battle in the 1790s. Chief Wenonga is identical to the big Indian at the Thunderbird Hotel, near the Mall of America. The Thunderbird has several other big Indians looming over other parts of their parking lot. It also features a very kitschy bar with "Heap-big Injun" type decorations, and a truly sickening amount of taxidermy (and I'm not a bunny hugger!).