Two Harbors, Minnesota: Pierre the Pantsless Voyageur

A giant canoe-paddler statue recalls a time when French explorers navigated the wilderness waterways. Without pants.

Pierre the Pantsless Voyageur. A must see!

Pierre must have had a recent refurbishing! He looks to have all his parts in place and a new paint job. His oar is attached to his hand, and his boat is resting at his feet for photo ops. He's easily seen as you drive north on Hwy 61 into Two Harbors, at a restaurant across from a car dealership.

Pierre has lost his arm and gained a sling. His arm is lying next to him on the ground, as is his paddle. You can still take your picture in the canoe.

The "no pants" appearance of the statue is historically accurate. According to an exhibit at the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Center in Ontario, voyageurs wore a long sleeved (usually blue) woolen shirt with large buttons, a pair of deerskin leggings that ended just above their knees, and a breech cloth around their waist. To "dress up" their attire, the voyageurs tied a brightly colored sash around their waist. On their heads, they wore a red woolen toque.