Champaign, Illinois - Giant Indian

The giant Indian in Champaign is a remarkable work done by none other than my grandfather, Herb Drews, and his father. They had a workshop where they worked with metals and hand crafted the indian -- and the tin man -- together. I have many memories of seeing that Indian while growing up, and also the tin man, but it was always disassembled. I would love to find the tin man now. [Rebecca D., 06/28/2009]

The giant statue of the Indian is still here. It appears in good shape and can be seen behind a fence near the parking area. It's in front of the apple orchards.

There's no sign of the aforementioned tin man sculpture, but we did find a very cool giant silo painted as a tinman's head (perhaps a nod to the Indian's former sculptural friend in Danville?). Anyway, the Indian sculpture is well worth the visit. [Wondermachine, 01/26/2009]

From 1949 to 1994, the giant Indian was located in Danville, Illinois on North Vermilion Street (Illinois Route 1, the Dixie Highway). It was built for Herbert Drews to advertise his house and heating business. A grandson purchased the Indian when the location was sold and moved it to his business, the Curtis Apple Orchard, in Champaign, Illinois in 1994. Now stands on this site. There was also a giant Tin Man at the Danville location. It was purchased by a private individual and is currently in storage. Both were pretty famous local landmarks in Danville. Thanks to Mr. Randall Drew Graham of Curtis Apple Orchard for saving the Indian. Curtis Apple Orchard is a great place. [Kevin R. Young, 01/08/2005]