Champaign, Illinois: Giant Copper Chief
RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report
Curtis Orchard
- Address:
- 3902 S. Duncan Rd, Champaign, IL
- Directions:
- Curtis Orchard. Southwest of the city. I-57 exit 232. Drive east on Curtis Rd for a half-mile. Turn right at the stoplight onto S. Duncan Rd. Drive south a half-mile. You'll see the entrance on the left. The statue is not visible from the road, but once you enter the orchard anyone can direct you to it.
- Hours:
- Open daily July-Dec., or call for appt. Gated off-hours. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 217-359-5565
- Admission:
- Free
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
Results 1 to 5 of 7... Page of 2 [Next 2 items]
Built by Herb Drews in 1949. The 17-foot-tall statue stood for years outside Herb's heating business in Danville. It's been in Champaign since 1995.
Roadsideamerica.com Report...Visitor Tips and News About Giant Copper Chief
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
In addition to the big Indian statue, the whole place has a Wizard of Oz theme.
[Stephen Francia, 12/28/2019]
The copper Indian stands behind the fence north of the main store. There is also a new sculpture -- added in 2014 -- the 8-foot-tall "Welden the Metal Man." Made from stainless steel by the great-grandson of the Indian's sculptor, Welden stands in front of the cafe.
[Don Eby, 09/01/2015]The Indian is behind the restaurant in an Oz-themed orchard (the Flying Monkey Cafe). He's easy to miss, so be sure to inquire. Frankly it's worth a stop for the orchard, especially if you're traveling with children. It has a nice play area, petting zoo and mini golf. In the fall, it looks like they have hayrides and apple picking too.
[J Nichols, 08/12/2011]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]Page of 2 [Next 2 items]
Nearby Offbeat Places
Big Cheesy Noodle, Champaign, IL - 5 mi.
Sit with Roger Ebert, Champaign, IL - 5 mi.
College Lincoln's Lucky Nose, Urbana, IL - 5 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
