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In addition to the big Indian statue, the whole place has a Wizard of Oz theme.
[Stephen Francia, 12/28/2019]Giant Copper Chief:RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report
- 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
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]- Champaign, Illinois - Giant Indian
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] - 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] - Champaign, Illinois - Giant Indian
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]
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