World's Largest Pelican

Pelican Rapids, Minnesota

The World's Largest Pelican stands at the base of the Mill Pond dam on the Pelican River, right in downtown Pelican Rapids. It is 15 1/2 feet tall, built in 1957. Water spews from the dam in a continuous stream, making this statue somehow more dynamic than others we've seen in Minnesota. Kids are fishing for Sunnies, bluefish and Northerns around the base of the Pelican and along the opposite shore.

It's a deliberate death trap. The fish tumble over the dam, disoriented, see the Mother of All Pelicans eyeing them, and get hooked by a ten year old.

Nearby the Pelican, there are some odd artifacts from a previous civic celebration: a 9-ft. tall rusting replica of the Seattle Space Needle, a halfhearted attempt at a windmill, and a steel suspension footbridge that looks like a full-size bridge.

Update - August 2007: "Pelican Pete," the world's largest pelican, celebrated its 50th birthday on August 18, 2007. Excerpt from the festivities: "the Al Siegle and Friends Band will perform at 1 p.m. Girl Scouts will sell hot dogs and pop from noon to 2 p.m. and free cake and coffee will be served as part of the celebration."