Rothsay's Prairie Chicken.

World's Largest "Booming" Prairie Chicken

This 13-foot-tall creature is the closest thing to a bird-from-Mars on Earth. Prairie chickens look strange on normal days, but when they "boom" -- puffing out two bright orange air sacs on their necks -- they look, well, alien.

Posed as if ready to peck to death nervous admirers, this scary statue makes a good gag photo if you pose, terrified, beneath its looming beak.

The 9,000 pound creature was designed and built by Art Fosse as Rothsay's contribution to America's 1976 Bicentennial. The tiny park in which the Chicken stands is named for Fosse, and a bronze plaque in front informs all that, "On June 10, 1975, Rothsay was designated Prairie Chicken Capital of Minnesota."

Also see: Titans of the Northern Plains

World's Largest "Booming" Prairie Chicken

Address:: Center St., Rothsay, MN
Directions:: I-94 to the Center St. exit for Rothsay. Head south, then make an immediate right. The statue overlooks the exit ramp, in the "Art Fosse Wayside Rest."
RA Rates:: Worth a Detour

More on World's Largest "Booming" Prairie Chicken

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Shoe Fence, Downer, MN - 20 mi.

In the region:

Ten-Foot-Tall Otter, Ottertail, MN - 34 mi.

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