Pierre in front of Voyageur Motel (1998).

Pierre the Pantsless Voyageur

Two Harbors, Minnesota

Along the northern shore of Lake Superior in a small park stands this statue, recalling a time when giant French explorers navigated the wilderness waterways. Pierre is 20 feet tall and blocky, like the cubist Paul Bunyan in Bemidji. Instead of eyes he has slits, a slight grin -- and no pants. He's been on this spot since 2011.

We first saw Pierre back when he stood vigilantly in front of the Voyageur Motel, also in Two Harbors. Pierre's awkward condition may be an example of false economy, the compromise of some long-forgotten motel manager who didn't want to pay for another can of paint for the space between Pierre's short jacket and his high boots.

Old post cards (Pierre's been in Two Harbors since 1960) and a closer look at our own photos reveal that the Voyageur has eyes in his slits -- which once glowed and moved. His head used to pivot from side to side. He used to "talk" as well, thanks to a hidden loudspeaker and a sharp-eyed employee in the motel office. His head and eyes stopped moving circa 1980 when his motor wore out, and a storm in March 2017 blew off his paddle and one arm (since restored). But he's never, ever had any pants.