The Nevis Tiger Muskie is a sculpture located at 114-122 Bunyan Trails Rd, Nevis, Minnesota.[1]
| Nevis Tiger Muskie | |
|---|---|
 The Nevis tiger muskie in 2019 | |
| Artist | Warren P Ballard |
| Year | 1949 |
| Subject | Tiger muskellunge |
| Dimensions | 30.5 feet (9.3 m) long |
The sculpture is known as the world's largest tiger muskie.[2] It is a representation of the tiger muskellunge, a carnivorous fish found in local waters. It is 30 feet and 6 inches long, and made of cedar and redwood covered with cement scales.[3]
The fish was built in 1949 by the Nevis Civic & Commerce Chamber as a tourist attraction, joining the ranks of several other large fish statues across the state of Minnesota.[4] It was dedicated by Minnesota governor Luther Youngdahl on August 22, 1950 to all tourists visiting Minnesota.[3] In 1991 it was covered by an awning to keep the elements at bay and is stationed in front of a pavilion with picnic tables and a small playground.[3] The sculpture and its pavilion are located on the Paul Bunyan State Trail. The area is a noted tourist attraction and provides a station for numerous photo opportunities and an easily identifiable landmark in the small town of Nevis.[3]
In September 2012, the Nevis Public School considered returning their school mascot back from "Tigers" to the original "Tiger Muskies".[5]
This roadside attraction lends its name to the annual Nevis Muskie Days, held every July since the inaugural celebration in 1950.[6] The event includes the Muskie 5K run, a street dance, and numerous vendors.[7]
References
edit- ^ "World's Largest Tiger Muskie, Nevis, MN". Foursquare. 2013.
- ^ Yaeger, Brian (May 1, 2017). "Uniquely American". All About Beer Magazine. Archived from the original on February 11, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
- ^ a b c d "World's Largest Tiger Muskie". Roadside America. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
- ^ "History". City of Nevis. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
- ^ Ruzicka, Jean (September 26, 2012). "Nevis School Considers a Tiger Muskie Mascot". Park Rapids Enterprise and Forum Communications Company.
- ^ Kallok, Michael (May–June 2011). "Fish Kitsch". Minnesota Conservation Volunteer. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
- ^ "Calendar of Events". Nevis Civic & Commerce. Archived from the original on 2013-06-08.