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
ArtistWarren P Ballard
Year1949
SubjectTiger muskellunge
Dimensions30.5 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

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  1. ^ "World's Largest Tiger Muskie, Nevis, MN". Foursquare. 2013.
  2. ^ Yaeger, Brian (May 1, 2017). "Uniquely American". All About Beer Magazine. Archived from the original on February 11, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d "World's Largest Tiger Muskie". Roadside America. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  4. ^ "History". City of Nevis. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  5. ^ Ruzicka, Jean (September 26, 2012). "Nevis School Considers a Tiger Muskie Mascot". Park Rapids Enterprise and Forum Communications Company.
  6. ^ Kallok, Michael (May–June 2011). "Fish Kitsch". Minnesota Conservation Volunteer. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  7. ^ "Calendar of Events". Nevis Civic & Commerce. Archived from the original on 2013-06-08.

46°57′53″N 94°50′32″W / 46.964588°N 94.842208°W / 46.964588; -94.842208