Welcome to Roadside Icons Midwest. In this section of Roadside Peek, check out the street character treasures from the great Midwestern part of the United States.

Sparta Bicyclist
Sparta, WI
Photo courtesy Dave Pophal

Remember those old bicycles with the giant front wheel? Ben Bikin' brings one to life in a very big way. Standing 32 feet tall at the entrance to downtown Sparta, this smiling cyclist has been welcoming visitors from atop his penny-farthing for years.

Sparta proudly calls itself the "Bicycling Capital of America," and it's easy to see why this giant rider feels right at home. The town is the northern end of the historic Elroy-Sparta State Trail, making it a popular stop for cyclists and travelers alike.

Built by Sparta-based FAST Corp., Ben originally stood in another part of town before moving to his current location. If you press the button at the base of the statue, he'll even greet you and share a few facts about Sparta's biking heritage.

UPDATE: Ben Bikin' is still welcoming visitors to Sparta and remains a favorite roadside photo stop. If you're passing through town, he's well worth pulling over for a picture. Folks also refer to him as Big Ben. 07-26

Fresh Fish Hall of Fame
Hayward, WI
Photo courtesy Kelly Coalier

The National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum is home to one fish story that's actually true. Towering over the grounds in Hayward is the famous "Big Musky," a giant leaping fish that's hard to miss. At more than 140 feet long and over four stories tall, it looks like it could have swallowed a fishing boat instead of a lure.

The massive muskie was built in 1976 and is completely hollow. Visitors can climb a staircase inside the fish and step out into its open mouth for a view overlooking the surrounding area. It's probably one of the few places where getting eaten by a fish is actually encouraged.

The museum itself celebrates freshwater fishing with exhibits covering everything from antique lures and vintage outboard motors to trophy fish and angling history. But let's be honest—the giant muskie out front usually steals the show.

UPDATE: The museum continues to welcome visitors during its seasonal operating months, and the Big Musky remains one of Wisconsin's best-known roadside attractions. It's still a catch that's well worth pulling over to see. 07-26

Chief Black Hawk Sign (Gone)
Rock Island, IL
Photo courtesy Kelly Coalier

This towering Chief Black Hawk Sign stood watch over the Watch Tower Plaza shopping center in Rock Island for decades. Rising above the parking lot, the oversized figure was one of those roadside sights that became part of the landscape. Even if you weren't planning to stop and shop, it was hard not to notice.

The giant sheet-metal sign was created during the shopping center's heyday and reflected the bold, attention-grabbing style of roadside advertising from the era. While many people referred to it as a statue, it was actually a large commercial sign designed to catch the eye of passing motorists.

Unfortunately, a powerful storm brought the landmark down in 2023. For a while, no one seemed to know what had become of it, leading to plenty of local speculation.

UPDATE: The Chief Black Hawk Sign was located in early 2026 after being discovered in storage at a municipal facility. Its future remains uncertain as local groups continue discussing whether it should be restored and displayed again or remain in storage. 07-26

Noah's Ark (Demolished)
St. Charles, MO
Photo courtesy Kelly Coalier

A roadside sight worth pulling over for was Noah's Ark Family Restaurant in St. Charles. Looking more like a giant wooden ark than a restaurant, it featured giraffes, elephants, monkeys, tigers, and other oversized animals peering over the roof as if they were keeping an eye on Interstate 70. It was one of those places that made passing motorists wonder what was inside.

Built in the late 1960s, the restaurant was designed to resemble Noah's Ark from bow to stern. Visitors crossed a small moat to reach the entrance, where even a snorting hippopotamus helped welcome guests. Inside, the restaurant became well known for its hearty meals and especially its popular clam chowder, which kept people coming back for years.

Of course, it was the rooftop animals that stole the show. They turned an ordinary restaurant into one of the area's most memorable roadside attractions and made it almost impossible to drive by without taking a second look.

UPDATE: The restaurant closed years ago, and the giant ark was demolished in 2007 as the property was redeveloped. A few of the fiberglass animals were saved before demolition, but not sure where they ended up. 07-26

World's Largest Penny
Woodruff, WI
Photo courtesy Dave Pophal

Woodruff is home to the World's Largest Penny. At 15 feet tall and weighing nearly nine tons, this oversized 1953 Lincoln cent is a roadside attraction that's hard to overlook. Imagine if it were actually made of copper!

The giant penny was dedicated in 1954 to celebrate a remarkable community fundraiser led by local schoolchildren. Their goal was to collect one million pennies to help build a new hospital, and the effort grew into a nationwide campaign after Dr. Kate Newcomb's story was featured on television. By the time it was over, enough money had been raised to help make the community's dream a reality.

The penny stands just a short distance from where that hospital was built and serves as a reminder that even small contributions can add up to something pretty big. Of course, it also makes for a fun roadside photo stop. It's not every day you get to stand next to a penny that's taller than a house.

UPDATE: The World's Largest Penny is still standing in Woodruff and is currently being restored after decades of Wisconsin weather. Fortunately, this giant coin should be around for many more years. 07-26

Claire d'Loon
Mercer, WI
Photo courtesy Dave Pophal

Ever thought loons could get huge? Claire d'Loon might change your mind. Standing 16 feet tall outside the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce, this oversized bird has been greeting visitors since 1981 and has become one of northern Wisconsin's favorite roadside attractions.

Mercer proudly calls itself the "Loon Capital of the World," so it only makes sense that the town would have a loon big enough to match the title. Built by Wisconsin's own FAST Corp., Claire weighs about a ton and is impossible to miss if you're driving through town.

Claire isn't just something to look at, either. Press the nearby button and she'll treat you to the familiar calls of a real loon, from the haunting wail to the unmistakable yodel. It's a fun little feature that usually gets visitors smiling before they continue on their way.

UPDATE: Claire d'Loon is still welcoming travelers to Mercer and remains one of Wisconsin's best-known roadside photo stops. Be sure to give the button a push before you leave—you might just hear the Northwoods talking back. 07-26

Citgo Cow
Janesville, WI
Photo courtesy Dave Pophal

Here's one cow that's impossible to miss. Bessie the Cow has been watching over Highway 26 in Janesville for decades, giving travelers another reason to slow down. Standing 16 feet tall and stretching 20 feet long, she's about as friendly a roadside greeter as you'll find.

Bessie first appeared in 1966 as part of the Janesville Oasis truck stop, where she helped attract hungry motorists and weary travelers. Over the years the surrounding businesses changed, with a Citgo station, the Hoffman House, and later a Ramada Inn sharing the property. Through it all, Bessie remained one of the area's most recognizable landmarks.

When the old travel plaza was demolished in 2006, it looked like Bessie's days might be over. Fortunately, local supporters stepped in, and she was moved just down the road instead of heading to the scrapyard. After a little restoration and a fresh coat of black-and-white paint, she was back to greeting passing traffic.

UPDATE: Bessie is still standing along Highway 26 and remains a favorite roadside photo stop in Janesville. Fortunately, this big Holstein survived the wrecking ball and is still keeping an eye on the highway. 07-26

DeForest Elephant
DeForest, WI
Photo courtesy Dave Pophal

Ever seen an elephant wearing glasses? Pinkie the Pink Elephant has been doing just that for decades in DeForest. Standing outside a gas station just off the interstate, this bright pink pachyderm has become one of those roadside sights that's almost impossible to drive past without smiling.

Pinkie actually got his start in 1963 at a supper club in Iowa before making the move to Wisconsin a few years later. He was brought in to help attract motorists, and it's safe to say he's been doing a pretty good job ever since. After all, a pink elephant with oversized black glasses isn't something you see every day.

The gas station has fully embraced its famous resident. There's even a historical marker explaining Pinkie's story, along with a spot where visitors can line up the perfect photo. Inside, you'll even find Pinkie souvenirs if you'd like to take a little piece of this roadside oddity home.

UPDATE: Pinkie is still greeting travelers in DeForest and remains one of Wisconsin's best-known roadside attractions. If you're heading toward the Dells, he's well worth a quick stop before getting back on the road. 07-26