"As part of a partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the LOON (is on the Loose) is participating in the MPCA’s Get the Lead Out program to help protect and restore the population of the common loons in Minnesota by reducing their exposure to lead-based fishing tackle," the City of Virginia, MN, says.

"The World's Largest Floating Loon is fiberglass over a metal frame, tethered to the bottom of the lake by a long cable, far, far out in the water, spinning and bobbing merrily in the wind-whipped waves. It's 20 feet long, although you'd never know it, because at this distance it might as well be a life-size loon. The loon floats on Silver Lake, one of two lakes located in the heart of Virginia. The loon recently underwent renovation in the winter of 2010. 

"Rumor has it that the loon has obtained “Worlds Largest Floating Decoy” from the Guiness Book of World Records, but have not found this record.  However, we still us the tagline – “World’s Largest Floating Loon”!

"You don’t have to look hard in Minnesota to spot the loon, its state bird. But only one small city boasts the honor of being the nesting grounds for the world’s largest floating loon," the Atlas Obscura says.

"The 20-foot-long loon was devised in 1982 as an attraction to draw visitors to the annual Land of the Loon Ethnic Arts and Crafts Festival. The fiberglass and metal statue was built by local artist William Martin and is launched into Silver Lake every spring.

"The big bird bobs in the waves all summer, though it can’t go too far. A strong cable anchored to the bottom of the lake keeps the loon from floating too far from shore. Once the weather grows cold, the statue is hauled back onto solid ground and put in storage for the season."

"Land of the Loon Ethnic Arts and Crafts Festival celebrates the culture and customs of the diverse people who settled in Northeastern Minnesota. The colorful traditions and flavors of the early immigrants and settlers are re-created by a melting pot of artisans, crafters, musicians, entertainers, and welcoming volunteers," the Land of the Loon Festival says.

The two-day festival kicks off the third full weekend in June on Saturday morning with an eighty-unit parade down Chestnut Street and Fifth Avenue in the historic heart of Virginia.

"Then the activities shift north to beautiful Olcott Park where the crowds sample the delicious ethnic foods, listen to the colorful music from countries around the world, browse among the hundreds of exquisite art and craft booths, and celebrate the weekend-long family entertainment hosted by Iron Range volunteers."

"The Common Loon is Minnesota’s state bird. It shouldn’t surprise visitors to see one or more of these striking water birds on any of the beautiful lakes we have here," the Explore UpNorth says.

"What might be surprising is how easy it is to spot Ginny, the world’s biggest loon. This 21’ floating loon resides in the middle of Silver Lake in Virginia. She was built in 1982 by the “Land of the Loon” festival committee and local artist William Martin.

"Each year, the Land of the Loon Festival celebrates ethnic arts, crafts, culture, and customs of those who have settled in Northeastern Minnesota. It is a two-day festival in June that hosts a parade through the historic part of Virginia. You can experience authentic foods, music, and entertainment in the park that allows you to experience the culture of countries from around the world."

"But when that diversion is to see the World’s Largest Loon in Vergas, Minnesota, it seems warranted. Coincidentally, the state bird of Minnesota — which is also home lots of world’s largest things — is the loon. So, it seemed fitting that Vergas pay tribute to the local fauna with a big bird," the Olio in Iowa says.

"Located overlooking the scenic Long Lake in Vergas Park, the giant loon was built in the early 1960s by the Vergas Fire Department. Standing at 20 feet tall, the World’s Largest Loon is a great photo op whether you’re exploring the area or just passing through.

"Over the years, the World’s Largest Loon has had some competition. But Vergas has managed to hold onto its title. Though you can find other large loons around the region like the World’s Largest Talking Loon in Mercer, Wisconsin and the World’s Largest Floating Loon in Virginia, Minnesota. Each August, the town hosts an annual Looney Days festival, which features a parade, live music and more."

"Take a peak across Silver Lake in Virgina, Minnesota during the summer months and you'll likely spot a giant loon! After a two-year hiatus for repairs to damage by a shotgun blast, the 21-foot loon - reportedly the largest in the world - now floats happily in the lake!

"If you go: The loon can be viewed at any time during the warmer months from several vantage points around Silver Lake. It is hauled out during the winter months when the lake is frozen,"  the RoadTrip America says.

"The Land of the Loon festival, which takes place each June, is a excellent time to visit. A nice walking trail loops around Virginia Lake, just to the north of Silver Lake across 2nd Avenue."

World's Largest Talking Loon: world record set in Mercer, Wisconsin

World's Largest Booming Prairie Chicken Sculpture, world record in Rothsay, Minnesota

 World's Largest Pelican Sculpture, world record in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota