World's Largest Indian Statue: world record in Ironwood, Michigan

September 4, 2022

Ironwood, Michigan, United States--Michigan's legendary Hiawatha statue, built by Gordon Displays in St. Paul, Minnesota, and funded by Charlie Gotta, an Ironwood car dealer, rises into the "giant" category at 52 feet; he weighs nine tons, including anchoring internal steel work, and is engineered to withstand 140 mph winds; it sets the world record for being the World's Largest Indian Statue, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"Hiawatha can be found in Hiawatha Park, at the intersection of Burma Rd. and Hazel St. a little more than a mile south of US-2," the travelthemitten.com reports.

"If you’re coming in from the east, take a left on Lowell St., a left on Pewabic St. and then a right to follow Suffolk St. which will change names but lead you right to the park. From the west, turn right on Lowell St., left on Pewabic, right on Suffolk. A park across the street commemorates the Iron Ore Industry and its influence on the surrounding area."

Photos: World's Largest Indian Statue in Ironwood, Michigan. Pics by: uptravel.com (1) travelthemitten.com (2), Ironwood Chamber of Commerce (3)

Hiawatha Statue

"Ironwood’s Hiawatha Statue was built in 1964. The idea for the statue originated with Charles Gotta, an Ironwood automobile dealer, who had seen similar forms of “road art” during his travels in Minnesota," the Ironwood Area Chamber of Commerce reports.

"Made entirely of fiberglass, the 52′ tall statue in 2019 underwent a $25K complete structural repair and repainting by the F.A.S.T. Corporation of Sparta, WI –one of the very few firms nationally that still makes and repairs these types of structures.

" Located just a few blocks south of Ironwood’s downtown, the statue faces north, toward Lake Superior. Such “road art” was once seen all over the United States just after the creation of the Interstate Highway System by President Eisenhower in the 1950’s, but now there are very few examples left, and certainly very few of the size of Ironwood’s Hiawatha!"

"A big Indian is always a good reason to take a vacation detour. We've pulled over for many a mighty warrior, but for years missed crossing paths with Michigan's legendary Hiawatha statue, "World's Tallest and Largest Indian." That's what it says right on his plaque," the Roadside America reports.

"Hiawatha rises into the "giant" category at 52 feet (though his base may account for 2 of those feet). He weighs nine tons, including anchoring internal steelwork, and is engineered to withstand 140 mph winds.

"Although everyday Ironwood otherwise seems uninterested in its mightiest resident, the statue was repainted and restored in 2004 -- and again in 2019 -- so Hiawatha can continue to impress future generations of Big Indian fans."

Testimonials from Trip Advisor

"This is a very large Native American statue. It doesn't do anything, though I suppose it's possible that it comes to life during certain lunar phases. I'm not sure, but I don't want to find out, as it's much larger that I had imagined it would be. If you're in the area I would highly suggest a photo op."

"Larger than I thought it would be. We could see it from downtown when we started looking for it. I is nicely kept up and in good taste."

"I like strange little places like this. It's a quick photo op for my family."

"Interesting structure. Nice little park to pull off and take a break from travel & traffic. Shelter for picnic w/ large grassy area for play and recreation."

"Very nice statue and historical plaque....always a interesting place to visit while in Ironwoood... a must see."

World's Largest Indian Statue

Address: Burma Rd, Ironwood, MI 49938, United States

Directions: From south: US Hwy 51 north to Hurley. Right on Hwy 77 (Silver St.) into Ironwood. In a few blocks turn right on Suffolk St., which takes you to Hiawatha. From east: US Hwy 2 west into town. Left on Douglas Blvd (Business US Hwy 2). At the T bear right onto Frederick St., then an immediate left onto Suffolk St., which takes you to Hiawatha.

Phone: 906-932-1122