This 28 foot tall viking statue was created in 1965 to accompany a Celtic Rune Stone that was found in nearby Kensington by Olof Ohman, a Swedish farmer, in 1898. Engravings on the stone suggest that Viking explorers reached Minnesota in 1362, well before Columbus’ discovery of the new world.

While there is doubt about the validity of the Rune Stone there is no doubt that Big Ole is the center of attention in this park.

Thanks for visiting. We are in Minnesota so there are a few more roadside attractions to follow.