Laramie, WY

Although it may seem a bit unusual to see a Giant Lincoln Head sculpture in the middle of Wyoming, it makes more sense once you realize that it’s located along the Lincoln Highway. More specifically, it’s on Sherman Summit on Interstate 80, just east of Laramie. And although it’s called a highway, it’s actually a collection of roads that run from San Francisco to New York City. And this stretch of Interstate 80 just happens to be part of that historic route, with Sherman Summit marking the highest place along the way.

The larger-than-life Lincoln head was first sculpted by Robert Russin from 70 tons of clay, and then cast in bronze in Mexico City. The Giant Lincoln Head stands 12.5 feet high, but it rests on smaller shoulders, giving it a somewhat caricature-like appearance. Still it’s an impressive work, with the former president looking down on his audience. And it was fittingly dedicated in 1959, 150 years after the former presidents was born.

Although you can see the massive head from Interstate 80, it’s worth a stop to get a closer look. There’s accessible parking with a cement walkway over to sculpture, and although there are four steps up, you can still get an adequate look at Mr. Lincoln from ground level.