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.
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Loved by locals, this fiberglass Big John statue has been standing proud in front of the Helper City Library since the 1960s. Named after the Jimmy Dean song “Big Bad John,” this landmark is an unofficial memorial to the many miners that lost their lives in the local mines. The statue was made from a mold of Paul Bunyan, but a miner’s pick was substituted for the traditional axe held by the iconic figure. Although you can get a good view of this giant from driving down Main Street, there’s plenty of parallel parking available, so stop by and hop out for the photo op.
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East Dickinson Boulevard & North Main Street
Fort Stockton, Texas
Although he’s no longer the-record-holding “largest roadrunner”, Paisano Pete is still dearly loved by the locals in this gateway town to Texas Hill Country. Built in 1979, old Pete measures in at an impressive 22 feet long and 11 feet tall. He’s located on the corner of Main Street and Dickinson, and unlike many other large statues, he’s kept up by the locals. The even dress him up for Christmas. There’s no official parking area, but there’s a large level dirt lot next to Pete that serves the purpose. And if you’d like to get a closer look at the bird, there’s curb-cut access up to the nice mini-park that surrounds him.
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Located about seven miles west of Marfa, this “Giant” Marfa Mural is a series of larger-than-life plywood cutouts that pays tribute to James Dean’s final flick, Giant. The work of John Cerney from Salinas, California, this cutouts depict the characters that James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson played in the 1956 movie. There’s also a large cutout of the mansion that was featured in the flick, which was filmed on the property where the installation stands. Sadly Dean was killed in a car accident before the film was released.
The figures are easier to spot traveling west, but you can still see the silhouettes in enough time to pull over on an eastbound journey. There’s no organized parking, but there’s a level dirt spot in front of the fenced-in figures, with plenty of room to get out and take a closer look. There’s also a small solar panel that powers a country music track — by Michael Nesmith of Monkees fame — that plays on a continuous loop. A must-stop photo op for sure; and it’s about 30 miles east of the Marfa Prada (www.emerginghorizons.com/marfa-prada)
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If you happen to be driving around Northern California on Highway 101, then plan to stop in for a brief photo op with Paul Bunyan and Babe. These massive sculptures are located in the Trees of Mystery (emerginghorizons.com/explore-californias-wheelchair-accessible-coastal-redwoods/) parking lot; and although there is a charge to visit the forest, you can take a selfie with the larger-than-life duo for free. Paul stands over 49 feet high, and Babe measures 35 feet between her horns. You definitely can’t miss them. And for added entertainment, Paul Bunyan waves his hand and says hello, tells a variety of jokes and even asks kids questions. All in all it’s a fun stop, and there’s plenty of accessible parking with ample room to roll over to the iconic duo.
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If a trip to the giant sequoias is on your spring travel agenda, then look no further than Kings Canyon National Park . Often overshadowed by the Giant Forest in nearby Sequoia National Park, the Kings Canyon section of the park offers an equally impressive stand of Giant Sequoias. And like its Sequoia National Park counterpart, the Kings Canyon grove boasts an accessible trail for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. So pack a picnic lunch, hit the road, and enjoy a visit to the Kings Canyon sequoias this spring.
Get Your Bearings
Known as the gateway to Kings Canyon National Park, Grant Grove is home to Giant Sequoia groves that were logged back in the 1800s, as well as stands of timber that were preserved for future generations. From Fresno, it’s just an hour drive on Highway 180 to the Big Stump Entrance of the park. From there it’s just a short drive to the Kings Canyon Visitor Center.
Accessible parking is located next to the Kings Canyon Visitor Center, with curb-cut access up to the sidewalk and level access over to the building. Inside, there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the ranger information desk, small book store and interpretive exhibits. There’s also level access to a small theater where a film about the park runs throughout the day.
From the visitor center, head over to Grant Grove Drive, which is located off Highway 180, across the street from the road to Crystal Springs Campground. This short but scenic route leads through a Giant Sequoia grove and terminates in the General Grant Tree parking lot. Even if you are unable to navigate any of the trails in the grove, this drive is a must-do, as it boasts several pullouts and offers some excellent windshield views of the grove. It’s a good way to get an up-close-and-personal look at the Giant Sequoias, even if you are unable to get out of your vehicle. The view from the General Grant Tree parking lot isn’t bad either.
Hike Around the Kings Canyon Sequoias
Trail to the General Grant Tree
One of the main attractions in this grove is the impressive General Grant Tree. This 1,700 year-old stately giant is 40 feet wide and towers 268 feet above the grove. And for a closer look, there’s a half-mile loop trail that leads out to the iconic tree.
The paved trail first passes a grove of young sequoias, then circles the gigantic Fallen Monarch sequoia, before it reaches the General Grant Tree midway along the route. Although the trail isn’t entirely level, it’s generally doable for most folks, with plenty of benches to sit and take a rest along the way. That said, the trail that leads around the back of the General Grant Tree is steep and not accessible, but you can still get a nice view from in front of the tree.
After the trail passes the General Grant Tree, it winds around the Gamlin Cabin, which was built in 1872 by a pair of brothers who grazed sheep in the area. The trail then edges by the Centennial Stump (a 16-foot section of this tree was displayed at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia), and passes by the other end of the Fallen Monarch, before it returns to the parking area. As an added bonus, the grove is shaded, so it makes for a nice stroll even in the midday sun. And it’s the perfect way to top off a springtime visit to the Kings Canyon sequoias.
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