The roadtrippers guide to finding Wisconsin statues
When traveling on State Trunk Tours, ambling about the roads of Wisconsin, you come across a ton of interesting things – including statues, which mix art, history, sometimes symbolism… or even TV stars. Wisconsin is filled with roadside attractions, historic landmarks, and unexpected discoveries. Among the most interesting are the statues and monuments scattered across the state. Some honor pioneers and Native American leaders. Others celebrate famous entertainers, larger-than-life symbols, or ideals that helped shape our state’s identity.
Here are some of the Wisconsin’s most notable statues and monuments, organized by region, along with the stories behind them.
Southeast Wisconsin
Milwaukee: Bronze Fonz
Located along Milwaukee’s RiverWalk, the Bronze Fonz has become one of Wisconsin’s most photographed attractions. Unveiled in 2008, the statue honors Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, the cool leather-jacketed character played by Henry Winkler on the television series Happy Days. The show was set in Milwaukee, making the city a fitting home for the bronze tribute. Visitors routinely strike the Fonz’s trademark thumbs-up pose for photos. You’ll find it right along U.S. 18/Wells Street at the Milwaukee River, a little east of Highway 145/6th Street and two blocks west of Highway 32/Broadway.
Milwaukee: Solomon Juneau Monument
Milwaukee founder Solomon Juneau helped transform a fur-trading settlement into one of the Midwest’s most important cities. His bronze statue stands in Juneau Park overlooking Lake Michigan. The monument serves as a reminder of the city’s earliest days and the French-Canadian trader who became Milwaukee’s first mayor. You can see it from Highway 32/Prospect Avenue and if you check out the park you’ll find beautiful walkways and, in the summer, one of Milwaukee County’s traveling beer gardens. The view of Lake Michigan is fantastic in any season.
Milwaukee: Leif, the Discoverer
Standing near the lakefront at Juneau Park right near the statue of Solomon Juneau, this imposing bronze statue honors Leif Erikson, the Norse explorer believed by many historians to have reached North America centuries before Columbus. The statue was gifted by Milwaukee’s Norwegian-American community and reflects Wisconsin’s strong Scandinavian heritage. It’s also right along Highway 32 right across from some of Milwaukee’s tallest buildings.
Milwaukee: General Douglas MacArthur Statue
Down along the lakefront, legendary World War II General Douglas MacArthur stands over the southern entrance to Veterans Park. Sculpted in France and bronzed in Italy before being shipped to his hometown of Milwaukee, the 9’6″ bronze statue was originally dedicated in 1979 on the west side of downtown in the square named for him by the stately Milwaukee County Courthouse. In 2014, it was relocated to its current location in Veterans Park with full military honors. Every Memorial Day, MacArthur’s statue overlooks over 23,000 U.S. flags that represent Wisconsinites killed in military action, dating back to the Civil War. You can access it right along the lakefront path just north of the Milwaukee War Memorial and Milwaukee Art Museum, a few blocks north of U.S. 18’s eastern end as well as I-794, and just below the bluffs from Highway 32.
South Milwaukee: Da Crusher Statue
In the heart of South Milwaukee, they unveiled a statue saluting a famous son – the legendary wrestler Reggie Lisowski, also known as “Da Crusher”! Larger than life – and larger than most people – Reggie “Da Crusher” Lisowski was born in South Milwaukee in 1926 and began training to wrestle professionally when he was just 13. His working class roots made him especially popular in Wisconsin; his obituary after he passed in 2005 The Washington Post reported him as “a professional wrestler whose blue-collar bona fides made him beloved among working class fans for 40 years.” Similar to the longtime Schlitz beer slogan, he was also frequently referred to as “the wrestler who made Milwaukee famous.”
After Lisowski died in 2005, talk began of saluting the legendary local with a statue. It took 14 years for it to happen; the unveiling ceremony took place on June 8, 2019 in a plaza that also holds South Milwaukee’s original train depot and hosts a weekly farmer’s market in season. The bronze statue of “Da Crusher” was designed by Milwaukee-based artist Thomas Holleran. It’s life-size and quite detailed, right down to the wrinkles in his forehead and the keg of beer he’s carrying. You will find Da Crusher statue along Milwaukee Street in downtown South Milwaukee, just a block west of Highway 32.
Kenosha: Al Molinaro Statue
Television fans know Al Molinaro as Al Delvecchio from Happy Days and later Joanie Loves Chachi. Going even further back, he played Murray the Cop on The Odd Couple. The Kenosha native received a bronze statue downtown in May, 2026 in recognition of his television career and local roots. You’ll find him, crossed arms and all, at the Port of Kenosha Beverage House on 50th Street, a block and a half east of Highway 32/Sheridan Road and two blocks north of where Highway 158/52nd Street ends. Highway 50 also brings you downtown.
Racine: Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln Statue
In late June 1867, Mary Todd Lincoln traveled to Racine, Wisconsin, to look at Racine College, an Episcopal secondary school, for her son, Tad. Many years later, a pioneer resident of Racine named Lena Rosewall, who was a fan of the Lincolns and Mary Todd in particular, left her entire estate of $20,000 for the construction of a memorial of Abraham and Mary together when she assed away in 1935. The executors of Miss Rosewall’s estate chose Frederick C. Hibbard, a well-known artist and sculptor, to make the statue. Hibbard completed the two-year project in his Chicago studio, and the statue was dedicated on July 4, 1943. The statue’s base is five feet high of Minnesota pink granite. The Lincolns are chiseled from Elberton gray granite from Georgia, and Mary stands seven feet high. The work stands in Racine’s East Park in front of the Gateway Technical College campus at 1001 Main Street, aka Highway 32.
Oconomowoc: Wizard of Oz Character Statues, including lots of Totos
Little-known fact: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin was one of the premiere cities for the legendary 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz. To showcase this place in cinema history, the city developed Oz Plaza right along Wisconsin Avenue with statues of main characters Dorothy, Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, even Toto standing at the start of the Yellow Brick Road. Around the corner, The Wizard; toward the back, the good and bad witches. Flanking the area are plaques with tidbits about the film and its local connections. Numerous Toto statues are scattered within several blocks too, something they call the O-TOTO-MOWOC Tour. You will find the heart of all of this adjacent to Oconomowoc City Hall along Wisconsin Avenue, which is historically Highway 16 just east of Main Street, which was Highway 67 through town before they build a bypass that carries the main routes. But as we say, go through these towns and explore every chance you get!
Oconomowoc: Harmony
Harmony is a newer statue, dedicated in 2025 along the shores of Fowler Lake in Rockwell Park in Oconomowoc. It depicts a heartwarming scene of a child playfully riding on an adult’s shoulders, inspired by an authentic moment between local resident Mike Herro and his niece Eddy. It was sculpted by John Hallett and dedicated to help christen the new park. It’s right along Main Street – historically Highway 67 through town before they built the bypass – about half a mile north of Wisconsin Avenue (historically Highway 16) right between Fowler Lake and Lac La Belle in a lovely setting. Another reason to skip the bypasses and go through these towns and explore every chance you get!
South-Central Wisconsin
Madison: Forward Statue
One of Wisconsin’s most recognizable statues, Forward stands on the State Capitol grounds. Sculpted by Jean Pond Miner in 1893, the figure symbolizes progress, determination, and Wisconsin’s official state motto: “Forward.” The original statue has been preserved inside the Wisconsin Historical Society, while a replica now greets visitors outside the Capitol. Night or day, it’s quite a sight with the towering Capitol dome behind her. You can reach the State Capitol via U.S. 151 from either the northeast or southwest side of the isthmus, or via John Nolen Drive off the Madison Beltline, U.S. 12/U.S. 14/U.S. 18.
Madison: Hans Christian Heg Statue
Standing near the Capitol, this statue honors Colonel Hans Christian Heg, a Norwegian immigrant who became one of Wisconsin’s most celebrated Civil War heroes. Heg commanded the famed 15th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and died at the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863.
Madison: Vel Phillips Statue
One of Wisconsin’s newest public monuments honors Vel Phillips, a trailblazing civil rights leader, Milwaukee alderwoman, judge, and Wisconsin Secretary of State. Phillips was the first Black alderperson on the Milwaukee Common Council when she was elected in 1956; she later became a judge and served as Secretary of State under Governor Lee Sherman Dreyfus from 1979 to 1983. She passed away in 2018, and the statue recognizes her lifelong work advancing civil rights and equal opportunity.
Madison: Old Abe Statue on Bascom Hill
Sitting atop Bascom Hill at the center of the UW-Madison campus since 1909, you’ll find the iconic statue of President Abraham Lincoln. Created by Adolph A. Weinman, it is a duplicate cast of a sculpture located in Lincoln’s birthplace in Kentucky. The statue rests on a granite pedestal base with the 36 states listed that were part of the United States prior to Lincolns assassination in 1865. The statue of Abe allows you – along with him – to survey the area down Bascom Hill and State Street to the state capitol and beyond. The statue is a major reference point for the campus and many a student has sat on his lap. You can, too. Its on Bascom Hill just off Park Street and the west end of the State Street Pedestrian Mall, two blocks north of University Drive in Madison.
Southwest Wisconsin
Prairie du Chien: Father Jacques Marquette Statue
Prairie du Chien’s statue of Father Jacques Marquette commemorates the French missionary and explorer who helped map portions of the upper Mississippi River in the seventeenth century. The city itself lies just north of where the Wisconsin River flows into the Mississippi, making it a crucial point for transportation and trade. Wyalusing State ark nearby provides breathtaking views of the junction. Just on the edge of downtown Prairie du Chien, this monument reflects the area’s deep French colonial history and connection to early European exploration. You’ll find it right in between the two sides of U.S. 18 & Wisconsin Highways 27 & 60 on the Wisconsin side of the bridge to Iowa. The Welcome Center for Prairie du Chien and a Great River Road Interpretive Center are right next to it, too.
La Crosse: Lacrosse Players statues
The city of La Crosse was named after the sport of lacrosse, which the Native Americans played a version of in present-day La Crosse, where they had long been settled. The fact that the area is crossed by the Black, La Crosse, and Mississippi Rivers helps, too. When you enter the north side of La Crosse on U.S. 53 & Highway 35, or when you are downtown along 2nd Street, you’ll see a statue like this, with the larger-than-life-sized Native Americans lifting lacrosse sticks during a game.
Oregon: Black Hawk Monument
One of Wisconsin’s most impressive monuments sits atop a bluff south of Madison near the village of Oregon. The massive concrete sculpture, created by artist Lorado Taft in 1911, depicts Sauk leader Black Hawk overlooking the countryside. Although not a portrait, the statue symbolizes Native American endurance and dignity.
Chief Black Hawk Statue – Prairie du Chien Area
Several monuments in the Prairie du Chien region commemorate Black Hawk and the events surrounding the Black Hawk War of 1832, one of the most significant conflicts in Wisconsin’s early history.
Northeast Wisconsin
Green Bay: Packers Heritage Trail Statues
Across Green Bay from Lambeau to downtown and over to the original City Stadium at East High School, the Packers Heritage Trail offers a wonderful look at the history of the Green Bay Packers and its impact on the city. The downtown and Lambeau locations also feature some great statues of former players and coaches, plus an interactive one with fans where you can do a “Lambeau Leap”! Follow more on the trail here. I-41, I-43, U.S. 141, and Highways 29, 32, 54, 57 and 172 all bring you into Green Bay.
Manitowoc: Spirit of the Rivers Monument
Positioned where the Manitowoc and Little Manitowoc Rivers meet Lake Michigan, this monument honors Native American heritage and the cultural importance of Wisconsin’s waterways. The sculpture symbolizes the connection between people, rivers, and the Great Lakes. It blends beautifully with the scenery of the lake and parkland along Highway 42 on the drive between Manitowoc and Two Rivers, where you should have no trouble finding it. A nice trail for a walk or bike ride is right along this pathway, too.
Manitowoc: Badger Statue
Few symbols are more closely associated with Wisconsin than the badger. Manitowoc’s prominent badger statue celebrates the animal that inspired the state’s nickname and reflects the mining heritage that gave rise to the “Badger State” moniker.
Neenah: Statue of Liberty Replica
Standing near Lake Winnebago, Neenah’s replica of the Statue of Liberty is part of a nationwide effort by the Boy Scouts of America to promote patriotism during the mid-twentieth century. It has become a recognizable local landmark.
Oneida: Oneida Nation Veterans Memorial Statues
Near Green Bay, the Oneida Nation has created several impressive monuments honoring tribal veterans and Native American military service. The memorials highlight a long tradition of service by members of the Oneida Nation.
Marinette: Young Swimmers
Literally IN the Menomonee River along the Wisconsin – Michigan border in Marinette, the Young Swimmers will catch your eye. Sculptor James Hopfensperger managed to capture the feel and certainly the look of an athletic, yet carefree dive into the water. The toe of the diver barely connects to the rock, giving it a feel that they are airborne. You’ll find the Young Swimmers statue is along Stephenson Island by the Wisconsin Welcome Center along U.S. 41 where it spans the river.
Marinette: Ironworks
Not all statues rise from a pedestal on the ground. Some make you look up to the roof! Across from some major industries like Fincanteri Marinette Marine sits the Ironworks on Main, a bar and restaurant located inside a historic Building. Crane your neck to the roofline and you’ll see statues that recreate the iconic photo of construction workers in New York City on their lunch break. You’ll find this on Main Street in Marinette, just east of where U.S. 41 is about to cross between the U.P. and Wisconsin. Highway 64 starts (or ends, depending on your perspective) about a mile west.
Sherwood inside High Cliff State Park: Chief Red Bird Monument
One of Wisconsin’s most recognizable Native American monuments overlooks Lake Winnebago at High Cliff State Park. The statue honors Chief Red Bird, a Ho-Chunk leader associated with the Red Bird uprising of 1827. The dramatic setting atop the Niagara Escarpment adds to the monument’s significance. The views are remarkable from up here, as is the history. You can reach High Cliff State Park and the Red Bird statue via park access from Highway 55 or Highway 114.
North-Central Wisconsin
Rhinelander: Hodag Statue
Not every Wisconsin monument honors a real person. Rhinelander’s giant Hodag statues celebrate the legendary creature first described by local prankster Eugene Shepard in the 1890s. Today, the Hodag serves as the community’s unofficial mascot and one of Wisconsin’s most beloved roadside attractions. This one – and there are many in town but this one is the biggest – can be found in front of the Rhinelander Visitors Center along Kemp Street (historic U.S. 8) heading into town just off today’s U.S. 8 and Highway 47 bypass. Highway 17 brings you close, too!
Northwest Wisconsin
Eau Claire: Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
Eau Claire’s beautiful and bustling Carson Park hosts everything from a Northwoods League ballpark to a train people can ride, and along with the city’s logging museum they have a towering Paul Bunyan statue that honors the folklore hero associated with the Northwoods logging era. Accompanied by Babe the Blue Ox, the monument celebrates the larger-than-life stories that grew out of Wisconsin’s lumber industry. You’ll find it in the heart of Carson Park near downtown Eau Claire, accessible off I-94, U.S. 12, U.S. 53, and Highways 37, 93, and 124.
Superior: Voyageur Statues
Several monuments in Superior recognize the French voyageurs who paddled canoes through the Great Lakes region during the fur trade era. These statues pay tribute to the explorers and traders who helped shape Wisconsin’s earliest economy. This one is located right on the shores of St. Louis Bay as it empties into Lake Superior, along 2nd Street/U.S. 2 & 53 in Superior with a nice view of Duluth, Minnesota across the water. Adjacent to this statue is the S.S. Meteor, a land-berthed whaleback ship that dates back to 1896. You can tour the ship, which offers a fascinating look at the maritime life of the crews on the Great Lakes.
Worth the Detour
Whether it’s the Bronze Fonz giving a thumbs-up in Milwaukee, Chief Red Bird overlooking Lake Winnebago, or Black Hawk standing watch over southwestern Wisconsin, these statues tell stories that help explain the state’s history and character. Together they create a unique road trip trail that stretches from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River and from the Illinois border to the shores of Lake Superior. You can make a road trip out of it for some Instagrammable moments!
The next time you’re traveling Wisconsin’s highways and back roads on a State Trunk Tour, keep an eye out for these and more. They remind us all of the people, legends, cultures, and ideals that helped shape the Badger State!
