A Sculpture Park on the Windswept Prairie

When I visited my sister in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, recently, we were looking for a short road trip for the day. I had read about an unusual sculpture park in the state but couldn’t remember much about it. Thanks to Google (what would we do without it), I located the park and it was only 30 miles west of Sioux Falls on Interstate 90 (I-90). Located in the open, rolling prairie just off the freeway near Montrose, the Porter Sculpture Park is truly a one-of-a-kind roadside attraction. While we were skeptical when we arrived, we ended up spending a couple of hours experiencing over 50 welded sculptures made from recycled metal. Some are amusing, some are menacing. Some are out of another dimension. We could have stayed longer but the fierce wind was chilly even on a bright sunny day. Stroll with me  along the path and view a few of my favorites. Watch out for the cow pies—Cattle appear to roam the park in the off-season. I am saving the oddities for another post.

Sign at the turn off.

The main attraction is the 60 foot Egyptian Bull’s head made of old railroad ties. Human skeletons with rams heads serve as guards. The mammoth bovine is visible from the freeway. An opening in the back lets visitors inside to head to view a crucified demon, and possibly bats.

Pain and Joy. One of the larger works.

The fishbowl was one of my favorites. Single fish swim throughout the site.

Single goldfish on the road into the sculpture park.

The Red Monks and the Yellow Lady. The sacred and the profane. The sculptor, Wayne Porter, had intended to create a line of nine monks with Gregorian chants issuing from inside. If you visit the park, he is usually there. I asked him if he was going to make more monks. He said probably not: It would take too long and he had other projects. He proudly showed us photos of the 40 ft. horse he is currently constructing.

The Purple Rider portrays a story about Porter and his brother, which is explained on the sign.

This grinning is the sculpture that greets visitors from all over.  The variety of  U.S. license plates in the parking lot surprised us. I recommend a visit if you are in the area in the summer.

The first piece as you enter.

Hours: Open Daily 7 A.M.-8 P.M. Memorial Day Through September 15.  Admission:$8 FOR ADULTS, $4 Ages 13-17, Ages 12 & under free.  Directions: 45160 257th St, Montrose, SD 57048   http://portersculpturepark.com/