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All the United States Minnesota Rothsay World’s Largest Prairie Chicken
AO Edited

World’s Largest Prairie Chicken

The statue honors the booming birds Rothsay, Minnesota, is famous for.

Rothsay, Minnesota

Added By
Tony Dunnell
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World’s largest prairie chicken.   minnemom/cc by-nd 2.0
World’s largest prairie chicken.   minnemom/cc by-nd 2.0
World’s largest prairie chicken.   Amy Meredith/cc by-nd 2.0
Booming greater prairie chickens.   GPA Photo Archive/cc by 2.0
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Justin V / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Prairie chickens were once abundant in North America, with millions clucking and pecking their way across the prairies as the earliest European settlers arrived. But by the 1930s, hunting pressure and habitat loss had driven them almost to extinction. So when the tiny town of Rothsay (population 479) was designated the “Prairie Chicken Capital of Minnesota,” the local community decided to put up a statue.

Prairie chickens are quirky birds. Among their peculiarities are their elongated head feathers, which when raised look like ears, and their tendency to dive into deep snow to keep warm in the winter. But by far their most famous trait is their mating ritual, known as booming, during which the males inflate the orange air sacs on the sides of their neck, snap their tails, and make a loud “whoo-whoo” booming sound as they try to impress the ladies while squabbling with rival males.

The statue in Rothsay was unveiled on June 15, 1976, a year after Rothsay was declared (self-proclaimed?) the “Prairie Chicken Capital of Minnesota.” Designed and built by Art Fosse with help and funding from the local community, it shows a greater prairie chicken in the act of booming, its air sacs inflated and head thrust forward in a display of avian potency.

It also happens to be the largest prairie chicken statue in the world. Whether it actually has any challengers to that particular title is unknown, but perhaps doubtful. Still, at 13 feet high, 18 feet long, and weighing 9,000 pounds, this is one chicken you wouldn’t want to mess with.

Related Tags

Birds Roadside Attractions Statues Giant Animals World's Largest Animals

Know Before You Go

The World’s Largest Prairie Chicken is located in Rothsay on the west central plains of Minnesota. You’ll find it on I-94 between Fergus Falls and Moorhead, about 200 miles northwest of Minneapolis. There’s a small park with a view of the surrounding plains near the chicken, where people can picnic and read a few signs with information about the area. 

Community Contributors

Added By

Tony Dunnell

Edited By

Collector of Experiences, Justin V

  • Collector of Experiences
  • Justin V

Published

November 5, 2019

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Sources
  • https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/the-last-prairie-chickens/Content?oid=874180
  • https://olioiniowa.com/2017/08/14/worlds-largest-booming-prairie-chicken/
  • https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2712
  • http://www.worldslargestthings.com/minnesota/prairiechicken.htm
  • http://highwayhighlights.com/2012/05/worlds-largest-prairie-chicken-rothsay-mn/
World’s Largest Prairie Chicken
544 Center St N
Rothsay, Minnesota, 56579
United States
46.481395, -96.281609
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Fergus Falls State Hospital

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

miles away

Otto the Otter

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

miles away

Broken Down Dam Park

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Minnesota

Minnesota

United States

Places 184
Stories 25

Nearby Places

Fergus Falls State Hospital

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

miles away

Otto the Otter

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

miles away

Broken Down Dam Park

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Minnesota

Minnesota

United States

Places 184
Stories 25

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