Porter Sculpture Park
Discover colossal metal sculptures and poetic art on the South Dakota prairie. A quirky, unforgettable roadside attraction.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Porter Sculpture Park
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover colossal metal sculptures and poetic art on the South Dakota prairie. A quirky, unforgettable roadside attraction.
"One of the best roadside attractions/art installations you’ll find."
🚗 Embrace the Roadside Stop
Perfect for road trips on I-90, offering a unique break from driving.
🤝 Chat with the Artist
Wayne Porter is friendly and shares great stories about his art and poems.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Enormous Bull
Entrance
An iconic, massive metal bull that's impossible to miss and a signature piece of the park.
The Cracked Fish Bowl
Within the park
A whimsical and detailed sculpture that captures the imagination with its unique design.
The Bull Head with Treasures
Within the park
Explore inside this impressive bull head sculpture, filled with fascinating details and hidden gems.
Poetry and Art Integration
Throughout the park
Discover thoughtful poems intertwined with sculptures, adding a layer of storytelling to the art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quirky Roadside Charm
Timing is Key for the Full Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Embrace the Roadside Stop
Perfect for road trips on I-90, offering a unique break from driving.
🤝 Chat with the Artist
Wayne Porter is friendly and shares great stories about his art and poems.
📸 Capture the Whimsy
Bring your camera for unique photo ops with the larger-than-life metal sculptures.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
Wander through the park; you can see it in 20 mins or spend an hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Embrace the Roadside Stop
Perfect for road trips on I-90, offering a unique break from driving.
🤝 Chat with the Artist
Wayne Porter is friendly and shares great stories about his art and poems.
📸 Capture the Whimsy
Bring your camera for unique photo ops with the larger-than-life metal sculptures.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
Wander through the park; you can see it in 20 mins or spend an hour.
💰 Admission Fee
Expect a small fee per adult and child for entry.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Porter Sculpture Park as an amazing and unique roadside attraction, praising the enormous, creative metal sculptures and the opportunity to meet the friendly artist, Wayne Porter. Many highlight the thoughtful integration of poetry with the art, making it a memorable and worthwhile stop for road trips. While the admission fee is noted, most agree it's well worth the experience.
"Absolutely amazing place, I initially stopped for the cool sculptures but had no idea about the great poetry mixed in through out. Met the artist and his sister, both extremely friendly and a pleasure to talk with. One of the best roadside attractions/art installations you’ll find."
Chris Wagner
"Stay and talk with the artist. It’s storytelling through art and poems. Wonderful addition to our trip and can walk through it in 20minutes or an hour. Cost was 10 per adult and 5 for a child."
Derek Taylor
"We had an amazing time visiting this sculpture park. We got to meet the artist who shared he makes these sculptures 150 miles away then transports them here to display. My grands had a fun time running around and taking pictures. It’s absolutely worth the $10 per adult and $5 per 13-17! Highly recommend it!"
Arlene Aninion
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Porter Sculpture Park is located in Montrose, South Dakota, conveniently situated off Interstate 90. Many travelers discover it as a spontaneous stop while driving through the state.
Absolutely! It's a classic roadside attraction that breaks up long drives with its unique and enormous metal sculptures.
Look for the giant metal sculptures, especially the enormous bull, from the highway. It's hard to miss!
Yes, the park is accessible to all types of vehicles. The sculptures are the main attraction, not the parking facilities.
While not directly adjacent, it's a great stop when traveling between other South Dakota points of interest. Some visitors have combined it with trips to the Corn Palace or other roadside sights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an admission fee, typically around $10 per adult and $5 for children aged 13-17.
Tickets are usually purchased upon arrival. It's a walk-in attraction, so no advance booking is typically required.
The park is generally open during daylight hours, allowing visitors to explore the sculptures. It's best to check for any specific seasonal hours if you're planning a visit.
Yes, it's a family-friendly attraction. Children often enjoy the whimsical nature of the sculptures, and there's a child admission price.
While not explicitly stated, some reviews mention the artist's dog being present. It's always a good idea to check their policy or keep pets leashed if allowed.
📸 📸 Photography & Art
Expect enormous, whimsical sculptures made from scrap metal, old farm equipment, and railroad tie plates, created by artist Wayne Porter.
The enormous bull at the entrance is iconic. Other favorites include the 'Cracked Fish Bowl' and the 'Bull Head with lots of treasures.'
Definitely! The unique, large-scale sculptures offer fantastic and quirky photo opportunities.
Some sculptures, like the Bull Head, allow you to go inside and explore. The park's layout encourages exploration.
Artist Wayne Porter blends his metal sculptures with written poetry, creating a thoughtful and engaging experience that's reminiscent of Burning Man art.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
You can get a good overview in about 20 minutes, but art enthusiasts might spend an hour or more soaking it all in.
The park is spread out, so there's walking involved. The artist has offered golf cart rides for those with mobility issues.
Information on amenities is limited, but it's primarily an outdoor art installation. It's advisable to use restrooms before arriving and bring snacks if needed.
The park is situated on a prairie, so expect relatively flat, open terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Yes, visitors have reported meeting the artist, Wayne Porter, who is very friendly and happy to share insights about his work.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park's open layout allows them to run around and explore safely, and the whimsical nature of the art sparks imagination. Consider visiting when the artist, Wayne Porter, is present. He's known for being friendly and engaging, and his stories can captivate both adults and children.
🚗 Road Trippers
The park's massive metal sculptures, especially the iconic bull, are visible from the road, beckoning travelers to pull over. Plan for a stop of at least 30 minutes to an hour to fully appreciate the scale and detail of the over 50 sculptures.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Photographers
The park's collection of over 50 sculptures, ranging from the colossal bull to intricate, poetic pieces, provides endless opportunities for creative shots. +1Photographers will appreciate the dramatic contrast between the metal art and the wide-open South Dakota prairie.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision of Wayne Porter
His work is often described as whimsical, bizarre, and even a bit creepy, drawing comparisons to the art found at Burning Man. Porter's unique approach involves not just the visual spectacle of his metal creations but also the integration of written poetry, adding a narrative and thoughtful dimension to the park. Porter himself is known for being a friendly and engaging presence at the park. Visitors have shared heartwarming encounters with him, where he readily shares stories about his art and his creative process.
The park's location on the South Dakota prairie adds to its unique atmosphere. The vast, open landscape serves as a dramatic backdrop for the towering metal figures, creating a surreal and memorable tableau.
A Roadside Gem on the Prairie
The park is home to over 50 sculptures, each a testament to Wayne Porter's artistic vision and resourcefulness. The experience is often described as a journey through a world of metal marvels.
From the iconic enormous bull that greets visitors to the intricate details within sculptures like the 'Cracked Fish Bowl' and the 'Bull Head with treasures,' there's something to capture everyone's attention. The park's whimsical and sometimes bizarre nature makes it a highly photogenic location, with visitors eager to capture the unique art against the prairie sky. +1Beyond the visual appeal, the park offers a chance to engage with art on a deeper level. The inclusion of poetry alongside the sculptures invites contemplation and storytelling, making it more than just a collection of metal figures.
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