There’s nothing an American traveler loves more than stumbling upon unique statues and roadside attractions. Every state has its own collection of eye-catching creations born from dedication, artistry, and small-town pride, and Montana is no exception! From impressive works of fine art to whimsical folk sculptures, the Treasure State is sprinkled with photo-worthy gems that make any road trip more memorable.
The Garden of 1,000 Buddhas - Arlee
Tucked away in the hills near the small town of Arlee, just outside of Missoula, lies a one-of-a-kind destination, one thousand hand-crafted Buddha statues. Officially part of the Ewam Sang-ngag Ling International Peace Center, this stunning garden is both a spiritual sanctuary and a captivating stop for curious travelers.
At the heart of the site stands a towering statue of Yum Chenmo, the Great Mother of Transcendent Wisdom, surrounded by a perfect circular arrangement of Buddhas, all lovingly made right here in Montana. Whether you’re drawn to the artistry, the peaceful atmosphere, or simply the sheer scale of the display, the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas offers a perfect pause on any Montana road trip!
Best of all, it’s open year-round, so you can visit whether you’re road-tripping in the sunshine or enjoying a quiet winter escape.
For more information, check out the garden's official website.
Rainbofallo - Great Falls
Standing proudly along the River’s Edge Trail in Great Falls is one of Montana’s most colorful and memorable creations, the Rainboffalo. This vibrant hybrid buffalo was originally part of a 2005 public art project and auction hosted by the C.M. Russell Museum, which featured more than a dozen buffalo statues, each brought to life by different local artists. The Rainboffalo’s striking design came from the imagination of artist Chris Miller, who blended the power of the American bison with a rainbow trout!
In 2014, this one-of-a-kind statue faced a setback when it was removed due to vandalism. But thanks to the dedication and restoration efforts of several Great Falls organizations, the Rainboffalo was returned to its rightful place, once again greeting visitors with its bright colors!
Today, it stands as a testament not only to local creativity but also to the community’s commitment to preserving public art for everyone to enjoy.
Our Lady of the Rockies - Butte
Towering high above the city of Butte, Our Lady of the Rockies is a breathtaking sight you can’t miss, quite literally, since she’s visible from the interstate. Perched on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 8,510 feet, this 90-foot-tall statue keeps watch over the historic copper mining town below!
Construction began in the early 1980s, with the base poured in 1985, and the statue was built as a heartfelt dedication to women workers of all trades and working mothers. Over the years, she has become both a symbol of community pride and a beacon for travelers making their way through the mountains.
Visitors can admire Our Lady of the Rockies from afar or make the trip closer via access roads and hiking trails. However you choose to see her, standing at her feet offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Montana landscape, and a deeper appreciation for the labor and love that brought her to life.
The Center for Land Use Interpretation
The World's Largest Penguin Statue - Cut Bank
What could possibly top a rainbow-colored buffalo? How about a 27-foot-tall talking penguin greeting you at the edge of town? In Cut Bank, that’s exactly what you’ll find. This towering concrete bird, standing about three stories high and weighing in at roughly five tons, has been wowing travelers since 1989.
The penguin was built to celebrate Cut Bank’s claim to fame as the coldest recorded spot in the lower 48 states. Whether or not you buy into that chilly title, the statue proudly embraces it, labeled with “Welcome to Cut Bank, the Coldest Spot in the Nation!”.
Located in front of the Glacier Gateway Inn, the giant penguin has become a beloved roadside icon and a favorite photo stop for those road-tripping through northern Montana. And let’s be honest, spotting a penguin in the middle of the prairie is exactly the kind of one-of-a-kind Montana surprise that makes a trip unforgettable!
The Giant Purple Spoon - East Glacier Park
The U.S. is famous for its “World’s Largest” roadside attractions, but Montana’s giant purple spoon definitely stands out as one of the most original. Tucked away in the small town of East Glacier Park, this 25-foot-tall piece of purple cutlery is impossible to miss.
It stands proudly in the yard of the locally owned Spiral Spoon shop, where hand-crafted wooden cooking spoons are lovingly made and sold. The giant spoon was unveiled in 2005 by owners Charlie and Jo Wagner and is as unique in its construction as it is in appearance. Made from plywood, Styrofoam, sawdust, toilet paper, and a whole lot of glue, it’s a quirky testament to creativity and Montana’s spirit of handcrafted charm!
If you’re driving through, stopping to snap a photo with this colorful giant is a must.
Paul Bunyan's Frying Pan - Libby
A giant frying pan might be the last thing you’d expect to find in a town known for huckleberry patches and hiking trails, but in Libby, Montana, that’s exactly what you get! Proudly owned by the town, Paul Bunyan’s Frying Pan is a true giant with a capacity to fry an incredible 72 dozen eggs at once, and it’s been put to good use many times over.
Forged by the construction crew building the Libby Dam in the 1970s, this colossal pan became a beloved fixture at Libby’s annual Logger Days festival. Over the years, it’s served up everything from oysters and fish to bread and more, feeding the crowds with big flavors and even bigger portions.
Though now retired from active cooking duty, Paul Bunyan’s Frying Pan remains a fantastic roadside attraction, measuring 18 inches deep, 11 feet wide, and 25 feet long. It stands as a fun reminder of the town’s logging heritage and the larger-than-life stories that Montana’s communities love to share!
image via roadsideamerica.com
Creepy Crawler Giant Baby - Miles City
What’s a Montana landscape without a giant baby chasing a life-sized rhinoceros, velociraptor, and bison? Miles City thinks it’s essential! Located about nine miles east of town along Highway 94, the Creepy Crawler Giant Baby is a whimsical and eye-catching mural that adds a splash of fun to the open prairie.
Created by muralist John Cerney, this one-of-a-kind piece is made up of 175 painted plywood panels, coming together to create a larger-than-life scene that captures the imagination. Sponsored by the local high school art club and installed in 2015, the mural stands on private property but is easily visible from the road, making it a must-see roadside stop for travelers with a sense of humor.
Check out more of John Cerney's whimsical mural projects on his personal website.
image via johncerneymurals.com
Glendi the Triceratops Statue - Glendive
Meet Glendi, the life-sized and utterly lovable triceratops who has taken over one of Glendive’s public parks as her stomping grounds, and she’s more than big enough to claim the territory! Crafted entirely from metal, Glendi is an impressive and durable tribute to both the prehistoric past and the community’s creative spirit.
For anyone with a dinosaur-loving inner child (which, let’s be honest, is all of us), Glendi is a must-see statue. Whether you stop by for a quick photo or a leisurely stroll around the park, this one-of-a-kind metal dino is sure to bring a smile to your face and a bit of wonder to your Montana adventure.
image via sillyamerica.com
The Two-Story Outhouse - Nevada City
While not exactly a statue, Nevada City’s famous two-story outhouse, affectionately nicknamed Big John or Big Bad John, is too unique not to include on this list! This quirky structure definitely catches the eye.
Nevada City itself is a fascinating ghost town located just next to Virginia City, offering a glimpse into Montana’s rich history. Whether you’re stopping by to see the towering outhouse or exploring the town’s preserved buildings and stories, Nevada City is a fantastic travel destination that proves even the unexpected can be unforgettable!
Truly, Montana is filled with wonders! Which of these unique Montana statues has piqued your interest most?
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