World's Largest Prairie Dog Statue
- Admission
- Free to view statue; admission fee applies for Prairie Dog Town entry
- Hours
- Open daily 24/7 for viewing; indoor attraction open seasonally
- Duration
- 15-30 minutes
- Parking
- Free parking lot on site
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible parking and outdoor viewing areas with gravel paths
Standing 15 feet tall and weighing over 8,000 pounds, this giant concrete rodent is a quintessential high-plains roadside attraction. Located at Oakley's Prairie Dog Town, it's the perfect quirky photo-op for road trippers along I-70. Best of all, you can also see live prairie dogs and other oddities on-site.
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Standing proud off Interstate 70, the Giant Prairie Dog Statue in Oakley, Kansas, is a classic slice of mid-century Americana. Built in the late 1960s to draw travelers to a roadside attraction and rock shop, this 15-foot-tall concrete mascot remains an iconic photo stop. It stands as a testament to the golden age of highway advertising, when oversized plaster animals lured families off the highway.
Though the surrounding "Prairie Dog Town" attraction has long since shuttered, the towering concrete rodent still guards the high plains. Visitors can easily pull off the road to marvel at its impressive 8,000-pound structure and folk-art charm. It offers a nostalgic, slightly weathered glimpse into the quirky history of Kansas roadside culture.
Ratings
roadside attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Pull safely off the highway, as the statue sits near a busy junction.
- ◆ Pair this quick stop with a visit to the nearby Buffalo Bill Cultural Center in Oakley.
- ◆ Keep your eyes peeled for actual, live prairie dogs that occasionally pop up in the surrounding fields.
- ◆ Visit during the golden hour just before sunset for the best photography lighting on the concrete statue.
Heads Up
- ◆ The commercial attraction that once housed the statue is closed, meaning there are no operating facilities, restrooms, or services on-site.
- ◆ Be cautious of loose gravel, debris, and uneven ground when walking around the statue's base.
Common questions
Is the giant prairie dog statue in Oakley still there?
Yes, the 15-foot-tall concrete prairie dog statue is still standing and accessible to the public, even though the surrounding Prairie Dog Town attraction has closed.
Do you have to pay to see or take pictures with the giant prairie dog?
No, the statue is located outdoors on the former attraction's grounds and is free to view and photograph at any time.
Are there still live prairie dogs to see at this location?
No, the captive animal exhibits are gone, though you may occasionally spot wild prairie dogs in the surrounding shortgrass prairie fields.