Big Tom the Turkey photo 1
© austinboardman · CC BY 2.0
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Big Tom the Turkey

📍 Lions Park, Hwy 10 and Lake Street, Frazee, MN 56544

Towering at over twenty feet tall, Big Tom is a massive, incredibly detailed monument celebrating Frazee's turkey-farming heritage. This beloved roadside icon replaced an earlier version that famously caught fire during a restoration mishap in 1998. It is a pitch-perfect slice of classic Minnesota roadside Americana.

Admission
Free
Hours
Open 24 hours
Duration
10-15 minutes
Parking
Free parking available in the adjacent Lions Park lot
Access
Wheelchair accessible via paved pathways throughout the park
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Standing proudly in Frazee, Minnesota, Big Tom is a colossal monument to the town's legacy as a major turkey-producing hub. This giant fiberglass statue stands over 20 feet tall and weighs more than 5,000 pounds, serving as a colorful, unmissable landmark for travelers passing through the area.

The current incarnation of Big Tom was erected in 1998 after his predecessor tragically caught fire during a restoration attempt. The meticulously detailed replacement features thousands of individual fiberglass feathers, capturing the bird in a majestic, fan-tailed display.

Visitors can find the towering turkey in a park setting just off Highway 10, making it an easy and delightful detour. It remains one of Minnesota's most iconic roadside oddities and a beloved symbol of local civic pride.

Ratings

roadside attraction
Historical Significance
3/5
Cultural Relevance
4/5
Fun Factor
3/5
Accessibility
5/5
Photo Worthiness
5/5
Interactivity
1/5
Kid Friendliness
4/5
Popularity
3/5
Pet Friendly ✓Free Admission ✓Nearby Food Options ✓Good for Kids ✓

Visitor Tips

  • ◆ Stop by during Frazee's annual Turkey Days festival in July to experience the town's lively community spirit.
  • ◆ Bring a wide-angle lens or step back a bit to fit the entire 20-foot-tall bird into your photo frame.
  • ◆ Take advantage of the adjacent park area, which offers picnic tables and a nice spot to stretch your legs.
  • ◆ Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Detroit Lakes for more outdoor activities and lakeside dining.

Heads Up

  • ◆ Climbing on the statue or its base is strictly prohibited to prevent damage and ensure visitor safety.
  • ◆ The area can get quite windy, so hold onto hats and light belongings while taking photos.

Common questions

Can you climb on or inside Big Tom?

No, you cannot climb on or go inside the Big Tom statue. It is designed only for ground-level viewing and photos from the surrounding park area.

Is there a parking lot right next to the giant turkey?

Yes, there is a free paved parking lot directly adjacent to the statue in Lion's Park. The site is easily accessible for standard cars as well as RVs.

Did the original giant turkey in Frazee burn down?

Yes, the original 1986 turkey statue was accidentally destroyed by a fire during a restoration attempt in 1998. The current statue was built to replace it later that same year.

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