Pinkie the Pink Elephant
This iconic fiberglass sculpture has been welcoming travelers along Interstate 90/94 since the late 1960s. Sporting a pair of stylish black-rimmed glasses, Pinkie stands outside a local gas station and makes for a perfect, quick selfie stop. He even gets dressed up in festive attire during the holidays!
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Open 24/7
- Duration
- 5-10 minutes
- Parking
- Free parking available in the adjacent gas station and convenience store parking lot
- Access
- Paved, flat asphalt surface suitable for wheelchairs and strollers surrounding the statue
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Standing tall off Interstate 90/94 in DeForest, Wisconsin, the Pink Elephant with Glasses has been welcoming travelers since the late 1960s. Originally installed to draw customers to a local gas station, this cheerful fiberglass colossus has become one of the state's most beloved roadside landmarks.
The sculpture features a bright pink elephant sporting a friendly expression and a signature pair of thick, black-rimmed eyeglasses. Visitors can easily pull off the highway into the gas station parking lot to get an up-close look and snap a classic photo with this whimsical beast.
Over the decades, the elephant has undergone several restorations to keep its pink hue vibrant against the Midwestern elements. It represents a classic era of American road trip culture, offering a quick, joyful detour that delights kids and nostalgic adults alike.
Ratings
roadside attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Combine your photo op with a convenient fuel stop or snack run at the on-site gas station.
- ◆ Head inside the convenience store to find unique Pink Elephant-themed souvenirs and merchandise.
- ◆ The best lighting for photos is during the afternoon when the sun directly illuminates the front of the elephant.
Heads Up
- ◆ Be highly alert to active vehicle traffic moving through the busy gas station parking lot while taking photos.
Common questions
Which gas station is the Pink Elephant located at in Wisconsin?
The Pink Elephant is located at the BP gas station (formerly a Shell station) at 4149 County Road V in DeForest, Wisconsin.
Can you see the Pink Elephant from the highway?
Yes, the statue is visible from Interstate 39/90/94 near exit 126, though you will need to pull into the gas station parking lot for a close-up photo.
Is there a fee to take pictures with the Pink Elephant?
No, it is entirely free to visit and take photos with the statue, which is located in an open, public parking lot.