The Giant Musky
This massive, half-block-long fiberglass sculpture is the crown jewel of the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. Visitors can climb up into the gaping maw of the fish for a panoramic view of the grounds. It stands as a towering tribute to Wisconsin's legendary sport fishing culture.
- Admission
- $9 adults, $7 children (ages 5-17), under 5 free
- Hours
- Open daily, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM (mid-April to October 31st; closed in winter)
- Duration
- 45-60 minutes
- Parking
- Free parking lot on site
- Access
- Grounds and main museum building are wheelchair accessible, but stairs are required to climb inside the fish.
Read more
Dominating the skyline of Hayward, Wisconsin, the Giant Musky is a massive, four-story-tall fiberglass sculpture that serves as the centerpiece of the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. Built in 1976, this concrete and steel-reinforced behemoth stretches half a block long and stands as a monument to the region's rich sportfishing heritage.
Visitors can actually walk up inside the gargantuan fish, climbing a set of stairs to reach an observation deck located directly inside the musky's gaping jaws. From this elevated vantage point, the open mouth offers a unique panoramic view of the surrounding museum grounds and nearby Lake Hayward.
Spanning 143 feet in length, the structure is recognized as the world's largest musky sculpture. It remains a beloved icon of classic American roadside Americana, attracting angling enthusiasts and curious road-trippers alike for over four decades.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Admission to the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame grounds is required to climb inside the fish.
- ◆ Bring a camera to capture the classic photo of yourself peering out from inside the giant teeth.
- ◆ Allow at least an hour to explore the rest of the museum's extensive collection of vintage fishing lures and historical artifacts.
- ◆ Visit during the morning hours for the best lighting and to beat the midday summer crowds.
Heads Up
- ◆ The climb to the mouth observation deck involves navigating narrow, steep stairs, which may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
- ◆ The interior of the fiberglass fish can become quite warm and humid during hot summer afternoons.
Common questions
Can you go inside the Giant Musky?
Yes, visitors can climb four stories of stairs inside the giant musky structure to access an observation deck in its mouth.
Do you have to pay admission to see the Giant Musky?
The giant fish can be seen from the parking lot for free, but you must purchase an admission ticket to the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame to walk up close to it and go inside.
Is the observation deck inside the Giant Musky wheelchair accessible?
No, the observation deck inside the fish's mouth is only accessible via stairs. The main museum grounds and first-floor exhibits are accessible.
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