Steele, North Dakota, United States–Sandy the Sandhill Crane, a giant Sandhill Crane who lives in Steele, North Dakota, is made out of rolled sheet metal and was built in 1998/99 by ironworker James Miller; it measures in at 40 feet and weighs about 4.5 tons, thus setting the world record for being the World’s Largest Sandhill Crane Sculpture, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.
“The magnificent World’s Largest Sandhill Crane sculpture stands 40 feet high in a park of native and non-native plants and grasses,” the North Dakota Tourism says.
“Check out the water pond and search for the hidden geocache.”
“The typical sandhill crane measures in at about 47.2 inches and weighs between 119.9 and 172.8 ounces. The World’s Largest Sandhill Crane measures in at 40 feet and weighs about 4.5 tons,” the Silly America says.
“Meet Sandy the Sandhill Crane, a giant Sandhill Crane who lives in Steele, North Dakota. She is the biggest crane in the world and is made out of rolled sheet metal and was built in 1998/99 by ironworker James Miller
“Along with Salem Sue and the World’s Largest Buffalo, the biggest crane in the world is a must-see roadside attraction in North Dakota. Unfortunately, the day I was road tripping through the skies were overcast the air was pretty foggy, making for a pretty drab visit to a pretty cheerful bird (I mean, I guess you can’t win them all…).”
“If you’ve ever found yourself cruising along I-94 and passing Exit 200, you might have noticed something a little odd on the not-so-distant horizon. It’s an enormous statue of a sandhill crane and, upon first glance, one doesn’t usually get the whole picture of just how large it is,” the Only In Yopur State says.
“Upon coming closer, however, the full scale of the monument becomes clear; standing at an impressive 40 feet high, this particular sandhill crane’s name is, appropriately, Sandy, and she’s the town of Steele’s way of honoring her fascinating and resilient species. This sandhill crane statue in North Dakota has a truly interesting reason for being, and her construction was one heck of a labor of love.
“Sandy is a reminder of how lucky we are to have these beautiful, ancient birds in our little corner of the world. The (perhaps unintentional) irony of the statue being made of a steel frame and sheet work in the town of Steele, North Dakota, isn’t lost on us, either.”
“The Coteau Rangeland is an area of glacial potholes located in the central flyway, which makes this a favorite spot for migratory nesting wildlife including the Sandhill Crane. The crane is the oldest living species of birds and has existed unchanged for 2 1/2 million years. In real life, the crane stands 3-4 ft. tall with a wingspan of 6-7 feet,” the Historical Marker Database says.
The US Game and Fish – Long Lake Refuge donated funds towards material and the construction of three birding kiosks. They provide self guided tours of Long Lake Refuge, Dawson State Refuge, Horsehead Lake and Chase lake and the different migratory and nestling birds in each area.
“Sandy”, the World’s Largest Sandhill Crane was built in 1998-99 by James Miller of Arena, ND in his farm shop. James was a self-taught iron worker and farmer and used his talents to build many farm signs with themes like fishing, hunting and farm animals.”
“North Dakota has a seemingly endless supply of the roadside “attractions”, especially along I-94, designed to attract unsuspecting passersby to stop off and take some pictures, and at the same time draw you into buying something you didn’t really want. Sometimes there is a nice surprise – but often not,” the Hoblets On The Go says.
“The statue of the Sandhill Crane at Steele stands in a little park adjacent to the Cobblestone Inn. It is named “Sandy” and is 40 foot high. It was built in 1998-99 by a local farmer come, self-taught ironworker, James Miller.
“The Sandhill Crane is a tall, grey-bodied, crimson-capped bird that breeds in open wetlands, fields, and prairies across North America. They are often found huddling in great numbers, filling the air with distinctive rolling cries.”
“The magnificent World’s Largest Sandhill Crane sculpture stands 40 feet high in a park of native and non-native plants and grasses,” the Road Trippers says.
“Check out the water pond and search for the hidden geocache.
“The crane is smaller than the cow and bison on the same interstate. It sits in a quiet, small grass are with small flower gardens on the edge of the vacant lot and a corn field. Good for a quick photo, rest in the grass or dog potty spot. There is a playground across the main street as well (too far to walk.) We found a geocache there too! Worth the highway on-off but not going out of your way.”
“Steele is home to the world’s largest sandhill crane, a 38-1/2 foot tall Sandhill Crane statue named Sandy. Inspired by the local wildlife, the Crane was built in 1998-99 by James Miller of Arena, ND, in his farm shop. The rolled sheet metal was welded in place, painted, and transported to its current location in 1999,” the Two RV Gypsies says.
“A Memorial Flower Garden was planted in 2004 in memory of James and the entire area is now surrounded by numerous grass species, flowers, and trees all native to the Coteau Rangeland of North Dakota. The Coteau Rangeland is an area of glacial potholes located in the central flyway which makes it a favorite spot for migratory nesting wildlife, including the Sandhill Crane.
“The crane is the oldest living species of birds and has existed unchanged for more than 2 million years. The statue is sponsored and maintained by the World’s Largest Sandhill Crane Foundation in Steele. It is a non-profit organization funded by private donations and gaming.”
“If you’ve spent time in Nebraska or the Dakotas, chances are you’ve seen (or at least heard of) sandhill cranes. As you make your way across North Dakota, you can also meet Sandy the World’s Largest Sandhill Crane,” the Olio In Iowa says.
“Located halfway between Jamestown and Bismarck as you head west on I-94, Sandy stoically surveys the surrounding plains. While real sandhill cranes are between three and four feet tall, Sandy is a 40-foot beacon rising above the cornfields.
“This impressive metal sculpture was made by self-taught ironworker James Miller in the late 1990s. Miller created the crane’s body from rolled sheet metal before attracting the head and neck and adding metal pipes for Sandy’s legs.”
Source: World Record Academy
