Tucked away in a vacant field between Toledo and Winlock lies a secluded, unique sculpture park not many Washingtonians know about. And while all that remains of the impressive sculptures is a collection of towering metal columns, this place is still worth exploring — especially when you learn the fascinating history behind it.

The Gospodor Monument Park is easy to miss -- but if you look carefully, you can see it from I-5.
Seth C / FourSquare
The park sits just north of Toledo, although if you don't know what to look for, you might miss it entirely.
Dominic Gospoder was the genius behind the sculpture park.
DVO F / Foursquare
The eccentric bachelor spent over $1 million building the monuments over the years.
Gospodor died in 2010 at the age of 86, reportedly wrote in his will that a nonprofit organization had been set up to care for the sculptures after his demise.
Wikipedia
But he also reportedly left no money to maintain them, or even to pay for the electricity that lights them at night. As a result, the statues that once topped the monuments are gone.

Related Stories

This Nighttime River Float Under The Moon Belongs On Your Washington Bucket List

This Nighttime River Float Under The Moon Belongs On Your Washington Bucket List

 Best Waterfalls In Washington: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems

Best Waterfalls In Washington: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems

 The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through Washington That Runs Along The Yakima River

The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through Washington That Runs Along The Yakima River
Gospodor also never explained why he created the monuments, which were a unique combination included combination of Mother Teresa, Native Americans, Jesus, Holocaust victims, an eagle, and an enormous weather vane.
Greg M / Foursquare
The remaining monuments monuments commemorate seem to commemorate the Holocaust, the American Indian struggle, and the Christian faith.
The remaining monument pylons are made of structural steel, so they'll be around for quite awhile.
Elizabeth E / Foursquare
The tallest pillar stands at about 100 feet.
If you take the closest service road to I-5, you'll get a much better look at this eclectic cluster of pillars.
Debra11 / Foursquare
The Cowlitz Tribe owned the sculptures for awhile, eventually turning them over to the city for preservation. The Toledo locals have been trying to decide on a method of preservation.

Have you ever seen the Gospodor Monuments from the road? Here are some other unique roadside attractions in Washington to check out on your next road trip.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles