Here Are 15 of the World’s Largest Things Found Right Here in Wisconsin

We seem to have a fondness for odd, unusual, and weird roadside attractions in Wisconsin. For some reason, we've amassed quite the collection of "World's Largest" things in Wisconsin things you can either stop by and visit, take a selfie in front of, or simply acknowledge as you cruise past. No matter where you wander within The Badger State, you should be able to find at least one or two of these quirky world records in Wisconsin. Listed below are 15 of the "World's Largest" things that are right here in America's Dairyland, and you'll want to visit them all. Don't forget your camera!

1. World's Largest Barber Pole - Elkhart Lake

The world's largest barber pole in Wisconsin is actually a painted silo that is more than 115 years old. The owner painted the silo in 1976 and opened a rural barbershop on the property.

2. World's Largest Letter M - Platteville

The large "M" sits high on a hill outside Platteville, and it measures 241 feet high and 214 feet wide. It can be seen from 30 miles away. The artwork is meant as an homage - or nod - to the local mining industry. It all started nearly a century ago, in 1936, when two Platteville college of mining students outlined an "M" in snow. It took a long time to melt, and by the time it finally did, local folks had become attached to it. So the "M" was remade using limestone, which was laid out on the side of the hill, and it's been there ever since.

3. World's Largest Grandfather Clock - Kewaunee

The clock is 38 feet tall and was built for the American Bicentennial. For a long time, it stood outside a shop in Kewaunee, but it has since been moved to a spot next to the Ahnapee State Trail, within sight of the Kewaunee Harbor.

4. World's Largest Round Barn - Marshfield

Built in 1916 to house purebred animals in 250 stanchions, the world's largest round bar in Wisconsin was made without the help of scaffolding. The structure is 150 feet in diameter and 70 feet high. It is now a part of the Marshfield County Fairgrounds.

5. World's Largest Soup Kettle - Laona

Seven feet across and three feet deep, the world's largest soup kettle in Wisconsin is the manifestation of a tradition that's been around since the 1920s where folks from the community gather at Silver Lake Beach for a communal soup. They bring their own bowls and eat with friends.

6. World's Largest Mustard Collection - Middleton

The National Mustard Museum in Wisconsin is a truly unique experience. Admission is free and so is tasting. The place has such a wonderful kitschy atmosphere.

7. World's Largest Talking Cow - Neillsville

Built for the 1964 World's Fair, "Chatty Belle" - the world's largest talking cow in Wisconsin - is 16 feet wide and 20 feet long. Put a quarter in her and you'll get a full story about who and what she is.

8. World's Largest Corkscrew - Hurley

There's not a lot of backstory for this one. It's just meant to draw attention to the liquor store it stands in front of. The owner also collects corkscrews.

9. World's Largest Bicyclist - Sparta

Between the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and the hometown fiberglass company, it's not difficult to understand how "Ben Bikin" came to be. He's spawned a real-life version, "Little Ben," who rides around Sparta as an ambassador.

10. World's Largest Mechanical Globe Planetarium - Monico

Frank Kovac wanted to build a planetarium immune to being blocked by a cloudy sky, so he constructed a 22-foot-diameter, two-ton globe tipped at 45 degrees. He meticulously hand-painted 5,000 stars, paying attention to their relative brightness. It's only the fourth such planetarium ever built, dating back to the 15th century. It truly is one of the most unique things to see in Wisconsin.

11. World's Largest Six Pack - La Crosse

These cans have gone through quite a few labels, as different breweries have used the building. Now, outside City Brewery, they are actually functional and store the brewery's stock.

12. World's Largest Muskie - Hayward

Located at the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, this guy is 143 feet long and up to 20 people can fit in his mouth viewing area.

13. World's Largest Talking Loon - Mercer

"Claire d' Loon" sits outside the Mercer Chamber of Commerce. She's 16 feet tall and will talk to you in loon voices. She's one of the silliest roadside attractions in Wisconsin.

14. World's Largest Penny - Woodruff

The penny is a memorial to Dr. Kate Newcomb, who was a traveling physician in the area and hoped to build a hospital for the people of the Northwoods. Local schoolchildren started to collect pennies, and the story blew up from there. The 17,000-pound, 15-foot-tall penny commemorates her work and the kindness of the community.

15. World's Largest Badger - Birnamwood

In the 1970s and 1980s, this large badger was the mascot of Badger Country gas station. You literally drove into a large, hollowed-out log to fuel up, beckoned there by this 40-foot Badger. The gas station eventually closed and then began a new life as a gentleman's club, so part of this Badger has been relocated and is a memory of a different time.

Have you ever made the trek to one of these "World's Largest" things? Are we missing any others around Wisconsin? Also, share with us any other weird places in Wisconsin you'd recommend visiting, whether large or small.

Looking for more places to stop on a road trip? Check out these Bizarre Roadside Attractions In Wisconsin That Will Make You Do A Double Take. And when you are out exploring the world's largest things in Wisconsin, show folks how large your state pride is by wearing your roots as you go.