The Whimsical Park In South Dakota That Everyone Should Visit At Least Once

Looking for a unique destination to add to your South Dakota bucket list? Then look no further than Porter Sculpture Park located off of 1-90 near Montrose. This park is filled with curious and extraordinary sculptures at every turn. Follow along and learn about this South Dakota gem and the mastermind/artist behind it.

Porter Sculpture Park opened in the year 2000. It has since become a road-side favorite destination, with tourists visiting from all over the country.

This park features over 50 sculptures of various sizes, with the largest one standing at 60 feet tall and weighing 25 tons.

Who’s the genius sculptor behind this eccentric park? That would be none other than Wayne Porter who made his first sculpture when he was just 10 years old.

As a talented artist with a boundless imagination, it’s quite surprising to learn that Wayne has never even taken an art class. In fact, he builds massive works of art from pure instinct, free of equations or diagrams.

Wayne learned basic blacksmithing from spending much of his childhood in his father’s blacksmith shop, where he would later display his sculptures. He still builds all of his creations here before they are moved to the park.

These larger-than-life creations are made of steel, scrap metal and railroad equipment.

Today, visitors enjoy walking around this quirky park and admiring the massive sculptures up close.

Golf-carts are available for the walking-impaired.

(Feel free to bring your furry friends.)

Touching, climbing on, and taking pictures with the art is highly encouraged!

Not many people can say that they’ve been to such a laid back gallery before.

With so many thought-provoking, alluring displays, It's no surprise that Time calls this park one of the top roadside attractions in the country.

Porter Sculpture Park is located at 45160 257th Street, Montrose, SD 57048. To learn more about Wayne, his history, the inspiration behind his masterpieces, and his park, visit his website.

Have you ever explored Porter Sculpture Park? We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below!