Artist
Gary Greff
Local artist Gary Greff conceived of the project and began building it in 1989, and continues to maintain the sculptures. He took inspiration from local wildlife and historical figures, including Theodore Roosevelt. Greff’s intention was to revive his hometown of Regent, after decades of population and economy decline. In 2012, Greff opened a motel, The Enchanted Castle, in Regent, continuing the theme of the Enchanted Highway. Gary continues to work on new sculptures for the Enchanted Highway.
One bead of weld at a time...
The Enchanted Highway, a 32 mile stretch of highway, features some of the world’s largest scrap metal sculptures. The highway consists of extremely large metal sculptures depicting geese, fish deer, pheasants, grasshoppers, Teddy Roosevelt, a complete Tin Family and other sculptures.
The world’s largest metal sculpture, completed by Gary Greff (USA) in August 2001, stands 110 ft (33.5m) tall, is 154 ft (46.9m) wide and weighs 157,659 lb (71,512.91 kg). Entitled Geese in Flight , the sculpture resembles Canadian geese flying against a backdrop of sky and prairie and is one of a series of metal sculptures located along the Enchanted Highway between Gladstone and Regent, North Dakota, USA. Greff began his project in 1990. His other artwork along the highway includes a tin family, metal grasshoppers, a pheasant family and Theodore Roosevelt on a horse. Another project, involving giant metal fish, is scheduled to be completed in late 2002.
Enchanted Highway in the News
PRX 3 Part Audio Series
A three part radio documentary profiling artist Gary Greff’s attempt to save his dying Great Plains hometown by building giant metal sculptures along a lonely strip of county road.
National Geographic
Listed as a Top 10 U.S. Roadside Attraction
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