Information
Landmark: World’s Largest PheasantCity: Huron
Country: USA South Dakota
Continent: North America
World’s Largest Pheasant, Huron, USA South Dakota, North America
The World's Largest Pheasant is a roadside sculpture located in Huron, South Dakota, USA.
This structure commemorates the state's pheasant hunting heritage.
Visual Characteristics
The sculpture is a 22-foot tall, 28-foot long fiberglass and concrete pheasant. It is painted in realistic pheasant plumage colors, featuring brown, black, and white patterns. The structure is mounted on a concrete base.
Location & Access Logistics
The World's Largest Pheasant is situated at 150 3rd Street SE, Huron, SD 57350, adjacent to the Huron Event Center. It is approximately 1 mile south of the city center. Parking is available in the adjacent lot of the Huron Event Center. No public transport directly serves the sculpture; access is via private vehicle.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The sculpture was constructed in 1999 by artist Dale Lamphere. It was commissioned by the city of Huron to celebrate the area's reputation as a prime pheasant hunting destination. The pheasant is a game bird native to Asia, introduced to North America.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can observe and photograph the sculpture. The base of the sculpture contains a plaque detailing its history. The surrounding area offers open space for walking.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available within the adjacent Huron Event Center during its operating hours. Shade is limited to the immediate vicinity of the sculpture. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are permanently located at the site; options are available in downtown Huron.
Best Time to Visit
The sculpture is accessible year-round. For optimal photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides softer illumination. Weather is most favorable for outdoor viewing between May and October.
Facts & Legends
The sculpture is often referred to as "Philo." A local anecdote suggests that during its construction, the artist intentionally made one of the pheasant's eyes slightly larger than the other, though this is unconfirmed.
Nearby Landmarks
- Huron Event Center (0.0km North)
- South Dakota State Fairgrounds (0.3km West)
- McCook Lake (2.5km East)
- Dakota State University - Huron Campus (1.2km North)
- Beadle County Historical Society Museum (1.5km North)