World’s Largest Tin Family & Pheasants on the Prairie | Regent

Information

Landmark: World’s Largest Tin Family & Pheasants on the Prairie
City: Regent
Country: USA North Dakota
Continent: North America

World’s Largest Tin Family & Pheasants on the Prairie, Regent, USA North Dakota, North America

The World's Largest Tin Family & Pheasants on the Prairie is a roadside art installation located in Regent, North Dakota.

This collection features large-scale sculptures crafted from tin and other recycled materials, depicting a family and various pheasant figures.

Visual Characteristics

The primary sculpture is a family group, with figures standing approximately 15 feet tall. They are constructed from welded tin sheets, painted in various colors to represent clothing and skin tones. Surrounding the family are numerous pheasant sculptures, varying in size from 3 to 8 feet in height, also made from tin and painted in naturalistic feather patterns. The installation is situated on a flat, open prairie landscape.

Location & Access Logistics

The installation is located at 101 Main Street, Regent, North Dakota. It is situated directly within the town limits, accessible via paved roads. Parking is available on the street directly in front of the sculptures. Regent is approximately 60 miles southwest of Dickinson, North Dakota, accessible via State Highway 85 South and then State Highway 22 West.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The World's Largest Tin Family was created by local artist Duane A. "Dewey" Johnson, beginning in 1972. The pheasant sculptures were added later by various artists and community members as part of an ongoing art project. The installation serves as a unique folk art attraction, celebrating local wildlife and community spirit.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe and photograph the sculptures. The site is accessible at all hours for viewing. Interpretive signage provides information about the artists and the history of the sculptures.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the nearby Regent Community Hall. There are no dedicated food vendors at the immediate site; however, a local cafe is located within walking distance in Regent. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in Regent.

Best Time to Visit

The installation can be viewed year-round. For optimal lighting for photography, early morning or late afternoon provides softer shadows. Summer months (June-August) offer the most favorable weather conditions for travel to the region.

Facts & Legends

The original tin family was constructed using materials salvaged from old farm equipment and appliances. A local anecdote suggests that the largest pheasant sculpture was inspired by a particularly large bird spotted by the artist near his workshop.