Metal Menagerie

Sometimes during our explorations, Kristi and I will run across some form of giant metal artwork on display. Many of these make sense in their context: a statue of a famous person, the mascot of a business, or art on display in an outdoor gallery. But every now and then we’ll find something that someone just decided to put up for the entertainment of anyone who happens to see it. Or perhaps it’s for their own benefit. Either way, I appreciate the effort that people go through to display these pieces. Most of them are humorous, and nearly all of them are beautiful in some way. We all need a little more humor and beauty these days.

This post is a collection of some of that personal art, as well as a few notable “pro” pieces. I will add more to the post as we find them, and then pin the post to the top of the blog. As we continue to find more, I will collect them and post new articles. My plan is to make this a series.

Displays that are located on private property are viewable from one or more nearby roads. The roadways and ditches are public, though. Do not cross fence lines, and please respect the privacy of the owners and other locals.

A KML file of all of the locations is available at the link below. Download the file and import it into your favorite mapping software.

Metal Menagerie (KML)

If you have a Google account, then the easiest way to view the KML file is with Google Earth. Click the link below for instructions on how to download and use a KML file:

How to Use a KML File

The Two Amigos

The Two Amigos are my name for the metal statues of two banditos that guard the gate of a ranch in Houston County. They are located on County Road 3495 near Weldon, Texas.

Metal Zoo

The displays at this location seem to change periodically. A bison was on display during our first visit. Later on, the bison had been replaced by a horse and an eagle. These statues are located on private property on Rocky Creek Road near Onalaska, Texas.

Beware of Giraffe

This mother and baby giraffe are visible from FM 3126 and Estate Road on the north side of Lake Livingston State Park in Polk County, Texas. They are located in an enclosure with a sign that says, “Beware of Giraffe.” A neighbor’s house on Estate Road has a similar display, except it appears to be ceramic or concrete. Perhaps it’s a family thing?

Bigfoot

Bigfoot can be found along Bay’s Chapel Road in northwest Montgomery County, Texas.

The Mini Amigos

I’ve dubbed these two small statues The Mini Amigos. They entertain passersby on FM 1791 at the intersection of Preston Road in Walker County, Texas.

The Athlete

The Athlete is located next to the baseball fields in Kate Barr Ross Park in Huntsville, Texas.

I have heard that the statue might have been removed since the last time we visited it.

The night that the image below was taken, the Moon was perfectly placed to appear between the figure’s hands. Unfortunately, the only spot to get a picture of this alignment was blocked by a tree, so I settled for this scene in which the athlete is praising the Moon’s athletic prowess.

Rainbow Walker

This odd stainless-steel sculpture is an abstract representation of a rainbow. It is located next to Bowers Stadium on the campus of Sam Houston State University. One day I happened to catch a picture of it with a real rainbow in the background!

Blue Bell Cow and Girl

Those of you who are familiar with Blue Bell ice cream will recognize the figures in this display that is based on the company logo. These two statues are located in a small park area at the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham, Texas.

Those two handsome fellas in the foreground are Patrick and his older brother, Bryan.

See Metal Menagerie II for the second installment in the series!