Headless/Pantless Pierre rolls down HWY 61 February 17, 2011

Those of us who have a fondness for old, kitschy roadside statues that used to get tourists to stop for photos and usually fronted an equally kitschy “trading post” or moth-eaten museum will be heartened to know that just such landmark has survived (mostly) and will be transplanted at a new site along Scenic Mn. Highway 61. (The actual old road)

Pierre the Voyageur used to front a museum just outside of Two Harbors on Highway 61. I don’t remember visiting that place, but you couldn’t miss Pierre. He proudly stood guard outside brandishing a canoe paddle. Well, the paddle has been gone for awhile as has the museum and for several years, poor Pierre stood, lonely, in an asphalt parking lot. The lot was sold to a major retail chain and Pierre needed a home. He found one at the Earthwood Inn down the road. Read about the tricky move: http://www.twoharborsmn.com/event/article/id/21810/

I happened across the crew as they hoisted Pierre from his cement moorings. Poor Pierre. He lost his head with the stress of it all!!