August’s here, which means it’s time to take a road trip before summer comes to an end and it’s too late. The Enchanted Highway is a 32-mile stretch of paved county highway between Regent and Gladstone in North Dakota. As you roll down this stretch of concrete in the middle of the open prairie, there are a number of roadside attractions, including the “World’s Largest Tin Family”, “Pheasants on the Prairie”, the “World’s Largest Grasshopper”, “Geese in Flight”, “Deer Crossing”, and “Teddy Rides Again” (basically Teddy Roosevelt on a horse). This is all the work of Gary Greff, a retired school teacher and metal sculptor, who started to create giant sculptures in 1990.
Most of the artwork is made of such materials as empty oil drums and telephone poles. There is an attraction every few miles along the highway, and each one faces north, towards the oncoming traffic, so you can’t miss them while you drive. But how could you, really? You’re in the middle of freakin’ nowhere. Oh, and good news! The gift shop in Regent sells miniatures of each giant sculpture so you can look at them forever and ever if you so desire.
