Elwood, the World's Largest Concrete Garden Gnome
Central Iowa is home to many beautiful outdoor spaces, but one of my favorites is the Reiman Gardens. At this Ames attraction, you'll find beautiful flowers, manicured paths, and even a butterfly house. These expansive gardens are also home to an unusual attraction: Elwood, the world's largest concrete garden gnome.
At 4.5 meters tall and weighing 1,587 kilograms, Elwood is no ordinary gnome. Andy and Connie Kautza, artists at National Rock & Sculpture in Wausau, Wisconsin, created Elwood from an iron cage encased in one cubic meter of concrete. The statue was unveiled on April 22, 2020, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
This unique attraction is absolutely worth seeing on your next visit to the gardens and makes for a fun photo opportunity for visitors of all ages.
Where is the world's tallest garden gnome located?
You can find Elwood, the world's largest concrete garden gnome, at the Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa.
What is the world's largest garden gnome?
Elwood broke the previous record held by Gnom Chomsky from upstate New York. But while the new gnome at the Reiman Gardens was being given the finishing touches, it was discovered that there was another large gnome on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Unfortunately, it was too late to make Elwood even bigger. Although the other gnome, named Howard, was made from different materials, he technically still holds the title of the world's largest garden gnome.
Plan Your Visit to the World's Largest Concrete Garden Gnome
Elwood the Gnome is located at the Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa. The gardens are operated by Iowa State University, which has maintained a horticultural operation on its campus since 1914.
Admission is required, but discounts are available for students and members of other botanical gardens.
REIMAN GARDENS, 1407 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD IN AMES, IOWA