Giant Farmer Bob in Portage

Giant Farmer Bob in Portage, Wisconsin: Perfect for Family Selfies

Join us as we explore the lovable and eccentric character Giant Farmer Bob in Portage, Wisconsin – a roadside attraction that is perfect for family selfies! 🧀 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 📸

Giant Farmer Bob in Portage, WI: Perfect for Selfies

Discover the quirky charm of Wisconsin! Join us as we explore the lovable and eccentric character: Giant Farmer Bob in Portage. Your family will love taking a selfie with this cheese and sausage lover! 🧀 + 🌭 = ❤️

Wisconsin’s Quirky Side

Wisconsin is often celebrated for its majestic lakes, world-class breweries, and the beloved Green Bay Packers. However, one facet of this midwestern gem that’s often overlooked, or rather overshadowed, is its quirky charm exhibited through unique roadside attractions. Nestled in the heart of the state is Portage, Wisconsin, a town that has one such peculiar feature. A statue that may be easily missed by the transient eye, Portage is home to one of the most lovable eccentric, figures — Giant Farmer Bob. 

Giant Farmer Bob statue in Portage, Wisconsin. He is holding cheese and sausage and it is a snowy, winter day.
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The Legend of Giant Farmer Bob in Portage

No trip to Portage is complete without paying homage to its standout character, Giant Farmer Bob. Erected sometimes in the 1970s, the statue stands tall and proud, quite literally, at an impressive height of around 20 feet (we’re guessing here, and there’s no exact measurements online! Hehe). Clad in denim overalls, with a straw hat perched on his head, cheese in one hand and a sausage in the other, Farmer Bob’s goofy grin and bright eyes are sure to make you smile. He’s a character that looks like he loves to party…and isn’t that just like Wisconsin? You see, Bob isn’t just a statue, he is the embodiment of a town, a silent greeter welcoming visitors and residents to the lovely city of Portage.

The Allure of the Unconventional

Standing in the shadow of the giant statue, one can’t help but marvel at the detailed craftsmanship that went into creating Giant Farmer Bob. The expression on his face, the texture of his clothing, even the minute detailing on his straw hat, all have been carefully crafted to give life to Bob’s figure. It’s not just the size that’s colossal; the details also contribute to the larger-than-life persona of Farmer Bob.

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Bob was originally built by the owner of a cheese and sausage shop (again, isn’t that just like Wisconsin) – to help promote his business. Although the original shop is long gone, the gas station has become Bob’s adopted parents, lovingly cleaning him and occasionally giving old Bob a touch up of paint. 


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Inside the Mobil station you’ll find Giant Farmer Bob souvenirs, but we suspect the cheese and sausage that they do offer is a bit more popular with customers.

It’s not just the aesthetic appeal that draws people to this statue. It’s the heartwarming allure of the unconventional that brings a steady stream of curious visitors to this quirky attraction. Bob has become a symbol of joy and wonder, an unexpected surprise on an ordinary stretch of road. His towering figure beckons travelers from far and wide, offering a fun-filled stop on their journey.

Sausage and cheese on a table. Available near Giant Farmer Bob in Portage, Wisconsin.

Portage, Wisconsin is a Perfect Pit-Stop

Portage offers more than just a quick photo-op with the Giant Farmer Bob. The town itself is steeped in history and natural beauty. After a friendly rendezvous with Bob, take a leisurely stroll around the town center. Treat yourself to some local cheese curds or a scoop of hand-churned ice cream from one of the town’s charming family-run shops.

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For a taste of history, visit the Historic Indian Agency House, a link to Portage’s early days. Or simply revel in the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscapes, from the lush greenery of Pauquette Park to the serene waters of the Wisconsin and Fox Rivers.

Wisconsin Travel Guidebook by Jack and Kitty Norton

Creating Memorable Stories

Giant Farmer Bob in Portage is more than just a roadside attraction. He is a testament to the fun, quirky charm that often lies hidden in small-town America. Whether it’s the delight in children’s eyes when they see a giant farmer for the first time, the nostalgic smiles of older folks reminiscing about days past, or the shared laughter among friends and family during their visits, each encounter with Bob creates unique, unforgettable stories.

A deer looking directly at the camera. Captured in a forest in Wisconsin.
Even deer love visiting Giant Farmer Bob! Hehe.

Unveiling Wisconsin’s Unorthodox Charm

So, if you’re planning a road trip across Wisconsin, or perhaps just looking for a unique day trip, make sure to visit Portage. Don’t miss the chance to meet Giant Farmer Bob in person, who, despite his imposing size, exudes a warmth and familiarity that resonates with the essence of this beautiful town. It’s not every day you come across a towering farmer on your travels, but then again, Portage isn’t your everyday kind of place.

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In a world where we are often captivated by grandeur and spectacle, it’s refreshing to discover joy in the unusual and the offbeat. And that’s precisely what you’ll find when you visit Giant Farmer Bob in Portage – an encounter with Wisconsin’s unorthodox charm, a pause filled with laughter and wonder, and a memory that will bring a smile to your face for years to come. Plus…cheese and sausage, and it doesn’t get more Wisconsin than that! 

Know Before You Go: Giant Farmer Bob in Portage

  • From I-90/94, use exit 108. Bob lives at the Mobil gas station.
  • Bob lives outdoors, so you can see him 24 hours a day.
  • If you need some snacks, however, gas station hours are currently: Monday – Thursday, 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday – Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

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