Meet A Minnesota Icon: The World’s Largest Stucco Snowman!
North St. Paul, Minnesota is home to the world’s largest stucco snowman! Learn how you can visit, take a selfie and meet this Minnesota icon! ⛄ #NorthStPaulSnowman #MinnesotaLandmarks
North St. Paul, Minnesota – There’s a giant snowman that’s hard to miss! Standing tall at 44 feet and made of 20 tons of concrete stucco, this snowman has been a cool sight since 1974. It got a fresh coat of white paint in 2017 to keep it looking its best.
You’ll find this frosty giant at the corner of MN Highway 36 and Margaret Street. It was built by the North St. Paul Jaycees, who used to make a snowman every winter to celebrate Sno-Daze. After a few years without enough snow, they decided to make a permanent snowman that everyone could enjoy year-round. It used to be downtown but was moved to its current spot so more people could see it.
The story of this snowman started in 1969 when Lloyd Koesling, a local barber and civic leader, got inspired by a statue he saw at Disneyland. He convinced the City Council that North St. Paul needed its own symbol, and what better for Minnesota than a snowman?
The Jaycees used to build one every year for the snow Frolics Festival, so it made perfect sense. With the help of volunteers and donated materials, the snowman took shape. It was finished in 1974 and cost $2000, paid by the Chamber of Commerce.
For almost 20 years, the snowman was a main street landmark. In 1990, it was moved to its current location, thanks to some funding from Celebrate Minnesota. Today, it’s a beloved landmark that gives a warm welcome to travelers and locals alike. “Turn at the snowman” is a common way to give directions in the area.
Lloyd Koesling, the snowman’s founder, passed away in 2002. On that day, the snowman wore a black band on its arm to honor him.
Know Before You Go
- For GPS, use this address to find the World’s Largest Stucco Snowman: 2460 Margaret St N, North St Paul, MN 55109
- You can see him 24 hours a day, but for the BEST selfies, we recommend a daytime visit. Be sure to tell him Jack and Kitty said “hello!”
- Wanna become a fan of the snowman? Find his Facebook page here.
🗣 Have you ever seen the World’s Largest Stucco Snowman? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! ⬇️
