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Otto the Otter

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

The world's largest otter started his life as a high school shop project. 

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Another angle of Otto the Otter. Do not use this picnic table to climb the otter. ianlefk (Atlas Obscura User)
Another angle of Otto the Otter. Do not use this picnic table to climb the otter. ianlefk (Atlas Obscura User)
A closeup of Otto the Otter. ianlefk (Atlas Obscura User)
Otto the Otter watches over Grotto Lake, located in Adams Park in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. ianlefk (Atlas Obscura User)
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In the county seat of Otter Tail County, the town of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, offers a real otter tale: the world’s largest. For more than 50 years, Otto has stood sentry over Grotto Lake, as the beloved mascot of the city.

Like most great works of art, Otto began his life as a high school shop project, the brainchild of shop teacher Tom Willett, who wanted to create something special for Fergus Falls’s centennial in 1972. Unfortunately, the first version of Otto was…an otter disaster. Steve Jaenisch, a metal artist who went on to create a number of sculptures around town, finished the job and made sure Otto would last for generations to come.

Today, the 40-foot-long otter sculpture stands proudly in Adams Park, overlooking the lake. The quaint city park also includes a ballfield, a playground, and picnic tables, including one that is often placed tantalizingly close to Otto.

Know Before You Go

Stay off the otter. Come on.

otters world's largest roadside attractions animals
Nearby
Fergus Falls State Hospital
1.81 miles
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