The Big Fish

The Big Fish is a 65-foot-long wooden muskie structure positioned along U.S. Highway 2 in Bena, painted olive green with distinctive red eyes created from Coca-Cola signs. Inside, exposed wooden framing resembles curved fish ribs, forming an anatomically-inspired interior that extends the playful design throughout the entire structure.

Built in 1958 as the Big Muskie Drive-In restaurant, this structure originally functioned with an interior lunch counter that served hamburgers and ice cream through a window. Over the decades, the building transitioned from a working restaurant into a recognized symbol of American roadside heritage.

This wooden structure represents a distinctive American tradition of celebrating local themes through outsized roadside monuments. It reflects how travelers and communities have long marked highways with playful landmarks that draw visitors off main routes.

The Big Fish is accessible year-round and located near Lake Winnibigoshish, making it easy to stop for photographs. An adjacent supper club serves food and beverages if you want to stay longer and take a break.

The eyes of the structure are made from recycled Coca-Cola signs, connecting this roadside landmark to classic advertising traditions of its era. This repurposed element adds a layer of historical charm and shows how even small details were thoughtfully incorporated into the design.

GPS coordinates: 47.35162,-94.26663

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:06