W'eel the turtle

W'eel the Turtle is a large sculpture shaped like a turtle and constructed entirely from stacked automobile wheel rims, positioned on Main Street South. The form rises from ground level and stretches along the street, made up of hundreds of layered metal circles that create the animal's body and shell.

Construction began in 1982 when a local entrepreneur decided to build the sculpture after seeking inspiration from an exposition in Seattle. The project evolved over time as wheel rims were gradually added to complete the distinctive form.

The sculpture has become the centerpiece of Dunseith's identity and represents the community's pride in the Turtle Mountains region. Visitors often photograph it as the visual landmark that defines the town's character.

The sculpture is located along the main street downtown and easy to access by foot or car, with parking nearby. Visit during daylight hours when you can clearly see the layered rim construction and photograph the entire form.

The turtle's head was originally designed to move but was later permanently fixed for safety and structural reasons. This modification is evident today in how the head connects solidly to the shell, making the entire form stable and secure.