Willie the Walleye – Baudette, Minnesota - Atlas Obscura
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Willie the Walleye

Baudette, Minnesota

The largest Walleye statue in the world calls this Minnesota town home.  

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Willie the Walleye Statue TheRosebeetle (Atlas Obscura User)
Willie the Walleye Statue TheRosebeetle (Atlas Obscura User)
Sign welcoming you to Baudette. TheRosebeetle (Atlas Obscura User)
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The original Willie was constructed in 1959 by the roadside in Baudette, Minnesota; the self-proclaimed Walleye capital of the world.

Willie was erected on Main street in front of the lakeside. The giant fish appears to be leaping right out of the water and onto the street. In 2018, the old Willie was torn down after suffering weather damages. The 40-foot long, two-ton fish was rebuilt with fiberglass capable of withstanding the harsh Minnesota winters. Willie stands as a landmark for the town and holds the title as the largest Walleye statue in the world. 

During the first week of June, Baudette hosts “Willie Walleye Day,” complete with festivities across the town. 

Know Before You Go

Willie is easily found on Main st and not hard to miss as you enter the town.

fish
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TheRosebeetle
Added by
TheRosebeetle
stevedirkx
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stevedirkx
Published
August 8, 2019
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