Hidden in the Northwoods of Phillips, Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Concrete Park stands as one of the state’s most bizarre and enchanting sculpture parks—a place where ordinary concrete transforms into a kaleidoscope of life-sized figures, wild animals, and rural scenes that appear to burst straight from the mind of a visionary folk artist.
From Lumberjack to Folk Artist: The Story of Fred Smith
Unlike conventional sculpture gardens, the Wisconsin Concrete Park is the legacy of Fred Smith, a retired lumberjack, who embarked on an artistic adventure in his later years. Rather than a traditional retirement, Smith spent his days creating more than 200 sculptures during the late 1940s to mid-1960s. Each figure, meticulously crafted from concrete and adorned with colorful glass and found objects, conveys stories rooted in Wisconsin’s culture and history.
Smith did not create his art for museums or exclusive clientele—it was built right in his front yard for everyone to enjoy, reflecting his philosophy that art should be democratic and accessible.
An Outdoor Gallery Bursting With Characters
As you enter the open-air park, you’re greeted by a concrete wonderland. Human figures, animals, loggers, dancers, and even musicians seem frozen in time, but their expressive poses give the illusion of motion—dancers twirl mid-spin, horses pause in gallop, and community scenes buzz with imagined conversation and celebration.
Some of the most striking groupings include:
Loggers and horses: A vivid tableau of Wisconsin’s lumbering days.
A double wedding party: Complete with musicians and guests, this large scene celebrates community rituals.
Mystical creatures and everyday people: From wildlife native to the region to imagined beings, each sculpture invites viewers to invent stories and ponder what’s just happened—or what comes next.
Engineering Marvels and Folk Art Mastery
Beyond artistic expression, the sculptures themselves are engineering feats. Smith designed internal frames of wire and metal to support his creations, ensuring they withstand decades of Wisconsin’s ice, snow, and blazing sunshine. Glass bottle fragments and colorful stones sparkle in the sun, adding a magical quality to the already surreal environment.
It’s not just an art exhibit—it’s a testament to creativity flourishing through practical ingenuity, self-taught skill, and an unflagging passion for storytelling.
A Place for Imagination and Community
Visitors to Wisconsin Concrete Park aren’t passive observers. The park encourages imaginative engagement: who are these concrete characters? What are their stories? Smith’s work speaks a universal language, approachable for kids and adults alike, requiring no specialized art knowledge to be appreciated. It is folk art in its truest sense—unpretentious, generous, and just a little bit weird, embodying Wisconsin’s welcoming spirit.
Admission is free, making the park accessible to everyone and ensuring Smith’s vision remains a living part of the community.
Why You Should Visit This Unusual Wonder
The Wisconsin Concrete Park is more than a roadside oddity; it’s a profound celebration of creativity, the power of individual vision, and the rich history of its region. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it welcomes explorers, families, and art-lovers to wander, wonder, and lose themselves in an outdoor gallery unlike any other.
Step into Fred Smith’s concrete fantasy—you’ll leave inspired, delighted, and forever changed by the boundless possibilities of imagination made real.
Sources
[1] https://familydestinationsguide.com/bizarre-wisconsin-sculpture-park/
[2] https://www.worldofdrevermor.com
[3] https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g60145-d1176117-Reviews-Forevertron-North_Freedom_Wisconsin.html
[4] https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g59787-d3474197-Reviews-Paul_Bobrowitz_Spectacular_Sculpture-Colgate_Wisconsin.html
[5] https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/wisconsin/sculptures
