Sibley, Iowa Now Has A Giant Ear of Corn You Can Visit

Move over, Largest Ball of Twine, because the largest "Ear of Corn" has just sprouted up about an hour east of Sioux Falls.

If you're the kind of person who loves quirky roadside attractions, or you've ever secretly wanted to channel your inner Clark W. Griswold, there's a brand-new Midwest photo op waiting just over the South Dakota border.

About an hour and 15 minutes east of Sioux Falls, the tiny northwest Iowa town of Sibley has officially unveiled what may become one of the region's most talked-about roadside attractions: the "Tallest Ear of Corn."

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You read that correctly.

It's the kind of attraction that belongs on every Midwest summer road trip itinerary, right alongside giant balls of twine, oversized frying pans, a giant pheasant, and the World's Only Corn Palace in Mitchell.

According to Dakota News Now, the massive landmark stands at Hawkeye Point, the highest natural elevation in Iowa at 1,670 feet above sea level. The attraction itself is actually a farm silo that's been transformed into an enormous ear of corn, creating a towering tribute to one of the Midwest's most iconic crops.

The project was officially dedicated to the public on Saturday, July 11, just in time for families hitting the road for the summer vacation season.

Despite the hot and humid July weather, the event drew somewhere between 150 and 200 visitors eager to see the larger-than-life attraction up close.

Mike Earll of the Hawkeye Point Foundation told Dakota News Now that organizers were thrilled with the turnout.

"We didn't plan on the heat for this, but we're just real pleased with the number of people that turned out. It's just been a real fun day to dedicate this silo to the citizens of Osceola County."

In addition to being able to gaze at a ginormous piece of maze, those in attendance also enjoyed live music, family-friendly activities, and a pancake breakfast.

Although, if I'm being honest, serving corn on the cob, buttered sweet corn, or even fresh popcorn would've been a spot-on menu choice.

Now the question becomes, will the Tallest Ear of Corn become the Midwest's next must-see roadside attraction? Time will tell. But one thing's for sure: it has already earned its place among the wonderfully weird landmarks that make Midwest road trips so much fun.

And if Clark Griswold were mapping out another family vacation, I'm fairly sure this would be one of the family's first stops.

5 Things South Dakota Gave the World

South Dakota may not get much respect. We get a blizzard and it's a footnote on the national scene, but if Florida gets a bit chilly it's breaking news. But, maybe it's fine to be forgotten about. We kind of like being left alone on our quiet piece of the plains.

South Dakota has given a lot to the world though. Not just giant mountain carvings and settings for HBO shows, but awesome things that the rest of the world should thank us for.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns

Filed Under: Sioux Falls