The Big Viking

Big Ole is a 28-foot fiberglass Viking statue standing in downtown Alexandria near the Runestone Museum. He’s been there since 1965, holding a shield that reads “Alexandria — Birthplace of America.” He’s ridiculous and wonderful and the most photographed thing in town.

The Story

Big Ole was built for the 1965 New York World’s Fair as part of Alexandria’s promotion of the Kensington Runestone story. After the fair, he was brought back to Alexandria and installed downtown, where he’s stood ever since. He’s been repaired and repainted over the years — maintaining a 28-foot outdoor fiberglass statue in Minnesota weather is an ongoing project.

The Claim

The “Birthplace of America” claim on his shield refers to the Kensington Runestone’s inscription dating Norse exploration to 1362 — predating Columbus. It’s a bold claim that most historians don’t endorse, but Alexandria owns it with the kind of cheerful stubbornness that makes small towns great.

Visiting

Big Ole is free to visit and visible from the street. He’s at the corner of Broadway and 3rd Avenue, right next to the Runestone Museum. Stop for a photo — everyone does. He’s a landmark, a conversation starter, and proof that Alexandria doesn’t take itself too seriously.