We came for the giant Tin Man and stayed for the hay art at Jim Bird’s Hay Bale Art.
Jim Bird’s Hay Bale Art in Forkland, Alabama is home to a towering 35-foot Tin Man and dozens of hay bale sculptures — but we’ll be honest, we came for the metal guy.
We stayed at Jim Bird’s through Harvest Hosts. It’s exactly what it sounds like – a property full of hay bale sculptures, metal art, and a 35-foot Tin Man with bathtubs for feet.
Yeah, you read that right. Bathtubs.
Zach explored the property like a kid in a weird art store. He was INTO it.
I tried to take normal photos. I failed. Multiple times. There’s a whole sequence of me attempting to “fly” next to a Snoopy plane sculpture, and not one shot has a normal face. I kept blaming Zach for not letting me get set up… turns out it’s me. Victory eventually – one decent smile.
The Hay Bale Art
There are about 20 hay bale sculptures scattered around the property – smiley faces, Betty Boop, hear-no-evil monkeys, all kinds of stuff. They pop up in corners and open spaces, so you’re constantly spotting another one just when you think you’ve seen them all.
The Metal (and Other Random) Creations
Tucked between the hay bales are metal creations – a bull made of tree limbs, a mysterious golf cart contraption I still don’t understand, and other unexpected sculptures. Nothing matches, nothing is what you expect, and that’s what makes it fun to explore.
Zach & Nancy vs. Roadside Art
While the sculptures grabbed our attention, we got wrapped up in our own shenanigans. Zach wandered like he’d discovered a bizarre outdoor museum, and I attempted photos that ranged from “almost normal” to full-on nonsense.
At one point, we found a metal woman holding a beat-up mailbox. She gets it.
Wildlife Appearance
An armadillo crossed right in front of us, heading toward one of the hay bale homes. He knew exactly where he was going. Unlike us, who were just wandering around taking weird photos.
Staying at Jim Bird’s Hay Bale Art Through Harvest Hosts
Jim Bird’s is part of the Harvest Hosts overnight stay network we use when traveling. We parked there for the night, explored the sculptures, and met Jim Bird’s son, who shared stories about the property.
Overnight stays are included with membership (we’re affiliates – you can check it out here: Harvest Hosts Homepage).
Tips:
– Bring your camera
– Give yourself time to walk around – there’s more art than you’d expect
– The Tin Man is the star, but don’t skip the hay sculptures
Visitor Information
- 📍 Location: 16040 Hwy 43, Forkland, AL, United States, 36740
- 🎨 Type: Roadside art & overnight Harvest Hosts stay
- 🕒 Time Needed: 30–60 minutes to explore
- 🚐 Overnight Stay: Available through Harvest Hosts membership
Is Jim Bird’s Hay Bale Art in Forkland, Alabama Worth It?
Yes. Just yes. Where else are you going to see a 35-foot Tin Man with bathtubs for feet?
It’s quirky, memorable, and the kind of place that makes you say “well that was unexpected” in the best way.
More Stops Like This
If you enjoy unique overnight stays like Jim Bird’s Hay Bale Art, check out our visit to Gee Farms. Every stop is different, and that’s half the fun of traveling this way – you never quite know what you’re going to find.