What Are the Whispering Giants?
The Trail of the Whispering Giants is a collection of massive sculptures by Hungarian-born artist Peter Wolf Toth that will absolutely blow your mind. These incredible works range in height from 20 to 40 feet and are between 8 and 10 feet in diameter. Each sculpture resembles natives of the region where it’s located, creating a unique tribute to Native American heritage across the country.
Here’s what makes this trail so special: Starting in 1971, Toth committed to creating at least one sculpture in each of the 50 states. He donated every single piece to its community, asking only for raw materials, food, and lodging while he worked. Talk about an artist with a mission of love and respect for Native American culture!
Our Trail of the Whispering Giants Hunt
We’re on an epic quest to find as many of these towering sculptures as possible during our travels. Each one tells the story of local Native American tribes and adds an incredible roadside stop to any trip. Plus, they’re perfect for those “holy crap, that’s huge!” photos that make people stop scrolling.
Our Giant Discoveries So Far:
Love is Life – Little Rock, Arkansas
This Arkansas giant stands proud in Little Rock, and let me tell you – the intricate details representing local tribal heritage are even more jaw-dropping in person. The scale of these sculptures never gets old – you really don’t appreciate how massive 30+ feet is until you’re standing next to it.
Junaluska – Johnson City, Tennessee
Named after Cherokee leader Junaluska, this Tennessee sculpture captures the strength and dignity of the Cherokee nation. Located in Johnson City, it’s a perfect stop if you’re exploring the eastern Tennessee area and want to add some serious roadside art to your trip.
| State | Location/City | Name/Title | Status/Notes | Your Visit Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Dothan | At Houston-Love Memorial Public Library | Good condition | Not yet |
| Alaska | Valdez | Nr41 (1981) | Unknown | Not yet |
| Arizona | Winslow | Number 33 (Fall 1979) | Good condition | Not yet |
| Arkansas | Little Rock | “Love is Life” (Nr13) | Good condition | ✅ Found it! |
| California | La Jolla | First sculpture (1971) | Stone – cliffside original | Not yet |
| California | Desert Hot Springs | “Waokiye” – Pueblo Indian Museum | 10 miles from Palm Springs | Not yet |
| Colorado | Loveland | 30 feet tall, cottonwood tree | Moved to private ranch after lightning strikes | Not yet |
| Connecticut | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Delaware | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Florida | Fort Lauderdale | Multiple sculptures (one moved from Hollywood) | Good condition | Not yet |
| Florida | Punta Gorda | – | Good condition | Not yet |
| Georgia | Colquitt | Carved around 1972 | Condition unknown | Not yet |
| Hawaii | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Idaho | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Illinois | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Indiana | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Iowa | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Kansas | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Kentucky | Paducah | Nr50 (May 1985) | Restored in 2018 | Not yet |
| Louisiana | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Maine | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Maryland | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Massachusetts | Plymouth | “Enisketomp” | Route 3 rest stop near McDonald’s | Not yet |
| Michigan | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Minnesota | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Mississippi | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Missouri | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Montana | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Nebraska | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Nevada | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| New Hampshire | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| New Jersey | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| New Mexico | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| New York | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| North Carolina | Cherokee | “Sequoyah” (Sculpture #63) | Museum piece – valued at $3.5M | Not yet |
| North Dakota | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Ohio | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Oklahoma | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Oregon | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Pennsylvania | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Rhode Island | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| South Carolina | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| South Dakota | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Tennessee | Johnson City | “Junaluska” (Honoring Chief Junaluska) | Good condition | ✅ Found it! |
| Texas | San Antonio | Future sculpture (planned replacement) | In planning – replacing damaged Texarkana sculpture | Not yet |
| Utah | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Vermont | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Virginia | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Washington | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| West Virginia | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Wisconsin | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
| Wyoming | TBD | – | Research needed | Not yet |
The Great Whispering Giants Hunt!
With 74 sculptures scattered across all 50 states, tracking down these massive roadside treasures has become one of our favorite travel quests. Some sculptures have been moved from their original locations over the decades, and a few “fallen giants” may no longer exist due to weather damage – making each successful find even more rewarding.
We’re actively hunting sculptures from Alabama’s libraries to Wyoming’s wilderness areas. The Trail spans incredible locations – some tucked away in small town parks, others standing guard at major civic centers. Each discovery adds another amazing chapter to this cross-country artistic adventure.
Planning Your Whispering Giants Road Trip
These sculptures make perfect additions to any road trip route. They’re usually located in public spaces like parks or civic areas, making them accessible for quick stops and photos. Each represents hours of incredible craftsmanship carved from a single piece of wood – both artistic masterpieces and engineering marvels.
We recommend calling ahead if you’re planning a specific detour, as some sculptures may have been relocated or have access restrictions. But trust us, the detour is always worth it when you’re standing next to 30+ feet of hand-carved artistry.
Spotted a Whispering Giant during your travels? Drop us a comment with the location! We love hearing from fellow giant hunters and adding new stops to our ever-growing road trip list.
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