Ever wondered what a 16-foot-tall loon would sound like if it could talk?
Well, pack your bags and head to Mercer, Wisconsin, because that’s exactly what you’ll find!
In the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, where the air is crisp and the lakes are plenty, there’s a town that’s gone a little loony – in the best possible way.
Welcome to Mercer, home of Claire d’ Loon, the world’s largest talking loon statue.
Now, you might be thinking, “A talking loon? That’s just crazy talk!” But I assure you, it’s as real as cheese curds at a Packers game.
This isn’t your average roadside attraction, folks. Claire d’ Loon is a bona fide celebrity in these parts, standing tall and proud at a whopping 16 feet.
She’s not just big; she’s got personality to boot. And let me tell you, she’s not afraid to use it.
Imagine walking up to this massive bird, pressing a button, and hearing her regale you with tales of the local area. It’s like having a feathered tour guide, minus the awkward small talk.
But before we dive beak-first into Claire’s world, let’s set the scene.
Mercer, Wisconsin, is a small town with a population that wouldn’t even fill a decent-sized high school gymnasium.
It’s the kind of place where everyone knows your name, your dog’s name, and probably what you had for breakfast.
But don’t let its size fool you. This little town has a big heart and an even bigger sense of humor.
Case in point: they decided to build a giant talking loon. Because why not?
Now, you might be wondering, “Why a loon?”
Well, my friends, Mercer isn’t called the “Loon Capital of the World” for nothing.
These parts are lousy with loons.
They’re like the town’s unofficial mascot, only louder and with better swimming skills.
The common loon, with its distinctive black-and-white plumage and haunting call, is a symbol of the Northwoods.
It’s as quintessentially Wisconsin as cheese, beer, and passive-aggressive politeness.
So when the town decided to put itself on the map, they went big. Really big. Loon big.
Claire d’ Loon was unveiled in 1981, and she’s been charming visitors ever since.
She stands proudly in a small park right off Highway 51, impossible to miss unless you’re actively trying to avoid eye contact with a giant bird.
As you approach Claire, you’ll notice she’s not just any loon. She’s got style.
Her sleek white body contrasts beautifully with her black head and neck, just like her real-life counterparts.
But unlike real loons, Claire doesn’t swim.
She’s perched atop a pedestal, lording over her domain like the queen she is.
The attention to detail is impressive.
Her eyes have that piercing, slightly judgmental look that real loons give you when you’re making too much noise on the lake.
Her beak is pointed skyward, as if she’s about to let loose one of those iconic loon calls that echo across Wisconsin lakes on summer evenings.
But Claire’s not just a pretty face.
Oh no, she’s got brains too.
Or at least, a recorded message, which is the next best thing.
Press the button at her base, and Claire comes to life, sharing tidbits about Mercer and the surrounding area.
It’s like having a conversation with the world’s largest, most knowledgeable bird.
And let’s be honest, how often does that happen?
Claire’s voice is surprisingly soothing for a giant talking bird.
It’s like if your GPS had a really chill aunt who’s really into nature.
She’ll tell you about the local flora and fauna, the history of Mercer, and why loons are just so darn cool.
It’s educational, it’s entertaining, and it’s slightly surreal.
In other words, it’s perfect.
But Claire d’ Loon isn’t just a tourist attraction.
She’s a point of pride for the people of Mercer.
She’s featured on the town’s welcome sign, proudly proclaiming Mercer as the “Loon Capital of the World.”
Local businesses have embraced the loon theme, selling everything from loon-themed t-shirts to loon-shaped cookies.
It’s like the whole town has gone loon-atic.
The area around Claire is beautifully maintained, with flower beds that burst into color during the warmer months.
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In spring, you might catch sight of Claire surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque scene that’s almost too perfect to be real.
It’s like Mother Nature decided to throw Claire a welcome party, and everyone showed up in their finest pink outfits.
But Claire isn’t just about looking pretty and talking a good game.
She’s also a gateway to all the natural beauty that Mercer and the surrounding Northwoods have to offer.
After you’ve had your fill of giant talking bird wisdom, you can explore the numerous lakes and forests in the area.
Mercer is surrounded by over 200 lakes, perfect for fishing, boating, or just sitting on the shore and contemplating life’s big questions.
Like, “Why don’t real loons talk?”
The nearby Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
With over 35,000 acres of water and 195 miles of shoreline, it’s a place where you can truly get away from it all.
Unless “it all” includes loons, because trust me, you’ll hear plenty of those.
For those who prefer terra firma, the MECCA Trail System offers miles of hiking and biking trails.
In winter, these trails transform into a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
It’s like nature’s own transforming robot, only with less metal and more snow.
And let’s not forget about the fishing.
Mercer is an angler’s paradise, with lakes full of walleye, northern pike, and musky.
Just remember, if you hear a loon call while you’re out on the water, it’s probably not Claire.
Unless you’ve been out in the sun too long, in which case, maybe head back to shore.
But no matter how you spend your day in Mercer, all roads lead back to Claire.
She’s more than just a quirky roadside attraction.
She’s a symbol of a town that knows how to have fun, embraces its natural beauty, and isn’t afraid to go a little bit loony.
In a world that often takes itself too seriously, Claire d’ Loon is a breath of fresh air.
Or should I say, a breath of fresh lake air?
She reminds us that it’s okay to be a little bit silly, to take pride in what makes your home unique, and to share that joy with others.
So the next time you’re planning a road trip through Wisconsin, make sure to add Mercer to your itinerary.
Come for Claire, stay for the lakes, the forests, and the warm Northwoods hospitality.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for loons.
Or at the very least, a funny story about a giant talking bird.
Because in the end, isn’t that what travel is all about?
Finding those unexpected moments of joy, those quirky experiences that make you smile long after you’ve returned home.
Claire d’ Loon may be stationary, but she has a way of following you home, nestling into your memory like a particularly amusing anecdote.
So go ahead, press that button.
Let Claire regale you with her loon-y wisdom.
Take a selfie with this feathered giant. Buy a loon-themed souvenir or two.
Embrace the absurdity and the charm of it all.
Because life’s too short not to enjoy the simple pleasure of a 16-foot-tall talking loon in the middle of Wisconsin.
And who knows?
Maybe you’ll be inspired to create your own oversized talking animal statue.
Just remember, Claire d’ Loon got here first. And in the world of giant talking birds, that’s something to crow about.
For more information about Claire d’ Loon and the town of Mercer, be sure to visit the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce website or their Facebook page.
And don’t forget to use this map to find your way to this loony attraction!
Where: 5135 US-51, Mercer, WI 54547
In the end, Claire d’ Loon proves that sometimes, the best adventures come in the most unexpected packages – or in this case, the largest, loudest, loony-est package of all.