In the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, a colossal bird stands tall, ready to ruffle your feathers and tickle your funny bone.
Welcome to Mercer, where Claire d’ Loon reigns supreme as the world’s largest talking loon.
Imagine driving through the serene landscapes of northern Wisconsin, surrounded by lush forests and sparkling lakes, when suddenly, you spot something that makes you do a double-take.
Is that… a giant loon?
Your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you, folks.
That’s Claire d’ Loon, the pride and joy of Mercer, Wisconsin.
Standing at an impressive 16 feet tall, this feathered behemoth is not your average roadside attraction.
She’s a bona fide celebrity in these parts, and for good reason.
Now, you might be wondering, “Why on earth would anyone build a massive talking loon in the middle of Wisconsin?”
Well, let me tell you, it’s not because they ran out of cheese to sculpt.
Mercer, you see, is known as the “Loon Capital of the World.”
And when you’re the loon capital, you go big or go home.
Claire d’ Loon was hatched (pun absolutely intended) from the creative minds of the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce back in 1981.
They wanted something to really put their town on the map, and boy, did they succeed.
As you approach Claire, you’ll notice she’s perched atop a small hill, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden.
It’s as if Mother Nature herself decided to roll out the red carpet for this avian diva.
The path leading up to Claire is lined with colorful flowers and carefully placed rocks, creating a picturesque scene that’s practically begging to be your next social media profile picture.
But Claire isn’t just a pretty face (or beak, in this case).
Oh no, she’s got personality to boot.
You see, this isn’t just any ordinary statue.
Claire talks.
Yes, you heard that right.
She’s a chatty bird with a lot to say.
As you stand before her, marveling at her sheer size and impeccable attention to detail, you might hear her suddenly burst into song.
Her repertoire includes the haunting call of the loon, a sound that echoes across Wisconsin’s lakes on quiet summer evenings.
But Claire doesn’t stop at loon calls.
She’s also quite the comedian, cracking jokes and sharing interesting facts about loons and the Mercer area.
It’s like having your very own tour guide, except this one is 16 feet tall and covered in feathers.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“A talking loon statue? That’s crazy!”
And you’re absolutely right.
It is crazy.
It’s also absolutely delightful.
Claire d’ Loon is the kind of attraction that reminds us all to embrace the quirky, the unexpected, and the downright silly.
In a world that often takes itself too seriously, Claire is here to remind us that it’s okay to laugh at a giant talking bird.
As you stand there, listening to Claire’s jokes and loon calls, you can’t help but smile.
It’s impossible not to be charmed by this oversized feathered friend.
And let’s be honest, where else can you get your picture taken with a loon that’s taller than a basketball hoop?
But Claire d’ Loon isn’t just about laughs and photo ops.
She’s also an important ambassador for loon conservation.
You see, loons are more than just a pretty face (or voice) in Wisconsin.
They’re an integral part of the state’s ecosystem and a beloved symbol of the Northwoods.
Through Claire, visitors learn about the importance of protecting loon habitats and the challenges these beautiful birds face in the wild.
It’s education wrapped in entertainment, served with a side of whimsy.
And speaking of whimsy, let’s talk about the town of Mercer itself.
This charming little community of just over 1,000 residents has fully embraced its role as the Loon Capital of the World.
As you explore the town, you’ll find loon-themed everything.
From street signs to storefronts, these black and white birds are everywhere.
It’s like the whole town decided to play a game of “How Many Loons Can We Fit Into One Place?”
And let me tell you, they’re winning.
But Mercer isn’t just about loons (although they’d probably be okay if it was).
This little town is a gateway to some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful natural areas.
Surrounded by forests, lakes, and trails, Mercer is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether you’re into fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the beauty of nature, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy here.
And after a day of outdoor adventures, what better way to unwind than by visiting a giant talking loon?
Now, let’s talk about the best time to visit Claire d’ Loon.
While she’s a year-round attraction, I’d recommend coming in the spring or summer.
Why, you ask?
Well, for one, the weather is much more pleasant for standing outside and chatting with a giant bird.
But more importantly, spring and summer are when the real loons return to Wisconsin’s lakes.
Imagine hearing Claire’s recorded loon call, then heading to a nearby lake and hearing the real thing.
It’s like a loon surround sound experience!
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Plus, in the spring, you might catch Claire surrounded by blooming flowers.
The contrast of her black and white plumage against a backdrop of colorful blossoms is truly a sight to behold.
It’s like Mother Nature decided to throw Claire her own personal welcome back party.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “But what if I’m not really into birds?”
First of all, how dare you.
Second of all, trust me, Claire d’ Loon transcends mere bird appreciation.
This is an experience that’s less about ornithology and more about embracing the wonderfully weird and wacky side of travel.
It’s about those unexpected discoveries that make a trip memorable.
The stories you’ll tell your friends back home that start with, “You’re not going to believe this, but…”
And let’s be honest, in a world of cookie-cutter tourist attractions, isn’t it refreshing to find something so unapologetically unique?
Claire d’ Loon is a testament to small-town creativity and community spirit.
She’s a reminder that sometimes the best attractions are the ones that make you laugh, make you think, and maybe make you question your sanity just a little bit.
But Claire isn’t the only attraction in Mercer.
Oh no, this town has more up its sleeve than just a giant talking bird.
Just a stone’s throw from Claire, you’ll find the Mercer Area Historical Society Museum.
Here, you can dive deep into the history of this charming Northwoods town.
From logging and mining to the development of tourism, the museum tells the story of how Mercer became the community it is today.
And yes, there’s plenty of loon-related history too.
Because in Mercer, all roads (and histories) lead back to loons.
If you’re feeling peckish after your chat with Claire, Mercer has you covered.
The town boasts several charming local eateries where you can refuel and reflect on your loon-derful experience.
Try some classic Wisconsin fare like cheese curds or a Friday fish fry.
Just don’t be surprised if your meal comes with a side of loon-themed decor.
For those who want to extend their stay (and really, who wouldn’t?), Mercer offers a variety of accommodation options.
From cozy cabins on the lake to charming bed and breakfasts, you’ll find the perfect spot to rest your head after a day of loon-filled adventures.
Just don’t be alarmed if you wake up to the sound of loon calls.
It might just be Claire, welcoming you to another day in the Loon Capital of the World.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“This all sounds great, but is it really worth the trip?”
To which I say, absolutely loon-acy not to visit!
Claire d’ Loon and Mercer offer a unique blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and delightful quirkiness that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Where else can you have a conversation with a giant bird, learn about local history, enjoy beautiful scenery, and potentially spot real loons all in one day?
It’s the kind of experience that reminds us why we travel in the first place – to see new things, meet interesting “people” (or in this case, birds), and create memories that last a lifetime.
So the next time you’re planning a Wisconsin road trip, make sure to add Mercer and Claire d’ Loon to your itinerary.
Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
And who knows?
You might just find yourself becoming a loon enthusiast too.
After all, if Claire can win over the hearts of visitors for over four decades, she must be doing something right.
So come on down to Mercer, where the loons are plenty and at least one of them talks back.
It’s a bird-brained idea that turned into something truly special.
And hey, even if giant talking birds aren’t your thing (though I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t be), the natural beauty of the Northwoods alone is worth the trip.
But let’s be real, you’re coming for Claire.
And Claire will be waiting, ready to chat, joke, and serenade you with her loon-y tunes.
Just remember to bring your sense of humor and your camera.
You’re going to need both.
Because in Mercer, Wisconsin, the loons aren’t just calling – they’re putting on a whole darn show.
And Claire d’ Loon?
Well, she’s the star of the show, the leading lady, the bird with the last word.
So what are you waiting for?
Get your tail feathers in gear and head to Mercer!
Claire d’ Loon is ready for her close-up, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it.
It’s going to be loon-believable!
For more information about Claire d’ Loon and other attractions in Mercer, 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 feathered phenomenon!
Where: 5135 US-51, Mercer, WI 54547
In the end, whether you come for the loons, stay for the scenery, or just can’t resist the allure of a talking 16-foot bird, Mercer and Claire d’ Loon promise an experience that’s anything but ordinary.
It’s pure Wisconsin magic, served with a side of whimsy and a whole lot of heart.