From the Valley of the Jolly, Ho Ho Ho, Green Giant! Many of us grew up hearing this jingle and probably never really thought about the what, where and how. There is a valley, the Minnesota River Valley around Le Sueur MN. Since 1935 there’s been a Green Giant logo and since 1978 there’s been a Green Giant Statue.

 

Forest City  IA is the home of Winnebago Industries and we spent two weeks at the factory for repair work. Looking for things to see and do, the Green Giant was mentioned. Being only an hour away in Minnesota, we ventured out.

Interestingly the statue is not in “The Valley” which is near Le Sueur, MN. It is in Blue Earth very near the interstate. Someone was hoping it would bring tourists to the area. Even though Blue Earth is not in “They Valley”, it is at the end of the Minnesota River Valley. Also there is a canning plant, previously owned by Green Giant, which cans peas and corn each summer.

The statue is a giant standing tall at 55 feet. It towers over Green Giant Park where it is located. Over the years, the park has grown to include other features. One is the Green Giant Museum with Jolly Green Giant memorabilia, said to be the largest collection in the world. Yes, there are lots and lots of items from toys to clothes to household items and the items range in age also. The museum also houses items from the Green Giant factory in Blue Earth. 

One of the newest features of the park is a musical area with six oversized instruments available for anyone to play. We were like children, having a great time with the various instruments – wind chimes, drums, xylophone. We had our band of two playing!

Like many of the things we do and visit, the Jolly Green Giant Statue was not on our list. Yet, knowing we were so close, we made time to visit and had a great time. If you are close, make time and enjoy your visit.  It was like being a kid, having fun and being free.