Pete The Pelican

The “world’s largest pelican” is no doubt the most photographed object in Pelican Rapids and continues to be a draw at the base of the Mill Pond Dam along the Pelican River in downtown Pelican Rapids. The 15½ steel and plaster symbol was erected in 1957, but didn’t receive its name, “Pete”, until much later in a contest sponsored by the Pelican Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.

As part of the 50th birthday of Pelican Pete, a group of local businesses created a flock of pelican sculptures called the “friends of Pelican Pete”. Over three dozen of these four foot birds were decorated by local and regional artists commissioned by the owners of each bird. Each “friend” was given a name by the artist and or owner and taken home or to a place of business where they were placed so as to be viewed by the public. A Pelican Tour brochure is available at the Visitors Information Center (25 North Broadway). When the snow arrives, most of Pete’s friends are moved inside until spring and a separate Winter Pelican Tour brochure is available to see the birds in stores and other places of business. The tours are self directing and begin at the Visitors Information Center where the world’s largest pelican, Pete himself can be viewed from the deck.