There are some very interesting statues in the towns of Manitoba. These include a very large mosquito, two snakes, and a happy rock.

These statues can be unusual and very large. But, they are always good for a photo!

Here are some places you should remember for your next car trip:

1. The big mosquito in Komarno

   Komarno is one hour away from Winnipeg by car. The word “Komarno” means “full of mosquitoes” in the Ukrainian language. This is why the town is also known as the “Mosquito Capital of the World.” In 1985, the town built a large mosquito statue to represent this name. You can find this large statue at 156 First Street in Komarno.

2. The big “Sunflowers” painting

   This is a copy of a painting by Van Gogh called “Sunflowers.” It is the largest copy of this painting in the world. You will not miss this large painting in Altona because it is 76 feet tall! A local artist named Cameron Cross made this painting. The painting also celebrates Altona’s title as the “Sunflower Capital of Canada.”

3. The Flinty Statue

   The town of Flin Flon has a strange name. This name comes from a character in a book called “Sunless City.” The character’s name is Jossiah Flintabattey Flonatin. The people who started the town liked this character, who is an explorer. The town is known for mining. The statue of this character is now called “Flinty.” You can find it at the Tourist Park and Campground and at the entrance to the City of Flin Flon. A famous cartoon maker named Al Capp designed it.

4. The S-sam and S-sarah statue

   This statue is of a snake couple. It is 15 feet tall and is in Inwood Park. S-sam and S-sarah represent the many red-garter snakes that live in this area. The largest group of these snakes can be found at the Narcisse Snake Dens north of Inwood during the mating season in spring.

5. The Happy Rock

   This is a rock that looks like it is smiling. It is called “Happy Rock” and is the official mascot of the town of Gladstone. This 15-foot statue is at the visitor information centre of the town. It is known as the “Canadian Ambassador of Smiles.” You can wave to Happy Rock as you drive on the northeast side of highway 16.

6. Tommy the Turtle

   This is a 28-foot turtle statue in Boissevain. It is called Tommy and represents the nearby Turtle Mountain area. Boissevain also has a turtle racing event called the Canadian Turtle Derby. You can see Tommy holding the Canadian and American flags on Mountain Street, in Boissevain. It is at the south edge of the town, where highways 10 and 443 meet.

Do you want to know about more places like these? Go to Manitoba’s amazing roadside attractions 2.
 
Sources: Roadside attractions for a road trip in Manitoba, To Do Canada; Atlas Obscura; Giant statues of Manitoba, We’ve Gone on a Holiday by Mistake.com. Accessed August 31, 2023.