The Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE was a legendary conflict where a small Greek force, led by King Leonidas of Sparta, heroically held off the vastly larger Persian army of Xerxes for three days in a narrow mountain pass, epitomizing courage and sacrifice.
North Dakota: World’s Largest Sandhill Crane
'Sandy'; a 40-foot high tribute to the graceful Sandhill cranes that inhabit the Northern Plains of America
North Dakota has a seemingly endless supply of the roadside “attractions”, especially along I-94, designed to attract unsuspecting passersby to stop off and take some pictures, and at the same time draw you into buying something you didn’t really want. Sometimes there is a nice surprise – but often not.
The statue of the Sandhill Crane at Steele stands in a little park adjacent to the Cobblestone Inn. It is named “Sandy” and is 40 foot high. It was built in 1998-99 by a local farmer come, self-taught ironworker, James Miller.
| Address: | 615 Mitchell Ave. N, Steele, ND |
| Directions: | Cobblestone Inn and Suites, Just south of I-94 exit 200 |
| Phone: | 701-475-2221 |
The Sandhill Crane is a tall, grey-bodied, crimson-capped bird that breeds in open wetlands, fields, and prairies across North America. They are often found huddling in great numbers, filling the air with distinctive rolling cries.
‘Sandy’ is definitely worth a stop to snap a few photos if you are heading along I-94 in North Dakota.
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