Bigfoot Fishing Statue
A whimsical, large-scale wood carving of Sasquatch taking a fishing break in French Lick, Indiana.
The Bigfoot Fishing statue is a distinctive roadside landmark located in French Lick, Indiana. This large-scale wood carving depicts a friendly iteration of the legendary Sasquatch holding a fishing pole, posed as if relaxing by the roadside. Far from the frightening monster of folklore, this figure serves as a humorous and inviting mascot for the scenic region.
Created by local artist Brad Hadlock, a prominent figure in the regional chainsaw carving community, the statue exemplifies the intersection of traditional woodworking skill and pop culture whimsy. It stands as a testament to the thriving "chainsaw art" movement in Southern Indiana, where large timber resources meet creative expression.
The sculpture functions primarily as a photo destination for tourists navigating the French Lick area. Its accessible location and humorous design make it a favorite stop for families and road-trippers looking to document the unique character of Indiana's rural landscape.
Key Facts
- Location: 1025 South, French Lick, IN 47432
- Artist: Brad Hadlock
- Medium: Chainsaw Carved Wood
- Subject: Fishing Sasquatch
- Access: Open 24/7
- Type: Roadside Attraction
Notable Features & Attributes
Artistic Technique
The piece showcases the specialized skill of chainsaw carving, using raw timber to create texture (fur) and personality without fine chisels.
Thematic Relevance
The fishing pose connects the mythical creature to the popular recreational activities of the region, grounding the fantasy in local culture.
Visual Character
Unlike aggressive depictions of Bigfoot, this statue features a non-threatening, leisurely demeanor designed to amuse rather than frighten passersby.
Regional Trend
The statue is part of a broader concentration of wood art in Southern Indiana, reflecting the area's robust community of chainsaw artists and woodworkers.
Visitor Information
Access & Viewing The statue is located outdoors at 1025 South in French Lick. It is situated on private property but positioned for public viewing from the road. Visitors are welcome to stop for photos 24 hours a day.
Photo Opportunities The scale of the carving makes it an ideal backdrop for selfies or group photos. The "fishing" pose offers a fun interactive element for creative photography.
Nearby Attractions French Lick is known for its historic resorts and casinos. This roadside stop offers a free, quick diversion for those traveling between the main resort areas and Patoka Lake.
Local Context & Connections
The sculpture highlights the blend of outdoor recreation and folk art typical of the Hoosier National Forest region.
History & Background
The Bigfoot Fishing sculpture is a whimsical piece of public art that combines two beloved elements of Indiana outdoor culture — the legendary Sasquatch/Bigfoot creature and the tradition of fishing in Indiana's numerous lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. While Indiana may not have the dense Pacific Northwest forest associated with classic Bigfoot mythology, the creature has been "sighted" in every U.S. state, and Indiana is no exception. The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization documents dozens of alleged sightings in Indiana's wooded river bottoms and rural areas.
Fishing is a deep part of Indiana culture, with over 400,000 Hoosiers purchasing fishing licenses annually. Indiana's fishing opportunities include largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, and trout in its many inland lakes and rivers. The state manages numerous fishing access points and has invested significantly in habitat restoration to improve fish populations. Fishing represents a connection to the outdoors, a way of passing family traditions across generations, and a form of mindful engagement with natural environments that resonates across Indiana's communities from urban Indianapolis to rural farm country.
Playful public art installations like the Bigfoot Fishing sculpture invite community engagement and humor in ways that formal monuments cannot. They signal that a community has a sense of fun about itself, and they create natural gathering points and photo opportunities. In a state sometimes characterized as flyover country, creative sculptures give Indiana communities distinctive identities and memorable moments for the travelers who discover them. The combination of Bigfoot and fishing is pure Indiana whimsy — and pure American folk art tradition.
Nearby Attractions
Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana's only national park stretches 15 miles along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Massive sand dunes — some reaching 200 feet — are bordered by beaches, wetlands, oak savannas, and bogs. The park's remarkable biodiversity earned it the nickname "pinhook country" and led to significant scientific study. Mount Baldy is a favorite for climbing and sledding; the beach offers excellent swimming in summer.
Chain O'Lakes State Park
In northeastern Indiana, Chain O'Lakes consists of eleven glacially formed lakes connected by channels. The park offers exceptional fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. Walleye, bass, pike, and panfish populate the lakes. The park's campgrounds are popular throughout the summer months, and the chain of connected lakes creates a unique paddling experience.
Pokagon State Park
Located on Lake James and Snow Lake in Steuben County, Pokagon State Park is one of Indiana's premier resort parks. A year-round toboggan run, beach swimming, boating, fishing, and a historic inn make it a destination for multiple seasons. The park honors the memory of Leopold Pokagon, a chief of the Potawatomi people who negotiated with the U.S. government during the difficult removal era of the 1830s.