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Tribute to Logging Heritage

Two Bits
Sculpture

A massive 28-foot tribute to Central Oregon's logging history, depicting two draft horses forged entirely from welded scrap metal and found objects.

2011
Installed
28 ft
Length
Metal
Scrap & Artifacts
Public
Farewell Bend Park

The Iron Horses

The Artist & Donor

Created by local sculptor Greg Congleton. The piece was commissioned and donated to the city by Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny.

Logging History

Found Object Art

Constructed entirely from welded scrap. Visitors can hunt for hidden artifacts welded into the horses' bodies:

  • Vintage 1923 Oregon license plate
  • Chainsaws, gears, and sprockets
  • Sewing machine parts & garden hoes

Visiting the Site

River Setting

Located on the east bank of the Deschutes River in Farewell Bend Park, near the Bill Healy Memorial Bridge.

Access

Wheelchair-accessible parking and direct access to the paved Deschutes River Trail.

Hours

Open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Free to visit.

Find the Horses

Located at 1000 SW Reed Market Rd, Bend, OR. A rugged symbol of Central Oregon's working history.

Get Directions

History & Background

Two Bits is a beloved local landmark — a large decorative or sculptural piece that has earned a place in community affection through decades of visibility. Roadside art, folk sculptures, and quirky local landmarks are a beloved American tradition that speaks to communities' desire to claim identity, celebrate the offbeat, and give travelers a reason to stop. Oregon in particular has a rich tradition of eccentric roadside art, from chainsaw-carved wooden figures to giant fiberglass animals.

The Pacific Northwest's creative culture values the handmade, the locally specific, and the playfully unconventional. This ethos shapes not just the famous weird culture of Portland but also small towns throughout Oregon, where local artists and entrepreneurs have created distinctive landmarks that define community identity. Two Bits participates in this tradition — a piece that means something specific to those who live nearby, even if it defies easy categorization for outside visitors.

Oregon's roadside art tradition connects to its broader creative economy, which includes a significant craft brewing industry, a vibrant music scene, strong independent retail culture, and an outdoor recreation economy that draws visitors from around the world. Communities throughout the state have found that distinctive local character — including quirky public art — builds both pride and economic vitality. A stop at a local landmark like Two Bits often leads to discoveries of nearby restaurants, shops, and experiences that make for a richer travel experience than simply following standard tourist routes.

Nearby Attractions

Local Downtown or Commercial Area

Quirky roadside landmarks like Two Bits typically anchor communities that reward further exploration. Check the surrounding blocks for local restaurants, coffee shops, and independent businesses that reflect the area's character. Oregon communities, even small ones, typically support good local food scenes built around the region's exceptional produce, seafood, and craft beverages.

Oregon's Scenic Byways

Oregon maintains numerous designated scenic byways that highlight the state's extraordinary landscape diversity. Depending on the location of Two Bits, nearby byways might include the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, the Historic Columbia River Highway, or one of several others. Each provides a framework for exploring the surrounding region.

Oregon State Parks

Oregon's state park system is consistently ranked among the best in the nation. With over 250 parks and recreation areas, excellent facilities, and free day-use access to most parks, Oregon makes outdoor exploration accessible to everyone. From the dramatic sea stacks of the coast to the high desert of eastern Oregon, a state park is rarely far from any point in the state.