Wisconsin Concrete Park
Concrete Sculptures by folk artist Fred Smith | N8236 South Hwy 13, one mile south of Phillips. Open year-round 24/7, best seen during daylight hours. Donations appreciated!
This magnificent park has been selected as one of the Seven Wisconsin Man-made Wonders!
In 1950, at age 65, Price County native Fred Smith began construction of what is known today as Wisconsin Concrete Park. Smith, a lumberjack, tavern owner, farmer, and dance hall musician, created over 200 figures depicting his vision of the local culture and the world. His work is considered one of America’s most unique displays of folk art.
Smith built his figures on wooden frames wrapped with mink wire. He covered them with hand-mixed cement and decorated them with a variety of broken glass and found objects. He often accepted tourists’ donations of glass objects for his creations.
Smith’s characters came from local legend and personal acquaintances as well as legendary heroes. Some of his most widely recognized statues include Ben Hur, the Lincolns, Sacajawea, and Paul Bunyan.
Shortly after Fred Smith’s death in 1976, the Wisconsin Concrete Park was purchased by the Kohler Foundation and later gifted to Price County. The park is maintained and promoted by the Price County Forestry & Parks and Tourism departments with assistance from the Friends of Fred Smith, Inc., with restorative efforts continuing on a regular basis. Donations are welcome and greatly appreciated.
Countryside Artists’ Gallery & Gifts, 715-339-6475, is located in the Historic Smith House at the Wisconsin Concrete Park.
In 2010, the gallery will be open daily May 21 through October 31 from 10 am – 4 pm and from November 1 through December 19 it will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm. Merchandise includes park souvenirs, Christmas decor, paintings, pottery, antiques, florals, sculptures, crocheting, knitting, specialty foods, clothing, quilting, and other craft items.
Location: N8236 State Hwy. 13, Phillips, WI – Hwy. 13, one mile south of Phillips. View Map (pdf).
Description: The park is open year-round, 24-hours a day, and is free of charge. It is recommended that you visit the park during daylight hours. There is limited lighting after dark. See Park Map.
Facilities include:
- historic Smith home – the Countryside Artists Gifts & Gallery located in the home is open 10 am to 4pm daily Memorial Day weekend through October, then Friday through Sunday November through December 23
- picnic area & tables
- vault toilets
- surfaced road and parking area
- hiking/nature trail
- information area
- flush toilet building, drinking fountain & faucet, mid-April through mid- to late-October, weather permitting
- pressure water faucet and drinking fountain on the north side of the house – mid-April through mid- to late-October, weather permitting
- enclosed educational/programming building with bathrooms, electricity and heat (to reserve call 715-339-6371 – fee required)
- Pets must be under control or on a leash at all times. Pets not allowed in buildings.
