"The rotund $8,000 ornament stands 15 feet tall from the soles of his boots to the tip of his telltale pointy hat, vying for the surprisingly contentious honor of largest gnome in the world. Elwood beat out the former champ, Gnome Chomsky, a mini-golf course resident in upstate New York who was thought to be the tallest garden gnome in the world," the Atlas Obscura says.

"However, an 18-foot-tall freak of kitschy nature was discovered in Poland, beating both of the American woodland giants. This European competitor was found just as Elwood was being created in a Wisconsin workshop, but unfortunately, Elwood was too far along in the design process to make him any taller. 

"But all was not lost for Elwood, as the Polish gnome was found to be made of fiberglass as opposed to the Iowa gnome’s 3,500 pounds of rebar and concrete. So, his creators simply amended his title to “Largest Concrete Gnome in the World.” At least he beat Gnome Chomsky."

"Iowa State University of Science and Technology (Iowa State University, Iowa State, or ISU) is a public land-grant research university in Ames, Iowa. Founded in 1858 as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, Iowa State became one of the nation's first designated land-grant institutions when the Iowa Legislature accepted the provisions of the 1862 Morrill Act on September 11, 1862, making Iowa the first state in the nation to do so. On July 4, 1959, the college was officially renamed Iowa State University of Science and Technology," Wikipedia says.

"Iowa State is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".The university is home to the Ames Laboratory, one of ten national U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science research laboratories, the Biorenewables Research Laboratory, the Plant Sciences Institute, and various other research institutes.

"Iowa State is the largest university in the State of Iowa by undergraduate enrollment. The university's academic offerings are administered through eight colleges, including the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Engineering, the Graduate College, the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the College of Design, Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business, and the College of Human Sciences. They offer over 100 bachelor's degree programs, 112 master's degree programs, and 83 doctoral degree programs, plus a professional degree program in Veterinary Medicine."

"The former World’s Largest Garden Gnome, in Kerhonkson, New York, certified by Guinness World’s Records, is no longer quite as worthy of our collective awe," the Roadside America says..

"It’s been bested by a 15-foot-tall gnome that has just been installed in the Reiman Gardens of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. The portly, towering Midwestern gnome is the centerpiece of Reiman’s “Celebration of Garden Ornamentation” theme.

"The folks in Ames point out that their gnome is merely the world’s largest concrete gnome, shorter than a 17-footer made of fiberglass somewhere in Poland, and modeled as an exact replica of a concrete lawn ornament, not a real gnome. But these caveats are cold comfort for Kerhonkson, which now must bulk up its gnome a good four feet to recapture its former glory, or settle for the title of World’s Largest Free-to-View Concrete Gnome."

"Elwood, the World’s Largest Concrete Gnome, is situated within Reiman Gardens’ 17-acre site," the Road Trippers says.

"Reiman Gardens offers a year-round destination featuring distinct gardens always changing with the seasons. In addition to changing annual themes and special events, the Gardens offers a tropical indoor plant Conservatory, a Butterfly Wing with 800 exotic butterflies in flight, and a Gift Shop.

"Reiman Gardens is open daily year-round with extended summer hours. Admission is charged."

"Elwood, the World’s Largest Concrete Garden Gnome, can be found in Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa. Elwood stands 15 feet tall and cost about $8,000 to build," the Iowa PBS reports.

"At the time he was constructed, he beat out the former champion garden gnome, Gnome Chomsky, who can be found in a mini golf course in New York.

"However, Elwood was quickly beaten himself by an 18-foot tall gnome discovered in Poland. Elwood was too far along in the design process to make him any taller, and so his name was amended to the World’s Largest Concrete Garden Gnome."

"Bring your homework or take a break at Reiman Gardens, a 17-acre oasis on campus open year-round," the Iowa State University says.

"The public garden includes a tropical conservatory and a butterfly wing with hundreds of exotic butterflies taking wing, all free for Iowa State students. Be sure to get a photo with Elwood, the world's largest concrete gnome at 15 feet tall."

"This beautiful public botanical garden, located on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, features 17 acres of outdoor gardens, an indoor tropical plant conservatory and a butterfly wing with hundreds of live butterflies in flight," the Travel Iowa says.

"Visit Elwood, the world's largest concrete gnome. They also regularly feature unique art installations like LEGO® sculptures and kinetic art."

"He looks like he kind of belongs here,” said Reiman Gardens director Teresa McLaughlin of the 15-foot, nearly 3,500-pound creature," the Iowa State Daily reports.

"McLaughlin explained that during a brainstorming session for the Gardens’ “Garden Ornamentation” theme, employees discussed ways to attract visitors, especially during tough financial times. One employee suggested they build the largest gnome in the world.

"The gnome, built by Andy and Connie Kautza, owners of National Rock and Sculpture, Inc. of Wausau, Wis., is constructed from concrete and rebar, a reinforcing steel bar. And, keeping with Reiman Gardens’ commitment to the environment, it is completely sustainable."

"Reiman Gardens (pronounced Rye-Men) is a 17-acre (6.9 ha) university-owned public garden located immediately south of Jack Trice Stadium on the Iowa State University (ISU) campus in Ames, Iowa. Reiman Gardens is a year-round garden with events, programs, lectures, and tours that has consistently been one of the top visited attractions in Central Iowa.

"Reiman Gardens consists of over 20 distinct garden areas, an indoor conservatory, an indoor butterfly wing, a gift shop, and several supporting greenhouses.

"It is open seven days per week; 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, with extended hours in the summer season and extended evening hours for its events. The Gardens are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day." (Wikipedia)

"A gem on the Iowa State University campus. Beautiful gardens and fully accessible for handicap individuals."

"Reiman Gardens is the home of Elwood, the word's largest cement gnome. If you are from out of state, you should try to include this in your itinerary, as it quite cute. The gardens themselves are somewhat small, but well tended, and are in the Iowa State campus."

"I had an exceptionally good time watching all the butterflies in their enclosure, relaxing in the open green spaces, and admiring the World's Largest Concrete G N O M E..."

"When I heard they had the worlds largest home, I knew I had to see it for myself. As expected outdoor gardens in bloom, but the conservatory is amazing. The butterflies fun to watch- up close. 800 butterflies! Great colors and varieties."

"Very pretty garden. Right in the heart of Ames. Worlds largest concrete gnome is a fun sight to see. Quiet and pleasant space to reflect."

"Home of the world's largest concrete gnome. Wonderful gardens and great walking paths. The theme throughout the park was family games - there was a connect-4 type game, a giant die, monopoly type, etc."

Photo: World's Largest Concrete Gnome: world record in Ames, Iowa
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