Blog Post

World's Largest Corn Stalk Sculpture: world record in Shelby, Iowa

Jun 17, 2023

Shelby, Iowa, United States--The corn stalk steel sculpture located just off the I-80 exit at Shelby, Iowa, in Agri-Symbol Park, designed by Cliff Carlson of Wesley, symbolizes the importance of agriculture to Iowa; the nearly $14,000 sculpture stands 76 feet tall and sets the world record for being the World's Largest Corn Stalk Sculpture, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"Corn as high as an elephant’s eye? That’s nothing! In Shelby, you can see the world’s TALLEST corn stalk that stands 76 feet tall," the Travel Iowa says.

"This steel sculpture located just off the I-80 exit at Shelby symbolizes the importance of agriculture to Iowa. The piece was designed by Cliff Carlson of Wesley."

"This 76' steel sculpture along Shelby's Interstate 80 exit, symbolizes the importance of agriculture, and of the men and women who work the rich land to produce food for the world, and of the pioneers who tamed the corn stalk." the City Of Shelby says.

"The sculpture highlights the major commodities produced by area farmers -- corn, beef and pork. Sculptor Cliff Carlson of Wesley, Iowa was commissioned to design the nearly $14,000 sculpture."

"Made of rusty metal, the artwork in Agri-Symbol Park represents the top crops grown by Shelby's farmers.

"Good rest stop. You can gas up, visit the Corn Crib store/cafe and use the restroom. Nice little park/picnic area to stretch your legs and see the sculpture," the Roadside America says.

"The corn stalk is in a park just off of Interstate 80 as you enter Shelby. It stands at the entrance to the Old Stone Arch Nature Trail, which looked like a great hike but I didn't have time to walk it."

"Just off of I-80 in Iowa is Agri-Symbol Park, a small walking path and picnic area with plants and benches and a gazebo, next to a rest stop and gas station and Old Stone Arch Nature Trail. It’s here that the world’s largest corn stalk lives and, being so tall that it stretches into the sky, it’s visible from the highway and hard to miss," the Silly America says.

"The giant stalk of corn symbolizes the importance of agriculture, the people who work to produce food, and the pioneers who tamed the corn stalk. A plaque at the site reads: 'The Agricultural Symbol has been dedicated to our sincere faith in agriculture as the foundation of our nation. It pays tribure to those who labor long to keep it so: past, present & future.'

"While the sculpture is deemed the world’s largest corn stalk, it’s more of an art piece than an actual representation. At first glance, the large metal pole resembles an actual corn stalk, complete with a tassel top. But, if you look closer, the leaves, silks, husks, and ears you normally would find have been replaced with outlines of corn, pigs, and cows. This design is meant to highlight and honor the corn, beef, and pork commodities produced by local farmers."

"The sculpture highlights the major commodities produced by area farmers Ñ corn, beef and pork. Sculptor Cliff Carlson of Wesley, Iowa was commissioned to design the nearly $14,000 sculpture," the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry says.

"The sculpture is surrounded by a beautiful garden with a gazebo placed at the center which you can sit and relax in."