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The Little Mermaid Fountain in Kimballton, Iowa

One of the most popular and beloved tourist attractions in Denmark is the Little Mermaid statue that has sat on a rock in Copenhagen harbor since 1913. But, if you’re in the American Midwest and can’t make it all the way across the ocean to check it out, have I got a treat for you: there’s an exact replica Little Mermaid Fountain in Kimballton, Iowa.

The Little Mermaid Fountain in Kimballton, Iowa | Little Mermaid Statue roadside attraction in Iowa

The original bronze statue was created by artist Edvard Eriksen. Through the years, many copies have been created and live all across the world. There are also versions of this famous statue in Connecticut, California, Michigan, Utah, Romania, Spain, South Korea, Canada, Brazil, China, Japan, and the Virgin Island along with another replica at the Copenhagan Airport.

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book - Everything You Need to Have and Record an Epic Road Trip! By Valerie Bromann

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Everything You Need to Have and Record an Epic Road Trip!

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.

The Little Mermaid Fountain in Kimballton, Iowa | Little Mermaid Statue roadside attraction in Iowa

The full-sized, four-foot tall, replica Little Mermaid Statue in Kimballton, Iowa was originally sculpted out of fiberglass by two California college students in 1978. It was built to celebrate the town’s strong Danish roots.

The Little Mermaid Fountain in Kimballton, Iowa | Little Mermaid Statue roadside attraction in Iowa

For many years, the statue was moved inside over the winter to protect it from the harsh elements. Even still, the weather did a number on the statue, wearing it down significantly.

The Little Mermaid Fountain in Kimballton, Iowa | Little Mermaid Statue roadside attraction in Iowa

In 2008 the Little Mermaid was recast in bronze and permanently installed in Kimballton’s Mermaid Park. It’s now surrounded by a lovely fountain, lush landscaping, and a variety of other sculptures themed after writer of the fairy tale, Hans Christian Andersen’s other stories.

The Little Mermaid Fountain in Kimballton, Iowa | Little Mermaid Statue roadside attraction in Iowa

If you’re in the area and looking for more Danish culture, be sure to also visit the giant Windmill in nearby Elk Horn (along with their impressive gift shop). And for some not quite Danish culture, Albert the Bull in Audubon is not too far away, and a must-see Iowa road trip stop.

The Little Mermaid Fountain in Kimballton, Iowa | Little Mermaid Statue roadside attraction in Iowa

The Little Mermaid Fountain in Kimballton, Iowa

Address: Mermaid Park, 310 N. Main St., Kimballton, IA
Park Hours: 6:00am – 9:00pm, daily
Cost: Free to See


Pin this Iowa roadside attraction:

The Little Mermaid Fountain in Kimballton, Iowa is a bronze sculpture that is an exact replica of the beloved tourist attraction in Copenhagen Denmark. Add this weird roadside attraction to your Iowa road trip itinerary and travel bucket list. This thing to do is a fun stop for travel with kids or adults.
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The Little Mermaid Fountain in Kimballton, Iowa is a bronze sculpture that is an exact replica of the beloved tourist attraction in Copenhagen Denmark. Add this weird roadside attraction to your Iowa road trip itinerary and travel bucket list. This thing to do is a fun stop for travel with kids or adults.

VALerie BROMANN

Founder & Head Road Tripper

Val is the founder and head road tripper at Silly America. Having grown up near Berwyn's famed car kabob, The Spindle, and a restaurant with a cow on its roof, her fascination with roadside attractions started early. Today, Val has visited hundreds roadside attractions across the United States and is constantly on the lookout for the next BIG thing!

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book - Everything You Need to Have and Record an Epic Road Trip! By Valerie Bromann

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Everything You Need to Have and Record an Epic Road Trip!

BY Valerie Bromann

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.

The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.