This fiberglass giant pink elephant with glasses, also known as “Pinkie the Elephant” or “Pinky the Elephant” is a roadside attraction in DeForest, Wisconsin. When I visited the big pink elephant on my 2008 road trip to Mount Rushmore it lived outside of a Citgo Gas Station. When I visited again 11 years later, the location had been converted to a Shell Gas Station, but not much else about the giant pink elephant changed (I, on the other hand gained a few years and a few pounds).
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Want to learn more about the pink elephant gas station roadside attraction? Read the story of the Wisconsin pink elephant found on a sign adjacent to
The Story of the Pink Elephant
“The pink Elephant has been at this gas station since the mid-late 1960’s. The elephant was brought here because the owner was looking for a way to make his gas station stand out from the other stations on this intersection. The elephant has been here ever since.
It certainly is a road-side attraction and landmark in the area!”
“This Pink Elephant along with others were produced by Sculptured Advertising in Sparta, WI. Pinky was the first produced Pink Elephant and was installed in 1963 in front of the Pink Elephant Supper Club in Marquette, IA. The Marquette elephant never had the cool sunglasses though. Other pink elephants were produced for Arco Gas Stations in the area that all displayed all Pink Elephants. Our famous Pink Elephant is the last one left in this area. A few other elephants can be found at car washes, antique malls and car developers in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Tennessee.”
“Many people would stop here to take photos with the elephant and continue to do so today. Some tourists tell us they have pictures of their children and the elephant from years ago and are now stopping to show their grandchildren.
The Pink Elephant has had several owners over the years and has endured too much graffiti but with each change of hands the Pink Elephant has been loved and cherished. This gas station is known for the Pink Elephant, has lots of Pink Elephant merchandise and works hard to keep him clean. There isn’t one name associated with our Pink Elephant; most refer to this Wisconsin roadside attraction as “Pinkie”. Pinkie loves to see visitors and is still so photogenic!”
Pink Elephant Wisconsin Roadside Attraction in 2019:
Pinkie the Pink Elephant with Glasses in 2008:
Pinkie the Pink Elephant with Glasses
Location: 4995 County Road V, DeForest, WI
Cost: Free to see.
Hours: Always Visible.
Date: August 2008, August 2019
While you’re there, don’t forget to stop and visit Sissie the Cow at Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet down the road!
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