What, me worry? About this roadside attraction? The Snerd Muffler Man in Atlanta, Illinois is one of the many muffler men on Route 66. And you should have no worries adding him to your road trip itinerary, because he is in good company.
Muffler Men roadside attractions are fiberglass giants who stand anywhere from 14 to 25 feet tall. Each has a similar design and was built between 1963 and 1972 by International Fiberglass in Venice, California. With signature stances, these big men stood outside of muffler shops and other businesses to call attention from the road.
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There are many types of muffler men. Bearded lumberjacks. Celestial spacemen. Native Americans. Cowboys. And many, many more. One of the most unique types is the “Mortimer Snerd” Giant (also known as the Happy Half Wit).
From the neck down, the Snerd’s physique mimics those of the other fiberglass giants. But, while most muffler men sport burly, rugged faces, the Snerd takes on a wide goofy grin on a mug reminiscent of Mad Magazine’s Alfred E. Neuman. (Learn more about this particular type of roadside attraction on Roadside America).
The Snerd Muffler Man in Atlanta, Illinois was the first muffler man installed outside of the American Giants Museum.
Curator Joel Baker of American Giants came into possession of the 19-foot-tall Snerd in 2012 after buying it off of eBay. It originally stood outside of an Ohio family fun center, moved to the Wagon Wheel Bar in Madison, then ended up with a MAD collector before being listed for sale. While the giant was missing legs and part of its head and waist, Baker saw its potential.
Though the restoration took many years, it was completed (with a new set of legs and all) just in time to be the first big touch to be added to his new museum on June 1, 2023.
This Snerd muffler man is well worth adding to your road trip itinerary, whether you’re traveling through Illinois or on Route 66. Located at the American Giants Museum’s Route 66 Land of the Giants Rest Stop you can step inside the center to learn more about this roadside attraction and all of his brothers out there. You can also find several other muffler men in town, including the Paul Bunyon hot dog man, a rare Texaco Big Friend, and several more to come!
Photos of the Snerd Muffler Man in Atlanta, Illinois
I visited the American Giants Museum during their Grand Opening Celebration on May 26, 2024. The photos of the Snerd Giant, and the museum, may not reflect everything you see when you’re there. But this muffler man and Texaco Big Friend are both standing tall outside!
