Nyberg Sculpture Park Draws Visitors to Vining, Boosts County Tourism

Nyberg Sculpture Park sits on the edge of Vining, adjacent to a local gas station and market, and presents a collection of oversized metal sculptures crafted from repurposed scrap by artist Ken Nyberg. The public outdoor display is open year round with no admission fee, and parking is available beside the sculptures and adjacent businesses, making it an accessible destination for families and travelers passing through Otter Tail County.

The sculptures range from humorous oversized everyday objects to whimsical animals and figures. Visitors will find a giant coffee cup, a huge watermelon slice, a large elephant assembled from lawnmower blades, an oversized Big Foot, and a 14 foot metal otter among the pieces. Nyberg works are not limited to Vining, with related sculptures visible around the region including in Fergus Falls and Ottertail, reinforcing a network of quirky local public art.

For Otter Tail County, the park operates as a small but notable cultural tourism draw. It helps put tiny Vining on the map for day trippers and supports short itineraries that combine public art with outdoor recreation. The park complements other local attractions such as Adams Park and the Otto the Otter installation in Fergus Falls, the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, and the county lakes and parks that bring seasonal visitors to the area.

The presence of public art in a commercial cluster raises practical considerations for local leaders and community stakeholders. Continued public access depends on clear signage, respect for any posted rules, coordination with adjacent businesses for parking and maintenance, and basic stewardship that preserves safety and visual quality for residents and visitors. Photography is popular at the site, and visitors are asked to respect private property and any posted guidance.

Nyberg Sculpture Park remains an inviting, low barrier attraction that supports local identity and modest tourism activity. Visitors planning a stop should check nearby business hours if they intend to use services, observe posted rules, and allow for weather conditions when visiting the outdoor display.