Near Bigelow in Nobles County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

"Habitat"

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 19, 2014

1. "Habitat" Marker

Inscription. The inspiration for this artwork was the prairie landscape and its delicate subtle details.

The boat suggests a journey upon this timeless landscape. Seen from the highway, surrounded by a sea of grasses, the sculpture appears like a mirage on the horizon. The boat emerges from the prairie nested in a skeletal framework of metal ribs.

Details in the artwork refer to the geology of Minnesota. Bronze castings and fossils of marine life embedded in the dolomite stone relate to the ancient seas that once covered the state. The stone for the artwork was quarried in Winona, Minnesota.

Janet Lofquist, a professional artist, a native of Glenwood, Minnesota, created this artwork in 1989. The artwork was commissioned under Minnesota Percent for Art in Public Places.

Erected 2008 by Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1989.

Location. 43° 33.973′ N, 95° 39.074′ W. Marker is near Bigelow, Minnesota, in Nobles County. It can be reached from U.S. 59 (State Highway 60) ¾ mile north of 300th Street (County

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Highway 6), on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at the Minnesota Rest Area, overlooking the subject sculpture on the south side of the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Worthington MN 56187, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Minnesota. It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Welcome to Minnesota / The Minnesota-Iowa Boundary (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nobles County WWII Veterans Memorial (approx. 4.3 miles away); Worthington Bandshell (approx. 4.3 miles away); Chautauqua Park / Worthington City Band (approx. 4.4 miles away); Bridge of Friendship (approx. 4.4 miles away); Benona Pierce and Clair Hovey St. John Memorial Wetlands (approx. 4.7 miles away);

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 19, 2014

2. "Habitat" Marker

("Habitat" sculpture visible in distant right background)

Dayton House / George D. Dayton (approx. 4.9 miles away); History at Hawkeye Point (approx. 7.9 miles away in Iowa).

"Habitat" Sculpture image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 19, 2014

3. "Habitat" Sculpture

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 19, 2014

4. "Habitat" Sculpture

("Habitat" marker visible in background)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 264 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 12, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.