“Too bad it's not a chocolate coin”
In 1950-something, a giant penny was dedicated to commemorate the amazing story of an "angel on snowshoes". Dr. Kate Newcomb was a country doctor responding to a need - the community of Woodruff Wisconsin desperately needed a hospital, but it seemed a daunting task. Wherever she went, she heard "It can't be done." "There's no money." "Don't bother." But, like most true visionaries, she didn't listen. In 1953 she started the Million Penny Parade. Dr. Kate spearheaded a movement to build a hospital. Local children sought to collect a million pennies for Dr. Kate's hospital. The effort captured the imagination of the American people and the world. Donations of pennies came in from every state and many foreign nations. Today, the World's Largest Penny sits in the city park of this picturesque northern Wisconsin town, and the community created the Dr. Kate Museum in 1988. So, the hospital was built, the monuments was made, and on 2003, the community celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Million Penny Parade. The hospitalis now the Howard Young Medical Center (which they proudly proclaim started with just one penny...)and the anniversary parade featured partisipants of the first Million Penny Parade as well as Dr. Kate Babies - those citizens delivered by Dr. Kate, a dedicated doctor that made house calls on snowshoes through the harsh northern winters. The penny itself is a large concrete foot-thick replica, and an average person standing in front would just hit the top of the embossed 1953 date on the face of the penny. While the sculpting of the low-relief Lincoln is a little rough, the sentiment, dedication, and amazing feat is symbolizes makes your eyes mist . It's visionary people like Dr. Kate Newcomb that shape this place we call America, where people dream big and communities build World's Largest Things.
It's a nice 5 minute photo stop... Also fun spot to teach the kids trick photography.
It is a big penny, but it's made of concrete, so, don't be expecting anything amazing!
It's a giant penny. Great little stop.
Worth the one block detour for this gem! Great story behind it!
Worth the one block detour for this gem! Great story behind it!
Be the first to add a review to the World's Largest Penny.
World's Largest Penny
Hours
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
The Great Northern is a 3,600 mile, cross-country odyssey
- 57 Places
- 69:15
- 3,565 mi
A road trip along the Great River Road
- 35 Places
- 37:29
- 1,907 mi