For generations, Big Ole has stood proudly over Alexandria, welcoming visitors and serving as a symbol of our community’s history, character, and pride. Now, as Big Ole prepares for an exciting restoration, it’s our turn to stand tall for him.
Standing 28 feet tall in Big Ole Park across from the Runestone Museum, Big Ole is one of Alexandria’s most recognizable landmarks. The statue is maintained by the Runestone Museum Foundation and has a unique place in Minnesota history. Created for the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, Big Ole accompanied the Kensington Runestone to New York, where both were featured in the Minnesota Pavilion before returning home to Alexandria.
Your gift will help support the restoration of Big Ole today while also providing resources for his ongoing maintenance and care in the years ahead. Together, we can ensure this beloved landmark continues to welcome visitors and inspire community pride for future generations.
Your support will help:
- Preserve a beloved Alexandria landmark
- Fund restoration and ongoing maintenance efforts
- Celebrate and share our community’s history
- Inspire future generations
- Invest in the future of Alexandria
Vote for Big Ole’s New Hair Color!
Give $1. Cast Your Vote.
Every gift of $1 or more gives you the opportunity to help decide Big Ole’s new hair color during the restoration.
Will Big Ole be:
- Blonde
- Gray
- Red
- Brunette
How to Vote
When making your online gift, leave your hair color choice in the comments section. Every donor who gives $1 or more gets a vote, making this a fun and memorable way to be part of Big Ole’s next chapter.
Double Your Impact Today – Thanks to a generous $7,000 matching gift from Explore Alexandria Tourism and the Driscoll Foundation, every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar until the challenge is met.
That means your gift will have twice the impact—helping fund Big Ole’s restoration and supporting his future upkeep and maintenance. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to support Big Ole.
Big Ole has stood tall for Alexandria for decades. With your help, he can continue standing watch over our community for generations to come.
Make your gift today, cast your vote, and help preserve this iconic Alexandria landmark.
The Stand Tall with Big Ole Fund is a charitable fund of the Alexandria Area Community Foundation, your local giving partner and resource. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] or call (320) 257-9736.