How Did the Jolly Green Giant Become a Minnesota Icon? Tracing the History of the State’s Towering Mascot
Road-tripping through southern Minnesota? Keep an eye out for a 55-foot-tall legend. The Jolly Green Giant has been smiling over highways, small towns, and photo ops for nearly a century. Here’s how he grew from pea pitchman to Minnesota icon, plus where to see him, when to go, and how to get the best shots.
How did the Jolly Green Giant get his start in Minnesota?
The Jolly Green Giant traces back to 1903, when the Minnesota Valley Canning Company began in Le Sueur, Minnesota. In 1925, the company launched a new variety of large, sweet peas and called them “Green Giant” peas. By 1928, a mascot was created to promote them.
From caveman to icon: the 1936 makeover
The first version looked more like a stooped caveman in a bearskin. In 1936, ad legend Leo Burnett reimagined him into the friendly, leaf-clad giant with the famous “Ho, Ho, Ho.” This redesign helped the character connect with families and firmly rooted him in pop culture.
Becoming a Minnesota legend: midcentury fame
As his popularity grew, the company embraced the brand change, officially becoming the Green Giant Company in 1950. TV commercials, radio spots, and even charting songs in the following decades sealed the Giant’s reputation as a symbol of Minnesota’s farm heritage.
Where to see the Jolly Green Giant today
Drivers still spot a long-standing billboard on Highway 169 near Le Sueur. In Blue Earth, a 55.5-foot-tall statue (built in 1979) welcomes visitors off I-90. The town also hosts the Giant Museum/Welcome Center, opened in 2017, with what’s billed as the largest collection of Jolly Green Giant memorabilia.
Plan your visit: addresses, hours, and tips
Blue Earth statue: near 1130 Giant Dr, Blue Earth, MN (I-90, Exit 119). The photo area is open year-round with free parking. Check the Blue Earth Welcome Center/Giant Museum page for current hours and seasonal closures. For the Le Sueur billboard, drop a Google Maps pin along Hwy 169 to spot it safely without abrupt stops.
Photo tips: Morning light works best for front-lit shots. Bring a mini tripod or wide-angle phone lens. In winter, walkways can be icy; wear traction if needed.
Events, nearby stops, and family-friendly ideas
Both Blue Earth and Le Sueur host annual Giant Days events. Dates change yearly, so confirm on the Blue Earth Chamber events and the City of Le Sueur calendar. Make it a mini road trip with a coffee or diner stop in Blue Earth, then swing by the Le Sueur County Historical Society Museum and the Minnesota River overlook. Families will appreciate paved paths around the statue, easy parking, and plenty of room for wide shots.
