The largest raven in the world and the story of its appearance (5 photos + 1 video)

This Minnesota town celebrated its 100th anniversary with an unusual ode to nature's smartest bird.





Perched proudly on a cement pedestal in Belgrade, Minnesota's Centennial Memorial Park is a majestic, even sinister-looking black bird that is currently believed to be the largest raven sculpture in the world.



Created in 1988 to celebrate the state's centennial, the impressive bird stands over 40 feet tall from the base of the structure to the top of its head. The metal and fiberglass crow itself sits on a 33-foot branch, perhaps symbolizing the creature's unique ability to use tools and even make its own.





A giant raven may seem like an odd way to honor Minnesota, but it has something to do with the oddity, even if it has nothing to do with the bird population. The monument is located next to the Crow River, which in turn flows into Crow Lake. None of the natural features are named after black ravens - they are named after the Sioux chief Little Crow. Considering the number of landmarks in the area that are named after the bird, it seemed like a logical choice.



There's also a small museum at the base of the raven's concrete pedestal where visitors can learn about Minnesota's centennial celebration rather than about ravens.