Entry No. 37 — the Des Moines file — filed under: giant-insects
Big Aluminum Bugs
A local farmer welded giant cast-aluminum insects — including a towering praying mantis — from recycled hog feeders and farm scrap, then planted them on his front lawn with a deadpan placard claiming the three were "trapped and preserved" from a 1913 alien insect invasion of Jasper County. They're visible roadside on private property northwest of Newton, a deeply absurd and delightful piece of rural outsider art.
The move: Drive out on IA-14 and pull over to gawk and photograph the oversized aluminum insects from the road — bring a picnic and linger, then loop back into Newton for a stop at the Iowa Speedway or a slice at a local diner, making a half-day "weird Iowa" road trip loop out of it.
📍 Before you go This is someone's actual front yard on N 23rd Ave W, a rural stretch northwest of town just east of the Izaak Walton League grounds — an easy landmark to steer by. The sculptures are sized to be seen from the road, so view and photograph from the shoulder rather than walking up onto the lawn; it's a private home, and the family has been gracious about the steady stream of photo-seekers, so keep it respectful and don't block the driveway. Daylight is essential for the metal to catch the sun, and a clear, snow-free day makes the gravel-shoulder pull-off far easier than in deep winter.
- 📍 Newton
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 1705 N 23rd Ave W, Newton, IA 50208
Hours: Mined 2026-06-07 — confirm current hours before you go.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Roadside America · newtondailynews.com · waymarking.com
last checked: 2026-06-07