Entry No. 18 — the Seattle file — filed under: art-immersive

Recycled Spirits of Iron (Ex Nihilo Sculpture Park)

On the road toward Mount Rainier's Longmire entrance, Dan Klennert spent years welding scrapyard junk into a forest of sculptures you can walk among. A 40-foot seahorse, a colossal spider, a rusty old train, and an oversized high-wheel bicycle rise out of the trees, and up close you spot the wrenches, fans, and farm parts that built each creature. Klennert has since retired and handed stewardship to family, who keep the park growing.

The move: Pull off on a Rainier road trip and hunt for the hidden tools welded into each rusted beast.

📍 Before you go Grounds open year-round, closing nightly at dusk; gift shop daily 10am-5pm. Free entry, donations appreciated.

• 📍 Elbe, WA (near Mount Rainier)
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 22410 WA-706, Elbe, WA 98330

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24