So Minnesota: Iggy the Iguana

There are many local landmarks across our state.

One icon on four legs in St. Paul has been creating childhood memories for decades.

Iggy the Iguana is well-loved by kids of all ages.

The giant statue of the reptile has been sitting outside the Science Museum of Minnesota for more than 40 years.

“Iggy is such an icon, especially for people who grew up in this area,” Karilyn Robinson with the Science Museum of Minnesota said.

“He’s made of 13,000 railroad spikes and weighs about 4,000 pounds, and is 40 feet long,” Robinson noted, adding, “so you can’t miss [him] once you’re down here.”

Northfield native and artist Nick Swearer made Iggy. Swearer started making the sculpture while still in high school, and it took four years to complete the likable lizard.

“It’s quite an honor,” Swearer said. “I have to say he really did get attention from the very beginning.”