Heidi's Hidden Gems: Old Ben
At 1402 West Defenbaugh Street, Heidi's Hidden Gems brings you face-to-face with a piece of Indiana history—Old Ben, the world’s largest steer. Born in 1902, Old Ben was no ordinary steer, weighing an astounding 125 pounds at birth and reaching 4,720 pounds at his death in 1910. Standing at 6.5 feet tall and stretching 16.25 feet from nose to tail, Old Ben was a true giant of his time.
TKP Photo | Heidi Pruitt
Despite numerous offers from circus owners and sideshow representatives eager to buy him, Old Ben’s owners chose to showcase him at fairs all across Indiana.
His fame reached new heights when he was featured in Ripley’s "Believe It Or Not" in 1968.
Today, you can visit Old Ben, which is preserved and displayed in a pavilion at Highland Park in Kokomo, making it a unique historical attraction that continues to captivate visitors.
Located at 1402 W. Defenbaugh St., Kokomo