Kokomo's Best Oddities
Hey Kokomo! Want to show your out of town friends how weird Kokomo really is? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite local spots to make your friends go “huh”? So next time you’ve got friends or family visiting in Kokomo, pull out this list, and confuse your friends!
Kokomantis
If you’ve never seen a 17-foot tall bug, here’s your chance. Kokomantis is a perfect representation of just how weird 2012 was. Sitting on the corner of Washington and Sycamore Street, it proudly looks over downtown, patiently waiting for a child to make their mom pull over the car. Complete with a “Please do not climb me, I'm ticklish.” sign, the Kokomantis awaits!
The Sycamore Stump
As if a 17-foot tall Praying Mantis isn’t exciting enough, how about a giant tree stump? When I said giant, I mean over 57 feet around, 18 feet wide, and 12 feet high. This makes it the world's LARGEST sycamore stump. When the tree was knocked down by a storm sometime in the early 1900s, some guy said, why don’t we haul it to Highland Park? And that’s exactly what happened. Nearly 100 years later, the stump is still there, waiting for you to go check it out.
Old Ben
Located next door to The Sycamore Stump, is Old Ben. Born in 1902, Ben was named the largest calf in the world. It has been said that by the time he was four-years-old, he already weighed over two tons. In early 1910, Ben passed away. So what would anyone do with a cow that weighed nearly 5,000 pounds and was over 16 feet long? Taxidermy him of course! In 1989, he was placed in his forever home, right next to The World’s Largest Sycamore Stump.
Storybook Express
Another tribute to how weird the year 2012 was, I present to you, The Storybook Express. Located on the corner Sycamore and Apperson streets, this whimsical convenience store is sure to catch your eye. Made mostly from recycled materials, and including glass from Kokomo Opalescent Glass. Make sure you go check it out!
Willy The Whale
As if a 17 foot Praying Mantis isn’t enough, how about a 16-foot whale? Located in Foster Park, Willie the Whale first made his debut at the Indianapolis Zoo in 1964. When the zoo moved, Willie was unable to make the trip. After time spent at a water park and Newfields in Indianapolis, Willie was looking for a new home and Kokomo welcomed him with open arms. After a fresh coat of paint, Willie is looking good as new and is ready for you to come say hi!
Let us know what you think! Did we miss anything? Stay weird, Kokomo!
