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Rehab Project Completed for World's Largest Buffalo

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023


Painting work was recently completed on an iconic landmark in Jamestown, North Dakota—a 26-foot-tall, 60-ton concrete buffalo sculpture.

About the Buffalo

Known to be the world’s largest buffalo monument, “Dakota Thunder” was created by sculptor Elmer Petersen in 1959. Located at the end of Louis L'Amour Lane, the iconic sculpture is reported to be one of the Midwest’s most popular roadside attractions.

Dakota Thunder, which received its nickname in 2010, sits nearby the National Buffalo Museum, Frontier Village and a live herd of buffalo.

According to Valley News Live at the time, the sculpture was last assessed in 2018. Inspectors had then reported that the concrete buffalo had some deterioration, and more than a dozen coats of paint had been applied to its surface, adding weight to the monument.

To successfully remove the coatings, the news outlet reported that a more extensive process was developed to either abrasive blast or chemically strip the paint on the buffalo.

Though several years have passed since then, Dakota Thunder was again in need of a new coating after being exposed to the elements, in addition to the concrete’s delicate nature.

In August 2022, an official from Jamestown Tourism reported that the 63-year-old staple landmark was being assessed and prepared for an upcoming paint job.

A local masonry and contractor were called in to inspect the structure and plan repairs.

As a result of the most recent inspection, officials estimate that the repair and refurbishment of Dakota Thunder would cost between $50,000 to $100,000.

Searle Swedlund, Executive Director of Jamestown Tourism, went on to note that Jamestown Tourism was in talks with someone at the time to paint the concrete buffalo and hoped to begin scheduling work in September or by the year’s end.

Project Completion

Earlier this month, work was completed and it was announced that the attraction was ready for visitors again.

Mark and Troy Butz, co-owners of Denny & Sons Painting, arrived on Sept. 19, to start the process of painting the monument. According to reports, the project used 20 gallons of primer and 25 gallons of paint to complete.

“We want him to look his best for all of his visitors that come through,” said Emily Bivens, Executive Director of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce and Jamestown Tourism. “I think that he’s something that our local population takes pride in in making sure that he looks the best he can.”

Modern Safety Techniques

Bivens said the quote for painting the world’s largest buffalo was $12,750. She said the project is paid from a fund held by the city of Jamestown that is generated through donations from visitors and residents.

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Tagged categories: Completed projects; Maintenance + Renovation; Maintenance coating work; Maintenance programs; Paint; Program/Project Management; Projects - Commercial; Public spaces; Renovation


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