Wahpeton Wahpper the World's Largest Catfish | Wahpeton, ND
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Has anyone ever accused you of telling a “fish story”? You know, one where the details become more and more fantastical, the exploits even more legendary, with every retelling. In a lot of ways, the origins (and really the sheer existence) of many “world’s largest” things feel like a collection of a colossal fish stories to me.
Learning about them feels almost conspiratorial, like being inducted into some secret, weird roadside attraction themed club. After all, it’s like Mark Twain said: “Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don't tell them where they know the fish.”
So, on that note, we’re headed to the headwaters of the Red River to learn about an even fishier fish story: that of the World’s Largest Catfish (also affectionately called the Wahpeton Wahpper) in Wahpeton, North Dakota.
Fast Facts
Installed: August 3, 1997
Height: 12 feet high
Length: 40 feet long
Weight: 5,000 pounds
Fun Fact: The Wahpeton Wahpper was built by Dave Oswald, the same Wisconsin artist who created Salem Sue and other well-known roadside attractions across the region.
The History of the Wahpeton Wahpper
While some may not believe this colossal catch, the Wahpeton Wahpper is no fish tale. At 40 feet long, 12 feet high and weighing roughly 5,000 pounds, there’s a reason this fabulous fish has been proclaimed the World’s Largest Catfish1.
In the mid 1990s, local leaders in Wahpeton wanted to do something to promote their community. According to the Wahpeton Daily News, the group decided to construct a giant catfish because the Red River, which has its headwaters in Wahpeton, is known as “one of the greatest catfishing rivers of the world.”2
To make their dream of this colossal catch a reality, the community raised $12,000 with funds coming from the Wahpeton Visitors Committee and the Wahpeton Parks Board as well as a number of other local businesses. On August 3, 1997, the local organizations officially unveiled the Wahpper during a community celebration — complete with catfish dinner.
While it’s not likely you’ll hook a fish this hulking yourself, the Wahpper does take an occasional dip in the water. Because of its waterfront placement, locals say that when the Red River floods, it looks like the Wahpeton Wahpper is swimming in the current.
Plan Your Visit
The aptly named Wahpper calls the town of Wahpeton in southeastern North Dakota home. Located just across the river from the Minnesota border, the easiest way to access the Wahpeton Wahpper is through Kidder Recreation Area, a popular spot for fishing, boating and camping.
Address: Wahpeton Wahpper the World’s Largest Catfish, Kidder Recreation Area, 86 Dabill Dr, Wahpeton, ND 58075
If we’re going to get technical about it, there’s actually a larger catfish statue in Dunnville, Ontario. But we’re not going to worry about that right now.
Apparently the group also discussed creating a giant mosquito instead. But that didn’t seem like as compelling a tourism ploy. I can’t imagine why.