World's Largest Quarter Pounder | Rapid City, SD
Your weekly installment of oversized adventure
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Hello from Des Moines, where it’s currently 72 degrees! I’m writing this while sitting on my front porch, pretending that this isn’t, in fact, yet another bout of fake spring1. While that may be true, I’m feigning ignorance and basking in the sunshine for a little bit longer.
Last week, I spent a few days in the Black Hills of South Dakota, a place that was experiencing similarly chaotic weather — I arrived Friday morning to snow and left Monday evening to T-shirt weather. While the Black Hills is full of beautiful outdoor spaces, it’s also home to a whole lot of tourist traps. Sure, some of them aren’t my cup of tea, but what I can appreciate about this part of South Dakota is its high volume of oversized attractions.2
Among them is the World’s Largest Quarter Pounder3: a monument so absurd (and so rooted in everything that makes my eyeball twitch about capitalism) that I honestly couldn’t wait to tell you about it.
Fast Facts
Unveiled: February 2020
Height: 9 feet tall
Length: 8 feet wide
Weight: 23,000 pounds (of bronze statue and pedestal combined)
Fun Fact: Each of the sesame seeds on the statue's top bun are approximately 20 times as big as a regular sesame seed.
The History of the World’s Largest Quarter Pounder
There was (memorably) a lot going on in February of 2020. With that in mind, it’s reasonable to assume you may have missed an important American milestone: the 50th anniversary of McDonald’s signature menu item, the Quarter Pounder.
To celebrate this auspicious occasion, the restaurant chain began selling all sorts of themed merch, including Quarter Pounder scented candles.4 Amidst this fanfare, McDonald’s also announced that one lucky U.S. city would be graced with a giant bronze Quarter Pounder statue to celebrate the anniversary.
Ultimately, the really big burger ended up in Rapid City, South Dakota, and was officially unveiled on February 26, 2020. As part of the dedication ceremony, the restaurant even gave away 500 free Quarter Pounders.
The succulent sculpture was designed by Utah-based artist Raymond Gibby and the pedestal was created by Bott Monument in Riverton, Wyoming. According to a local news article from the unveiling, the bronze Quarter Pounder and its base took more than 1,800 hours to create.
Etched into the granite of the pedestal, you can just make out a phrase in Latin: calidum et deliciose succosum. In English? “Hot and deliciously juicy.” The back of the pedestal reads, “Weight before cooking 4oz.” Followed by, “Statue is not edible. Do not eat the statue.” In case there was any confusion.
At this point, you’re probably (rightfully) asking yourself: “But why construct the World’s Largest Quarter Pounder in Rapid City, South Dakota of all places?” And to that, I say: valid.
According to McDonald’s, Rapid City has the “most Quarter Pounder with Cheese fans per capita.” Yes, you read that right. The good people of Rapid City apparently consume the most Quarter Pounders (with cheese — an important distinction) per capita over anywhere else you can find a McDonald’s franchise. Truly, who knew?
This isn’t the only iconic statue in Rapid City though. The western South Dakota community is known as the “City of Presidents” because of both its proximity to Mount Rushmore and the many statues of U.S. Presidents scattered throughout town.
Additionally, this particular McDonald’s location was apparently chosen because of its large parking lot (I claim I can confirm) and proximity to the major interstate (can also confirm).
Plan Your Visit
Unlike other oversized attractions in the area, the World’s Largest Quarter Pounder is blessedly easy to find. From Interstate 90, take Exit 61 and head south on Elk Vale Road. Then, just keep your eyes peeled for the golden arches. This McDonald’s is fairly close to the interstate access, and the sculpture is at the entrance to the restaurant’s parking lot.
Address: World’s Largest Quarter Pounder, McDonald’s, 3919 Cheyenne Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57703
Spoiler alert: It absolutely is! In fact, it’s going to be in the 30s here by the time you’re reading this.
Stay tuned for more South Dakota “world’s largest” things in the coming months!
Did I look up the correct AP Style for “Quarter Pounder”? You bet I did. It’s capitalized (because it’s a proper noun trademarked by McDonald’s). The more you know!
Which I was regrettably unable to find on sale anywhere, including on eBay (despite my best attempts).