I’m no stranger to the stretch of Highway 10 between Little Falls and St. Cloud. It’s a route I have traveled countless times, and yet I’m always finding something new.

On my way to Little Falls a couple of weeks ago I noticed something I had never seen before. That something was Traveler. I'm pretty sure the giant face mask that's been added is what caught my eye.

This giant stone statue sits on Hwy 10 greeting people as they approach the first exit into Little Falls as drivers head north. It was erected by Little Falls Granite Works.

This statue isn’t something the design team dreamed up, it is derived from the Nomadic people – the Inuit – who would build signposts out of stone in the shape of a human to help people find their way in the harsh Arctic landscape. At the base of the statue is an engraved stone that reads:

Traveler experiences life uniquely through their individual journey and are influenced by significant people, events or places along the way. Traveler is meant to represent you and your story.

Visitors to the area are invited to stop by and take a selfie with Traveler and share it on social media sharing stories of their own journey.

At the moment, Traveler is wearing a face mask, and a sign has been posted nearby that says “be safe”. In a time of social distancing, quarantine, concern, and loneliness, this statue is serving as a reminder that we are in this together. The statue was originally created as a symbol to represent how all we all interconnected, and that is true now more than ever.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

The Little Falls Traveler Statue Gets a Giant Face Mask

More From 96.7 The River